Get Ready for Your Family Friendly Adventure

Load up the kids (or the kids at heart) for a full day of family friendly adventure on the backroads of Pierce County. Get ready to make some great memories–the kids will be talking about this day for a very long time. You’re itinerary begins just off of I-94 in Spring Valley at a destination that has been millions of years in the making!

A “cool” family adventure awaits at Wisconsin’s longest cave. A cave tour at Crystal Cave takes you 70 feet below ground where experienced guides share their knowledge of the cave’s history, geology, ecology, and bats! You’ll see stalactites, stalagmites, and other cave formations up close. The experience is an adventure that is truly under this world! Tours are about an hour, leaving plenty of time for gem-panning, Tee-Rex Mini Golf, hiking, and exploring the rock and gift shop. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful grounds.

Great Fish Adventures

While Pierce County has an abundance of fishing holes, there’s a few that are especially fun and entertaining for a fun family outing. In the picturesque farming community of Plum City visitors are thrilled to discover a trout pond in the downtown. According to local lore, the spring-fed pond was built and stocked by early French traders. No fishing, but feeding the fish is absolutely encouraged!

When you want to be sure to have a good haul, Bluff Springs Fishing in rural Maiden Rock is the place to go. A family-owned trout farm/hatchery, this spring-fed pond offers family-friendly trout fishing without a license. Fishing is a fun pastime many don’t get to enjoy as much as they would like. With a pole in hand, the kids will have a blast and you’ll feel the nostalgia of your own childhood memories at your favorite fishing spot. You pay by the pound for your catch–Heck, they’ll even clean them for you! For this fun and educational experience, you’ll want to call ahead for fishing times or to schedule a visit for your family.

Berries and Book Stores

Also in rural Maiden Rock is Rush River Produce. If your trip happens to coincide with blueberry season (typically July and August), a visit the Cuddy’s berry farm is a real treat. You’ll have a great time picking berries as a family–sneaking a taste or two as you do–and exploring their flower gardens. The farm is 9 acres so there’s plenty of room to roam. Plus, you’ll experience the most amazing views of the scenic Rush River and Mississippi River Valley. From up on the bluff you can even see Lake Pepin! Farming is unpredictable and berry season does keep a strict schedule. A call ahead for picking days and hours is recommended.

Part bookstore, part toy store, and wall-to-wall child heaven plan a stop to browse Fox Den Used Books. Located in downtown River Falls, their shelves are filled with new and used books, toys, games, and gifts. At Fox Den, they believe in serendipity and the magic of letting the book find the reader. The inventory is carefully curated. You’ll find books to all be in good condition. Toys, games, and activities are educational, well-made and from safe specialty small brands that you won’t find in the big box stores. Have the kids grab a Wish List card as you enter–it’s a unique tradition at Fox Den. Let them make a note of their wishes as they browse the shelves and Fox Den keeps their cards on file so upcoming birthday or holiday gift shopping is a breeze.

Sweet Treats and Nostalgia

By now it’s got to be time for a treat! Swing by Mei Mei’s Cookies and Creamery, a café offering 1/4 lb cookies, ice cream, edible cookie dough, and more–including some gluten-free options. You’ll feel right at home in Mei Mei’s cute and colorful shop. Of course, a cookie is a must; there are always several creative flavors to choose from. Although, the ice cream sandwiches are highly recommended by Mei Mei’s regulars.

Your next stop is Vagabond Arcade for a little retro gaming. If you loved the arcade as a kid, get ready to step back in time and relive the nostalgia. Vagabond Arcade has amassed a collection of 40 classic arcade games through online ads and auctions to create unique retro gaming experience. You’ll play favorites such as Ms. Pacman, Shinobi, Riven, and Hydro Thunder… plus, there’s pinball, too! Don’t worry about quarters. Instead pay a convenient and affordable per-hour cover charge for your family’s private and exclusive use of the arcade! Reserve your family’s time using the online scheduler on their website.

Vintage Paintball and The Legendary Falls Theatre

If you’ve got older kids in the car, Vintage Paintball’s rural playing fields is the place to find some great paintball action! Public play is offered every weekend, or call ahead to schedule a private paintball play for your group. The minimum age to play is 9 years old (12 years old for public sessions), and things could get messy so some pre-planning and extra clothes are needed. However, it’s a fun activity the teens will love!

End the day with a movie at The Falls Theatre. Also located in River Falls, it’s an area icon. Originally built in 1927, the McCulloch family has owned and operated The Falls since 1972 with a commitment to providing a fun and affordable movie experience. They’re known for their ticket prices–An adult ticket is just $5, and only $3 for children and seniors, which means you can afford popcorn, candy, and soda, too! Evening showings, weekend matinees, and two screens offer movie-goers a variety of film options. It’s a great nostalgic movie experience family members of all ages enjoy.