Trains, Laughs, and Family Adventures!

There’s something magical about packing up and heading out on a family vacation — especially when it includes everybody. This summer, my husband’s parents treated his entire immediate family to a weekend getaway in the Wisconsin Dells. With 21 of us in total (yes, 21!), matching family shirts and all, it was a whirlwind of laughter, adventures, and unforgettable memories.

We kicked things off with a visit to Baraboo Circus World, where we got to step back in time and experience the magic of the big top. The kids were wide-eyed with wonder, and let’s be honest — the adults were just as into it!

That evening, we dined at Buffalo Phil’s, a favorite for obvious reasons: your food is delivered by train! Watching the little locomotives deliver burgers and fries right to our table had everyone grinning from ear to ear. We wrapped up the night with some good old-fashioned arcade fun, where the kids burned off their extra energy, and Evan took a spin on the merry-go-round — a sweet little highlight for him.

Evan enjoying one of his many trips around the merry-go-round!

Saturday began with a hearty family breakfast at Paul Bunyan’s, where the food is just as big and satisfying as the name suggests. After breakfast, we split up — the older kids were off for mini golf and go-karts, while the younger crew made their way to the zoo. At the zoo, we had a blast feeding camels and a giraffe, seeing all kinds of animals, and riding a small train through the park.

That evening, we all met up again for dinner and a show at Sneaky Pete’s Wild West Adventure, a dinner theater experience that had us laughing, cheering, and enjoying every minute. As the sun set, we ended the day with a swim in the pool and s’mores by the campfire — the kind of classic summer night you just want to bottle up forever.

On Sunday, after one more big family breakfast and lots of hugs, we began making our way home — but not without one last surprise detour.

We made a stop at Day Out with Thomas, and for our little train lover Evan, it was a dream come true. There were games, activities, and so many different types of trains to explore. The highlight? A real train ride on Thomas the Train himself! Evan’s face absolutely lit up, and it truly was the perfect ending to a wonderful weekend filled with family, fun, and so many great memories.

Trips like this remind us how special it is to take time together, laugh often, and celebrate the simple joys — like a ride on a little blue engine that still makes us all believe in a bit of magic.