Every season, I look for ways to slow down and reconnect with my two boys.
The Driftless offers us more than entertainment — it gives us chances to explore, to wonder, and to grow together. Out here, the hills and valleys, the fields and farms, the quaint little towns tucked away off the interstate- they become the classroom, and each adventure turns into a lesson in curiosity, responsibility, and empowerment. I’ve come to realize that magical far-off places, expensive endeavors, and lavish museums are wonderful, but there’s something even more special about the imagination and creativity you can spark right where you live, the joy you cultivate when place becomes tradition, when the everyday landscapes you explore turn into cherished memories- that’s the real magic.
Richland Center Arboretum
When we wander the Arboretum, my boys treat the hidden path like a treasure map. The ancient maple has become their playground, a lesson in courage and creativity as they scramble over its branches with wide grins. We take turns picking out our favorite trees, and love to debate how tall they might be. Down by the Pine River, we play a game of guessing its depth and speed. They toss sticks and debate which way the current pulls. None of us knows the “real” answer — but that’s not the point. They’re learning that wondering, testing, and questioning is just as important as knowing. The Arboretum is just as magical, maybe even more so, when the changing leaves make every step feel like a discovery.
Ochsner Park Zoo (Baraboo, WI)
Whether it’s the warm buzz of summer or the crisp air of fall, the zoo always feels alive with possibility. Ochsner Park Zoo is always a favorite because it’s free, open to everyone, filled with opportunities to learn, and they have an arctic fox- a favorite of my Magical Elf Pet loving 6 year old. My boys dart from one exhibit to the next, peppering me with questions about where each animal comes from and how it lives. But the real moment of empowerment comes at the donation boxes. Even though they all go to support the zoo in large, the boys take their time deciding which box their money should go in. Watching them carefully choose who to support, and seeing how proud they are to help, reminds me that small acts can plant big seeds of responsibility. They leave believing they’ve made a difference — and honestly, they have.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens (Madison)
At Olbrich the gardens shift beautifully with the seasons, as the bright, bold colors of summer melt into the rich hues of autumn; the pathways become living artwork. Secret trails tempt the boys onward, leading to hidden corners that feel like whole new worlds. And every time, I see them learning that exploration is rewarded — that wonder is always waiting if you’re willing to seek it out. They lean over ponds reaching toward turtles they’ll never quite touch, learning patience in the process. We collect pressed pennies — a tradition that has become our way of deciding which memories matter most. And of course a final visit to the children’s library to play with the puppets is always in order.
Peck’s Farm East (Arena)
Peck’s, set out on hwy 14 heading towards Arena, WI is pure joy. The playground pulls them in first — the tire walk, the swings, the playset — all places to test balance and bravery. But it’s the animals that leave the biggest impression. A cow once licked my hand, which had us all laughing, while the goats climbed fences just to get closer to the boys. Peacocks strutted like royalty, baby goats nuzzled our palms, the donkeys quickly became their favorite. Each encounter gave my boys a chance to practice gentleness, care, and respect. Even the moose, kept behind extra fencing, carried its own lesson: some boundaries are there for a reason, even when curiosity tugs hard. And when October arrives, Peck’s transforms into a harvest wonderland — pumpkins, apples, and crisp air add a new layer of adventure. The kids favorite are always the several haunted establishments, thoughtfully curated every spooky season, we always make sure to step inside each one too.
Trollway (Mt. Horeb, WI)
Hunting for trolls in Mt. Horeb is like stepping into a storybook together. Each carved statue feels like a secret waiting to be found, and the boys race down sidewalks calling out discoveries. Every troll sparks a new tale, a new laugh, a new “what if?” We wonder at where each troll hails from, perhaps one of them is the grumpy, old, mean troll from under the 3 Billy Goats Gruff bridge. In fall, the Trollway takes on a special charm- the crisp air and deeply muted colors make the hunt even more enchanting. I love watching their confidence grow as they piece together the scavenger hunt. The town shows them that imagination isn’t confined to books or screens — it’s woven right into the places we live and walk every day.
Each of these places is more than a destination for us — they’re classrooms without walls. The Driftless has taught me that adventures don’t just fill our days; they shape my boys into curious, thoughtful, and compassionate people. And as their mom, I feel grateful that the land we call home gives us so many ways to learn and grow together. These aren’t just memories we’re making — they’re building blocks for the next generation.
By Stephanie Campbell