Looking for some ideas for summertime fun with little ones?
Here’s our list of favorite activities—some cost nothing, some cost a little. Some will get you indoors out of thunderstorms and humidity. Some will get you and Baby out in the sunshine—which we all know is good for both of you! Try a few of each kind and have fun!
FREE Summer Fun for Your Little One
IDEA #1 – The Redwood Falls Public Library has lots of fun options. See more details here.
- Read and play in the children’s section.
- Borrow a toy set and go play in the outdoor play area.
- Check out some books to take home—you can check out armloads at a time!
- Free movie times: Fridays at 1:30 they show a G or PG movie for younger children.
- Crafts: Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. kids can get creative with special guests
- Story time for preschoolers up to 5: Every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., and every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. No registration; just show up!
- Adventure Club for grades K-4: every Tues. at 3:30 p.m. kids can have fun exploring books, science, math through activities, games, experiments and crafts.
IDEA #2 – Parks! Parks! Parks! Redwood Falls is full of them. Find out where they are here. (The website shows picnic spots, but they all have playgrounds suitable for different ages. Get to know your favorite. The play structure at Perks Park, shown below, is a favorite of brave climbers!
Find your favorite playground and visit often!
IDEA #3 – Alexander Ramsey Park is rich with options for families with small kids. You can:
- Take a stroll on smooth shaded trails
- Go see and hear the thundering Redwood Falls
- Visit the animals at Ramsey Park Zoo—even feed some of them!
- Cross the swinging bridge
- Have a picnic in the open or under one of the shelters
- Have a ball at one of the playgrounds
- Camp at the campground
- Fish along the river
(And don’t forget: if you need a stroller for these outings, find out how to get one at no cost through our Earn While You Learn program!)
Inexpensive Fun for Families
IDEA #4 – Shop local at the Farmers’ Market. They’re open Tuesdays from 2:00 – 5:30pm, and Saturdays from 9:00am – noon. Talk to the people who grow your food. Ask for cooking suggestions if you’re up for an experiment. It’s more fun than a grocery store—and it gets you some of the freshest veggies around! You can even treat yourself to some cupcakes or take home a bouquet of flowers!
IDEA #5 – The Redwood Area Community Center (RACC) has some fun things for little ones. But you’ve got to sign up fast!
- Sunshine Camp for 3-5-yr-olds (July 15-19)
- Threes in Motion for 3-year-olds (July 15-17)
- Music in Me for Threes (July 18-19)
Get all the details from the RAAC programs guide here.
IDEA # 6 – It’s County Fair Time! From July 17-21, you can check out the little animals, take carnival rides, and more. Kids under 12 are FREE, and a day pass for Mom or Dad is only $7. On Friday from 1:00-5:00, carnival rides are only $1. (See other cost-saving options here.)
Check out this fun Cartoon Map of the fair: (click to enlarge)
Download a full size map at: http://redwoodcountyfair.com/cartoon-map-redwood-county-fair/
IDEA #7 – Go swimming! For only $5/day (or save $$ and get a season pass) kids can enjoy the Aquatic Center, which offers a zero-entry play area separate from the swimming/lap area, diving area, and water slide. Fun for kids of all ages!
Stay Safe and Have Fun!
We know you’ll want to make sure your child is safe in the sun and water. So check out our quick tips:
And accept our best wishes for a delightful summer with your little one. Take pictures!!
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Did you know our Baby Buck Boutique stocks infant swimsuits, sun hats, sandals, sunscreen, and more?
Find out what you can get for free through our Earn While You Learn program.