19 Essential Things to Pack for Wisconsin Dells in 2025
Unsure what things to pack for Wisconsin Dells?
You’ve come to the right article because, after visiting several times, I have created the perfect list of things to pack for Wisconsin Dells.
This list includes everything I would bring to Wisconsin Dells to visit the waterparks or to spend time doing some of the fun outdoor activities nearby.
This comprehensive packing list is great for anyone traveling to Wisconsin Dells as a couple, with friends, or with kids. It covers everything you should consider bringing to Wisconsin Dells, no matter what season you plan to visit.
Things to Pack for Wisconsin Dells
Below you will find a list of 19 of the most essential things to pack for Wisconsin Dells so that you can relax and enjoy your trip.
1. Swimsuits
NEEDED FOR: Waterparks
When visiting Wisconsin Dells, make sure to bring a few swimsuits! Amazon offers a lot of different swimsuit options for both kids and adults, plus they are pretty affordable and good quality.
If you are planning on spending most of your time at the waterparks it is a good idea to pack a few different swimsuit options. Bringing more than one swimsuit will ensure that you always have a dry one available to wear, which is great if you plan to visit the waterparks several times.
2. Watershoes
NEEDED FOR: Waterparks
Water shoes are another must-have item on your Wisconsin Dells packing list. At the waterpark there will be a lot of walking around – including on pavement, in the bathrooms, etc. and wearing shoes keeps your feet clean and comfortable.
The benefit to wearing water shoes is that you can keep them on when going on waterslides or in the pool areas, whereas regular sandals or flip flops you would need to take off.
These water shoes are highly rated and are quick-dry so that your feet don’t stay wet. They come in a variety of colors and offer options for both men and women.
If you are bringing kids, you’ll want to grab a pair of child-size water shoes like this pair, which is a lightweight, quick-dry water shoe.
3. Dry Bag & Waterproof Phone Case
NEEDED FOR: Waterparks
A dry bag is a waterproof backpack that is perfect for keeping things nice and dry. Taking a dry bag to the waterpark is a great way to keep important items like your phone, wallet, or keys from getting wet.
This dry bag from Amazon even comes with a waterproof phone case, to make sure your phone stays dry at the park.
You can also use a dry bag to store snacks, a book, or any other items that need to be kept dry. In addition to using a dry bag for visiting the Wisconsin Dells waterparks, you can also use it for other outdoor activities that involve water such as kayaking or canoeing.
4. Bathing Suit Cover-Up
NEEDED FOR: Waterparks
Bringing a bathing suit coverup is a great way to keep warm while making your way to or from the waterpark to your hotel room. Having a cover-up can also be more comfortable if you want to travel between different waterparks or if you want to grab something to eat.
There are many options when it comes to bathing suit coverups. For women, you can get an official swim coverup or even take your favorite sun dress or shorts and a tank top. Men may choose just to bring a T-shirt to go with their swim trunks.
Either way, it is nice to have some dry clothes or a swimsuit coverup for when you are done swimming.
5. Sunscreen
NEEDED FOR: Waterparks
If you are visiting Wisconsin during the summer, bringing sunscreen is a must. Even on days that seem cloudy, it is still possible to get a sunburn when you are outside all day.
Additionally, the sun reflects off from the water which intensifies the sun rays that hit your skin. So if you are at one of the outdoor waterparks, pools, or lakes, make sure to put on plenty of sunscreen!
6. Go Pro
NEEDED FOR: Waterparks
For a fun way to capture memories at the waterpark, bringing a GoPro is a great choice. GoPros are durable, waterproof cameras that can capture both video footage and photos depending on the type of GoPro you have.
One thing to keep in mind is that most waterparks allow GoPros on the lazy rivers, wave pools, and pools, but some do not allow them on the waterslides.
This GoPro is highly rated and captures video footage. It is a great choice for visiting the waterpark or if you are doing outdoor activities like kayaking or hiking and want to capture that experience.
7. Tennis Shoes or Hiking Boots
NEEDED FOR: Outdoor Activities
While the waterparks are one of the best things to do in Wisconsin Dells, plenty of outdoor activities are also available. Wisconsin Dells is home to several different hiking trails, as well as camping and fishing locations.
To experience these outdoor activities, you will want to have sturdy, closed-toe shoes such as tennis shoes or hiking boots. If possible, it is great to have waterproof or water-resistant shoes that will keep your feet dry.
8. Water Bottle
NEEDED FOR: Waterparks and Outdoor Activities
Staying hydrated is super important, especially if you are visiting during the summer and will be out in the sun all day. Whether you are visiting one of the waterparks or heading out for an outdoor adventure, it is a great idea to bring a reusable water bottle.
Having a water bottle on hand makes it much easier to stay hydrated. Also, you will save money by filling up your water bottle for free rather than having to buy a new one every time.
9. Sun Glasses
NEEDED FOR: Waterparks
Sunglasses are another great item to bring to Wisconsin Dells. Having a good pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes against the summer sun, and it will make it much easier to see on a bright day.
I recommend bringing a less expensive pair of sunglasses to the waterparks, just so that you don’t accidentally misplace a nicer pair of sunglasses.
10. Jacket
NEEDED FOR: Waterparks and Outdoor Activities
When visiting Wisconsin Dells, it is best to bring different layers of clothing, including a jacket. Even if you plan to visit in the summer, you should still bring a light jacket or sweatshirt as the nights can be cooler.
If you are visiting during the winter, you will want to bring a winter jacket for when you are outside as the weather can get quite chilly and snowy at times.
11. Goggles
NEEDED FOR: Waterparks
Bringing a pair of goggles is a great option if you plan to do some underwater swimming at one of the waterparks. Kids especially may have fun bringing a pair of goggles so that they can easily swim underwater.
12. Sun Hat
NEEDED FOR: Waterparks
At the outdoor waterparks, the sun can be quite bright, so bringing a sun hat will keep your face shaded. A sun hat is a perfect accessory for relaxing in one of the lounge chairs and reading a book or going down a lazy river.
13. Snacks
NEEDED FOR: Waterparks & Outdoor Activities
Spending all day at a waterpark can leave you hungry, so it is a good idea to bring a selection of your favorite snacks. Especially if you are traveling with kids, having some quick snacks on hand can be very helpful.
14. Packing Cubes
NEEDED FOR: General Travel
Packing cubes are a great way to keep your luggage organized when traveling. Not only does using packing cubes make it easy to find what you need, but it also helps save space in your luggage.
These packing cubes come in a variety of colors and sizes and are lightweight, which makes them perfect for a trip to Wisconsin Dells.
15. Carry-on Size Luggage
NEEDED FOR: General Travel
Since you can easily visit Wisconsin Dells in a few days or a long weekend, having a carry-on size luggage is perfect. This size of luggage is perfect for flying or driving to Wisconsin Dells, and it also won’t take up too much space in your hotel room.
This carry-on-size luggage from Amazon is a highly-rated choice. The hard shell of the luggage will keep your belongings safe and secure, and the carry-on size makes it ideal for a weekend getaway.
16. Hiking Pants
NEEDED FOR: Outdoor Activities
If you plan to do some hiking or other outdoor activities at Wisconsin Dells, having a pair of hiking pants is a great choice. A good pair of hiking pants will be lightweight and easy to move around in. Most hiking pants are also made of quick-drying material or are water-resistant.
This pair of women’s hiking pants is well-rated and comes in various colors and sizes. They are lightweight and water-resistant, which is ideal for exploring the outdoors. These men’s hiking pants are also highly rated and are a great option.
17. Lightweight Cooler
NEEDED FOR: Outdoor Activities
Having a lightweight cooler is a great way to keep drinks or snacks cold. While most of the waterparks don’t allow coolers in the park, it is still worth bringing a small cooler for your hotel room or if you plan on doing some outdoor activities like canoeing, fishing, or hiking.
For outdoor activities near Wisconsin Dells, this cooler backpack is a great choice. It is lightweight and the backpack style makes it easy to carry around.
18. Binoculars
NEEDED FOR: Outdoor activities
If you are interested in bird watching or looking for wildlife, you may want to add a pair of binoculars to your Wisconsin Dells packing list. Near the waterparks, you will find the Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area, which is an incredible spot for bird-watching, and having binoculars adds to the experience.
19. Flip Flops or Sandals
NEEDED FOR: Waterparks
Even if you plan to wear water shoes at the waterparks it is still a good idea to bring a pair of flip flops or sandals. Flip flops are easy to put on to walk around the hotel or go down to the pool, so make sure to pack a pair. In the summer, you may want to have sandals for going to restaurants or some of the nearby attractions in Wisconsin Dells.
What is the Weather in Wisconsin Dells like?
Wisconsin experiences 4 seasons, and so the weather at Wisconsin Dells varies significantly based on the time of year.
Summer tends to be warm and sunny, and is perfect for enjoying the outdoors. In the spring and fall, the weather is cooler, with average temperatures ranging between 40°-70°F. The spring also tends to experience the most rain, with around 8 or 9 rainy days per month.
Lastly, winter can be quite chilly and snowy in Wisconsin Dells. On average, temperatures range from 6°-44°F. However, the indoor waterparks are kept toasty warm and are great places to visit during the winter season.
Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?
Wisconsin Dells is worth visiting. Known as the waterpark capital of the world, there is no better place to visit for a thrilling ride down a waterslide or a relaxing time going around a lazy river.
Best of all, Wisconsin Dells can be visited year-round due to the indoor waterparks available.
How Many Days in Wisconsin Dells?
3 days is the ideal amount of time to visit Wisconsin Dells. In 3 days you can easily visit one or more waterparks and have plenty of time to relax or enjoy one of the exciting waterslides or water activities. There are also a variety of other fun attractions near the waterparks, so you will have plenty to do during a long weekend in Wisconsin.
Best Time to Visit Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells can be visited year-round, as indoor waterparks can be visited even during the colder months.
However, summer is the best time to visit Wisconsin Dells. Summer weather in Wisconsin is typically warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging between 60°-82°F. This means that you can typically enjoy both indoor and outdoor waterparks during the summer.
There are also plenty of other outdoor activities available during the summer months, including day hikes, camping, fishing, and even boat rides along the Wisconsin River.
If you prefer to visit during the least crowded season, taking a fall trip to Wisconsin Dells is ideal. During October and November, Wisconsin Dells typically will have fewer crowds compared to the summertime.
Where to Stay in Wisconsin Dells
There are many options for where to stay in Wisconsin Dells, including staying at the waterpark resorts.
However, I recommend staying at one of the hotels below as they are highly rated, less crowded, and more affordable than being at one of the resorts. Plus, staying at one of these hotels allows you to easily visit several of the different waterparks in Wisconsin Dells.
Hampton Inn and Suites at Wisconsin Dells Lake Delton
This Hampton Inn and Suites is a highly-rated option near the waterparks of Wisconsin Dells. The hotel offers modern amenities including a complimentary breakfast, a heated indoor pool, and an outdoor patio.
Wingate by Wyndham
Located near Kalahari Waterpark and Great Wolf Lodge, the Wingate by Wyndham is a convenient place to stay when visiting Wisconsin Dells. The hotel is perfect for families and features an indoor pool and hot tub, an outdoor pool with a small waterslide, and breakfast is included with your stay.
Aloha Beach Resort
The Aloha Beach Resort is the perfect choice for a summer vacation to Wisconsin Dells. Not only does it have an outdoor pool, but it also has a beach with a fun water obstacle course. The resort is also located only 3.5 miles away from the popular Wilderness Waterpark.
Conclusion: Wisconsin Dells Packing List
This list of things to pack for Wisconsin Dells includes a variety of essential items for both visiting the waterparks and spending time outdoors. The list also includes things to bring to Wisconsin Dells when visiting with kids. By following this recommended packing list you are sure to have everything needed for an incredible trip to Wisconsin Dells.
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