Things to do in Appleton, WI

Lindsey Ranzau is a Minnesota-based travel writer who specializes in uncovering hidden gems and sharing them on her platform, Look About Lindsey. Below is a guest blog inspired by her visit to the Fox Cities in November 2025.

We visited Appleton, Wisconsin, for three days with our two young kids ahead of the holidays in November. Here are all the best things to do in Appleton (whether you’re with kids or not), including fun holiday events!

Appleton is located in East Central Wisconsin, and is part of what’s called the Fox Cities, which consists of 19 communities along the Fox River. There is a regional airport in Appleton, but we drove about 4 hours from the Twin Cities in Minnesota.

Article Overview:
Where to stay
Things to do
Where to eat
Holiday events

Where to Stay

CopperLeaf Boutique Hotel

We stayed at the CopperLeaf Hotel, a boutique hotel located right in downtown Appleton. This was THE BEST location with kids, being we were able to walk to 95% of the things I list in this article. The hotel is going through a renovation but already has many updated rooms. It also offers cute breakfast boxes and has a restaurant on site (more on that later).

Things to Do

Make a charm bracelet at Alyssa & Anna

Alyssa & Anna is a locally owned jewelry shop in the area. You can find fine and hand painted jewelry here, along with a really fun charm bar! Make a necklace or bracelet by picking out your own chain and charms to complete a unique look. My daughter and I made a bracelet for her and the experience was so special and unique! Cannot recommend enough.

Play at Building for Kids Children’s Museum
We spent 3 hours at the Building for Kids Children’s Museum, simply because there was so much to do! There’s everything from arts & crafts, a science lab, climbing structures, play market, construction trucks, firetruck, jet cockpit, air tubes, water station, and so much more. We had a blast just as much as the kids did.

Learn about Houdini at The History Museum at the Castle
Did you know that Harry Houdini grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin? I definitely didn’t before visiting. The History Museum at the Castle has great exhibits about the area and its history, but also a special one dedicated to Houdini. Learn how he did some of his tricks and even see one of his original straight jackets.

Explore Heckrodt Wetland Reserve

Along with nature trails that make for great hiking, you’ll find the coolest playground at Heckrodt Wetland Reserve in Menasha, complete with a mud kitchen. Kids can learn about the animals of the area and even burrow underground like a fox. We’re always fans of playground that incorporates the natural area around it.

Shop downtown Appleton

There are so many great shops downtown Appleton on College Ave. We loved Olive & Rose Boutique, The Vintage Garden, DVSN 1, Pollen, and Blue Moon Emporium. I’m sure there’s many more great ones that we missed!

Where to Eat

Acoca Cafe & Roastery
Acoca Cafe & Roastery has all-things breakfast and lunch and even sweet treats. The casual vibe was great for a breakfast with kids and the coffee is roasted in-house. Conveniently located right downtown Appleton.

Urban Market Cafe & Grocer
Urban Market Cafe & Grocer is located in Neenah, Wisconsin which is about 15 minutes from Appleton. Another cute town to check out! We stopped here after visiting Heckrodt Wetland Reserve. A great spot for breakfast, lunch, brunch, coffee, ice cream, cocktails, and wine! Plus, they have cute gifts and a grocery section to browse.

Home Burger Bar
I’m convinced Home Burger Bar has the most friendly staff! We were SO WELL taken care of here. This little spot is exactly what its name insinuates – a burger bar. It’s a small space but serves the best burgers and local brews. Make sure to try “The Big Dill” burger with spicy deep fried pickles and garlic dill aioli.

Vault 202 Brewery and Taproom

Located right across the street from the children’s museum, Vault 202 was the perfect spot to stop after a morning of play. It’s a large space with wood-fired pizza and great beer. There’s TVs here too in case there’s a game on!

Rye

Rye is a fine dining restaurant known for its locally sourced and seasonal menu. Our kids were with us here for an early (4:15 pm) dinner and loved the focaccia bread, french fries, and bacon they ate for dinner! The steaks are a must-get here for the adults. Definitely make a reservation ahead of time – it gets busy!

Bona Fide Juicery
Get some quick and healthy smoothies, acai bowls, juices, coffee, and bites at Bona Fide Juicery! You can even purchase their protein powder in-store. We loved the tropical vibe here!

Cleo’s
Cleo’s Brown Beam Cocktail Lounge is famous for its “Dirty Snowball” drink that tastes like a boozy milkshake! This little bar keeps its Christmas decorations up year-round for such a fun atmosphere – especially around the holidays! It’s 21+ only, so I snuck away to try a dirty snowball after the kids went to bed!

Holiday Events

The holiday lights at the Timber Rattler’s baseball stadium were a great way to celebrate the holiday season! The walk-through lights were a hit with the kids, and they even were synced to music. There’s also a light-up train, food & drinks, s’mores for roasting over a fire, a giant slide, and writing letters to Santa in the locker room. So fun!

Wisconsin Timber Rattler’s Holiday Lights

The Fox Cities and Appleton host so many fun events throughout the year. Check out their website here to see what’s happening now! While we were there, the Light the Night Holiday Market was taking place in downtown Appleton and was full of fake snow, local vendors, arts & crafts, an igloo, live holiday music, a holiday train, and lots more!

Downtown Appleton’s Light the Night Market

All these things to do in Appleton, Wisconsin are so easy being most things are within walking distance, right in downtown Appleton. Enjoy your visit!

Lindsey Ranzau, Look About Lindsey

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