Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL helps those new to town live and thrive like a local. Today, I’m exploring the lesser known playgrounds in Minot. These are perfect places to play while social distancing may still be a concern.
Happy Minot Monday, everyone! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: there’s nothing quite like a North Dakota summer. This is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the amazing weather and soak up all the fresh air you can handle. We all know it comes to an end sooner or later. But let’s not talk about that right now. There’ll be time to discuss sub-zero temperatures again in the fall.
Life in Minot is an exercise of intentionality. There’s a lot going on and a lot to do, but you’ve gotta be intentional about finding in and taking part. And, about finding people who can fill you in on the stuff you might be missing if you’re a transplant to Practically Canada.
That’s where I come in.
When I first moved to Minot I heard about the “big two” parks. Oak Park and Roosevelt Park. If you are new-ish, chances are you are familiar with the “big two.” (Side note, that’s a name I made up for them.)
Sometimes, especially since social distancing has become a concern, it’s nice to sneak off to a place less crowded and lesser known. I’ve had the internal struggle myself. Do I let Gideon play on the playground? Are there too many kids here? Should we just stay home and play in our weed patch yard?
Today I’m sharing six fun playgrounds in Minot to avoid big crowds. This is a great list to save and explore–especially if you are stuck in a rut of hanging at the same park day after day. I love our parks department, but their website is a little lacking when it comes to good photos of our playgrounds. Hopefully this will help you find a fun place to play!
Polaris Park
The playground at Polaris Park is fun for all ages, but especially older kiddos who can climb confidently. I love that this playground has “balance” features (things that wiggle under foot) to challenge and grow their skills. In addition to the playground, there’s a good disc gold course and a picnic shelter nearby.
Riverside Park
Riverside Park is tucked away in a northwest neighborhood. It’s small and very quiet. It’s playground is simple, but very nice. I’ve never (ever) seen a crowd here. Besides the playground, there are tennis and basketball courts and a picnic shelter.
South Hill Complex
The South Hill Complex is an awesome hidden gem when it comes to playgrounds. This playground is way fun and unique in that its got a sand base (instead of mulch.) The playground here is big and appropriate for a wide age range. All the playgrounds are fun for bigger kids, but this one definitely gets my stamp of approval as a fun place for preschoolers to play too.
In addition to the main playground, the complex has a great system of paved paths–perfect for bikes (or learning to bike) or roller blades. And it’s got another, smaller, hidden playground!
And if you want to extend your walk, you can meander into the grounds of Rosehill Cemetery. I know recommending a stroll through the cemetery sounds weird, but it’s a thing. It’s got great paths and folks use it as a walking and biking trail all the time.
Bread of Life Community Playground
Okay, friends. This Minot playground isn’t even on the parks department list. So you know it’s a well kept secret. And you’re welcome.
At Bread of Life Lutheran Church there’s a really nice community playground. It’s never crowded. It’s clean and right next to a nice subdivision. Parking is easy and close in the church lot and there’s a nice picnic shelter nearby.
Radio City Park
Because Radio City also boasts a splash pad, this playground can get a bit full. But on cooler days or when we aren’t at the height of splash pad season, this is a nice, quiet playground to visit. There are several play structures and this is another one that is fun for preschoolers as well as older kids.
In addition to the playground, there’s a picnic shelter (a bit far from the playground though) and a splash pad.
Hammond Park
Hammond Park’s is most known for its tennis courts, but it’s also got a nice playground tucked away. Again, this one is surrounded by neighborhoods and tends to be very quiet. It’s main playground has tall structures, good for climbing and bigger kids.
Dale Brown Courts
Also at Hammond Park, but a bit of a walk away are the Dale Brown Basketball Courts. Near the courts is a second playground. This one is geared toward younger children. I’d actually say of all our playgrounds, this is the best one for Pre-K play. Everything is sized well for little climbers and sliders.
Enjoy the Playgrounds in Minot
I hope you’ll get out and enjoy these lesser used playgrounds in Minot. Another great thing about living here is that you are always within a couple minutes of a great play space for the littles. Get intentional about finding fun this summer. Have a great Minot Monday!
