Randall Murphree
AFA Journal editor
March 2014 – For budget-conscious parents, it’s hard to imagine a family amusement park with no gate admission and rides as low as 25 cents, a candy store that makes more than 300 of its own candies and stocks 700 more items, and a free-admission 700-acre wildlife preserve with hiking trails and animal viewing. But it’s true in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Most folks think Green Bay is all about football and little else. Well, the Packers are a big part of the city, but Mayor James Schmitt told AFA Journal, “One of our top priorities is to have top-level family entertainment in the Green Bay community, and we’re always trying to improve it and add to it.”
Green Bay rolled out the red carpet for a group of journalists last summer, and the lively, Midwest metro area displayed an impressive variety of family-friendly activities for all ages and all tastes.
Two major plusses stand out: First is the bend-over-backward, Wisconsin hospitality at every turn. Second is the laid-back feel of the whole experience; it’s certainly a place where a family can relax and at the same time have a countless number of activities available.
Bay Beach attractions
Located on a Lake Michigan bay named Green Bay, the Bay Beach Amusement Park is the ninth oldest continuously operating amusement park in the U.S. It has been entertaining families for more than 100 years.
“The Sea Dragon is our new ride, just opened last fall,” James Andersen, Green Bay recreation superintendent, told AFAJ. “We still don’t charge admission to the park, so people can come and bring their own picnic lunch.” And that’s exactly what a lot of locals do – take their own picnic and save their money.
If you want to enjoy the rides, you purchase tickets at 25 cents each; some rides require only one or two tickets, others up to four tickets. In contrast to some of the nation’s mega-parks where it’s a challenge to keep up with kids, lines are long, prices are high, crowds are overwhelming and tempers grow short, Bay Beach is a place where families can navigate with ease. Many of the rides are appropriate even for young children.
“And there’s the wildlife preserve just across the street from the park,” Andersen said. “Admission is free year round. There are live animals and hiking trails scattered over 700 acres.”
De Pere is near
Nestled up against Green Bay’s south side, De Pere offers a small-town atmosphere and is home to the historic Union Hotel, in operation for more than 130 years. It’s worth planning a stop for a meal in the hotel’s dining room.
Back on the street, Seroogy’s Chocolates is a must stop as well. The store has been specializing in homemade, hand-dipped chocolates for more than 100 years. Nowadays, the staff also roasts its own coffees. In addition, Alpha Delights European Bakery and Café bakes up a wide variety of tasty treats.
Despite its suburban setting and 24,000 population, De Pere has the comfortable feel of a small village. One of its unique characteristics is the absence of stop lights. At an intersection, a pedestrian takes a small yellow flag from a basket and waves it to alert street traffic to stop. Once across the street, the flag is deposited in a basket there.
The De Pere Riverwalk and Wildlife Viewing Pier features the Fox River with wildlife viewing in the air – bald eagles, white pelicans, night herons – and in the water walleye, sturgeon, salmon and more. “And there’s a fishing dock where people can actually go fishing,” said Marty Kosobucki, De Pere director of parks and recreation. Charter services and boat rental are available in the greater Green Bay area.
Museums and more
The variety of museums and other activities for families is remarkable. The Children’s Museum, opened in 2012, boasts 10 interactive galleries and a make-and-take station.
“I’m a mom, and I can tell you about the Children’s Museum,” Brenda Krainik told AFAJ. “It’s new and fresh and current. The best part is that we have fun at the museum, then go out to the CityDeck where we eat at Hagemeister Park Restaurant, a very kid-friendly place.”
There’s also the National Railroad Museum, one of the oldest in the U.S. dedicated to preserving the nation’s railroad history. “There’s nothing better than being able to climb aboard a real train and go for a ride,” Krainik said. “You can sit inside or in an open air car. Then in the museum itself, you can pose for a photo in the engineer’s seat.”
For still more variety, add Neville Public Museum with its sizable art and science collection, the stunning Green Bay Botanical Garden and Oneida Museum. On its 47 acres of gardens and garden architecture, the botanical garden offers a free kid’s day in June, family concerts and more special events year-round. The Oneida Museum gives visitors a look into the Native American history of the region.
Tack on the NEW Zoo, the Family Shooting Academy, Packers Heritage Trail (by trolley or Segway), Hazelwood Historic House Museum and Heritage Hill State Historical Park – you’ll wind up with enough fun and facts to boggle your mind.
Finally … football
Yes, the Packers have been an integral part of Green Bay history since August 1919 when Curly Lambeau and a friend organized a football team. They talked Lambeau’s boss, head of the Indian Packing Company, into putting up money for jerseys – hence the name Packers. There’s a wealth of intriguing Lambeau legend and sports history since then. But fast forward, and you’ll find a giant statue of Lambeau just outside the storied Packers’ home turf, Lambeau Field.
Several unique factors set the Packers apart from other pro football franchises, not the least of which is that they have won 13 National Football League championships, more than any other team. And Green Bay is by far the smallest city (104,000 population) to host a pro football team. From a business perspective, it’s noteworthy that the team is football’s only community-owned franchise, with Packers fans having purchased shares of stock in the team.
The Packers corporate organization takes its community connections seriously. For visiting families, this is evident during training camp (usually July-August) when the burly Packer pros exit the dressing room, choose a youngster from the crowd, and ride the kid’s bicycle two blocks to the practice field while the boy or girl runs alongside carrying his/her hero’s helmet. Practices are open to visitors as space in the bleachers allows.
Parents may, indeed, find Green Bay to be a surprising and satisfying family adventure. 
When I go back …
There’s a lot more to say, but no room to say it, about Green Bay and what it offers families. But I must add this: Next time I go, I’ll try to stay at Comfort Suites – the one with the phenomenal Splash! indoor water feature.
And I’ll be sure to dine again at 1951 West (the restaurant adjoining Comfort Suites) and at Brett Favre’s Steakhouse just a block down the street from Lambeau Field.
For more information and seasonal details, visit Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau or call 888-867-3342 for a free visitor’s guide.
