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
The weather is heating up, which means splash pad season is just around the corner! Here’s a list of the STMA’s areas splash pads and when you can expect them to open this year.
Town Center Park | St. Michael
Now Open!
Concession stand will open June 1.
More info: stmichaelmn.gov/towncenterpark
Prairie Park | Otsego
Now Open!
More info: ci.otsego.mn.us
Nothing says “Summer” quite like a day at the beach! If you and your family are looking for a stretch of sand to enjoy this season, check out our list of the most popular beaches in and around St. Michael-Albertville.
Note: Before you go, be sure to check park websites as beaches frequently close temporarily for maintenance or issues related to water quality.
My kids and I love exploring the various parks in and around STMA. It’s not uncommon for us to visit a couple dozen different parks over the course of “park season” a.k.a. April to October.
I put several of our favorites into a bingo card for you to enjoy checking off with your family over the course of the spring and summer. Let me know in the comments when you get a bingo and which parks are your favorites.
Earlier this week we made our way down to Delano to enjoy the Delano Splash Pad, and my kids totally had a blast there! When it originally opened, I’d my doubts about driving the 25 minutes from Albertville to Delano and paying for a splash pad when we have one just up the road in Otsego, but we absolutely love being there.
The splash pad is located within Delano’s Central Park (map below), in the same area of town where Delano hosts its popular 4th of July celebration. The splash pad features 15 interactive water structures, from small fountains for the littlest ones to toddle through to huge buckets that dump massive quantities of water onto clusters of giggling preteens.