Family events in Portage, WI

Emrick Lake becomes a haunt for Halloween fans with a weekend of spooky campground activities, candy filled fun, and costumes at every turn. After dark, the celebration continues with a lively fall field party where costumes can shine and the eerie atmosphere deepens. This celebration offers thrills and surprises from start to finish. Costumes are encouraged, and campsites are limited.

Settle in for a camping getaway surrounded by beautiful fall colors.

Settle in for a second Halloween weekend filled with spooky fun. Friday features a Friday Night Fish Fry. Saturday brings pumpkin carving, trick or treating, and costumes for anyone who missed the first weekend or wants another round. The canteen will be open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Explore the Shack at your own pace with a self-guided visit enhanced by conversations with a future leader fellow or guide. Your ticket includes an updated booklet that helps you navigate the historic grounds and offers context for an inside look at the Leopold Shack and Farm. Please check in at the Leopold Center to purchase tickets and pick up your booklet. Admission is $10 per person, and children 10 and under are free.

Survivors Weekend is a heartfelt gathering that goes far beyond camping, with 100 percent of proceeds directed to the Spierings Cancer Foundation to support Wisconsin families facing cancer, local cancer centers, and cancer research. One day is set aside for a public welcome featuring a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, a meat raffle, and a luminary ceremony to close the evening. Attendees can personalize luminary bags in honor of someone in treatment, a survivor, or a loved one remembered. As night falls, the luminaries are lit to create a thoughtful atmosphere for remembrance, reflection, and celebration. There is time and space for those who wish to share memories, tell stories, celebrate milestones, pay tribute to someone special, or simply sit quietly. Throughout the weekend, the campground becomes a place to raise funds, honor survivors, remember those who have been lost, and support Wisconsin families affected by cancer.

Explore the Shack on a guided tour that shares stories of the pioneering restoration undertaken by Leopold and his family. See the interior of the Shack, then walk through restored prairie and woods along the Wisconsin River. Tours are led by guides. Please limit ticket purchases to groups of ten or fewer, and advance registration is appreciated. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors 62 and older and for young adults ages 11 to 17, and $1.50 for children 10 and under.

MGE marks the 10th anniversary of Día de Fútbol with a family friendly celebration at Aldo Leopold Elementary School. The event features complimentary soccer clinics, interactive and cultural activities, and helpful resources for all ages. Children can be registered to participate, and no ticket is required for entry.

Miss Tamara leads a lively session filled with singing, rhymes, counting, and playful movement. The activities encourage teamwork and social interaction, build language and communication, and spark musical awareness and a steady sense of rhythm. They also support phonics and early literacy, reinforce counting and simple patterns, and help participants feel confident while playing together in a group. Expect plenty of energetic fun as learning happens through play. Participation is included with admission.

A community swap centered on sharing useful goods. People may bring items in good condition, including food, books, dishes, clothing, and appliances, though contributions are optional in the spirit of abundance. Attendees are free to take any items they find useful. A sign-up spreadsheet is available for those who would like to plan ahead.

Discover what sets St. Ambrose Academy apart with a tour of its campus for students in grades 6 through 12. Guests can enjoy light morning refreshments, hear students talk about how their education equips them for what comes next, and see classical education at work. The visit also provides time for questions and an overview of the admissions process. RSVP by email with the number of people in your group.

Enjoy a relaxed, waste reduction themed pop up play cafe hosted by Heritage Center staff with WM and Playful Acorns. Caregivers can sip coffee or tea or have a snack while children play and socialize through a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Bringing a reusable mug is encouraged. Plans call for meeting at the Oak Tree, with the Le Pine Room downstairs at the Heritage Center as the backup spot if the weather does not cooperate. Children will take part in nature based free play, storytelling, crafts, and other experiences focused on reducing waste. There will be a storytime about waste and recycling. Young participants can try a toddler friendly sorting activity. An exploration of vermicompost is included. Games and manipulatives will introduce waste concepts in a simple way. A craft project and a scavenger hunt are planned. There will also be a chance to see the WM recycling truck. This program is intended for ages 0 to 5 and requires an adult chaperone. Attendance is free because fees are covered by WM. Registration is suggested. The setting is family friendly, heated, and equipped with changing tables, step stools for small handwashing, and a Mamava lactation pod. If spending time outdoors, please dress for the weather. It is a laid back environment where you can come and go during the program window. The department is committed to providing meaningful access for all participants regardless of language or ability. Requests for language assistance or accessibility modifications should be submitted at least 10 business days in advance, and not all programs can be modified.

This weekly hands-on craft session is guided by Miss Pat, featuring creative projects that may include paint, scissors, and glue, and culminating in a finished piece to be proud of. The activity is included with admission and is subject to Miss Pat's availability.

Learn the basics of fishing at Brittingham Park with WI DNR and Madison Parks. The WI DNR Fishmobile will be on site with all the gear needed, so no equipment is required. This free workshop welcomes adults and children and is ideal for ages 7 and older. Children must be supervised by a parent or adult guardian. Advanced registration is required, and anglers ages 16 and older will need a Wisconsin fishing license. This workshop is part of the Learning Series, which offers educational events and hands-on activities made possible by the Madison Parks Foundation.