As a mom, I often desire to make breaks from school special and memorable for my kids. In today’s society, it’s easy to think that this has to be expensive and include travel. I’m here to tell you that this isn’t the case. Memories can be made close to home and guess what…they don’t have to break the bank, which is a bonus in today’s economy where it seems like the price of everything is skyrocketing. Most of the time, when I ask my kids their favorite part of a trip or a weekend, it’s often the free or low-cost activities that they pick. Memories DON’T have to be expensive or extravagant! Here are 9 FREE or low-cost activities in the Mankato area to do this coming fall break.
1. Visit the Goofy Goat Farm. This is a favorite spot for my family as the kids love seeing and playing with the goats. At the Goofy Goat Farm, you are free to go right into the goat’s enclosure to pet and enjoy the animals. With a playground and a picnic table, even kids that aren’t so sure of the goats are sure to love visiting. Bring left-overs to share with the goats if you please.
2. Try your bike skills at Kiwanis Skills Park. Another family favorite, my kids love testing out their mountain bike skills with this pump track and skills area. Even our youngest, at 2 years old, can ride her Strider bike throughout the park and has fun. Not only do the kids enjoy this unique activity, but it also, really helps build their biking skills. Drive down to the second parking lot and walk alongside the gate to the dog park in order to find the skills park. Those who want further adventure can try the mountain biking trails here too.
3. Pick any of the parks in my 40+ parks in the Mankato area blog here or do a “park crawl”. One of our favorite FREE activities to do throughout the year (when weather permits) is a “park crawl” which allows for us to enjoy several parks in a row for as long as we desire. With tons of parks close by, there’s many options. Since schools are out for MEA, this is a great time to try those school parks you’ve been waiting to play at.
4. Check out the fall foliage on a walk at Bluff Park, Rasmussen Woods, Seven Mile Creek, Lake Washington Regional Park, Red Jacket Trail, Gustavus Adolphus Arboretum, Hinniker Pond Park, or Williams Nature Center. MEA is the PERFECT time to see the breath-taking views of fall all around the Mankato area. With these suggestions, find a spot that works best for your family whether it be a paved-top or hiking trail. ENJOY the beauty of fall!
5. Explore some of our favorite libraries: St. Peter Public Library, Blue Earth County Library, North Mankato Taylor Library, or the New Ulm Library. My family loves visiting libraries and seeing what each library has to offer. Each of these four libraries have dedicated play areas for the kids, a wide variety of books for your reading lovers, and fun programs frequently. Maybe it’s just my kids, but a day with no time limit at a library is such a special treat for them.
6. Play Pickleball at Tourtellote Park. Recently re-done, these pickleball courts are so nice and such a family friendly activity. If you’ve never played pickleball as a family, this is a sport that all family members can play and learn together. With fairly easy rules, even our five year old understands them. It’s also a sport where you see vast improvements in little amounts of play, which makes it even more encouraging for young learners. Be sure to let the kids play at the beautiful new park here too after you play.
7. Take a long bike ride on the Red Jacket Trail or Sakatah Trail System. Fall is a perfect time to take a family bike trip full of awe inspiring views of the autumn leaves. Bring some snacks and enjoy a ride.
8. Play at the Little Green Wagon and check out all of their fun goodies. A free pumpkin patch, they have two corn bins to play in, several slides, tractors to climb on, a small corn maze, and some adorable photo opportunities all at this location. Your kids are bound to enjoy the fun here while you enjoy watching them play. Make sure to check out all of their yummy treats and fun plants before you leave. They are always adding new unique items. We love their honey, maple syrup, and pumpkins of course!
9. Do some yoga at 2 pm on Sunday afternoon at Welsh Heritage Farm. Weather pending, Emma (the donut baker for weekends) at Welsh’s Heritage Farm is offering free yoga in the orchard for both adults and kids. Enjoy a challenging work-out while feeling the breeze, taking in the sweet aromas of the apples around you, and enjoying the views of the rows of the apple orchard. This is a unique experience that your whole family will be sure to remember! After yoga, be sure to stop in the red barn to see the wide variety of goodies that they offer from honey to jams to cheese to pie to apple everything. We couldn’t resist doing some apple picking and my in-laws grabbed the most DELICIOUS peanut butter pie there too.
Pick one or multiple activities to do during MEA to create some wonderful memories without spending tons of money. Reminder…breaks can be special because it’s about who they spend the time with. Enjoy your time with your families and have a great break!
Until my next adventure,
Allie
Adventures with Sota Mama 
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