Finding activities the whole family can enjoy is a great way to make lasting memories. Whether you’re looking for something fun to do outside during the warmer months or something indoors for those snowy days, there are plenty of exciting local places to explore with your family. Read on to discover some of our favorite ways to have family-friendly fun in Owatonna, Minnesota.
Go Kayaking on Lake Kohlmeier
Photo by Nadim Merrikh on Unsplash
Spend an afternoon on the water at Lake Kohlmeier. This man-made lake was once an abandoned gravel mine, but today it features 34 acres of natural spring water. Rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, or hydro bikes for a memorable and exciting adventure. Then soak up the sun on the beach while you enjoy a picnic lunch or splurge on concessions. If you still want to explore the area, you can rent tandem bikes, trail bikes, and electric-assist trikes to peddle around the trails with the whole family. Rentals and concessions are available Thursday through Sunday, beginning in May.
Visit the Reptile and Amphibian Discovery Zoo
Located just outside of Owatonna in Medford, Minnesota, the Reptile and Amphibian Discovery Zoo houses over 150 types of animals from all across the world. Enjoy watching your children marvel at the lizards, snakes, crocodilians, and frogs while learning about these amazing creatures. The Reptile and Amphibian Discovery Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Have Fun at the River Springs Water Park
Beat the heat this summer by taking your kids to the River Springs Water Park. With two water slides, a lily pad walk, an activity pool, water basketball, and a lazy river, there’s something for everyone in your family to enjoy. Once you’re done splashing around for the day, visit the sand volleyball court or attempt to scale the climbing wall. There are also plenty of treats available in the park’s large concessions area. The River Springs Water Park is open seasonally between June and August.
Hike Through Kaplan’s Woods Park
Explore the great outdoors at Kaplan’s Woods Park. With free admission and parking, you can spend the entire day hiking or biking the 7 miles of trails with your family. Trails range from easy to intermediate and include a combination of dirt terrain, hills, and forests. If you have young children, start with the beginner-level trail that runs along Lake Kohlmier.
There are plenty of opportunities to stop for a quick swim and once you complete your hike, your kids will be excited to see the playground. Kaplan’s Woods Park also features a paved trail that’s handicapped accessible, making this a great destination for everyone.
Explore the Village of Yesteryear
Revisit the 1800s at the Village of Yesteryear. With 15 buildings and structures to explore, your family will have endless fun learning about how previous residents lived in the area. Stroll through a church, a fire hall, two cabins, and a depot. Then, visit the charming general store and see a live demonstration in the blacksmith’s shop. Finally, make sure to stop by the press building, which also features the Emporium Gift Shop, to find a unique trinket to commemorate your experience. The Village of Yesteryear is open seasonally from May through September.
Play Games at Spare Time Entertainment
Get ready for the ultimate fun at Spare Time Entertainment. Whether your family enjoys bowling or wants to compete in a game of laser tag, everyone is sure to have a blast. The arcade area features over 30 games, including classics like Space Invaders and skeeball. See how many tickets your family can earn and then cash them in for exciting prizes.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, make your way over to the restaurant for burgers, pizza, wraps, and sandwiches. If the weather is nice, you can even enjoy your food on the outdoor patio while listening to live music. Spare Time Entertainment is open seven days a week, but different sections of the establishment may have varying hours. Visit its website to learn more and see what types of family-friendly events it has coming up.
Learn Some New Tricks at the Owatonna Skate Park
The Owatonna Skate Park offers a free and fun place to teach the kids how to skateboard, roller-blade, or ride a bike. With 50,000 square feet of space and a wide variety of ramps, there’s plenty to explore. While all sports with wheels are welcome, visitors are encouraged to wear helmets and the proper safety gear. The Owatonna Skate Park is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
See a Show at the Little Theatre of Owatonna
Enjoy a family-friendly show at the Little Theatre of Owatonna. With plenty of children’s plays, musicals, comedies, and dramas to choose from, you’re sure to find something your whole family will enjoy. The Little Theatre of Owatonna casts local performers and community members to perform four unique plays each season. After the show, your kids might even ask you to sign them up for the theater’s summer camp, presented in partnership with the Bright Star Touring Theatre. View the upcoming schedule of shows and purchase your tickets on the Little Theatre of Owatonna’s website.
Monkey Around at Fairgrounds Park
Spend an afternoon monkeying around at Fairgrounds Park. With 22 acres of space to run and play, there’s plenty of fun you can have with your family here. Enjoy concessions during softball and football games or pack your own picnic lunch to enjoy in the pavilion. Then let the kids explore the playground or kick a ball around the soccer field. Fairgrounds Park is open seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
We hope our list of ways to have family-friendly fun in Owatonna, Minnesota, inspires one of your next outings. Is there a local attraction or activity your family enjoys that isn’t on our list? Let us know so we can include it in one of our upcoming blog posts.
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