family fun

Take a Dip

Spring Lake Park in North Mankato offers a newly renovated swimming facility complete with multiple slides, sand volleyball nets, basketball hoops, ropes course, rock climbing, a 40-foot zip line, and more. Not far from Spring Lake Park is Hiniker Pond, a swimming park with a real sand beach and fishing pier. One of the area's newer attractions that is making a splash is the Splash Pad located next to Fallenstein Playground, the all-inclusive playground at Caswell Park in North Mankato. Visit one of the many lakes in the Greater Mankato area for more fun in the water.

CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour

Kids have been found to explore and get photos with some of the most interesting of the 30+ rotating outdoor sculptures displayed through the CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour. Artists from around the world share their creations starting in May when the new sculptures are installed until April. Be sure to pull out a ballot from a box along the route and get the kids to vote for their favorite. The Jurors' Purchase Award will be purchased and remain permanently in the community. While walking the City Center, look for artistic traffic signal box murals through CityArt On the Go. Each is unique and delightful. Public art can really be seen all over the community even at your feet with the poetry walk in Old Town and at Riverfront Park. Pick up the CityArt Public Art Tour guide for more information.

Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota

The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is a wonder-filled destination just waiting to be discovered. Imagine getting behind the wheel of the 1917 Little Giant sod buster, exploring six unique forts suspended in the canopy of a 30-foot “tree,” or getting your hands on experience in the two-story level maker area. With six indoor exhibits and 12,000 square feet of outdoor space, there really is something for everyone at this great museum for families.

Sibley Park

Sibley Park is a favorite of many area families. Not only is the park beautifully landscaped with extensive gardens, but it also offers endless recreational opportunities including multiple play areas, a petting zoo, picnicking areas, and outdoor workout equipment. While at the park, people can also enjoy fishing on the river, taking a walk on the Minnesota River Trail or watching a local softball game. In the winter months, Sibley Park is home to a legendary sledding hill, a synthetic ice-skating rink and the Kiwanis Holiday Lights.

River Hills Mall

Kids are a big deal at River Hills Mall. Families can extend the indoor fun within the mall by taking in a movie at the Cinemark theater. Hop on the grand Carousel and get a ride from a horse, goat, and even a cat. Kids love the Mayo Clinic Health System Children's Play Area. This fantastic playground for kids is hand-sculpted from soft foam creating a unique area specifically built for exploring. Learning, playing and just plain having fun are encouraged with this colorful and unique medicalthemed play area. The play pieces familiarize kids with what they'll see in a clinic. Children will love to crawl on the stethoscope, slide down the Band-Aid slide and more.

BurnOffSomeEnergy

Spend the day at the Mankato Family YMCA. Kids will love to run in the gyms, play in the Kid’s Gym and swim in the Taylor Family Aquatic Center and Pool. Let the school-age kids relax in the YMCA’s Pepsi Cube with foosball, a climbing wall, video games, and more.

Be Wowed at the Wow! Zone

Your kids will find plenty to do at The Wow! Zone where you can bowl or play arcade games, laser tag or glow in the dark mini-golf. Day or night, it’s always a cool experience.

Catch Some Air at Chesley Skate Park

Whether you roll on four wheels or two, Chesley Skate Park offers outdoor and indoor spaces to ride. Try your hand at skateboarding, biking, inline skating, and scooter riding in a supervised, safe, and family-friendly environment. Chesley

Skate Park is the place for youth to socialize with others who are just as enthusiastic about skating. Rentable helmets, pads, and skateboards are available for your use.

We’ve Got Game

Greater Mankato has a full menu of sports opportunities for all ages and all abilities. From pee-wee leagues to college level competitions, there is always an opening for the sports lover to either watch or play. Watch outstanding college athletes like the

Minnesota State Mavericks continue to put themselves on the map each year; as well as the Bethany Lutheran College Vikings and Gustavus Adolphus College Gusties bringing their A-game for some exciting competition. In the warmer months, head on over to ISG Field to cheer on the Mankato Moondogs. With special events, fun promotions, a family friendly atmosphere, and great baseball being played from late May through early August, a MoonDogs game is a fantastic way to spend a beautiful summer evening. Are you a seasoned runner or have you always wanted to start? Sign up for the Mankato Marathon held in October and experience beautiful scenic courses for the KidsK, 5K, 10K Half, Relay, and Full Marathon. Keep the excitement going beyond the competition and enjoy all that we have to offer in our vibrant City Center.