Top 10 Getaway For Family Travelers - Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

For the eco-friendly travelers, check out Yogi Bear Jellystone Park (800/462-9644). For years Jellystone Park has been increasing their green initiatives through various actions including replacing over 2,000 incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs in all of the buildings. They have also installed low-flow showerheads in all bathrooms and outdoor lodging, which has reduced water consumption by as much as 250,000 gallons per year. Jellystone was ahead of the game, having recycled garbage for over 20 years, so they now invite guests to join the green movement as well. Upon arrival, guests are presented with a 'green bag' complete with instructions about sorting requirements for garbage. The park also has three water play areas for kids, one of the many activities they offer along with miniature golf, boat rentals, birthday packages, and three playgrounds -- to name a few.

At any time of year, waterplay adventure is probably what the Dells are best known for. Here, kids can slide, splash and frolic in huge indoor and outdoor facilities, with areas earmarked for tots to teens. Who can interactive kids areas, curling water slides, go-karts, roller coasters and  wave pools at the Mt. Olympus Resort (formerly the Treasure Island Resort) and the Kalahari Water Park at the Kalahari Resort (877/525-2427), which brings Tanzania to Wisconsin!

Four major water parks are located within resorts, and several smaller indoor and outdoor facilities are available at other hotels, where non-guests can pay a day-use fee. Additionally, free-standing water parks such as Noah's Ark (608/254-6351) called a "kid's Las Vegas in the Dells" by a recent visitor, provide extra days of fun. We're not kidding; bring several bathing suits, water shoes, towels and a disposable underwater camera, because you've come to get wet.

After you've dried off and the wrinkles have disappeared from your fingertips, plan to explore the spectacular scenery of the region. Towering sandstone cliffs and hidden canyons may be experienced through a guided tour of the Wisconsin River and the Upper Dells on the 55-foot Mark Twain or in a DUCK. This unique WWII amphibious half truck/half boat vehicle, which originated in the very picturesque Dells, is now used for sightseeing throughout the country. The Duck tour covers 8.5 miles of land and the waters of Lake Delton. Additionally, you can take a half-hour, guided, horse-drawn wagon tour through the narrow passages of Lost Canyon.

Had enough touring? The waterparks have grown alongside many other popular family attractions. Get tickets for Tommy Bartlett's Ski, Sky and Stage Show and watch incredible feats by daredevil skiers, contortionists, skyfliers, and a laser light show, or, It's Magic, for internationally recognized grand illusionist acts.

Spend a rainy day visiting Robot World and Exploratory, Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum, or the Circus World Museum. In winter, call Cascade Mountain for the ski report and plan a day of skiing, boarding and tubing. And, for the animal lovers in your family, visit Nachas Elk Ranch (608/524-4ELK) for a wagon tour of a working elk ranch.

The Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau has complete information on over 100 other hotels and 20 campgrounds (many of which accept pets), other water parks, year-long festivals such as Autumn Harvest in October and Flake Out in January, and other special family events.