“Come out and Play” is a free, no-registration, no-obligation program sponsored by Minneapolis Parks 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 and winter is not far behind; let’s enjoy it! Get outside and have some fun exploring your wonderful urban park system.
Join a play group leader and their kids for some completely unstructured, undirected play in nature! We do this monthly and encourage families with children to join us. Skip the constructed playgrounds or the “indoor parks” for a day and join us in a natural setting. Each month we’ll pick a new location in a Minneapolis park. We’ll let you know where the parking and bathrooms are, and provide all the equipment you and your little ones need to have fun in nature. Kids of all ages are welcome, including (of course) babes-in-arms. Strollers are welcome but we are not always on paved trails. There is no charge for attending, it’s a free playgroup.
No registration needed, just show up! Rain, sleet or snow, it’s fun to be outside. 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, such as in layers. A hat, mittens, and wind-resistant outer layer are suggested. Wearing a hat is the best way to stay warm outdoors.
Saturday, Dec. 19, 10:30 a.m.-noon – Lynnhurst Park/Minnehaha Creek, 1345 W. Minnehaha Pkwy
Where to Meet: Lynnhurst Recreation Center. From there we’ll walk south and west to explore the tree-lined banks of Minnehaha Creek. It has a good mix of natural area and open space.
Parking: The recreation center has free parking off Minnehaha Parkway just south of 50th St. E.
Bathrooms: Available at the recreation center.
About the Park: Lynnhurst is neighborhood park adjacent to Minnehaha Creek just south of Lake Harriet.
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.
For more information or to be added to the mailing list contact 612-313-7725 or jmcbride@minneapolisparks.org.Updated information is also posted at www.minneapolisparks.org/natureclub.
