If you are looking for ways to stay cool in Racine County this summer, this is the perfect itinerary for you! Whether you enjoy water activities, packing a picnic lunch, or indulging in delicious frozen treats, this guide has something for everyone. Beat the heat and make the most of your summer with our list of cool and refreshing activities in Racine County.
Get the Inside Scoop on a Frozen Treat
A sure sign of summer, Racine County is home to many ice cream shops and frozen custard stands. From Divino Gelato Café and Sugar Shack Sweet Shop in Racine to Noble Brothers Waterford Creamery in Waterford and Adrian’s Frozen Custard in Burlington, you will find a variety of delectable frozen treats to beat the summer heat. Check out the ice cream and frozen custard shops in Racine County that offer a variety of flavors and toppings to satisfy every sweet tooth!
Paddle Your Cares Away
An adventure is waiting for you just around the river bends of the Fox and Root rivers in Racine County. The Fox River Water Trail runs 14 miles in western Racine County from a put-in at the Tichigan Conservation Area to a take-out at Burlington’s Bushnell Park. The Root River in eastern Racine County has several beautiful stretches of water. It is accessible from the River Bend Nature Center in Caledonia and from Island Park and the Root River Environmental Center in Racine. Kayak rentals are available through the REC Center, River Bend Nature Center, and Waterford Village Hall. Visit our sports page for information on kayaking and canoeing in Racine County.
Grab a Cold One at the Beer Garden
The Franksville Craft Beer Garden is an exciting community gathering spot in Franksville Memorial Park. As Racine County’s first permanent craft beer garden, the beer garden adds to the historic legacy of the park, which has been a community gathering place since some of the area’s first settlers in 1832. The FCBG serves a rotation of more than 22 Wisconsin craft beers on tap along with cider and wine, in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The beer garden has its own playground and sandbox, and plenty of green space. You will find yard games, board games, music, and lively conversation every day. The FCBG is open Thursday through Sunday from May to October.
Pack a Picnic for the Shade
Racine County is jam-packed full of perfect picnic opportunities for a casual afternoon. Many of our local attractions and county parks play host to wide-open spaces with plenty of room to spread a blanket out and stay a while. Visit our parks page to find the perfect picnic spot this summer!
Spend a Day at North Beach
Receiving many national accolades including “Best Beach in Wisconsin“ (FamilyDestinationsGuide.com), voted #4 “Best Freshwater Beach” (USA Today), and “Top 10 Family Friendly Beaches” (Parents magazine), North Beach is a hit among residents and visitors alike to catch some waves and some rays in the summertime. Come and spend the day on 50 acres of pristine sand and blue water located a few blocks from downtown Racine. Visit our North Beach page to learn more.
Make a Splash at a Waterpark or Community Pool
Bear Paw Adventure Park at Jellystone Park-Camp Resort in Caledonia is an all-inclusive adventure park with amazing options for all thrill seekers. Try out your skills on the Midwest’s largest floating water park or relax on Bear Paw Beach. The SC Johnson Community Aquatic Center at Pritchard Park in Racine features a lap pool, recreation pool, zero-depth pool, water slides, and other features. Adjoining building has concessions, changing area/showers, and shaded lounge area.
Looking for more fun? Visit our Things to Do page for everything going on in Racine County!
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