[mevertin]

My sister-in-law called me up and said she would like to treat myself and the kids to a couple days in the Dells. She has taken our older kids before and basically they just need swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen. I think the logistics of traveling with my little guys are a bit more complicated. Has anyone been there with little ones? My guys are 1 and 3. Should I bring the double stroller? What about snacks? Should I bring juice boxes, water, and fruit? I have heard that the Dells is pretty expensive. I was also wondering about life jackets.
Thanks for you help.

Mary
mom to Bobby11, Bridget 10, Angela 8, Eddie 3 (home from Guatemala in 2005) and Naldo 14 months (home since Feb.)

[angel_bayou]

Mary, I have never been but just wanted to say I heard it's an awesome place. Hopefully someone can give you some insight but have a great trip!

[kim wski]

Mary,

It depends a lot of where you are going in the Dells. I wouldn't recommend a stroller for most water park places (unless it is in the hotel) and I always recommend bringing snacks. We did this with my nephews every year (they are now 18, 16, and 15) and we usually brought a cooler and went out to the car to eat lunch.

Oh yeah...the local stores are very reasonable -- it is only the water parks and hotels that can be expensive.
Have fun in the Dells.
Kim

[mommyofcam]

We live near the Dells and frequent the area for fun often. I would recommend a stroller actually. It's nice to have somewhere to set the kids while all of you can enjoy people watching when not in the water. They can sit easier in a stroller to enjoy a snack and you know there not roaming around near deep water or slipping on the wet floor. Plus, if you go walking around to shop, it is a must. Traffic can be horrible, so keeping them safe is key.
I would highly recommend life jackets. Your 3yr old especially can walk around in a wading pool area (if the hotel offers one) while you hold or sit down with the baby. If you go into a deep pool, kids seem to like to be able to float (and that causes you less work)!
One more note. They do sell these inner tube devices that blow up you can set a by inside of. Probably around $8.00 at Target/Walmart. They inflate easy and pack nice in a suitcase!
Do you know where your staying? I can comment on snacks and such based on that.
p.s - if you get a chance, take the kids to Paul Bunyan Cook Shanty. It is a MUST! Everything served "log camp buffet" style right at your table. Picnic tables, metal cups/plates, fun atmosphere and GREAT food!

[kzwief]

I LOVE the Dells! I was so sad that this year Kate was not home to enjoy camping there. If you go to Noah's Ark (The world's largest waterpark) they have a new area for the little kids to play in the water. It was really neat, called Tadpole Bay. Super cute!! I would bring a stroller. It would be hard to carry a little one around all day. Bring some blankets, sunscreen, hat and hang out on a beach chair. No need to bring one, they supply them. Oh and pack a cooler lunch. You can just bring it in or go back out to the car for lunch. Have fun, it's a great place for little kids! I love Paul Bunyans for breakfast. The kids pay what they weigh!

[sarah16]

I too love the Dells. My great-grandma used to take my family every year and now we go with friends. I would bring juice, snacks and stuff. We usually bring cereal for breakfast too just so we aren't eating out every meal. Most hotels have a small fridge in it.

[ProspectiveSingleMom]

I didn't have any kids along when I went, but based on what I saw, it seemed like a great place to go with kids. I've heard it can be expensive, but I think that's mainly for the hotel rooms. We went camping at Devil's Lake State Park (which probably isn't the best for young kids, but there are other campsites and cabins nearby), and the cost for getting in to different activities in the Dells was reasonable. My fave was mini-golf -- I think the place was called Pirate's Cove.

[mevertin]

Thanks everyone for the great info! I am heading to Target and the grocery store tonight to buy drinks and snacks. We are staying at Mt. Olympus which is right across from Noah's Ark. We are packing the car tonight and heading out early am. Now if I could just lose 20 lbs by morning....
Mary
mom to Bobby 11, Bridget 10, Angela 8, Eddie 3 (home from Guatemala in 2005) and Naldo 14 months (home since Feb.)

[mommyto2guatboys]

Have a great time in the Dells, Mount Olympis is a great place to stay. They have a great indoor water area for little kids, we took our little guys there before and they loved it. Hope you have a fun trip.

Magen
My family!

[kim wski]

Don't worry about the weight loss...it's Wisconsin and I believe we rank in the top 5 for obesity in the country. So grab your suit and jump in the water, it will be great weather this weekend. If you are going to Mt Olympis, take clothes in case you end up on the non-water park rides as well. And definately bring the stoller (disregard my earlier comment to not bring it) -- this is an amusement park and water park in one and it is huge --- you'll be doing lots of walking so wear good shoes and have a great time being a big kid for the day.
Kim