FunKidsActivities

Wheel Fun Rentals | Veterans Park North Boat Rentals

1400 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA

Overview

Category:Kayaking for Kids
Location:Milwaukee, WI

Expert Summary

Detailed Insights

Wheel Fun Rentals offers a unique family-friendly experience with their distinctive swan paddle boats on a scenic lagoon. It stands out for its exceptionally kind and accommodating staff, particularly noted for their willingness to adapt for children with special needs and their focus on customer safety and enjoyment. While providing a great value for groups, be mindful of weather conditions and the condition of some equipment.

Key Highlights

  • Staff (e.g., Ivan) is consistently described as kind, knowledgeable, friendly, comedic, and very helpful with getting on/off boats, actively concerned for customer safety.
  • Owners/staff are incredibly understanding and accommodating for children with special needs, specifically mentioned for allowing a larger group to share one boat and take turns to prevent overstimulation for a child with autism.
  • Paddle boats allow for enjoying gorgeous natural scenery on the lake/lagoon, described as calming and romantic (for adults).
  • Staff sometimes gifts extra time for special occasions, adding to the value and positive experience.
  • Flat rate of approximately $35 for an hour rental covers up to four people, including life vests, making it a good value for small groups/families.

Standout Features

  • Unique swan paddle boats.
  • Highly accommodating and friendly staff.
  • Beautiful natural scenery and calm lagoon environment.
  • Good flat rate pricing for groups (up to 4 people).
  • Staff assistance with boarding and de-boarding boats.

Perfect For

Families with children: Suitable for small families (up to 4 people per boat).
Children with special needs: Highly accommodating for children with autism and likely other sensory sensitivities due to staff flexibility.
Older children/Teens: Might enjoy the physical challenge of paddling, especially on calm days.
Toddlers/Young children: Can participate while adults paddle, but parents should be aware of the physical effort required from paddlers, especially on windy days. They may get bored if the activity feels too long.

Ideal For

Families looking for a unique, leisurely water activity on a calm day.
Groups of up to four people seeking an affordable outdoor outing.
Families with children needing special accommodations, as staff are highly understanding.
Couples seeking a calming and scenic romantic activity (as experienced by anniversary couple).
First-time visitors or tourists looking for a pleasant one-time experience.

💡Pro Tips from Reviews

  • Check wind conditions before visiting; avoid on windy or even breezy days to prevent a physically challenging experience.
  • Be prepared for the possibility of moldy or smelly life vests; consider bringing hand sanitizer or wipes.
  • Keep in mind that 30-50 minutes might be sufficient for the full experience, especially with younger children.
  • If you have a child with special needs, communicate your requirements to the staff; they are noted for being very understanding and flexible.
  • Be ready for a bit of a workout, as paddling can require significant effort.

Things to Consider

  • Life vests were reported as "very moldy and smelly" in one review, indicating a significant hygiene issue that parents should be aware of.
  • Paddling can be physically demanding, described as a 'workout', especially when going against the wind.
  • The experience might feel complete after 30-50 minutes, suggesting that a full hour might be longer than necessary for some groups or younger children.
  • Weather highly impacts the experience: extremely tough to paddle on windy days. Recommendation to stay on land if there's even a breeze.

Price & Value

Approximately $35 for an hour rental, which includes up to four people and life vests. This is considered a 'great price' and 'good value' for a group activity. However, the reported condition of the life vests detracts from the overall value.

Accessibility & Special Needs

  • Staff demonstrated understanding and flexibility for children with autism (e.g., allowing sharing a boat and taking turns to manage overstimulation).
  • Staff are helpful with getting on and off the boats, which could assist individuals with mobility challenges.

🛡️Safety Features

  • Life vests are included with the rental (though condition is a concern).
  • Staff are concerned for customer safety and actively assist with boarding and de-boarding boats.

When to Avoid

  • Visiting on windy or breezy days, as paddling becomes extremely difficult and less enjoyable.
  • If you are highly sensitive to strong odors or hygiene issues, due to reports of moldy life vests.
  • If you are seeking a high-thrill, adrenaline-pumping activity (this is a calm, leisurely experience).
  • If you or your family members have limited physical stamina, especially if it's not a calm day.

Pricing/Package/Events

Pricing & Packages

Swan Boat Scavenger Hunt - Weekdays Before Noon

Starting from $7.50 per person

Duration: 2 hours

A team-building adventure on Swan Boats with questions, clues, riddles, and a race. Includes loading/unloading, safety instructions, and life jackets. If the hunt finishes early, guests can continue exploring on Swan Boats.

Includes:
  • Swan Boat rental
  • Bimini top for sun shade
  • Life jackets
  • Safety instructions
  • Scavenger hunt materials (questions, clues, riddles)
  • Race activity
Ages: All ages

Swan Boat Scavenger Hunt - Weekdays After Noon

Starting from $10 per person

Duration: 2 hours

A team-building adventure on Swan Boats with questions, clues, riddles, and a race. Includes loading/unloading, safety instructions, and life jackets. If the hunt finishes early, guests can continue exploring on Swan Boats.

Includes:
  • Swan Boat rental
  • Bimini top for sun shade
  • Life jackets
  • Safety instructions
  • Scavenger hunt materials (questions, clues, riddles)
  • Race activity
Ages: All ages

Swan Boat Scavenger Hunt - Weekends Before Noon

Starting from $12 per person

Duration: 2 hours

A team-building adventure on Swan Boats with questions, clues, riddles, and a race. Includes loading/unloading, safety instructions, and life jackets. If the hunt finishes early, guests can continue exploring on Swan Boats.

Includes:
  • Swan Boat rental
  • Bimini top for sun shade
  • Life jackets
  • Safety instructions
  • Scavenger hunt materials (questions, clues, riddles)
  • Race activity
Ages: All ages

Events & Schedule

Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)

Swan Boat Night Rides (Illuminated)

Seasonal

Not specified, assumed to be regular rental rates or included in group packages

Cruise across the lagoon on LED-lit Swan Boats after sunset. Perfect for date nights, special occasions, and evening activity.

Corporate Teambuilding Events

Available upon booking (minimum 15 people)

Refer to group activity pricing for Swan Boat Scavenger Hunt

Structured boating teambuilding exercises to improve morale and creativity, or recreational breaks from training. Focuses on communication, teamwork, and trust.

Birthday Parties & Private Events

Available upon booking (minimum 15 people)

Refer to group activity pricing for Swan Boat Scavenger Hunt

Customizable boating activities for all ages and abilities, including birthday parties, family reunions, quinceaneras, team/club parties, etc.

🍎Food Policy

  • Not explicitly mentioned regarding rentals or general park rules, but picnics are suggested for Veterans Park.

🛡️Safety Policy

  • Safety instructions are provided with every rental.
  • Life jackets are provided with every rental.
  • Life jackets are included in the 2-hour duration for group events.

📅Booking Policy

  • Minimum group size for corporate and private events (e.g., Swan Boat Scavenger Hunt) is 15 people.
  • Group event prices are based on a 2-hour event.

🚗Parking Information

  • Conveniently located on the northeast end of Veterans Park, with parking.
Information extracted from official website • Last updated: Sep 29, 2025

What People Say

What's Great

  • Friendly and helpful staff (mentioned in 11 reviews)
  • Safe environment for children (mentioned in 2 reviews)
  • Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 3 reviews)
  • Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)

Recent Reviews

Spoopty

Spoopty

a year ago

For our one year wedding anniversary, my husband and I took one of the swan paddle boats out on the lake. It was a beautiful sunny day with a light breeze even though it was only one day before the end of the rental season. Being out on the lake together and enjoying the gorgeous natural scenery was both calming and romantic. We'd definitely recommend it. The man that rented the boat to us was very kind and gifted us a bit of extra time for the special occasion at no charge but after about 40-50 minutes we felt content that we saw it all.

Jessica Ann Kong

Jessica Ann Kong

2 years ago

We had a blast on the paddle boat swans. The owners were incredibly understanding that we had a larger group with a child with autism that would not want to paddle for an hour. We were able to share 1 swan and take turns so he didn’t become over stimulated or overwhelmed with the experience. The workers were amazing and talked with us while we took turns. It was a great experience and I would recommend for a fun time. It was definitely a workout too! Lol

Rachel Musgrave

Rachel Musgrave

a year ago

Fun experience! Great price for an hour of fun on the water. The staff, Ivan, was great; kind and very knowledgeable. He was helpful with getting on and off the boat, very friendly and easy to talk to. You could tell he was concerned for the safety of his customers. We had a good time pedaling up and down the lagoon. Highly recommend!

Lacie

Lacie

a year ago

Cute little paddle boat rental shop. It was roughly $35 for an hour rental, which includes up to four people and life vests for that flat rate. We felt that after about 30-40 minutes we saw the whole area + full experience. The life vests were very moldy and smelly. The service/staff were super friendly and comedic as well. Was a good experience for a one time tourist activity.

Blake J

Blake J

a year ago

Caution if it's a windy day and you're not a regular bike rider it will get extremely tough going against the wind. On a nice calm day recommended if there's a breeze stay on land. Staff was very friendly.

Contact Information

1400 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA

View on Google Maps

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Quick Stats

Overall Rating
4.3
Total Reviews130
Recent Reviews5