“Come out and Play” is a free, no-registration, no-obligation program that encourages families to get out and enjoy nature. Research shows that kids who spend time in nature are more relaxed, sleep better and enjoy better physical health than those who spend the majority of their time indoors. Fall has us in its crisp embrace, so let’s enjoy it! Get outside and have some fun exploring our wonderful urban park system.
Join our playgroup leaders and their kids in a natural setting for some completely unstructured, undirected play. We do this about twice a month; kids of all ages and their parents are welcome, including (of course) babes-in-arms. Each month we pick a new location in a Minneapolis park. We let you know where the parking is, bathrooms andprovide props to help you and your little ones have fun in nature.
There’s no charge for attending and no registration is needed; just show up, rain or shine.
Please bring drinking water, warm clothes, and snacks if desirable. Many families bring food for a picnic lunch as well. Please dress for cool weather. A cool weather tip is to dress in layers! A hat, mittens, and wind-resistant outer layer are suggested. Wearing a hat is the best way to stay warm outdoors.
Saturday, Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m.-noon – North Mississippi Park, 4900 Mississippi Court
Where to Meet: The Carl Kroening Interpretive Center. From there we’ll walk on both wooded and open trails that offer great access to the shores of the Mississippi River and adjacent prairie areas.
Parking: The interpretive center has free parking off 49th Ave. N just east of its intersection with I-94.
Bathrooms: Available at the interpretive center.
About the Park: North Mississippi Regional Park snakes along the Mississippi river for just over a mile. It lies in wait, ready to charm the visitor with its river access and natural areas.
Saturday, Feb. 27, 10:30 a.m.-noon – Minnehaha Park, 4801 S. Minnehaha Park Dr.
Where to Meet:The Minnehaha Park Pavilion. From there we’ll head out to see the falls at overlooks and walk along the high bluffs along the gorge of the creek. We’ll find good places to explore along the edge of the woods and open areas near the falls.
Parking: There is a pay lot on Godfrey Parkway just east of the Minnehaha Ave. traffic circle. Free street parking is also available just south of the traffic circle on Minnehaha Ave.
Bathrooms: Available at pavilion.
About the Park: The 193-acre park features a 53-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs and river overlooks. The park contains oak, elm, silver maple, basswood, hackberry and cottonwood trees, as well as native and prairie woodland wild flowers.
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In October the Come Out and Play family nature club met at Wirth Park Beach on a beautiful, crisp fall morning. On our way up the hill toward the picnic shelter, the kids had fun playing on the hillside: rolling, jumping, running and shouting. They collected acorns, threw leaves in the air, and had exciting adventures climbing on a huge fallen tree limb. Later we headed down a shady trail to the pond, where we watched ducks, felt the (cold!) water, and checked out the duckweed and cattails. We threw pebbles and sticks into the water, watched for bubbles rising up to the surface, and even spotted a few water bugs. - A Pleased Parent |
For more information or to be added to the mailing list contact 612-313-7725 or jmcbride@minneapolisparks.org.
