It’s summer time and our family is always looking for free spots to enjoy! For us, one place we love are playgrounds…a free, fun, and limitless activity to do! I put together a list of 40+ playgrounds in the Mankato area (within one hour or less away), so you can just choose the park and not have to do any work. I’ve included some of my favorite spots near by in case you want to make a day trip or adventure day out of the location.
In Mankato:
1. Sibley Park- Mankato: This park is most definitely worth the trip to Mankato in itself. If you’re from the Twin Cities and you haven’t visited, this is a must visit playground. Unlike many other parks, this one has a unique farm theme. From cow sculptures for climbing to a barn to play on to a chicken coop and a pig pen for letting kid’s imaginations fly, the playground is enough. Yet, there is also a small zoo here. Complete with goats, sheep, cows, llamas, pheasants, peacocks, and more, this allows kids to enjoy animals for free. Another favorite spot here is their garden. My kids love to smell the flowers and picnic in this area. Last, there is a beautiful pavilion on top of the hill that overlooks Sibley Park. This is another stunning location to picnic or walk. Sibley Park is a definite visit for everyone of all ages! Other spots to visit close by: Mom and Pop’s Ice Cream Shop, Wooden Spoon, Bluff Park, or the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota.
2. Highland Park- Mankato: Another favorite for our family! Not only do the kids love that they can climb high above the playground and be safely enclosed, but they also, enjoy the wide variety of playground equipment here. My older kids like the small trail attached to the park with the exercise equipment along it. Other spots to visit close by: Mom and Pop’s Ice Cream Shop, Wooden Spoon, or the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota.
3. FA Buscher Park- Mankato: Recently re-done, my son loved this spot even before the re-model. Not many other parks have a true putting green where kids can golf. It has a perfect small space for little ones to play and challenging areas for the big kids to explore.
4. Alexander Park- Mankato: This park was also, re-done in the fall of 2022. Boasting a fun climbing spot, zipline, and an assortment of fun spinning play, it’s sure to keep your kids entertained for a while. Also, this park has a basketball court, tennis courts, clean bathrooms, and a baseball field.
5. Hoover Elementary- North Mankato: Did you know there is a ninja course in North Mankato? My kids love doing the ninja course here. I, of course, have to time them to see if they can beat each other or their own personal records. They also, love that there is traditional playground equipment here as well. Make sure to stop by Bluff Park, Fallenstein Park, and the North Mankato Taylor Library when you visit this spot.
6. Tourtellotte Park- Mankato: Another park that was re-done for this year that should be a must-visit for your family. This park also, has several brand new pickleball courts and a swimming pool that should open later this summer. My kids loved the new tree-top design. Many small features were included within the re-design and the kids were excited to keep finding more fun small details. A scavenger hunt kept them busy here too. Make sure to plan a stop at Wooden Spoon or Mom & Pop’s Ice Cream before or after a visit to this new park.
7. Fallenstein Park- North Mankato: Always a hit, this park boasts not only a beautiful inclusive playground with a variety of play equipment for all ages and skills, but it also has a splash pad. This is a beautiful spot for a picnic and there are several umbrellas of shade to keep the hot sun off your family as you play. If you’re looking to make a day out of visiting this spot, check out Bluff Park for a walk, the North Mankato Taylor Library, and the Kiwanis Recreation Center Skills Bike Park.
8. Stoltzmann Road Park- Mankato: This park is unique with a European-style playground. Despite the park not seeming large, my kids always seem to occupy themselves with the wide variety of playground equipment for extended amounts of time. The spinning equipment and teeter-totter are always their favorites. Other spots to visit close by include: the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, Sweet Spot (a Bubble tea spot), the Blue Earth County Library, and Rasmussen Woods.
9. Rosa Parks Elementary Park- Mankato: A large playground that actually has two different playing areas that you might not get to during the school year is definitely worth the visit to check out. This spot has it all for playground equipment: swings, climbing, hanging, running, and sliding. Many baseball fields are also, close by.
10. Erlandson Park- Mankato: Yet another park that has been re-done this year in the Mankato area that you will want to plan a visit! This park has a more modern-look to it and engages kids in its uniqueness. Since the structure is so different than most parks, it beckons kids (and adults) to come try it out! A soccer field and tennis courts are also, at this park. Other spots to visit close by include: Blue Earth County Library, Sweet Spot (a Bubble tea spot), and the downtown sculptures.
11. Hinniker Pond Park- Mankato: This is a hidden park right off highway 169. Complete with a swimming spot and a trail that actually winds up the side of the bluff all the way up to Bluff Park, this park contains a small ninja course area that our kids enjoy. Definitely a great stop when you don’t have a ton of time to get off the highway, but still want a park the kids will enjoy. Other spots to visit close by include: the Spring Lake Park pool, Bluff Park in North Mankato, and the Kiwanis Recreation Area Skills Bike Park and kid’s trail.
In New Ulm:
12. Hermann Heights Park: At the base of the Hermann the German statue, this park has a beautiful location overlooking the city of New Ulm. With two ziplines, swings, climbing, and rocking, there’s a wide variety of things for kids of all ages to do. Since New Ulm is not a huge town, I would highly suggest doing a park crawl when you visit! There’s many fun parks to check out close together. Also, bring swim suits for any of the swimming areas in town and grab ice cream at MN Eis after.
13. Lincoln Park: Not only is this a fun tree themed playground with lots for the littlest ones to play on, but there is also, a fun frog wading pool. There are also, pickleball courts and clean bathrooms at this park. Wading pools in New Ulm are a great way to cool down on a hot day without requiring you (the adult) to also, have a swim suit on with your little ones. Also, they are a great option if you have multiple kids and swimming with all of them isn’t your favorite thing to do.
14. Riverside Park: A pirate boat themed park with a dragon to climb on, this is one of my kid’s absolute favorite parks in New Ulm! Right along the river, it’s a beautiful location for a picnic and it’s not uncommon to see fly fishing in action while you’re playing. Next to this park, there’s a complete hidden gem called the Riverside Park Environmental Learning Center. Only open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, this place is hands-on learning at its finest. The people who run the location are knowledgeable, kind, and fun to talk to. They let you touch almost everything there and answer any and all questions you direct towards them.
15. German Park: Unlike any other park you’ve been to, German Park has a gravity rail most relatable to a roller coaster swing. My kids could spend hours just riding on that, but the playground also, has slides, swings, climbing equipment, and musical instruments. Make sure to stop in the beautiful gardens located right by the amphitheater at German when you visit this spot.
16. Washington Park: This playground is pretty large and offers play equipment for kids of all ages. It also, has a fun wading pool with a large slide and a variety of water toys. Again, the wading pools are great for parents of multiple kids or if you’re not wanting to put on a swimsuit while your kids are able to play in the water.
17. North Park Splash Pad: My kids love this park for the Zipline and climbing structures. I love that there is a smaller park right down the hill that’s perfect for your littlest explorers. There’s also, a splash pad, batting cages, and many different areas for a picnic or snack.
18. Washington Learning Center: This park is one you’ll have to visit during non-school hours as it’s at New Ulm’s Learning Center. Yet, it’s definitely a must-visit park! Designed with every kind of kid in mind, there is lots for everyone to do. A small race track, musical area, sand area with a sand kitchen, small playhouse, building materials, and a tree playground are all areas that kids can explore and learn.
In St. Peter:
19. Gorman Park: One of the almost extinct wooden playgrounds, this location is a hit with my kids every time. My kids enjoy the “hidden passages” beneath the wood top and love to play hide and seek within this park. They also, love that when they get tired of the wooden park, there is a small park right up the hill from Gorman. Spots to explore in St. Peter besides the parks include: the Gustavus Adolpheus University Arboretum, Diamond Dust Bakery, Traverse Des Sioux Park, and the St. Peter Public Library.
20. Gault Park: This park is enjoyed by my kids because of the unique tires to climb in and through. They also, love the assortment of climbing areas. Last, despite visiting this park several times, we have yet to ever see it busy.
In Owatonna:
21. Manthey Park: Despite visiting this park on a beautiful day in February, this was a hit with my kids. The kids enjoyed the ziplines, small playhouse, musical instruments, variety of play equipment, and the fact that it was an inclusive playground. A scavenger hunt throughout the park was also, enjoyable for the kids. Basketball and baseball were also, able to be played here. Other spots to check out in this area include: the RAD Zoo in Medford and Kaplan Woods.
22. Morehouse Park: Taking a cute bridge to this park, my kids were pumped to play on nature-based playground equipment. Highlights included: nets to climb across, a rock climbing wall, and sand excavaters to dig with. Very nice pickleball courts were also, available at this cute park.
In Jordan:
23. Grassmann Park: Another family favorite! This is one of those parks you have to try for yourself and is definitely worth a drive. It’s a ninja-style playground with a hard and easier course. Complete with a stop watch that you can use to time your ninja abilities, this park is perfect for all ability levels. Despite that being enough to entertain your family, there is a full playground here as well. A small path that walks around the area and a baseball field are also, at this playground. Spots to try close by include: Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store and Lagoon Park.
24. Lagoon Park: This park has a ton to offer and isn’t too far off highway 169. My kids like the swings, sand excavaters, and assortment of slides. Also, there is no lack of things to do if the playground isn’t enough as this park has a splash pad, a swimming beach, sand volleyball, and a waterfall. Yep, you read that right…a waterfall! It’s located right off the parking lot across the street from the playground.
In Surrounding Towns:
25. Heritage Park- Mapleton: A treasure of a playground in a small town, this park is beautiful, clean, and entertaining for all age levels. It has two separate playground areas and a splash pad. Each park has some unique features that make it fun for kids of all ages, such as a little truck, tires, and different climbing features. Plan a visit to Amboy Cottage Cafe and the Amboy City Park if you come to this park. Note: Mapleton’s library has all the same library events as the Mankato libraries and they aren’t as crowded. Coordinate a library event with a chance to play at these parks and run through the splash pad!
26. Lake Francis City Park- Elysian: This location is a winner because of its stunning location right along the lake. I’m such a fan of playgrounds right on water, so the kids have fun and the parents have a beautiful view. A playground for both the big kids and for the smaller kids is a bonus. Other stops around this park include: Scoops (an adorable ice cream shop), Lolli-Pops Bakery, Sakatah Lake State Park, Bray Park, Duck Lake Park, the Goofy Goat Farm, and Make It Waterville.
27. West City Park-Winnebago: This is a complete hidden gem of a playground. My kids were thrilled to see there are not one, not two, but three different playground areas at this park. Each area is slightly different and offers unique elements for kids to enjoy. Also, at this park is a basketball court, swimming pool, and skate park. Other areas to explore close by include: Amboy Cottage Cafe, Amboy City Park, and the Jolly Green Giant statue and museum.
28. Huber Park-Shakopee: Recently re-done in the last few years, this park is such a fun spot. Located right off the river and 169, this is another easy stop as you are traveling up to the cities or down south. My kids loved all the climbing features and nets, the super unique teeter totter you could do by yourself, and the climbing merry-go-round. Locations to check out close to this park include: Lions Park, Valleyfair, the Landing, the Shakopee Community Center, Wampach’s Restaurant, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and the Shakopee Public Library.
29. Madelia Elementary School Park- Madelia: Another park that you will want to try outside of the school day or in the summer, this is such a huge park that you’ll want to check out. My kids love the swings underneath the play equipment. Other places to check out while in this area include: Sweet Indeed! bakery, La Plaza Fiesta (a delicious Mexican restaurant), and Hope & Faith Floral Studio & Gifts (try their gelato!).
30. Bray Park- Madison Lake: We love this beautiful spot. Yet another recently re-done playground, this county park has lots to offer. Last summer, we went kayaking on the lake for a super cheap price of $6 per hour per kayak. The park also, has sand volleyball, a breath-taking pavilion area for a picnic, and a beach. As for the park, it has fun tree features, swings, and allows kids to climb up high in a tower safely. This park boasts charming views of the lake and nature while playing. Other spots to check out nearby include: Scoops (an adorable ice cream shop), Lolli-Pops Bakery, Sakatah Lake State Park, Lake Francis City Park, Duck Lake Park, the Goofy Goat Farm, and Make It Waterville.
31. Amboy City Park-Amboy: This was a unique park we stumbled upon by mistake and were so pleased to find. A fun basketball hoop, lots of climbing features, a scavenger hunt, and several animal spring riders were the highlights of this park for our kids. Other spots to check out nearby include: Heritage Park in Mapleton, Amboy Cottage Cafe, and West City Park in Winnebago.
32. Northeast Park- Waseca: This is such a fun park for kids of all ages to find something to do! My kids love the climbing structures and the merry-go-round the most. Our youngest daughter enjoys the variety of slides and a toddler part of the playground. Sand volleyball courts and soccer fields are also, available at this park. Make sure to coordinate this visit with a stop at Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm and Clear Lake Park.
33. Duck Lake Park- Madison Lake: Another park that is worth seeing because of the stunning views of the lake. We had a picnic lunch here and I think we all had trouble taking in all the beauty around us. Despite not being a huge playground, the park has sand volleyball, a beach, and fishing as well. It’s a very peaceful location as well. Other spots close by to include in adventures are: Scoops (an adorable ice cream shop), Lolli-Pops Bakery, Sakatah Lake State Park, Lake Francis City Park, Lake Francis City Park, the Goofy Goat Farm, and Make It Waterville.
34. Lake Eagle Park- Eagle Lake: I was shocked at how close to Mankato this park was and I had no idea. A friend recommended it to us and I loved the short walking trail and beautiful sitting areas around the small pond. My girls loved the wooden car and playing make-believe in it. This park was the perfect mix of remodeled playground equipment with a touch of the older stuff still there for making more memories. A baseball field was also, at this park. Wildwood County Park is a great spot close by for some hiking. It has a fun suspension bridge!
35. Lions Park- Shakopee: We’ve loved this park for a while. It’s a large all-inclusive playground with a splash pad. My kids love that the splash pad is so close to the playground that they can easily go back and forth whether their siblings want to follow or not. Complete with two ziplines and many swings, this park has something for everyone. Locations to check out close to this park include: Huber Park, Valleyfair, the Landing, the Shakopee Community Center, Wampach’s Restaurant, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and the Shakopee Public Library.
36. Lions Park- Chaska: This park is such a goldmine that most people don’t know about. Not only do they have two different playgrounds: one for younger kids and one for older kids, but they also have lots of baseball fields, pickleball courts, and a pump track. Despite us visiting on a day with a huge baseball tournament, most of the amenities here were not being used. The pump track was a huge hit with all three of my kids and two of their cousins. We had to force them to leave as they would have stayed and rode all day long. Definitely worth the drive, this is a spot you’ll want to visit! Other spots close by to check out include: Fireman’s Park (has a splash pad, a boardwalk, a swimming beach, and a playground), Crooked Pint ( a restaurant that has curling), Play Date LLC (an indoor playground), and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (make sure you check out the educational kid’s area).
37. Lawcon Park- Mountain Lake: Tucked into this cute town, this park is right off their lake and has lots for kids to do. Also, at this location is a disc golf course, a swimming beach, and a nice path to walk on. Other places to check out close by include: The Botanist (go for milk shakes), Heritage Village, and Jeffers Petroglyphs.
38. Gomsrud Park- Fairmont: Fairmont is a beautiful city with a chain of five lakes. You’ve read how much I love when parks are right off the water. This is another one of those. It’s located in between two lakes and a canal that connects both lakes is to the side of the park. One thing I love about this park is they left the original playground, complete with animal swings and a car to play around in, at the playground when they added on. The new playground is inclusive and has ziplines, swings, musical instruments, and lots of climbing for all different ability levels. Kayaks and canoes can also, be rented at this spot. After this visit, make sure you check out Dairy Freeze (a cash only ice cream spot), Fairmont Aquatic Park, the Fairmont Public Library, or Graffiti Corner (add your own toppings to frozen yogurt and coffee shop).
39. Clear Lake Park- Waseca: This park was such an amazing find for my family. Not only does the park have baseball fields, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, basketball courts, a swimming beach, horseshoe and Cornhole games, and a massive pavilion full of picnic tables, but the park is stunning. An inclusive park, there are tons of things for kids to do of all ages and ability levels. A Zipline, merry-go-round, and swings are a few of the things my kids spent a large amount of time on. I loved all the small details that made the park unique. For instance, there were monkey bars on the bottom of a fun bridge. Definitely a park that you could spend all day at and keep busy! Pair this visit with a trip to Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm and Northeast park. Currently, there is construction around the park, but it is worth it!
40. Butterfield City Park- Butterfield: A newer park within the last few years, this park offers a long Zipline, a toddler park area, swings, exercise equipment, and a larger park area. There is a sand volleyball court near the park. Be sure to stop by Schmidt’s Bakery, La Plaza Jalisco, Meadowlark Prairie Outdoor lab, Encore Coffee, and Voss Park for a pretty walk.
41. Memorial Park- St. James: This park also, offers a lot in a small town. The park itself is fun for all ages, complete with some older playground equipment and newer playground equipment. It also, has a skateboard area, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, a softball field, corn hole, a disc golf course, horseshoe courts, and three fishing piers. A beautiful path surrounds it all and if you want a longer walk, there is a four mile loop around the whole lake. Soon, a splash pad will be coming to the park as well. Water rentals, such as kayaks and canoes, are available for rent through the town pool. Other spots to check out close by include: Schmidt’s Bakery, La Plaza Jalisco, Meadowlark prairie outdoor lab, Eagles Nest County Park, and Encore Coffee.
42. North Park- Dodge Center: We completely stumbled upon this park by mistake and it was an awesome find! I’m such a fan of the all-wood parks so, kids can play on them even in the heat of summer and they remind me of my childhood. This park had a small newer section of musical instruments and playground equipment. Then, you entered into a wooden castle. It was complete with tons of hidden passageways, fun features like tires to climb through, and nets to climb on, and a wide variety of slides. Not only was the park cool, but the aquatic center right next to the park looked like so much fun! Located in between Austin, MN where the SPAM museum is and Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo in Byron, this was a great spot to run around and get some extra energy out with the kids.
Hope this helps make your summer a little more adventurous and a little easier on you! Enjoy playing!
Until my next adventure,
Allie
Adventures with Sota Mama 
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