Theme & Amusement Parks in Menasha

The crunch of fallen leaves or packed snow telegraphs the motions of warriors hidden in the underbrush on the outdoor fields at Commando Paintball Sports. Paintballs whisper through the air, flitting out from the barrels of Tippmann FT-12 or Piranha markers. The projectiles splatter against two-story forts or hollowed-out vehicles on the three wooded fields, which stay open year-round in almost any weather. On the urban combat field, patrons take cover in any of 20 buildings, including a three-story bell tower perfect for getting a birds-eye-view of opponents. Those seeking tournament-style play compete in a hyperball field designed by expert players. Laser tag keeps clothing clean while still eliciting floods of adrenaline.

Two people glance nervously at each other. Then, at the tops of the trees surrounding them. Then, down at their feet. Over their toes gush torrents of water. To keep from slipping, they whiten their knuckles around the metal bars. They count down from three, rocking back and forth with each number, and then hurl their bodies down the chute. A steep first drop accelerates them as wind and water rush past their ears. Toes pointed, arms folded, their bodies bank tightly around corners and loop quickly around a 360-degree turn. The race ends with a splash into a pool and an argument over who won.

The twin 350-foot waterslides at Harbour Village Resort are the most prominent feature in the park, but there are plenty of attractions for everyone. Ballers hoop on the basketball courts; fishermen cast and reel at the fishing pond with small-mouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. Even the solitary hiker trekking one of the nature trails will find company in the chattering wildlife of chipmunks, bald eagles, and foxes.

Themed activities dress up the family campground and water park. During Christmas in July, Santa swaps his heavy red cloak for a svelte candy-caned-striped speedo. Water wars break out during Pirate Weekends, and on Father’s Day, clipper-brandishing kids sheer their father’s manes in the “shave dad’s head” contest. On the weekends, glow rides trick out tractor-trailers and its passengers with glow sticks that stream to the rhythm and beats of DJ music.

Guests refuel for extra rounds of mini golf or bonus rolls on the skate park’s pipes at ice-cream socials or at the onsite store. Others readily spot the blue tongues of those who’ve been slurping slush puppies or making out with a Smurf.

Barefooted tykes aged 2 and older gambol through Badger Bouncers Playland's rainbow-hued inflatable obstacle course and pause from defying gravity to sprint to the top of a fire-truck-themed slide. While kids busy themselves perfecting impersonations of Neil Armstrong’s famed triple Axel on the moon, parents can take advantage of Badger Bouncers' free WiFi, knowing that kids bound through a safe space. All bouncers are fully enclosed, and mesh safety nets gird all entrances. At parties, staffers oversee guests who have exclusive use of the facility, and rentals such as mini golf courses and dunk tanks spice up events at any location.:m]]

It’s a startling sight: against the backdrop of green, rolling hills, clusters of ostriches and peacocks strut across wooden-fenced pastures, their caws overpowering the lowing of nearby buffalo and elk. This motley collection of exotic animals represents a labor of love for Glacier Ridge Farm owners Mark and Michelle Schultz, who have welcomed more than 30 animal species onto their farm. For three decades now, camels, coatimundi, and a zebra have lounged near the farm's wildflower-ringed pond, debating the species classification of centaurs.

In addition to the lively menagerie, the Mr. and Mrs. Schultz populate their property with a farm store housed inside a 100-year-old barn. There, they dole out ice cream as well as fresh cuts of elk and buffalo meat as well as other Wisconsin-made treats.

All year round, Nelson Field Laser Tag's battle zones join forces to send warriors into simulated combat. A field peppered with camo forts and towers at the Green Bay location scintillates during winter months as groups of up to 16 players use the scopes on heavy-duty, military-grade laser guns to pick off opponents and point out mustard stains on a teammate's pants. Meanwhile, unfolding across outdoor combat arenas, paintball and airsoft squads dip, dash, and dive behind natural and manmade barriers. Seven woodball fields camouflage matches amid troves of trees, and on an urban combat field, shooters utilize 19 buildings and one rogue hot-dog cart as shelter. Upon striking a truce, friends can reconvene at Nelson Field's onsite sports bars.

Though Nelson Field Laser Tag sometimes features a discounted price online, this Groupon still offers the best deal available.

Sky-blue walls and sand-colored carpets greet each family at Kids Unleashed, where slides, hula hoops, and playhouses invite young ones to explore as they hone their gross motor skills. The make-believe beach beckons stocking-dressed feet to roam its shores, where children ride rocking horses and parents surf free WiFi instead of the carpet in a nearby lounge filled with coffee, conversation, and clear views of the kids’ activities. Story time piques young children’s interest in reading, and ping-pong tables help older kids to develop enough hand-eye coordination to read a book while performing a cartwheel. Parents may depart during most of the center’s classes and camps, as the creation of art projects stimulates inventiveness in each child, and cupcake-baking demonstrates that cakes have children too. After class or playtime, the café teems with homemade, health-conscious snacks.