Yay, school’s out for the summer! Uh-oh, now what am I gonna do?
If you’re looking for things to entertain kids, Greater Grand Forks has lots of options!
For outdoor fun, try Sherlock Forest Playground, Sherlock Park Pool or LaGrave Outdoor Skate Park, all located in East Grand Forks. The Grand Forks Park District runs three outdoor spray parks (University Park, Elks Pool and Choice) plus the newly remodeled Riverside Pool and several playgrounds located throughout the city. If you feel adventurous, rent a canoe from Boathouse on the Red and spend the day navigating our Red River of the North. Just a short 22 miles west of Grand Forks on Highway 2, Turtle River State Park sponsors a summer series called “Dakota Explorers,” which is a hands-on environmental program for youngsters. Summerthing Kids Family Fun Festival, Family Community Block Party and Sertoma’s 4th of July Festival all feature many different games and activities.
On rainy day or when the temp dips a little too low, just head inside. The Canad Inns Destination Center features a tropical themed water park and mega arcade for both guests and non-guests. Likewise, the new Choice Health & Fitness facility offers an amazing water park and pool area, in addition to topnotch workout equipment and classes. Pay a visit to the rock climbing wall located at the UND Wellness Center or stop by Scheels Sports in Columbia Mall for some bowling or bubble hockey. First Season Community Center has indoor playground equipment and other fun things to occupy the day, while kids can jump for joy at the Northern Air Family Fun Center complete with a trampoline park, inflatables and laser tag. The whole family will want to explore the Cabela’s store in East Grand Forks. It features a 10,000 gallon aquarium filled with indigenous fish, a trout stream and many wild game mounts.
So, the next time you hear those dreaded words – “I’m bored” – you’ll be armed and ready! For all the latest happenings and things to do, make sure to check out www.visitgrandforks.com.
BMX Racing – Tuesdays at Red River BMX Track
Go Kart Races – Wednesdays at River Cities Speedway
Craft Time for Kids – Wednesdays at Augustana Lutheran
Premier Racing – Fridays at River Cities Speedway
Children’s Summer Storytime – Saturdays at UND Bookstore
Movies in the Park: June 28 at University Park; July 24 at University Park; August 7 at Lincoln Park; August 23 at Riverside Park
Free Movie Saturday – 3rdSaturday of the month at GF Public Library
Summerthing Kids & Family Fun Festival – June 27 & 28 at University Park
Sertoma Grand Forks July 4th Festival & Fireworks at Town Square & The Greenway
Community Block Party – July 24 at University Park
Boathouse on the Red: 101 Riverboat Rd, GF, 701-747-0131
Cabela’s: 210 DeMers Ave, EGF, 218-773-0282
Canad Inns Destination Center: 1000 S 42nd St, GF, 701-772-8404
Choice Health & Fitness & Spray Park: 4401 S 11th St, GF, 701-746-2790
Elks Pool & Spray Park: 1002 13th Ave S, GF, 701-746-2780
First Season Community Center: 1110 7th Ave S, GF, 701-746-2763
Northern Air Family Fun Center: 1600 32nd Ave S, GF, 701-772-8404
Riverside Pool: 1801 N 1st St, GF, 701-740-1497
Rock Climbing Gym: UND Wellness Center, 801 Princeton St, GF, 701-777-9355
Sherlock Forest Playground: 607 5th Ave NW, EGF 218-773-8000
Turtle River State Park: 3084 Park Ave, Arvilla, ND, 701-795-3180
Scheels Sports: 2800 S Columbia Rd, GF, 701-780-9424
Sherlock Park Pool: 919 5th Ave NW, EGF, 218-773-9231
University Spray Park: 320 N 25th St, GF, 701-746-2750