Exclusively PoCo: Five family-friendly spots to avoid the winter freeze
By Brendan Wong
Community journalist
Welcome to 2026! As the weather gets colder, the local spirit warms up. January in Wisconsin is often defined by the wind chill, but here in Portage County, it’s the best time of year to discover — or rediscover — the warmth of our community.
It is the perfect season to reconnect as a family, explore new hobbies, and embrace the cozier side of local living. If you’re looking for ways to make lasting memories this month without donning three layers of thermal gear, here are five fun ways for you and your family to beat the cold and have fun this winter.
Skipp’s Bowling Center & The Upper Deck Sports Facility
This classic bowling alley combines bowling with a high-performance athletic training ground.
Many locals know Skipp’s for its lanes, the home for casual bowling, adults and kids’ leagues, and glow bowling. The business, originally named Bowling Arcade, was the area’s first air-conditioned facility that charged $0.15 a game in 1939. New owners took over in 1956, the place was rebranded Skipp’s Bowling Arcade, and in the years that followed, it also became known for its bar, arcade, and pizza.
The real hidden gem is upstairs. The facility houses an Upper Deck Sports Facility, a massive 4,500 square-foot indoor turf arena. Unlike other arcades, this space features live pitching and batting cages. You can rent the entire facility for an hour for $80.
It’s the perfect double threat: burn off energy on the turf upstairs, then head downstairs to refuel with a hot Portesi pizza.
Website: skippsbowling.com
Putt-N-Play
Why it’s special: It offers a multi-speed indoor experience, from high-adrenaline gaming to calming animal encounters.
Located at 701 Second Street North in Stevens Point, Putt-N-Play isn’t just a mini-golf course; it’s a whole Northwoods-themed experience. The 18-hole indoor course features unique obstacles on each hole that add a wacky twist to your game.
For high-energy kids, there is a laser tag arena and a space for mining gems. You’ll need a sign a waiver for the laser tag, but everyone over the age of eight in your family can participate.
But the true local favorite for families with toddlers is the designated “Bunny Fun” area, home to Mr.Bunsie, the resident rabbit. It allows families to transition instantly from the high-energy neon excitement of the arcade to the gentle tranquility of watching a bunny munch on greens.
Website: puttnplay.today
Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum
The Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum, 1100 Main Street, creates a fun, grown-up world scaled down for safe, hands-on exploration in the heart of downtown Stevens Point.
This isn’t a museum where you can look but not touch; this is a dedicated sensory playground. The standout attraction is the “Pet Vet” clinic, where children don white lab coats and use realistic medical tools to care for plush patients, teaching empathy through play.
Families can also explore the Wild Wisconsin exhibit, where kids can learn about nature in a fun and interactive way. An indoor play cafe is also underway on the second floor.
The facility can be rented out for parties. Annual memberships are $145 per family, though assistance is available.
Website: cwchildrensmuseum.org
Opi’s 5 Star Lanes & Sports Bar
Opi’s in Plover, 1960 Post Road, holds the title for the only indoor sand volleyball court in the county, bringing a taste of summer fun, all the time, no matter the temperature.
League play is already underway, but the court is open to the public between 2-5 p.m. during the winter and spring months. The cost for open court is $5 per person and includes one drink.
Opi’s offers a large-scale complex with 24 bowling lanes, ensuring you rarely have to wait for a lane even on busy weekends. The attached sports bar serves up a full menu, including their popular burgers and pizza made in-house.
Opi’s also features pool, skee ball, air hockey, and a slew of arcade games. It also hosts private parties.
Website: opis5star.com
Food + Farm Exploration Center
The Food and Farm Center in Plover turns agriculture into a high-tech, hands-on adventure with exclusive experiences you can’t find elsewhere.
Located at 3400 Innovation Drive, this modern building is a “field to fork” facility. Your kids will flock to the interactive tractor simulator, which lets them feel the rumble of the driver’s seat without leaving the building, and the cute play grocery store designed for little shoppers.
For adults and parents, the center offers family cooking classes covering everything from planting and sowing to canning and drying foods, a perfect way to learn sustainable skills together.
It’s also the site of the world’s largest potato masher, making it a great selfie spot.
Website: explorefoodandfarm.org
Got a tip on what makes Portage County unique? Send it to Wong at [email protected]
