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Category: Places to Play

STMA Dome Days & Nights (2024–2025)

The STMA All-Purpose Facility (a.k.a. “The Dome”) is open again this winter for local families to enjoy!

ECFE is hosting open play times for kids under 6 once each week—alternating on Thursday and Friday mornings—and also one family night per month that welcomes kids up to age 8.

Autumn Nature Walks

Between the sunshine and the fall colors, this month is ALL about leaf-gazing! In early- to mid-October, the STMA area typically experiences its peak for fall color, making it a great time to go outdoors and enjoy an autumn nature walk with your kids.

By the way, do you know WHY the leaves change colors? Check out this article from the MN DNR, and learn something cool to teach your kids! http://dnr.state.mn.us/fall_colors/typical_peak.html

Here are some great local spots to go for a stroll:

Beebe Lake Park & Beach (St. Michael)

For us, summers in STMA aren’t complete without at least one visit to Beebe Lake Park & Beach.

Tucked away in southwest St. Michael, this gem of a park—which is actually a regional park operated by Wright County—offers a little something for everyone. In addition to a long stretch of beach, Beebe Lake Park has a playground, fishing dock, sand volleyball courts, lots of green space with tables for picnics, a pavilion for hosting parties, and an extensive trail system.

Westwind Park (Albertville)

Without a doubt, my family’s favorite park in Albertville is Westwind Park!

Located beyond Casey’s, just off Kalland Drive, Westwind Park got a massive makeover just a few years ago that included a brand new playground and the installation of a beautiful boardwalk over the wetland area. Since then, it has been our go-to spot to meet up with friends or run around after school.

Peekabooboo’s Play Café

There’s a new kid-friendly business opening in Albertville this week, and it packs a whole lot of fun into one little building! Located just off of Main Avenue and around the corner from city hall, Peekabooboo’s Play Café is an indoor play space that gives little ones a place to explore, create, imagine, and burn off some energy.

I got a chance to tour the café and was both surprised and impressed by what its owner, local mom Kirsten Winscher, has been able to create inside the tiny building that previously housed a small travel agency.