6 family-fun outdoor things to do in Fargo if you only have 1 hour
You’ve arrived in Fargo at the height of summer and the kids need to burn off some energy, but you only have one hour… where do you start? If it’s a sunny, not-too-windy day (or even if it’s not), here are 6 outdoor adventures to have with your family in 60 minutes or less.
Red River Zoo
It may be hard to cover all 22-acres of the Red River Zoo in an hour, but you can still get a lot out of your visit.
The zoo staff host short talks about various animals throughout the day. Pick some of the kids’ favorites – from red pandas to otters to armadillos – and pop over at the right time to catch a talk.
Or, make a beeline (pun intended) for the fully functional bee hive at the brand new Children’s Zoo Farm, where an interpretive center also teaches children about how plants grow.
Cost
- $7.75 for children aged 2-14 (children under 2 are free!)
- $9.75 for adults
Thunder Road
Two 18-hole mini golf courses, batting cages, bumper cars, a go-kart track, and laser tag are just some of the ways to stay occupied at Thunder Road. Choose a few activities and spend an hour together… you can always come back on your next visit to Fargo to try another!
Cost
Prices vary based on the activity you choose.
- 18 holes of mini golf: $7 per person ($4 for children 5 and under)
- 25 batting cage balls: $3
- bumper cars: $4 each
- 5 minutes (or 10 laps) of go-karts: $6
- 10 minutes of laser tag: $7
Lindenwood Park or Gooseberry Park
Two of Fargo’s largest parks, Lindenwood and Gooseberry face each other across the Red River. Bike and walking trails are abundant, as are playgrounds and open spaces perfect for a pick-up game of kickball or tag. Prefer water to land? Rent kayaks or canoes and jump in the river (in your vessel, not just straight in!).
Cost
FREE!
Davies Waterpark
Don your bathing suits for an hour of water-logged activities. Start 27-feet high and slide down one of Davies Recreational Pool’s two water slides, or opt for one of multiple smaller ones. A climbing wall, water playground, and zero depth swim area accommodate all ages, and a 300-gallon bucket dumps water over the playground every four minutes to heighten the fun.
If you’d rather observe than swim, a large deck full of reclining sun chairs give you a chance to unwind.
Cost
- $3.25 for kids
- $4.50 for adults
- $9.50 for families during designated family swim hours
Hjemkomst Center
Walking into this Scandinavian cultural center impresses even the most skeptical museum-goer. A massive 9th-century Viking ship dominates the interior, with interactive exhibits and plenty of information about the legacy that Scandinavian culture has left on the area (most locals trace their roots to this European region).
Then, stroll around the beautiful grounds to the Norwegian stave church, built as an exact replica of Stavkirke in Vik, Norway, which dates from the 1100s.
Cost
- $10 for adults
- $8 for children (4 and under are free!)
Even with a limited amount of time, you can find something to entertain the whole crew in Fargo. If the weather isn’t cooperating with your plans, we have a list of the best indoor summer things to do for families in one hour coming soon.