Fun things to do when visiting your student
When you come to Carthage to visit your student, be sure to make your trip special and filled with eventful memories! Listed below are six fun things you can do at Carthage and six enjoyable things you can do in the surrounding Kenosha area with your student.
Enjoy a variety of campus activities
1. Athletics games
With Carthage’s 28 varsity sports teams, there is never a shortage of competitive athletic games happening on campus. Check out the Athletics calendar to see if there are any home games happening during your visit. Whether it’s football, basketball, tennis, lacrosse, or one of Carthage’s other sports teams; the energy brought by the Carthage community will surely create an entertaining time.
2. Musical and dance performances
Students perform year round at Carthage — whether it’s a play, musical, or dance show. Head down to the box office in the David A. Straz Jr. Center or visit the box office website to grab your tickets. Students with valid Carthage ID receive (1) complimentary ticket admission per event. Check out the performing arts schedule the next time you’re on campus!
3. Art exhibitions
See awe-inspiring artwork from Carthage students, as well as work from local artists from Chicago or Milwaukee. Carthage’s H. F. Johnson Gallery of Art displays different exhibitions throughout the scheduled season. Take a look at the Art Gallery season calendar to see a brief synopsis of the current exhibition during your visit, and take a trip to the Art Gallery to check it out.
4. Play pool, ping-pong, or foosball
If your family wants to participate in an activity that is laid back but also allows you to spend quality time with your student, go to the Campbell Student Union lounge area! You’ll find plenty of space for relaxing and tables to play pool, ping-pong, and foosball. If you get hungry, a strip of restaurants is in the same building, just around the corner of the lounge area!
5. Play beach volleyball
Take the day off to play beach volleyball with your student! Behind the Joseph Johnson Residence Hall and The Tower is a sand volleyball court open to all for your enjoyment! If you are lucky enough to be on campus on a nice Wisconsin day, having a family beach volleyball competition with a fantastic lake view is a great way to spend your visit at Carthage with your student.
6. Picnic
If the weather is nice when you visit, consider having a picnic with your student! Carthage has plenty of grassy areas where you can lay down a blanket, chairs, or picnic tables for you to enjoy a relaxing meal, all with incredible views of Lake Michigan! Step away from the frenzy of life and soak in the beauty of Carthage with your student.
Explore the local attractions
1. Lake Michigan and Downtown Kenosha
Downtown is the heart of Kenosha, where you can visit the beach and spend your day by the lake. There are walkable paths if you want to stroll by the pier and plenty of seating areas to sit and take in the beauty of nature. Consider taking your student to the historic Downtown near the lake and explore restaurants, antique shops, bookstores, clothing stores, and much more! Popular Downtown shops include Frank’s Dinner, Sandy’s Poppers Ice Cream, Bluehouse Books, and Jockey Factory Store.
2. Petrifying Springs Park
Petrifying Springs Park is a community favorite in Kenosha. It includes playgrounds, hiking trails, golf courses, dog parks, sand volleyball courts, and more. The park spans over a large area and has entertainment for all ages. Petrifying Springs Park has one of Wisconsin’s natural all-hardwood forests — the beauty of the plant and animal habitats is breathtaking in all seasons and surely will be a highlight of your visit.
3. Cinemark movie theater
If you want to see something on the big screen, go to Cinemark Tinseltown in Kenosha! At Tinseltown, you’ll find all the latest releases and special events the theater hosts. Purchase popcorn, soda, candy, or any of the theater’s wide range of appetizers. Sit back on the comfortable reclining seats and enjoy a movie with your student!
4. Kenosha Kingfish
For all sports fans who want some classic arena fun, check out the Kenosha Kingfish! The city’s Northwoods league team of elite college baseball players, the Kenosha Kingfish play all their home games at Simmons Field, only a ten-minute drive from Carthage! Take a peek at the Kingfish’s playing schedule to see if they have any games during your visit and take your student to the ballpark!
5. HarborMarket
If you happen to visit your Carthage student during a weekend, go down to Kenosha’s annual Saturday HarborMarket. You will find a variety of items from local vendors, including produce, artisan products, plants, arts, and many more! With live music and the bustling scenery, the HarborMarket will surely make you and your student feel a part of the Kenosha community.
6. Premium Outlets stores
If you and your student want to do a little shopping and don’t mind a drive, head out to Kenosha County’s Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets! In the outdoor mall, you can expect 90+ name brands and designer stores to satisfy everyone’s needs. Not only are there clothing stores, but there are also shoe stores, coffee shops, food courts, collectible shops, and plenty more!