Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Wisconsin Dells

For families (and, oddly, business travelers) looking for the best Wisconsin Dells mega-resorts, the mid-range Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is a strong contender. With 750 guest rooms, indoor and outdoor water parks, an indoor theme park with a bowling alley and mini-golf, nine restaurants and bars, a full-service spa, family activities like cookie decorating, and free passes to the Tommy Bartlett's Thrill Show, the Kalahari offers a complete vacation. African safari is the theme and the hotel brings in lion and tiger cubs on weekends for photo ops. The downsides here are the usual suspects of long lines, maintenance issues in the rooms, a resort fee, and hordes of overstimulated kids.

One of three hotels on the enormous Wilderness Resort, the Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort has 444 rooms, ranging from simple Double Queens with sleeper sofas to spacious Luxury Double Queen and King Rooms with fireplaces and jetted tubs. The resort is hugely popular among families with kids, thanks to its numerous theme-park activities and -- count 'em -- eight water parks (some of which are indoors).

The 108-unit upscale Wildness on the Lake is the quietest, most removed property of the Wilderness Resort, a complex of three hotels, with multiple indoor and outdoor water parks, mini-golf, laser tag, zip lines, go-carts, arcades, and much more to keep families with children very busy. Set across Lake Delton from the main resort, Wilderness on the Lake is slightly more subdued than its sister properties, but still has its own indoor/outdoor water park, infinity pool, and private beach. Made up of two- and three-bedroom condos with cabin-chic decor and full kitchens, the Wilderness on the Lake offers a spacious yet cozy place to relax between water parks and other adventures.

For families who want a water park vacation in Wisconsin Dells, it doesn't get much better than Chula Vista Resort. The upper-middle-range resort has over 200,000 square feet dedicated to an indoor and outdoor water park, hot springs swimming pool, luxury spa, 18-hole golf course, a river walk, giant arcade, and several restaurants including a steakhouse. Passes to the water park are included with every booking and all-inclusive packages are available. The 620 rooms, suites, villas, and condos can include fireplaces, views of the Wisconsin River, and hot tubs, though some rooms are a bit worn. The place is bustling year round with weddings, conferences, and huge groups of families who descend on the property from throughout the Midwest.

The 322-room Christmas Mountain Village is a serene year-round getaway on 800 acres of woodlands with 13 ski slopes and two golf courses. A wide range of accommodations are available on this time-share property -- from campgrounds to kitchen-equipped multi-room homes, some with fireplaces, laundry rooms, and screened-in porches. Family-friendly activities include mini-golf and fishing, along with a game room, small water park, and playgrounds. There are five outdoor pools, hot tubs, a sauna, and a modest gym. The resort has a casual bar and grill, and a Starbucks cafe.

The Cedar Lodge & Settlement is nestled into a forest on the shores of Wisconsin River, about 10-minutes outside of downtown Wisconsin Dells. There are 33 units total, some are individual log cabins while others are within the main two-story building. Each is owned by a different family or individual so all of the rooms are unique in their furnishings. The two-and-a-half pearl property looks like a large, expansive campground. The location is great for Wisconsin Dells visitors looking for a quiet location away from busy streets and for those who fish, there's a dock and boat launch. However, the cabin units are across the road, and away from the river. A heated outdoor swimming pool, water park passes, and open backyard help atone for the weak Wi-Fi.

The All Star Value Inn is one of the best bargains around. The motel-style property has straightforward, exterior-entry rooms that are about as dated as they come, but come with conveniences like microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Suites have full kitchens. Other family-friendly perks include a game room, a playground, shuffleboard, volleyball, an outdoor pool, and free tickets to the Chula Vista waterpark and Noah's Ark. Note that there is no restaurant on-site.

The Indian Trail Motel is a family-friendly budget property on the edge of downtown Wisconsin Dells with a retro-motel vibe many guests find charming. Though it’s in a quiet wooded area, it's just a short walk to downtown shops, bars, and restaurants. Its 46 rooms are generic and dated -- but clean and tidy -- with microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. However, most have old tube TVs. Amenities include heated indoor and outdoor pools, a whirlpool hot tub, laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, and a large grassy area with a playground. Rates are attractive, but the property frequently sells out during high season.

With a beach in the back and Lake Delton shoreline, the budget-friendly Baker's Sunset Bay is a mini-escape unto itself. Guests are welcome to swim, kayak, or row from the private dock. (Kayaks and rowboats are provided by the resort for free.) Volleyball nets, a children’s play set, picnic tables, grills, a small outdoor pool, and sun chairs complete the scene. Inside, there are children’s activity pools with two waterslides and a small sauna room. Eighty rooms are spread over seven buildings and the property has a friendly condo/community feel. Suites offer fully-equipped kitchens and patios, while standard rooms have microwaves and mini-fridges. An on-site coin-operated laundry room is also available, as is free Wi-Fi. It’s a find for couples looking for a retreat away from bustling city streets, but an even better option for families with kids.

Located right on Lake Delton, the Aloha Beach Resort and Suites is a 62-room, family-friendly getaway that's easy on the budget. Dated rooms have ample space, lake views, and nice extras like free Wi-Fi and microwaves -- first floor rooms include balconies. In the summer, on-site activities include everything from canoeing to campfire pits; the indoor pool and free passes to Noah's Ark are big draws in the winter. Note that there isn't a restaurant or breakfast on-site. Overall, this is a solid option for budget travelers looking to stay close to nature with plenty of water activities and restaurants available at their fingertips.