Big Fun for Little Ones: Forksful of Budget‑Friendly Adventures
Finding fun things to do with kids doesn’t have to drain your wallet — especially in Greater Grand Forks, where family‑friendly adventures are practically everywhere you look. Whether your crew loves exploring the outdoors, getting creative, or burning off energy indoors, the Grand Forks/East Grand Forks area is packed with budget‑friendly gems. Here’s your go‑to guide for making memories without breaking the bank.
EXPLORE THE GREENWAY: NATURE'S PLAYGROUND // YEAR ROUND
The Greenway is basically one giant outdoor adventure zone. Kids can bike, scooter, skip rocks, hunt for cool sticks or just run wild. No wheels? No problem! Just grab a free bike from Town Square or other areas around town courtesy of the Grand Rides Bike Share program. Those under 16 fish free in North Dakota and Minnesota, making it the perfect time to cast a line in the Red. In fall months, little ones can collect leaves, pinecones and “treasures” for crafts. Pack a picnic, toss a frisbee or wander the trails and see what you discover. Winter brings out some of the best kid‑friendly adventures in Forks and Greenway Snow Day is a highlight. Kids can try sledding, skating, snowshoeing and other winter activities all in one spot — it turns Lincoln Park into a giant seasonal playground. And the best part? It’s free of charge thanks to the Grand Forks Park District! And the fun doesn’t stop there. Local parks offer plenty of simple winter to‑dos: sliding down neighborhood hills, gliding on outdoor rinks or taking snowy walks to spot tracks and frosty trees.
TAKE A TRIP TO THE LIBRARY // YEAR ROUND
Storytimes, craft days, scavenger hunts, STEAM programs and shelves full of books waiting to be explored — Campbell Library is a goldmine for curious kids. The Grand Forks Public Library offers kids a warm, creative space filled with storytime events, hands‑on activities and plenty of books and digital resources to explore. Both of our public libraries are places where children can learn, play and discover new interests through year-long programs and special events. Bonus: it’s a great spot to escape the cold or heat without spending a dime.
SPLASH AROUND AT LOCAL POOLS & SPRAY PARKS // JUNE-AUGUST
When the weather cooperates, the area’s scenic parks are unbeatable.
The East Grand Forks swimming pool in Sherlock Park has been a popular spot for family fun for many years. It’s a terrific place for locals and visitors to find a cool place during hot summer days.
Elks Pool & Spray Park is summer fun on tap — cool water, bright splashes and endless kid energy. It’s affordable, refreshing and an ideal spot for little swimmers to beat the heat.
University Spray Park is close to the UND campus and features gorgeous floral gardens. It’s also the perfect spot for kids to cool off and burn energy. With playful sprays, bubbling fountains and plenty of room to splash around, University is a summertime favorite that keeps the fun flowing — all without spending a dime.
Riverside Pool has that relaxed, neighborhood feel — the kind of place where kids can splash around, hang with friends, and enjoy a simple summer afternoon. It’s an easy, low‑key spot for families to cool off and unwind. Riverside Park sits right along the Greenway Trail, making it an easy adventure to reach—whether you roll in on a bike, zip over on a scooter, or wander in on your own two feet.
Choice Spray Park, located just steps from Choice Health & Fitness, is a quick and easy way for kids to cool off on hot summer days. With playful spray features and plenty of room to splash, it’s a favorite neighborhood stop for simple, free warm‑weather fun.
Pack snacks, sunscreen and let the kids burn off that endless energy.
WANDER AROUND THE FARMERS MARKET // MID JUNE-SEPTEMBER
The Town Square Farmers Market is a sensory adventure — live music, vibrant colors, enticing smells and friendly faces everywhere. Kids love sampling local treats, checking out handmade crafts and dancing along to live music. You don’t have to spend a thing to enjoy the scene, even if those home‑baked goodies and food truck vendors test your willpower.
CHECK OUT RIVER CINEMA 15's BUDGET-FRIENDLY DEALS // YEAR ROUND
River Cinema 15 often offers matinee pricing and $5 Tuesdays, making it a great option when you want to treat the kids without splurging. Heated recliners don’t hurt either.
SKATE, SLIDE & GLIDE AT FCCU ICE RINK // DECEMBER-MARCH
The FCCU Town Square Ice Rink is a winter favorite — a cozy Downtown spot where kids can glide, wobble and laugh their way around the ice. It’s free, festive and the perfect place to soak up those small‑town winter vibes.
VISIT THE MYRA MUSEUM & GROUNDS // YEAR ROUND
History becomes way more fun when kids can see it up close. The Myra Museum’s historic buildings and exhibits give families a peek into the region’s past — and admission is super affordable.
GO ON A DOWNTOWN DISCOVERY WALK // YEAR ROUND
Turn Downtown Forks into your own open‑air art gallery as kids race to spot bright murals, snap silly photos with sculptures and uncover hidden corners of the city. Make it a game — who can find the most colors, animals or shapes. Then keep the adventure going with the Talking Trails Downtown Walking Tour, where each stop shares a quick story that brings local history and art to life right where you’re standing.
PLAYGROUNDS A PLENTY // YEAR ROUND
Greater Grand Forks is full of places for kids to run, climb and explore. Big destinations like Lincoln Drive Park, University Park, and Riverside Park offer plenty of room for all‑day fun. Sherlock Forest Playground in East Grand Forks is a longtime favorite for imaginative play. Ally’s Boundless Playground in Sertoma Park gives kids of all abilities a place to play side by side. Rydell Skate Park is a go‑to spot for skateboarders, offering plenty of space to practice tricks, build confidence and just cruise with friends. You’ll also find great neighborhood spots — Bringewatt, Optimist, Ryan, Zavoral and others — each with its own personality. Wherever you go, there’s always a new corner of the community waiting to be played in.
AMAIZING TIMES FOUND HERE // MID SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
Fall in Greater Grand Forks isn’t complete without a trip to one of our local pumpkin patches — each with its own charm and plenty of room for kids to roam.
Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch is a classic for a reason, with wagon rides, a corn maze, friendly farm animals and rows of pumpkins just waiting to be picked. Over at Patch on the Point, families love the relaxed, scenic setting and the chance to wander through the patch at their own pace. And if you’re up for even more fall fun, Valley Corn Maize offers a sprawling maze that changes every year, playful activities and plenty of photo‑worthy moments.
Whether you’re hunting for the perfect pumpkin or just soaking up the season, these local spots make autumn feel a little more magical.
FIRST SEASON COMMUNITY CENTER: INDOOR PLAY FOR EVERY KIND OF DAY // YEAR ROUND
The First Season Community Center, run by the Grand Forks Park District, is the city’s indoor hotspot for active play—giving kids a bright, open space to run, climb, imagine, and burn off energy no matter the weather. Open Monday through Saturday with admission at just $4 per child, it’s an easy, affordable outing for families. With concessions available and plenty of room for nonstop fun, it’s the perfect place for weekday play breaks or weekend adventures.
IT'S ALL ABOUT THAT BASS PRO SHOPS // YEAR ROUND
Taking kids to Bass Pro Shops is an adventure all on its own. The moment you walk in, they’re greeted by a massive 10,000‑gallon aquarium filled with colorful fish and local species gliding through crystal‑clear water. Around every corner, towering wild‑game mounts spark curiosity and imagination, turning the store into a mini wildlife museum. Add in the themed displays, hands‑on gear to explore, plus plenty of places to wander and Bass Pro becomes more than a shopping trip—it’s an easy, free outing that feels like a little slice of the great outdoors brought indoors.
GET REVVED UP FOR THE RACES // LATE APRIL- MID SEPTEMBER
Heading to the Friday Night Races at River Cities Speedway is one of the best budget‑friendly family outings in Forks. With free admission for anyone 15 and younger and affordable tickets for adults, it’s an easy night out that feels big without costing big. Once the engines roar to life, the excitement takes over — the rumble in the stands, the speed on the track and the thrill of dirt‑track racing up close. Kids can pick their favorite drivers, cheer them on and feel like they’re part of the action. And with crowd-pleasing concessions like popcorn, hot dogs and mini doughnuts, keeping everyone happy is simple and affordable. It’s loud, fast and unforgettable — the kind of high‑energy outing that becomes a core memory for the whole crew.
SCHEELS: WHERE SHOPPING TURNS INTOW AN ADVENTURE // YEAR ROUND
A trip to Scheels with kids offers a seamless mix of energy, interaction and family‑friendly fun. Little explorers can try out the five‑sport simulator, test their aim at the arcade‑style shooting gallery or knock down pins at the mini bowling lane. The store is packed with eye‑catching displays and hands‑on fun, making it easy for kids to stay entertained while you browse. And before you leave, don’t miss the fresh‑made fudge counter—a sweet way to wrap up a visit that feels more like an outing than a shopping trip.
FREE EVENTS WORTH ATTENDING // YEAR ROUND
Forks is packed with free, family‑friendly events that make it easy for everyone to get out and explore. From outdoor concerts and seasonal festivals to park district activities and community celebrations, there’s always something happening to keep kids entertained and parents happy. Whether you’re catching a summer movie in the park, joining a holiday parade or popping into a hands‑on workshop, these no‑cost events bring the community together and offer fun for all ages all year long.
- Greenway Snow Day ~ February at Lincoln Park
- Time Out Wacipi Powwow ~ April at Alerus Center
- Art Fest ~ June at University Park
- Town Square Farmers Market ~ mid-June through September at Town Square
- Movies in the Park ~ June through August at University, Riverside & Lincoln Parks
- Summerthing Kids Days ~ June in University Park
- Sertoma July 4th Festival & Fireworks ~ July at Sertoma Park & South MS Field
- Heritage Days ~ August at Heritage Village
- Downtown Street Fair ~ August in Downtown Grand Forks
- Potato Bowl USA World’s Largest French Fry Feed ~ September at University Park
- Potato Bowl USA Parade in Downtown Forks
- HollyDazzle Festival of Lights ~ November in Downtown Forks
Greater Grand Forks is full of family fun that doesn’t require a big budget — just a sense of adventure and maybe a snack or two for the road. From wide‑open outdoor escapes to inviting indoor hangouts, there’s always something fresh, easy and exciting to enjoy with your kids.
You can find details on all the places and events featured in this blog—plus even more family‑friendly ideas—over at VisitGrandForks.com, your go‑to guide for exploring the area.
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