Outdoor & FREE fun with the kids

  by  ajburcar 

Here in Duluth we spend as much time outside as possible.  Here are my top three outdoor and free places to take the kids. -- Sunshine Carter, UMD, Reference & Electronic Resources Librarian

Playfront Park:  Located near Bayfront Park & the Great Lakes Aquarium.  Offers three areas of play, each geared towards a specific age range.  In 2010 the old wooden structures were removed and replaced with new and accessible equipment. Click here for the location.

Minnesota Point:  All along Minnesota Point (aka Park Point), on the lake side, is a wonderfully soft sanded beach.  Entry points to the beach are near the canal, near the Franklin Tot Lot, at the end of Park Point and at various other poorly marked access points.  A great place to look for sea glass, drift wood or enjoy the lake life. Bathrooms are available at the beach house at the end of Park Point.  The Franklin Tot Lot entrance does have a port-a-potty, a small parking lot and is the most accessible way to the beach.  A favorite of our family in the summer.

Brighton Beach (Kitchi Gammi Park):  A nice little beach park just north of the city on the North Shore.  The highlight of this beach are rocks, rocks, rocks.  From large boulders to smooth pebbles.  Skipping rocks is a must!

Hawk Ridge and 7 Bridges Road

October is a good time to view migrating raptors at Hawk Ridge. Take the scenic 7 Bridges Road  which is part of Skyline Drive to Hawk Ridge.

View from Hawk's Ridge

 One of the Seven Bridges

MLA's Dinner with Colleagues

There is still time to register for Dinner with Colleagues!
Get together with with some of your colleagues and enjoy dinner out in one of Duluth's many restaurants. Groups are based on professional and personal interests, and discussions will be informal. Don't be shy -- make some new friends! Descriptions of the dinner topics and links to the restaurants can be found in the registration form. Everyone is responsible for paying for their own dinner. MLA's Dinner with Colleagues will be held Thursday, October 13th, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Registration is first come, first served.
Please register by Wednesday, October 5, 2011. 
See you there!

Bringing the kids? Here are some local favorites certain to entertain the kids

Are you turning MLA into a family affair?  If so, here are the three places my family visits A LOT during the year.  These three places all charge to enter.  If you plan on making a return trip to Duluth within the next 12 months of your visit, a season pass might be an affordable option for you. -- Sunshine Carter, UMD, Reference & Electronic Resources Librarian

Great Lakes Aquarium:  A little pricey (kids under 3 are free), but a good place to get out of the cold and learn a bit about Lake Superior.  Bring an extra set of clothes for your young lake explorers who will have the opportunity to navigate their own boats through the entire Great Lakes system.

The Duluth Depot:  The Depot (as we Duluthians call it) houses a wide variety of organizations.  Children would be most interested in the Duluth Children's Museum, Lake Superior Railroad Museum and the Duluth Art Institute.  My two year old boys love the train museum with its variety of retired train cars and a large toy train table.  Admission rates include access to all three. Children under 3 are free.

Lake Superior Zoo:  Our zoo is on the upswing.  A very easy zoo to maneuver.  Stroller friendly.  The primate/nocturnal building is a highlight for my family.  Playground equipment in the middle of the zoo offers a break from walking around. Children under 3 are free.

Take a break and clear your head

You don't have to leave Duluth to enjoy nature. Take advantage of one of our beautiful public parks and gardens such as Enger Tower Park. Climb the tower for a spectacular view of the harbor. Or for something close to the DECC, the Rose Garden is just a short stroll up the Lakewalk.

Take a hike!

Chester Creek

Take advantage of our many scenic hiking trails around Duluth.