What makes Hudson an ideal location for family getaways is our proximity to nature experiences, fun activities, and hotels with options like indoor pools and free breakfast for kids. Our town is packed with plenty of dining options that ensure your most selective diner can enjoy a meal just about anywhere the rest of the group wants to go. Add in the fact that Hudson is a dog-friendly city, and your family vacay can now include everybody from home.

Just a short drive from the Twin Cities, Hudson, Wisconsin offers a scenic getaway for families seeking fresh air, fun, and unforgettable memories – without the hassle of a long drive or flight. Hudson’s mix of outdoor adventure, seasonal events, and small-town charm makes it a year-round favorite for active families. Looking for your next weekend day trip or overnight escape? From springtime park crawls to snowy tubing hills, here’s your guide to family fun in the Hudson area—season by season.  

Spring Highlights: Sunshine and Exploration

As snow melts and flowers bloom, Hudson comes alive with fresh-air fun, perfect for young explorers.  

Park Crawls
Load up the stroller or scooter and plan a park-to-park adventure. Hudson’s collection of kid-friendly parks includes:  

 Grab your Hudson Family Fun Guide with Park Map to plan your route.  

Walks + Trails
Spring is a great time to rediscover the Lakefront Trail, a stroller-friendly path dotted with Art Benches that blend public art with scenic river views. The Art Bench Trail turns your walk into an imaginative experience.  

 

Spring Events & Markets
Check the Hudson Events Calendar for family-friendly happenings—like early-season farmers markets, spring art fairs, or nature-inspired programming.  

 

   

Summer Fun: Sun, Splash, and Sweet Treats 
When the weather warms up, Hudson turns up the volume on family fun.  

 

Beach Days & Water Fun
Let the kids cool off at Lakefront Park Beach or rent a kayak and paddle along the calm edges of the St. Croix River with your older adventurers. Many of the parks listed in the guide above offer beaches and water experiences.  

 

Music in the Park & Festivals
Evenings come alive with live music at Concerts in the Park, where families gather with picnic blankets and snacks. These concerts are free of charge and extend the entire summer season at Lakefront Park.  

 

Some fun summer festivals include Booster Days, with games, rides, and fireworks over the Fourth of July. RiverFest, held in July, celebrates the St. Croix River and includes educational and informational experiences. Yellowstone Trail Heritage Day is later in the summer and offers a classic and vintage car show. And the North Hudson Pepper Festival is North Hudson’s traditional Italian festival filled with food, music, games, and more.  

 

Cool down with a sweet treat at one of Hudson’s beloved spots. With this many options, your family could eat ice cream every day over a long weekend and never eat at the same place twice:  

Plan a hands-on farm visit to White Pine Berry Farm for strawberry or raspberry picking—perfect for little hands and Instagram-worthy moments.  

Fall Adventures: Colors, Crunch, and Cozy Fun
Fall is a favorite for family photo ops and outdoor bonding in crisp, colorful air.  

Scenic Trails & Fall Colors

Willow River State Park is gorgeous all year-round, but if there was ever a season to plan for, it’s autumn. Explore family-accessible trails that lead to overlooks and waterfalls framed in autumn reds and golds. Don’t forget to pack snacks and layer up.  

Farm Fun & Tours
Eagle Eye Farm (open year-round) lets your kids meet alpacas and other gentle animals. Self-guided tours mean families can go at their own pace.  

 

At White Pine Berry Farm, families can enjoy hayrides, pumpkins, and fall-themed play areas—ideal for toddlers and early-grade kids.  

 

   

Photo Credit: © Digital Vow Videography

Winter Wonder: Snowy Thrills and Cozy Moments
When the snow flies, Hudson offers active and cozy options alike.  

 

Tubing for the Family
Badlands Snow Park is a winter favorite for tubing lanes the whole family can ride. This experience has been a long-time favorite. Over 400 handled tubes for your riding pleasure on seven lighted and groomed slopes. Experienced tubers can enjoy turbo-tubing—the ultimate winter thrill ride. Warm up in the cozy chalet with quick snacks.  

 

Lights & Winter Events
The town sparkles during Hudson Holiday events—expect twinkling lights, festive storefronts, and the kind of small-town magic that makes lasting family memories. Have a Hudson Holiday is packed full of events running from November into February. Make sure to check the Calendar for events like:   

Another local favorite is Sam’s Christmas Village in nearby Somerset, WI, where over 16 million lights, a sledding hill, festive eats, and a cozy Christmas market await from late November through January 1.

Or head to Santa’s Evergreens, a family- and pet-friendly tree farm offering cut-your-own trees, porch pots, wreaths, and even photo shoot sessions on their scenic grounds from October through late November. 

 

Warm up between snowy adventures at indoor family-friendly stops like:  

Hudson is more than a one-season destination—it’s a place where families return again and again, finding new ways to connect, laugh, and explore together.  

 

Want more Hudson, WI magic? Visit:  

 

Check out our Calendar of Events