8 less expensive things to do in Wisconsin Dells

A summer vacation to Wisconsin Dells is a tradition for many families. But all those water parks, boat tours and resort stays can get expensive.

Here are a few ideas for more affordable ways to spend your time if you're planning a trip to the Dells this summer.

Browse the downtown shops in the Dells

If you limit your purchases to just a souvenir or two, browsing the shops downtown can be an affordable way to spend a few hours, especially since some of the shops have interesting-enough themes to create a browsing-friendly ambience. That includes Hand Blown Glass Co., where you can see demonstrations of glass blowing; Made with Love Gift Shop, which features handmade products by local vendors; and Ye Olde Nerd Shop, which, for the name alone, seems like a place that demands a visit.

And if you're hungry but don't want to spend a lot on a meal at a restaurant, downtown Wisconsin Dells also has tons of places to stop for a treat — from an ice cream cone or shake to homemade fudge to gourmet popcorn to just a few pieces of candy.

Try out some cheaper eats on popular restaurants' menus

A meal at a restaurant can set you back quite a bit, but if you stick to some of the cheaper items on the menus, a meal at a Wisconsin Dells restaurant can be more affordable.

Hot Dog Avenue has a variety of hot dogs with different toppings, all for $4.35, and their hot dog meals, which include fries and a drink, are only $7.75.

Stuff's Family Restaurant says it caters year-round to residents of the Dells and that they're a favorite of locals because "they know how tasty our cuisine is." It's also relatively affordable, with breakfasts between $7 and $16 and a full Friday night fish fry for $14.

Sandwiches and burgers at The Sand Bar are served with fries and run from $7.99 for a grilled ham and cheese sandwich to $14.99 for a char grilled steak sandwich. There's also a kids menu with $7 grilled cheese, hot dog or chicken tenders meals, and a $9.50 kids pizza meal.

Hang out at the Elm Street Plaza

According to the Wisconsin Dells Visitors and Convention Bureau, Elm Street Plaza in downtown Wisconsin Dells is the place to go for affordable fun during the summer months. A farmers market is held on summer Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and there's free nightly entertainment from 7 to 9 p.m. There's also a mural, interactive water features and plenty of seating to relax and enjoy the day.

Catch a movie at the Big Sky Drive-in

There's something wonderfully nostalgic about seeing a movie at a drive-in movie theater. And it's cheaper than a movie night in a regular theater. At Big Sky Drive-in Theater, adults pay $10 and kids pay $5 (cash only) for double features of movies that are currently (or have recently been in) theaters.

Stroll along the River Walk

The Scenic River Walk — a paved path along the Wisconsin River — has beautiful views to take in, and it is accessible for bikes, wheelchairs and strollers. There are also benches, game tables and educational signs about the history of the Dells.

Take in nature at Mirror Lake, Rocky Arbor and the Dells of the Wisconsin River

Although Wisconsin Dells is well-known for its water parks, a more natural exploration of the outdoors is both more affordable and more breathtaking.

There are two state parks in the area. According to a Journal Sentinel story from 2022, Mirror Lake State Park has more than 19 miles of hiking trails which allow hikers to see the area's gorges. That includes a 0.6-mile paved, accessible trail that crosses a gorge via a 150-foot bridge. And Rocky Arbor State Park is smaller than Mirror Lake State Park, but also has great views, with a 1-mile trail along a sandstone gorge. A state parks sticker is required for admission to both parks. A daily sticker costs $8 for vehicles with Wisconsin license plates (or $28 for an annual sticker).

The Dells of the Wisconsin River state natural area spans five miles of the Wisconsin River corridor, and highlights many of the natural features the Dells is known for, including gorges, cliffs, canyons and rock formations.

Pet animals and play all day

There's a ton to do for the $10 all-day admission fee to the Country Bumpkin Farm Market. (Feed costs extra, either through the quarter machines by the animals or at $1.50 per cone in the farm store.)

The petting farm has donkeys, alpacas, goats, peacocks and chickens.

And the play village has multiple buildings for kids to pretend play; playground equipment including a ropes course, zip line, tunnels, slides, swings and a pirate ship; lawn games; a sand mountain; an obstacle course; and a pedal kart and trike raceway.

Take advantage of Wisconsin Dells coupons, packages and discounts

If your family wants to do some of the more expensive activities in the Dells, check out the Deals and Packages page of the Wisconsin Dells Visitors and Convention Bureau website. Examples of deals include cheaper hotel stays for certain days; discounts for old-time portraits, trampoline parks and arcades; Noah's Ark passes included in hotel stays; and BOGO deals at restaurants.

A Wisconsin Dells Passport to Savings allows visitors to buy discounted tickets to multiple Dells classic attractions including Kalahari Waterpark, Tommy Bartlett Exploratory, the Original Wisconsin Ducks tour and the Upper Dells boat tours. The more attractions you include in your package, the steeper the discount — from 15% savings on two attractions to 35% savings on six attractions.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 8 less expensive things to do in Wisconsin Dells