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Dad & Kid Outdoor Adventures
Get dirt under the fingernails. Hikes, bike rides, nature parks, and explore-with-kids spots.
The valley is flat, but there's more to explore than people think — riverside parks, nature playgrounds, miles of paved trail, and real woods and hills just east in lakes country. Here's where to take the kids when everyone needs to burn some energy outside.
Parks & green space in the metro
Big, walkable parks with playgrounds, shade, and room to roam.
Lindenwood Park, FargoRiverside trails, campground, picnic areasVisit ↗Island Park, FargoHistoric downtown park, pool, playgroundVisit ↗Rabanus Park & nature play parksNewer kid-focused outdoor play spacesVisit ↗M.B. Johnson Park, MoorheadRiver access and trails on the MN sideVisit ↗Gooseberry Park, MoorheadTrails, river, summer movie nightsVisit ↗
Animals, trails & wheels
Red River ZooYear-round; cold-climate species and a 1928 carouselVisit ↗Nature's Legendary PlaygroundBig outdoor play area at the Red River ZooVisit ↗Paved river trails (both sides)Miles of connected bike & walking pathsLook it up ↗Splash pads & spray parksFree cool-off spots across the metroVisit ↗
Worth the short drive (within 60 mi)
When you want real trees and hills.
Buffalo River State Park (Glyndon, MN)~20 min east; swimming, trails, prairieVisit ↗Maplewood State ParkHills, lakes & fall color near Pelican RapidsVisit ↗Wooded trails near Hawley/Detroit LakesReal hills and lakes-country woodsVisit ↗Lakes-country beachesDetroit Lakes city beach and moreVisit ↗
Dad Tip
Close-toed shoes and bug spray. Always. The mosquitoes here are a varsity team — especially near the river at dusk.