I live in Racine, akhcompliance. You've received a lot of good suggestions from the others in here and most of the places mentioned are within reasonable driving distance.

If you do decide to plan a day at Racine's North Beach, they have an oasis that has entertainment, refreshments, a play area and near walking distance to downtown and the (modest) zoo.

If you would like to PM me, I can provide other information.

Happy planning!

I prefer them Spotted.

on the grill, medium and not burnt

Do they give chocolate milk?

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I think we are going to stay in Pewaukee at the water park hotel. We will see the cozy town and then travel to Milwaukee for the zoo and children s museum. For our last day we will travel to Racine and go to North Beach and stay in Racine that night and then head back home to Iowa.

We are looking forward to experiencing the North. We normally head South so this will be a change for us!

If your travel to Pewaukee takes you past Janesville WI, I-90, they have a giant cow setup right off the highway with a giant pale and such so people can take photos of themselves milking a giant cow. (I would guess it is close to 18 or 20 ft tall)
Judging by how many people I see with there kids around that thing when I have driven by it seems to be a draw.

There's a Jelly Belly factory not far from Racine that gives free tours. I haven't done it, but the kids might enjoy the tour.

The Jelly Belly factory building is for sale and they will eventually be moving their operations to Tennessee. As of now, they are still running tours and other activities. Just a heads-up, in case the building is sold before your trip.

Real northern Wisco is vastly differently than where you'll be! Whent he spawn is a little older, that would be another fun summer destination.

Solid plan. Also, Peawaukee has a nice swimmable beach too (pending summertime conditions), that is nice as well.

I take Pay Pal for reimbursement for my vacation planning services.....

Oh, and make sure you watch for crazy new bikers riding their new tricked out Harley's as their latest blinged-out parts may not be tightened down to the proper factory torque specifications.

How much does he make?

How about I buy you a beer?

Do be cautious of the construction when you come to the zoo. It's quite messy at the zoo interchange. If you like brewery tours go to Lakefront Brewery

This is America Pale, people take the money out of the poor cows pale rather than add to it. ^_-

Probably no brewery tour with a 23 month old. We will have to save that for when it is just me and the Mrs.

At 24 months my daughter and I was throw out of her first Vegas Bar

This belongs in the Brag on Your Kids thread.

No, this will be brought up when I think she is old enough to sneak into one as she has already been thrown out there is no need to try again.

I was on a brewery tour in Chippewa Falls Wi with my hubby, and I was SHOCKED at how many people had their kids with them. FLOORED. But, as we went through the tour, it was much more educational that I thought it would be and the kids that were in our group were very engaged and very well behaved. Another shock.

Racine certainly doesn't have multiple days worth of stuff to do. I know someone mentioned the Dells, there are some really fun things there for small children like the Duck Tours and the waterparks are all very child friendly. The Zoo in Minneapolis is absolutely wonderful for kids too.

When I was a kid, any time family or friends came to visit, we always had to take them on a brewery tour. At one time, there three different ones in town and sometimes we would go on all three tours in one day. They always had soda or something for the kids to drink while the parents tasted what was on tap.

We are planning a trip to Door County, WI in late August. Any tips and must see suggestions?

well, if you are going to Door, certainly a side trip to Windows, Sashes, and Thresholds are in order as well...

When my parents go up there they like to attend a fish boil every time they go. A few different places put them on so you just have to find one with it happening while you are in the area. I forget the name of the bed and breakfast place they go to the most often. (If I remember I will post the name)

It is very beautiful there so no matter what you do you can hardly go wrong.

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This might help :http://www.midwestliving.com/travel/wisconsin/door-county/things-to-do-door-county/