Rib Mountain Playground

Up at the top of Rib Mountain State Park, this playground is genuinely one of the cooler spots for kids in the Wausau area — and the views alone make the trip worth it. The equipment is all newer, with slides, a solid climbing structure, tunnels, and a merry-go-round that kids actually want to spin on for longer than you’d expect. It’s surrounded by trees and trail access, so the whole setup feels more like an adventure than a typical park visit. Best for school-age kids who have the energy to burn after hiking up — or before, honestly.