Rural Northeast Wisconsin Families

🦅 Eagle Days
2026-01-31 07:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | 1000 Islands Nature Center, 1000 Beaulieu Ct, Kaukauna, WI, 54130, United States
Celebrate the Bald Eagle at 1000 Islands! Enjoy a live Bald Eagle presentation by the National Eagle Center, proudly sponsored by the Friends of 1000 Islands. Explore our outdoor viewing sites to try spotting an eagle in the wild and take part in engaging, hands-on activities.Highlights include:– A special edition Storybook Walk presented by Kaukauna Public Library– Eagle-themed crafts for all ages– A cultural presentation by Kim Cackowski, Native American Outreach & Engagement Coordinator, on the significance of eagles and the responsibilities of being an eagle feather holderFor updates and details, visit: https://kaukauna.gov/event/eagle-days-at-1000-islandsThis event is FREE (Donations Appreciated).

🎿 Intro to Cross Country Skiing #3
2026-01-31 09:00 - 10:30 | Navarino Nature Center, Lindsten Road W5646, Shiocton, WI, 54170, United States
Registration is required in case the class has to be cancelled due to poor conditions, weather, or enrollment. The registration makes sure that staff has a direct contact to keep you informed of changes.One-hour Introduction to traditional cross-country skiing. Learn basic kick, glide, stopping, and turning. Then feel free to head out on our trails to practice and see what makes cross-country skiing fun!Please arrive earlier if you plan to rent. Additional fee for rentals.

Indoor Farmers Market
2026-01-31 09:00 - 13:00 | The Indian Crossing Casino, E1171 County Q, Waupaca, Wisconsin, 54981, United States
Join us for our Post-Holiday Indoor Farmers Market!Shop local from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, sip on a cocktail or mocktail, and enjoy brunch with a beautiful view of frozen Columbia Lake.Browse baked goods, handmade crafts, and more—then settle in and enjoy your Saturday with us!

🐶🐈 Community Pet Vaccination Clinic
2026-01-31 10:00 - 11:30 | Tigerton Municipal Garage, 220 Birch St, Tigerton, Wisconsin, United States

Speed Puzzle Contest
2026-01-31 10:00 - 13:00 | Clintonville Public Library, 75 Hemlock St, Clintonville, WI 54929, USA, Hemlock Street 75, Clintonville, WI, 54929, United States
Do you like to puzzle? Are you fast? Grab some friends and sign up for our next Speed Puzzle Contest!Teams of up to four people will compete to see who can complete a 500 piece puzzle the fastest. First and second place teams will receive a prize!Advanced Registration is required. Call the library at 715-823-4563 to sign up your team today!

🛩️ 🍲 Ski Planes and Chili
2026-01-31 11:00 - 14:00 | Shawano Municipal Airport, Gumaer Road W6300, Shawano, WI, 54166, United States
❄️ Ski-Planes & Chili Fly-In ❄️Shawano Municipal Airport (KEZS)Saturday, January 31st • 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM⸻✈️ Fly-In • Drive-In • Everyone Welcome!Come enjoy:•Ski-Plane arrivals•Chili•Smash Burgers⸻📍 LocationShawano Municipal Airport (KEZS)248 Airport Road – Shawano, WI⸻🛩 Pilot Info:AWOS: 118.65CTAF/UNICOM: 122.800⸻Hosted ByShawano Municipal Airport⸻Contact:Kyle Hotvedt, Airport Manager📞 715-584-1750✉️ airportmanager@cityofshawano.com

🐎🛷 Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides
2026-01-31 11:00 - 16:00 | Odyssey Farms Percherons, W18596 Oriole Rd, Eland, Wisconsin, 54427, United States
The cold weather is breaking! The boys have entirely too much energy from being in the barn. Stop by and help me give them a workout!

Odyssey Farms Percherons will be offering horse drawn sleigh rides this Saturday January 31, 2026 from 11am-4pm. Please note, rides are on an active farm, for your comfort, be sure to wear sensible footwear, dress very warmly and bring blankets.

Below are FAQs:

WHERE ARE THE RIDES?:

Address for GPS purposes is W18596 Oriole Rd. Eland WI 54427 Parking for the rides is next to the property on Oriole Rd or in the driveway if there is space available.

HOW LONG ARE THE RIDES?:

Like the majority of our public events, the ride is approximately 15-20 minutes in order to try to accommodate as many people as we can within the timeframe we are open. We prepare a cozy bonfire, seating and hot chocolate while you wait. Also feel free to interact with the other animals on the farm

DO I NEED A RESERVATION?:

Rides are offered on a first come/first served basis, we do not accept reservations. To ensure safety and animal welfare, rides may be paused or closed once maximum guest capacity is reached during our operating hours. We reserve the right to make that call and appreciate your understanding and patience!

ACCESSIBILITY:

Individuals must be able to get in and out of the sleigh (with assistance from our crew, if necessary). Unfortunately, our sleigh is not handicap accessible and we will assist in any way possible to make sure all can ride. If anyone has an accessibility concern, we ask that you contact us directly to see if we can accommodate.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

This is a cash only event. $5 per person with kids 3 & under FREE. If you feel our crew and horses deserve a little extra love and gratitude, we have a tip box for your convenience. Trying hard to make family fun affordable for these events!

🦅 Snack and Learn: Birds of Prey
2026-01-31 12:00 - 13:00 | Waupaca Public Library, South Main Street 107, Waupaca, Wisconsin, 54981, United States
The first in our new series of educational programs, we will hear from Bil Draves, raptor educator! We’ll learn about falconry, the history of falconry in medieval times, and raptor conservation. “Aldora” the peregrine falcon will be joining Bil!To make the visit even more special, we will be enjoying charcuterie from Gouda Life!We are so grateful for a donation in memory of Lee and Christine Driscoll that makes our Lunch and Learn programming possible!

❄️ Winter Family Fun Day
2026-01-31 12:00 - 15:00 | Mosquito Hill Nature Center, Rogers Road N3880, New London, WI, 54961, United States
No registration or admission fees! Throw on your cold-weather clothes and experience the beauty of winter with us! Enjoy some free, family-fun and spend some time outdoors. Featured Activities Include:

– Sledding and Outdoor Games*

– FREE Snowshoe Rental*

– Animal Tracking Basics

– Winter Crafts and Button Making

– Campfire and S’mores

– Brat Fry and Other Concessions

– More coming soon!

*Sledding and Snowshoeing are weather dependent activities. This event will happen with or without snow!

**Rescheduled due to weather** 🥾 Shawano Pathways Winter Hike
2026-01-31 13:30 - 16:00 | Cotter Creek Trails, W9050 Broadway Rd, Shawano, Wisconsin, 54166, United States
This Hike Has Been Rescheduled from January 24th due to weather (1/19/2026)

Shawano Pathways will be hosting five winter hikes in 2026. Hikes are free (donations appreciated) and all are encouraged to participate.

**Note** – Product links below are affiliate links.

Note: No RSVP is required. Please be sure to arrive 15 minutes early. To save time, fill out the Annual Waiver online ahead of time.

What to Expect:

All hikes begin within 15 minutes of Downtown Shawano – various hike lengths are offered at each event to encourage hikers of all abilities to participate

Arrive at least 15 minutes early to register and get gear on

FREE – donations appreciated

Well-behaved, leashed Dogs are welcome

NOTE – This location does NOT have public restrooms available.

This Event Is NOT wheel-chair/stroller accessible.

Weather can cause cancellations. Watch for updates on our FB page or website

Bring your own snowshoes and water

In the event of Poor Snow Conditions – wear cleats or YakTrax (faster delivery option, Under $10 and fast shipping option) over boots

For Moonlight hikes, bring headlamp (multi-purpose lamp only) if you have one

To Save time, fill out the Waiver/Emergency info online ahead of time

Questions – see flyer below.

Updated Flyer Dates Due to Weather (1/19/2026)

**cancelled** 🥾 🌝 Shawano Pathways Winter Hike - Moonlight Hike
2026-01-31 18:00 - 20:30 | Maple Hills Recreation Area, N4270 Highway 22, Shawano, Wisconsin, 54166, United States
Shawano Pathways will be hosting five winter hikes in 2026. Hikes are free (donations appreciated) and all are encouraged to participate.

**Note** – Product links below are affiliate links.

Note: No RSVP is required. Please be sure to arrive 15 minutes early. To save time, fill out the Annual Waiver online ahead of time.

What to Expect:

All hikes begin within 15 minutes of Downtown Shawano – various hike lengths are offered at each event to encourage hikers of all abilities to participate

Arrive at least 15 minutes early to register and get gear on

FREE – donations appreciated

Well-behaved, leashed Dogs are welcome

NOTE – This location does NOT have public restrooms available.

This Event Is NOT wheel-chair/stroller accessible.

Weather can cause cancellations. Watch for updates on our FB page or website

Bring your own snowshoes and water

In the event of Poor Snow Conditions – wear cleats or YakTrax (faster delivery option, Under $10 and fast shipping option) over boots

For Moonlight hikes, bring headlamp (multi-purpose lamp only) if you have one

To Save time, fill out the Waiver/Emergency info online ahead of time

Questions – see flyer below.

🕯️🌝🥾 Candlelight Hike
2026-01-31 18:00 - 21:00 | Neshota Park, 5757 Park Rd, Denmark, Wisconsin, United States
Candlelight night hike. Free community event sponsored by the Friends of Neshota Park. Hike is approximately 1 mile with a warming station half-way. Enjoy a campfire and refreshments at the Shelter House throughout the event.

What to Expect

Hike or Snowshoe guided by candlelight.

Follow the glowing trail to a roaring fire.

Enjoy treats in the Shelter House

Connect with family and friends around the Campfire Circle

AA Meeting
2026-01-31 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-01 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Clintonville United Methodist Church, 13th Street 24, Clintonville, Wisconsin, 54929, United States

🍕🍺 BIRNAMWOOD LIONS CLUB EVENT: FREE PIZZA & BEER!
2026-01-31 19:00 - 21:00 | Chet And Emil’s Ballroom, 388 Main St, Birnamwood, Wisconsin, United States
15th Annual Birnamwood Lions Club presents…FREE BEER & PIZZA EVENT hosted and sponsored by the Birnamwood Lions Club at Chet & Emil’s Banquet Hall.50/25/25 Tickets: $5 each or 3 for $10Proceeds donated to Birnamwood Lions Club Projects

🛍 Shop Small Support Local
2026-02-01 00:00 - 23:59 | Wisconsin
We are working on creating a new and improved Rural Northeast Wisconsin Families Restaurant Guide! Let us help make the mealtime decisions easier.

As a hockey family, knowing who is open after games and practices, that serves something for my entire family is a MUST-HAVE! (so any restaurants within a 90-minute drive of Shawano is ideal)

We know a lot of people love to support their local businesses, but may not know all the services that are provided. We’re working on closing that gap by offering a business directory. If you’re interested in becoming part of our business directory, you can find out more here We are also rolling out a Farm Fresh Directory.

We have many affiliate partners where purchases you make with them, will also help our small business. (The following links are affiliate links and we may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.)

Plant Therapy

Amazon

Think Board – use Code MarieVandenberg to save 20% off site-wide

Try The World –

Really Good Stuff

mSpy – what are your kids doing on their phone/tablet that you can’t see?

Mud/Wtr – Save 20% sitewide with this link (first order only) (My Dr suggested trying this when I suffered consequences from drinking too much coffee. I use both the Mud/Wtr latte and Rest to help at bedtime when I can’t shut my brain off) I’ve recently added the Hot Cocoa and Nourish.

Zenni Optical – save $30 when you use my discount link. I’ve been ordering glasses from Zenni for over 15 years. To order from Zenni, you will need the PD number (pupillary distance). For adults, the number shouldn’t change. It will change for kids. Zenni accepts 1 and 2 number PDs.

Ting Mobile – get a $25 credit on your first bill when you use this link. Plans start as low as $10/month and you can bring your own phone (or in my case, I just used an old phone.) For more details, see my post regarding the Cellcom outage and my solutions to always stay connected.

Gabb Wireless – Code: 9203979786 (discount on your first order) Kids’ Phones and Watches with additional parental controls. Are you thinking about getting your child a device? Check these two resources. Parent Guide Officer Gomez

Purchases made through the above links allow us to earn commissions when you use our links which we will put towards our business expenses, keep our lights on, and keep our content FREE for YOU- our readers and LOW for our local advertisers, and sponsors.

We are hosting one fundraiser. This is an on-going fundraiser.

Mabel’s Labels – (Select Rural Northeast Wisconsin Families as the organization) – NO MORE Lost Mittens (coats, shoes, hats, water bottles, jackets, etc) Follow our Facebook Page– there are often sales and discounts.

The funds earned through the fundraisers will be split. Our portion will be used towards website/calendar upgrades, community events, giveaways, and business expenses.

We will choose a new beneficiary for each distribution check. We’ll take suggestions for our first check. (We still have $50 to go before we’ll get our first check)

If you’d like to donate directly to our fundraisers instead of purchasing from our partners. We can accept cash, Square, or Venmo.

One of the fundraisers is set up as an open-ended so we’ll be able to help several organizations for as long as there is interest in the products.

These are a few of my favorite products. This is my “toolkit” for the Flu Season. It also has some hints about getting started with essential oils.

If you are looking for the fundraising socks that we had available, we do still have them, but you’ll need to make an appointment.

These are a few other ways to support us. Prices range from Free to $30.The links, images, and QR codes below are also affiliate links, so we may earn a commission on qualifying purchases

Links: Charger Cord Charger with Flashlight without Flashlight Slim Charger Keychain Flashlight Desk Accessory Clock

ICYMI– My dog locked himself in my car. PD’s tools didn’t work for my car. I bought this amazing tool the next day. At under $6, you really can’t beat it. Definitely cheaper than a locksmith or a broken window.

Here are a few more favorites that I’ve found. How many of you are the keepers of the “road trip drinks” and chargers? You’ll love the water bottle and Beef Jerky below.

Links: Green XL Stanley, White Travel Mug, “Green” Air Purifier, Electronic Air Purifier, Charger Water Bottle, Wireless Camera (I highly suggest getting the extra battery.), Pan Cam, V4:

Links: Emergency Radio, Charger

Venmo

Square

Buy Me A Coffee

Link to other contribution options

Links: Beef Jerky Gift Cards, Boba Tea Kits, Cordless Table Lamps

Game Day Shirts, School Spirit/Halloween Flannel , All Things Halloween, Tie-Dye Hoodies, Magnetic, Motion Sensor, rechargeable lights, Grinch Style Hoodie, portable rechargeable handwarmers, Inflatable Halloween Costume, Emotional Support Dumpster Fire, Dumpster Fire Socks

Portable rechargeable handwarmers with light🎄🎁 Holiday Family Pajamas

👚 Ugly Sweater Ideas

Christmas Ornament Kits for all ages and abilitiesWinter Vehicle Prep and rechargeable handwarmersRechargeable “Night” LightsStocking Stuffer IdeaPocket-Sized Ice ScraperSnow Sleds – Check out the comments for a few more optionsMy Household EssentialsMy Favorites for Winter TravelingDoor County Winter Movie

Additional Options Available

🥞 Pancakes and Bingo
2026-02-01 10:00 - 11:30 | Quinn’s Pub Grill Banquet Hall, 5298 County Rd A, Deerbrook, WI, 54424, United States
Join us for a fundraiser for the Langlade County Humane Society

Menu:

Pancakes

Potato Pancakes

Buttermilk Pancakes

Nueske’s Bacon

Sausage Links

Fruit Toppings

Loaded Bloody Mary Bar

Stay for Bingo

🛷 Free Tubing Day compliments of AriensCo
2026-02-01 11:00 - 18:00 | Titletown, 1025 Lombardi Ave, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 54304, United States
Back for another year! Thrilling, UNLIMITED tube rides down Ariens Hill in Titletown will be completely FREE for all guests, community members, kids and kids-at-heart for Free Tubing Day on Sunday, February 1 compliments of AriensCo.𝐓𝐮𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬 + 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬🛷 Riders must be at least 42 inches tall to participate.🛷 Only one rider per tube—sitting on laps is not permitted.🛷 All guests must sign a waiver to tube at Titletown. Please complete your waiver prior to your visit. https://www.titletown.com/events/free-tubing-day

𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐒𝐧𝐨𝐰Please review our Know Before You Snow details prior to your visit to ensure that your tubing experience is enjoyable and as safe as possible. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘺-𝘝𝘦𝘦 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘻𝘢 𝘰𝘳 𝘈𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘏𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘭. 𝘍𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘛𝘪𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.

Awesome Ambassadors at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary every Sunday 2p-3p starting 12/14/25!
2026-02-01 14:00 - 15:00 | Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, East Shore Drive 1660, Green Bay, WI, 54302, United States
Starting December 14th through April 19. 2026, join us every Sunday 2p-3p at the Observation Building for our Awesome Ambassador program!Learn about the Wildlife Sanctuary’s awesome ambassadors! This fun program allows visitors to get up close with the animals and talk with the animal care staff. Bring your camera!

Buy some corn to feed the outside birds too. ($5/bag). They’re excited for visitors too. (Dress for the weather)

2025-2026 Winter WLS Program Brochure – Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Printable Program Schedule

AA Meeting
2026-02-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Christus Lutheran Church, North Main Street 120, Clintonville, Wisconsin, 54929, United States

Al Anon Meeting
2026-02-01 19:00 | Salvation Army, New London, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Open Enrollment Application Deadline
2026-02-02 00:00 - 23:59 | Wisconsin
The Public School Open Enrollment period is open!Fill out the form for alternative in-person public school options and also virtual and virtual hybrid partnership school options.

Find the form and FAQ here: https://dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment

What is Open Enrollment?

The inter-district public school open enrollment program allows parents to apply for their children to attend public school in a school district other than the one in which they reside.

Who can apply?

Any Wisconsin resident in 4K to grade 12 may apply to attend a nonresident school district under the open enrollment program. However, a child may transfer to a nonresident school district for early childhood education or 4K only if the child’s resident school district offers the same type of program and only if the child is eligible for that program in the resident school district.

There was a question a while back regarding open-enrollment.

According to the WI DPI, these are the only acceptable reasons a resident district can deny an open-enrollment request.

Please note that it does not say “too many students have applied to out-of-district schools”. It also doesn’t allow attendance records at the resident school to determine open-enrollment status to an out-of-district school.

This is just for Open Enrollment, this does not include the School Voucher Programs.

Deadline for Open Enrollment (public school) is April 30th

Deadline for School Choice (private school) is April 17th.

I also found out that there is a non-profit organization advocating for Virtual and Open-enrollment students. It’s called Parents for School Options. https://www.parentsforschooloptions.org/

Open Enrollment: https://sms.dpi.wi.gov/OEParent/faqs.aspx

Info for the Wisconsin School Choice program can be found here: https://schoolchoicewi.org/school-choice-faqs/

Virtual School Options for Wisconsin Families

Babygarten
2026-02-02 10:15 - 11:15 | Marion Public Library, North Main Street 120, Marion, Wisconsin, 54950, United States
An event for babies! Come, play, learn and grow together!

Activities include:

Storytime and singing

Nursery Rhymes

Social Playtime

Craft (once per month)

AA Meeting - Back to Basics
2026-02-02 11:00 - 12:00 | First Presbyterian Church, West Presbyterian Street 100, Shawano, WI, 54166, United States

Kids Eat FREE Today -
2026-02-02 15:00 - 19:00 | Wisconsin
We have a couple of Local Restaurants offering to let our Kids Eat FREE! Today is one of those days!

Find all the details and a few more options here:

➡️ https://ruralnewfamilies.com/2024/01/24/restaurant-guide/

Groundhog's Day-- Meet Bay Beach Bernard!
2026-02-02 15:30 - 16:15 | Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, East Shore Drive 1660, Green Bay, WI, 54302, United States
Groundhog’s Day is coming up on Monday– and Bernard will be all ready!Come and meet him on Monday, February 2nd at the Observation Building 330pm-415pm to celebrate Groundhog’s Day! We will have hot chocolate and talk about his big prediction that morning!Hope you can join us at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary!

(Corn is available for purchase to feed the outside birds as well $5/bag)

AA Meeting
2026-02-03 09:30 - 10:30 | Hope Community Church, Tristan Drive 302, Shawano, Wisconsin, 54166, United States

🏖️ Storytime Beach Day Party!
2026-02-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Clintonville Public Library, 75 Hemlock St, Clintonville, WI 54929, USA, Hemlock Street 75, Clintonville, WI, 54929, United States
☀️🏖️ Beach Day Storytime at the Library! 🏖️☀️Get ready for some sunny fun at the library! Join us for an extra special Beach Day storytime, specially designed for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers, but all are welcome to attend.We’ll enjoy:📚 Beach-themed stories and songs🎨 Beachy crafts for little hands🫧 Bubble fun!🎲 Sensory bins and beach games🍉 Tasty snacksBring your little beachgoers for a morning of learning, play, and summer smiles—no sunscreen required! 🌊😄

📚 Bonduel/Story Time
2026-02-03 10:30 - 11:00 | Bonduel Library, North Washington Street 125, Bonduel, WI, 54107, United States
NEW DAY AND TIME! Bring the little ones to the library for a story, a song, and a fun craft!
