Eau Claire, Wisconsin, A Fantastic Destination for Families with Kids
Eau Claire, Wisconsin, nestled in the heart of the Midwest, is a vibrant and family-friendly city offering countless opportunities for fun and exploration. From public art and indoor adventure parks to charming shops and delicious eateries, this picturesque destination is perfect for families with children of all ages. Here are some top reasons Eau Claire should be on your family’s travel list.
Explore the Sculpture Tour Eau Claire
Kick off your visit with a stroll through downtown Eau Claire to experience the Sculpture Tour Eau Claire. This free, self-guided outdoor exhibit features dozens of sculptures created by artists from across the globe. Kids will love spotting whimsical and larger-than-life creations along the sidewalks, sparking their imaginations. Don’t forget to snap a photo with their favorite pieces! The sculptures rotate annually, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.
Fun Fact: This is the largest outdoor rotating sculpture tour in the nation with over 160 sculptures!
Admire Vibrant Murals and Street Art
Eau Claire’s commitment to public art extends beyond sculptures. The city’s walls are adorned with colorful murals that celebrate local culture and creativity. Families can embark on a mini mural scavenger hunt, searching for these Instagram-worthy works scattered throughout the city. These murals provide the perfect backdrop for family photos while sparking discussions. Our family is always on the hunt for a good mural to capture the cities we visit and we made sure to cross this off our list!
Indoor Fun at Metropolis Resort
For high-energy indoor activities, Metropolis Resort is a must-visit. This family entertainment complex includes Chaos Water Park, an indoor water park featuring slides, a lazy river, and splash zones that younger kids will love. The Action City arcade and trampoline park offer even more ways to burn off energy. With attractions like go-karts, laser tag, and virtual reality games, Metropolis guarantees a day filled with laughter and excitement.
Our hotel stay was great! We enjoyed the friendly staff and our room was perfect for our family. We also loved the onsite restaurant City Eats which made it easy to grab meals without leaving the hotel. BONUS! They offer a free DQ Dilly Bar with each kid’s meal that you can redeem within Action City.
Hot tip: Plan one whole day at Metropolis Resort so you can purchase an All Day Play Pass for the arcades, go-karts, laser tag, and more. A great way to save some money.
Shop Local at Unique Boutiques and Markets
Eau Claire’s local shopping scene offers plenty of opportunities for families to pick up one-of-a-kind treasures. Stop by The Local Store for locally made goods, books, and souvenirs that highlight the city’s charm. Kids will enjoy browsing toys and quirky items while parents can appreciate artisan-crafted products. This was one of our favorite stops!
In addition, make sure you check out these other local shops while wandering in downtown Eau Claire:
- Tangled Up in Hue
- Hello Adorn
- Good & Sturdy Vintage
Savor Family-Friendly Dining
After a day of exploration, treat your family to a meal at one of Eau Claire’s kid-approved restaurants. Trust me, you will not go hungry when exploring Eau Claire. Some of our favorite spots to eat include:
Address: 405 Water St, Eau Claire, WI, US, 54703
This small cafe is small but mighty. Everything we ordered was incredible! The kids were shocked to receive their Strawberry Nutella Crepe that was as big as their face. I loved my scramble. It was a great way to fuel the day and sip on some hot drinks before exploring the outdoors.
Address: 505 S Barstow St, Eau Claire, WI, US, 54701
Acoustic Cafe is located in downtown Eau Claire in the middle of some of the most popular shopping spots. I loved the unique vibe and tasty sandwiches they served. This was the perfect spot for a quick bite.
Address: 1807 N Oxford Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54703
We love to find a local brewery on our travels. I am a big fan of trying local brews and the whole family loves to play games! The Brewing Projekt has a great selection of brews (I loved their vibrant and fun labels) and is dog-friendly!
Address: 615 Graham Avenue, Eau Claire, WI, US, 54701-3967
Before we headed to the children’s museum we made a stop for a caffeine boost at SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar. This place was such a fun concept where you could get your bicycle fixed and enjoy a drink from the full coffee bar. Their peanut butter cookie was also amazing!
Address: 1488 Front Porch Pl, Altoona, WI 54720
This restaurant was the perfect place to close out the day. They offer a restaurant upstairs with an arcade and an ice cream shop downstairs. There is something for all ages! Their food is also phenomenal. Highly recommend!
Outdoor Adventures in Eau Claire’s Parks
Eau Claire boasts an impressive network of parks and trails that provide endless opportunities for outdoor fun. Families can visit Carson Park, a 134-acre peninsula surrounded by Half Moon Lake. The park features playgrounds, picnic areas, and even a small train ride that kids will adore. History buffs in the family can explore the Chippewa Valley Museum, located within the park, to learn about the region’s past.
Another favorite is Pinehurst Park. Pinehurst Park is a local snowpark destination filled with many opportunities to play including a hockey rink, general skating rink, sledding hill, hiking ski & snowboard terrain park area, and lighted cross-country ski trails. They also have a pretty fun playground and climbing structure to play on!
Visit the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire
We never miss an opportunity to visit a local children’s museum when traveling. A trip to the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire is a must for families with younger kids. This interactive museum offers hands-on exhibits that encourage creativity and learning through play. From building structures in the construction zone to experimenting in the science lab, there’s something for every budding explorer.
Plan Your Family Adventure to Eau Claire
Eau Claire, Wisconsin, combines the charm of a small-town atmosphere with the vibrancy of a city bursting with creativity and fun. With its eclectic mix of art, indoor and outdoor activities, and family-friendly dining, Eau Claire is the perfect destination for your next getaway with kids. Start planning your visit today, and create lasting memories in this delightful Midwestern gem.