7 Fun Outdoor Activities with Kids In Rochester And SE MN 2024
1: Quarry Hill Nature Center, Rochester, MN
Quarry Hill is a park with over 329 acres to explore and 8+ miles of paved paths and hiking trails including a cave that is now on the historical registry. The nature center was opened in 1973 and is a very popular destination with live animals, nature classes and a birthday party venue, not to mention numerous summer camps and programs throughout the year. In 2017, the facility added Nordic ski and both skis and snowshoes can be rented on site. Watch out for their fun winter nighttime candlelit adventures too!
Quarry Hill Nature Center in Rochester Minnesota. A haven of fun for all ages and perfect for a variety of activities in every season.
2: Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo, Bryon, MN
The park is only a 15 minute drive from Rochester and was a favorite of my children. With a darling indoor nature center and multiple outdoor animal exhibits that feel respectful and open, a day at Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo is a treat. The facility also offers educational and recreational programs and activities and be sure to ask for their fun kids backpacks to fully engage with nature and the animals.
After you’re done visiting with the animals, be sure to check out the Imagination Playscape where you can dig up fossils, explore a butterfly garden and tadpole ponds, play music and spend hours in one of the more creative and thoughtful play spaces around. My kids ADORE this park.
Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo is a treasure to pass a day away at and only about 15 mins from Rochester, MN.
3, 4, & 5: Walking, Biking, and Exploring in Rochester, MN
Rochester MN has over 85 miles of paved, interconnected walking and biking trails. These trails send bikers and hikers through beautiful scenery, cuts right through downtown, along the Zumbro river and provides access to over 100 city parks , historical and natural attractions. Even during the winter, many of these trails are plowed for use. You can rent bikes for all ages, baby trailers and tandem bikes at Silver Lake Boat and Bike Rental all summer and by appointment during the winter. The city of Rochester also started a bike share program for community members where one can rent a bike for free at one of its bike share locations at the Rochester Public library, East Plaza or Rochester City Hall. Be sure to check out We Bike Rochester (WBR) too which is a non-profit organization that advocates for safe cycling for all. Members enjoy social events that promote the benefits of cycling and positive social interactions.
Family Biking and Exploring in Rochester MN
6: Any Lake Activity - Summer or Winter (but especially in the Summer!)
Rochester has 3500 acres of parkland and 85 miles of paved trails, plus access to state trails. Each of the four city quadrants has a dedicated park with lots of community activities and amenities. Silver lake in the SE neighborhood, Soldiers Field in the SW neighborhood, Foster-Arend in the SE neighborhood and Cascade Park in the NW Neighborhood have activities to meet all needs and fitness levels through the year with walking, running, swimming, ice skating, broomball, biking, fishing, playgrounds, golf courses, picnic areas, swimming, beaches, tennis and pickleball courts, ice-skating and ice fishing in the winter.
Minnesota didn’t get the title ‘The land of 10,000 lakes’ for no reason. Spending time in any one of her lakes is one of our favorite activity no matter the season!
7: Outdoor Fun in Winter
Winter activities with kids deserves a whole other post so CLICK HERE to dive into that one!
That should keep you busy for a while!
If you need help with your move to Rochester MN be sure to send me an email or call anytime!
Sandra Reid
