Discover Stillwater, nestled along the Sr Croix River, has all the personality with a little bit of everything to explore with something for everyone. These 5 best things to do with kids in Stillwater is only the beginning of all the fun you can have as a family.
It’s the perfect destination, whether you’re looking for a fun day trip with the family, a weekend of fun, or even a week long escape! There are trails, parks, state parks and water adventures to explore. A beautiful, walkable downtown includes fantastic dining options and some of the best shopping experiences you’ll find anywhere. Also did I mention the ice cream…?
Note: We were hosted on this trip by Discover Stillwater and did not have to pay for our experiences. That being said everything expressed and shared is my opinion.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may make a tiny percentage if you buy something using them. I only recommend places and products that I know and trust that I think can help you.
5 Best Things with Kids in Stillwater
Indoors and outdoors are so important when traveling for me as storms or extreme heat quickly send us indoors (and we can watch TV at home!).
Create Art
I was so excited to do artwork at Kari’s Create & Paint Studio but honestly wasn’t sure how the kiddos, especially the littlest, would handle it. Let me tell you – Kari is amazing with kids and ages 1 and 4 both had a blast! Obviously the 4 year old accomplished more and wanted to paint more pottery when he finished his triceratops, but it was still a win for both!
Highly recommend this activity with kids in Stillwater, especially if you need some sitting time while they stay busy.
221 Chestnut Street East.
Wide range of costs depending on what you’re painting.
Always a good idea to make reservations just in case but walk ins are welcome.
Take a Tour
Best way to learn about a new place is to take a tour. Stillwater has some of the most spectacular homes due to the wealth of the lumber barrens who lived there and the Stillwater trolley tour does an in depth tour drive by of those home and the stories behind the men and women who built them.
Note this tour was fun for my 4 year old but that’s about the youngest age I’d take.
400 East Nelson Street
cost $13.50/adult
Sustainable Shopping
If you’re like me and souvenirs need to be functional (and last forever or just smell really good!) then Toxy Free and Modern Roots should definitely be on the downtown shopping tour.
I got my first ever shampoo bar from Modern Roots that completely does away with plastic containers! Located in a gorgeous, light-filled space at 126 N Main St.
Toxy Free is a tiny store with high ceilings that are creatively packed to the top and can keep you looking for hours. I got a gift for someone that I can’t talk about until I gift it to said person- ha but everything in there is naturally or sustainably made or helps guide you in that direction. Located inside a “mall” of sorts at 317 Main St S, Suite 4
If we’re talking sustainability shopping I’d be remiss not to mention the plethora of amazing antique shops downtown too! I could have spent hours sifting through the floors and stores. Old is new again and any time you can buy something preowned you should is my motto and there’s nothing like fulfilling that motto with gorgeous antique items!
Outdoors Exploration
The Loop Trail is a must any time you are in downtown Stillwater. Free public parking right next to the lift bridge is a great base and an easy way to add Wisconsin to your states visited list, if you happen to be like us and keep a running list for the kiddos…
Bring your bike or rent bikes and ride the entire 4.7 miles for views of the St Croix from both sides. *Note that kids bikes are not available for rental so make sure to bring those along!
If you don’t have a bike walk along downtown to see the River City Sculpture tour featuring 7 one-of-a-kind sculptures.
Playground – Teddy Bear Park
My kids are at the age where if we don’t stop at a playground, then it didn’t happen. Pretty sure we have officially found the best playground for littles- Teddy Bear Park. A diverse array of play from sandboxes to climbing to a zip line to imagination play on a train, this playground truly has it all.
If we had only played at the playground the entire trip and never left the kids would have rated Stillwater the best place on Earth! Kids in Stillwater have it good ;-)
Teddy Bear Park
207 East Nelson Street.
Free to visit and free parking across the street. Best for ages 1 to 6.
Where to eat:
River Market Community Coop
Stillwater has the most perfect setting for a picnic along the water. Grab ready made soup and sandwiches or a loaf of bread and all the cheeses from the River Market Coop and find a spot along the water to watch the boats come and go and enjoy the view!
Quickfire Pizza
Made to order, 10″ personal sized pizzas with the most amazing spread of ingredients I’ve ever seen. Dried cranberries even- (can someone please order them on a pizza and tell me about it! I’m too chicken) When you have such a massive menu having the excuse of ordering for kids is always nice since it means I can order more than one, right? Favorite was the buffalo pizza with the Mediterranean coming in a close second.
116 Main St South, supper hours only 4-9 pm week days
Mon Petit Cheri
Coffee shop, food, baked goods and an amazing work space combine to make Mon Petit Cheri a new favorite. I just wish their hours started earlier in the day as I like my caffeine at 6 rather than 8 but the food is well worth the wait. The massive breakfast sandwich with breakfast potatoes fed my son for two meals!
Grab the key lime bar to go if you’re like me and like a whole lot of sour with your sweet. You can thank me later.
310 S Main Street. Closes at 2 so get there and stock up on all the goodies!
Ice Cream
Hot summer days require ice cream. ALL THE ICE CREAM. Luckily there is no shortage of places to choose from.
Leo’s Grill and Malt Shop wins my vote for flavor. The Fruits of the Forest Shake is a must but stay and grab a burger while you’re there plus it’s fun and super kid friendly decor.
MN Ice Cream has the most incredible looking ice cream. I mean they have edible glitter!!? If you’re looking for great ice cream on the go that would make any instagrammer swoon, this is the place to grab a cone (or two!)
Nelson’s Ice Cream is off the beaten path and doesn’t open until 3. It wasn’t open when we tried to go but I’ve heard such great things that I’m bummed we missed it. Please go and tell me all about it so I can live vicariously through you!
Where to stay:
If you’re traveling with kids then you probably want space. The Downtown is a VRBO that has so much space- two large bedrooms plus a massive living room with a full kitchen. It’s on the second floor of a downtown business, in a beautiful, old brick building, which means you’re only steps away from nearly everything on this list.
I am all about not buckling my kids in and out of the car 200 times a day when we travel, so being in a walkable neighborhood is clutch.