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​​Fun Things to Do in Green Bay WI with Teens Outside Packers Games

Spend some quality time with your teens in the fun and exciting city of Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Even if you aren’t a football fan, there are so many fun things to do in Green Bay, Wisconsin together as a family.  From attractions and outdoor activities to restaurants and nightlife, we have the perfect suggestions for your next family vacation.

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The picturesque city of Green Bay, located in Wisconsin on the shores of Lake Michigan, is home to just over 100,000 people. The destination is perfect for tourists who love outdoor activities and sightseeing. It’s also worth mentioning that Green Bay is the home of Lambeau Field – one of the US’s most iconic stadiums packed with historical meaning for American football lovers, as well as the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Family Activities in Green Bay

For those looking for something active to do, there are a variety of parks and trails available for hiking, biking, and kayaking. Families can also enjoy the museums and other attractions that will interest all ages, but especially teens. The city is home to one of the only remaining free amusement parks in the country, Bay Beach Amusement Park.

And of course, there are plenty of family things to do at night and on the weekends. There are several theaters that show movies and live performances, as well as a variety of restaurants that will keep everyone entertained.

sculpture of girl in botanical garden with flowers and greenery

Fun Things to Do in Green Bay with Teens Outdoor

Wisconsin is a great place for outdoor recreation, and Green Bay is one of the best places to experience all that the state has to offer. Situated on Green Bay, an arm of Lake Michigan, and the Fox River makes this a perfect place for fishing, swimming, sailing, and just about any other water activity you can think of. There are also several wildlife areas, city parks, and nature trails that are perfect for hiking, biking, and bird-watching. There are also several golf courses to keep you busy.

Take a Hike or Bike Ride

For those who love hiking and/or cycling, there are over 80 miles of trails that wind through the city. And in the winter, families can enjoy sledding, ice skating, and cross-country skiing. Some of the most popular trails include:

  • Fox River Trail – Starting in downtown Green Bay, this 25-mile point-to-point rail trail follows the scenic Fox River thru the city and then ends outside the Brillion State Wildlife Area. It’s an easy trail that’s great for all ages and abilities.
  • Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary – There are 6-miles of easy walking, hiking, and cross-country ski trails.  It’s a great place for bird watching.
  • East River Trail in nearby De Pere –  This 9-mile point-to-point paved trail is perfect for a quick bike ride or walk and takes you along the East River, thru wooded areas, and past wetlands. It’s a great train for wildlife spotting.
  • Baird Creek Hiking Trail –  This hiking trail is one of the most popular in Green Bay. The west loop is a nice 4.1-mile loop with an easy-to-moderate (blue) trail and a moderate-to-hard (green) trail. This is a great urban trail with paved areas and off-road single-track options. The east loop is a 2.6-mile moderately challenging loop popular with bikers. This trail isn’t as well marked and it can be challenging to follow without the AllTrails map.
  • Brown County Reforestation Camp Trails – The Brown County Reforestation Camp is a 4,600-acre forest that was once a Civilian Conservation Corps camp.  There are over 25 miles of trails that are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Some of the trails are very challenging with steep hills.

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sculptures of football players in green bay wi

Spend a Day at Bay Beach Amusement Park

This classic amusement park is one of the only remaining free parks in the country and a great place to spend a day with the family. It’s located on the shore of Lake Michigan and features a variety of rides, including a roller coaster, midway-style rides, a Ferris wheel, and more.

One of the most popular rides here is an old wooden roller coaster called the Zippin Pippin. It was once one of Elvis Presley’s favorite roller coasters when it was located in Memphis, Tennessee. It was moved to Bay Beach years ago and has been delighting riders ever since.

Park admission and parking are free, but you buy ride tickets at the park office. Tickets are $0.25 each and most rides take 1-2 tickets. The Zippin Pippin is the most expensive ride at 4 tickets or $1 to ride per person.

The park also features a variety of food options, including concession stands and picnic areas. So you can get all your favorite midway foods like hot dogs, cotton candy, and ice cream. The park is open seasonally from May through September. Website

zippin pippin sign on rollercoaster structure at bay beach

Go Kayaking on the Suamico or Fox Rivers

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the area is by kayak. There are a few different kayak rental companies in Green Bay and nearby De Pere that will provide you with everything you need for a day on the water.

I went kayaking down the Suamico River. We rented kayaks from Suamico Paddle and launched from an accessible kayak launch for those with disabilities at Fireman’s Park. The Suamico River is a slow-moving river and is a great river for beginners and families. I saw a lot of turtles, ducks, and other wildlife on my kayaking trip. It was a great morning paddle.

tip of blue kayak in the water with river and trees in background

There are also several places to launch your own kayak or canoe if you have one. Some of the most popular spots include:

  • Bomier Landing, De Pere  – If you want to experience the De Pere Lock while you paddle, put in at Bomier Landing across the river from St Norbert University.  You can paddle through the lock and then continue your paddle through downtown Green Bay.
  • Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary – You can launch your kayak from the public boat launch at Bay Beach and paddle around the marshes and islands of the wildlife sanctuary.
  • Bay Shore County Park – Perfect spot for families with a nautical-themed playground for younger children and a campground with 110 sites. The park also offers breathtaking views of the region from the top of the Niagara Escarpment—be sure to watch the sunset!

Visit the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary

The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is a 600-acre urban wildlife refuge located next to Bay Beach Amusement Park. It is Green Bay’s largest city park and Wisconsin’s second-largest animal rehabilitation center caring for over 60,000 animals a year.  A visit here is a great family activity with teenagers interested in wildlife and conservation.

The sanctuary features 6 miles of maintained trails, a nature education center, a variety of events and programs throughout the year, and various animal habitats. Animals seen here on exhibit have become animal ambassadors because they could not be rereleased back into the wild. Our favorite area of the refuge, and one of the most popular, was the wolf habitat. We enjoyed watching the resident wolves play and learning about their conservation efforts.

The sanctuary is a great place for bird-watching as over 270 species of birds have been spotted in the sanctuary.  The best time for bird-watching is in the spring and fall during migration. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

lake with waterfalls and trees in green bay wi

Titletown 

Titletown is a 45-acre entertainment district adjacent to the Green Bay Packers Lambeau Field. There is a public football field, game courts, restaurants, retail shopping, playground, and Ariens Hill — a green roof hill hosting public events in summer and a tubing hill in the winter.

In the summer, there are free concerts on Thursdays called Titletown Live! that feature local and regional bands. There is also an outdoor movie series called Reel in Titletown Park that features family-friendly movies.

football field at titletown with apartment buildings in the distance

If you’re looking for some outdoor fun, there are popular backyard games throughout the space like horseshoes, bean bag toss, shuffleboard, bocce, and ping pong. These are free to play, equipment is provided, and are available open during the warmer months. The playground at Titletown is one of the best in the area and is a great place for kids to burn off some energy. The playground has several different football & Wisconsin-themed play structures, swings, and more.

pingpong table outdoors at ariens hill

Titletown also has a variety of restaurants and bars ranging from fast casual to upscale dining. There are several local favorites including The Turn and Hinterland Restaurant & Brewery.

The Turn Powered by Topgolf Swing Suite is a fun immersive experience for diners. It’s a restaurant and virtual game area all in one. There are private areas/suites that can accommodate up to 10 people, and each suite has a variety of virtual games including golf, hockey, football, Zombie dodgeball, and more. There’s something for everyone here, but it’s especially great for families with teenagers.

woman practicing golf swing

Visit the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park

The Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo, NEW Zoo for short, located NW of Green Bay in Suamico is a great place to visit with family. The zoo features over 200 animals from all over the world, including lions. What makes this zoo unique are the Neil Anderson Canopy Tour and Adventure Park. The Canopy Tour takes guests through the treetops and over animal habitats. The Adventure Park offers an aerial ropes course and ziplining.

Green Bay Botanical Gardens

There are over 47 acres here to explore with numerous winding paths and themed gardens. You’ll feel transported to another world as you explore all that this botanical garden has to offer. Themed gardens include a rose garden, color garden, perennial garden, English cottage garden, and Wisconsin Woodland Garden. The well-thought-out children’s section will keep the smaller children entertained for hours with a tower overlooking a kid’s maze complete with a sensory garden.

flowers in the green bay botanical gardens

This magical place is even more beautiful in the wintertime when you can strap on some free snowshoes provided by the park and enjoy an easy tour of the grounds covered in freshly fallen snow. After Thanksgiving, the gardens are transformed for the Garden of Lights, a holiday light display with over 325,000 lights.

Heritage Hill State Historical Park

Heritage Hill State Park is best known for its historical buildings. There are 24 buildings on the property that have been restored and are open to the public. These buildings represent different periods in Wisconsin history and include a logging camp, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, riverboat captain’s home, and more. Historical interpreters are on site on select days to provide more context and answer any questions you may have. It’s a great place to learn about history and spend time outdoors.

ship lock structure on lake at voyageur park in green bay wi

Farmers Market On Broadway

The Farmers Market On Broadway is open every Wednesday and Saturday from May to October. Centrally located in the Broadway District, it’s a great place to hear live music,  get fresh, locally-grown produce, and shop for other locally-produced goods. There are over 100 vendors, including food trucks, selling everything from fruits & vegetables to flowers to baked goods, jams & jellies, artisan cheese, meats, and more. 65% of the vendors offer food products (fresh or prepared), with the remaining 35% being non-food items. 

This is the second largest farmers market for vendors in Wisconsin behind Madison. Typically 15,000 people visit the market each week.

The Broadway District also hosted other community events throughout the year including the Mural and Busker Festival in June, Christkindlmarkt in December, and Winterfest on Broadway in January.

Green Bay Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are a lot of fun and are a great activity for families with teenagers. Let’s Roam offers a Victory in Titletown virtual scavenger hunt that takes you on a 2-hour self-guided walking tour of the city. You’ll solve clues and complete challenges as you explore different neighborhoods. It’s a great way to see the city, learn about its history, and have some fun together as a family.

For more self-guided private guided tour options in Green Bay and nearby Door County, see these offered by Viator:

Indoor Things to Do in Green Bay

Visit the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame

This museum is dedicated to one of the most iconic football teams in America, the Green Bay Packers. Your teen will enjoy seeing all the team memorabilia, learning about the history of the team, and testing their football knowledge in the interactive exhibits. Even if your teen is not a sports fan, they will still enjoy this museum.

Fun Fact: The Green Bay Packers are the only community-owned major league professional sports team in the United States. The team has sold stock shares in the team to the public just a few times making the shareholders official team owners.

stock certificate displayed in green bay wi museum
green bay packers football uniform in display case

Lambeau Field Stadium Tour

This stadium needs no introduction. It is home to the Green Bay Packers, one of the most iconic football teams in the country. Even if you are not a sports fan, the Lambeau Field Stadium Tour is a must-do while in Green Bay.

On this guided tour, you will get to see behind-the-scenes areas of the stadium, such as the tunnel, walk out on the field, and more. You will also learn about the history of the team and the stadium.

woman sitting on the green bay packers field with stadium seats
statue of lombardi outside lambeau field

Play Games at Edge VR Arcade

If your teen is into video games, they will love Edge VR Arcade. This arcade features over 50 different virtual reality games and 20 gaming sites for esports. They have something for everyone, from adventure games to zombie shooters. Every Saturday, they host a Smash Brothers tournament.

This is not a museum, but a gallery featuring over 200 classic and muscle cars. The building was a Cadillac dealership from 1959-1977. Today, there are two large showrooms filled with cars including Bart Star’s 1967 NFL-AFL Championship (before it was known as the Super Bowl) Corvette, 1962 AMC Metropolitan Series IV, 1922 Didge Touring Sedan, and more. Even if your teen is not into cars, they will still enjoy seeing these iconic vehicles. 

classic black car in museum

Visit the Neville Public Museum

The Neville Public Museum is a great place for families to explore together. Teens will enjoy the hands-on exhibits and the opportunity to learn about history, science, and art. The museum is a former Carnegie Library and is now a repository for part of the state’s archeology collection. Several pieces from that collection are on display. The museum is located in the historic downtown and is within walking distance of other great attractions.

museum display of nurse and patient

Visit the National Railroad Museum

This is one of the largest railway museums in America and features over 225,000 square feet of exhibits. This museum’s goal is to educate the public about the role of railroads in American history. Here you’ll find the train Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower used in Europe during World War II, a massive Big Boy steam locomotive, the Joseph Lister Hospital Car, Aerotrain, Pullman cars, and more. An interactive Pullman Porter exhibit that educates visitors on the role of train porters is very well done.

Your teen(s) will enjoy exploring the different exhibits and learning about the history of railroads. Don’t miss the 25-minute ride on a vintage train.

green locomotive engine on display at train museum

Attend an Event at the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts

Located on the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay campus. the Weidner Center is a world-class performing arts center. It is home to the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra, University Theatre, and other performing arts groups. Check the events calendar to see what is happening during your visit.

The Children’s Museum of Green Bay

The city’s children’s museum is an ideal place for families with younger kids to spend time together. The museum has interactive exhibits for all ages, including the Build It! exhibit where kids can use actual tools to construct houses, bridges, and more. Other exhibits include Waterworks, Art Studio, and a grocery store – each providing an opportunity for role-playing and creativity.

Escape Room GB

If your teen is looking for a challenge, they will love Escape Room GB. This escape room company offers several different rooms with different themes, such as The Heist, The Museum, and The Cabin. You have one hour to solve the puzzles and escape the room. This is a great activity for families and groups of friends.

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Fun Local Restaurants to Try

No trip to Green Bay is complete with food. With all of these family activities in Green Bay, you need to eat and refuel before the next adventure. Here are a few places we tried and really enjoyed.

888 Cheese & Co. –  This family-owned grilled cheese restaurant is the perfect place to dive into cheesy goodness. They locally source their cheese from Springside Cheese.

Anduzzi’s Sports Club –  This sports bar has something for everyone. They have a large menu including salads, pizza, burgers, tacos, and sandwiches. Anduzzi’s also has a full bar and TVs everywhere so you can watch the game while you eat.

Cedar and Sage –  If you are looking for a more upscale dining experience, check out Cedar and Sage. This farm-to-table restaurant sources its ingredients from local farms. The menu changes with the seasons, so you’ll always have something new to try.

Mangiare Italian Restaurant –   This is a great spot for a romantic dinner or family night out. The food is amazing and the service is top-notch.

The Turn – (mentioned above – part of Titletown) This is a great place for lunch or dinner. The menu features wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and salads.

Uncle Mike’s Bake Shoppe – If you want to start your day on the sweet side, you’ll want to get a kringle from Uncle Mike’s. You can also get cookies, pies, bread, and other pastries.

Union Hotel –  This historic hotel located in the historic district of downtown Green Bay offers a supper club dining experience which is a truly Wisconsin must-try.  The menu features steak, seafood, and pasta dishes.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Green Bay, Wisconsin with teens. There is something for everyone in this city and it is a great place for families to spend time together. So, whether you’re looking for things to do outside of Packers games or just looking for some fun things to do as a family, be sure to check out these activities in Green Bay.

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About Nicky Omohundro

Nicky Omohundro is a travel and active family lifestyle blogger and social media influencer based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She shares stories, destinations, and ideas on food, family, health, and outdoor recreation to help families find their own adventures. Her spirit animal is a caffeinated squirrel fueled by coffee, real food, and the desire to seek new adventures.

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Comments

  1. blankSage Scott

    When I think of Green Bay, I immediately think of the Packers. It’s good to know how much else there is to do, see, and eat in Green Bay after that bucket list experience is checked off. Cedar and Sage sounds delish! Not only do I love the name, but I’m a big fan of farm-to-table eateries.

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