Location: Mankato
Top Things to do in Mankato
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Top 6 Things to do Good for Kids in Mankato, Minnesota (MN)
Mankato (/mænˈkeɪtoʊ/ man-KAY-toh) is a city in Blue Earth, Nicollet, and Le Sueur counties in the state of Minnesota. It is Minnesota's 22nd biggest city. The population was 41,044 according to 2015 US census estimates, making it the fifth largest city in Minnesota outside the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. The county seat of Blue Earth County, it is located along a large bend of the Minnesota River at its confluence with the Blue Earth River. Mankato is across the Minnesota River from North Mankato. Mankato and North Mankato have a combined population of over 53,000, according to the 2010 census. It completely encompasses the town of Skyline. North of Mankato Regional Airport, a tiny non-contiguous part of the city lies within Le Sueur County. Most of the city is in Blue Earth County.
Restaurants in Mankato
1. Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
Located in historic downtown Mankato, the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is on a mission to ignite the natural curiosity of every child through the power of play in a dynamic, awe-inspiring environment. From the Betsy Tacy-inspired Play Porch to the mind-inspiring attractions of the two-level makers space, and with a towering Mankato Clinic Tree of Forts Climber so tall that it burst through the roof, there’s plenty to do and see for children of all ages — all within a safe, inviting, and comfortable space. The Children's Museum of Minnesota exists thanks to the support of dozens of businesses, hundreds of families, many wonderful volunteers, and the entire Greater Mankato community. Tens of thousands of visitors have already enjoyed the Museum at its previous locations since 2009. With the continued help and enthusiasm of all who have supported us, we can't wait to put smiles on many more faces -- for generations to come.
Reviewed By 518jennav
Our 2.5-year-old absolutely loved the time we spent here: we were here for 4 hours, but she would have easily stayed longer if naptime hadn't set in. ;) Particular favorites were the Betsy/Tacy-themed Play Porch (lots of toy babies to rock/push around + books to read), spacious play kitchen, wind tunnel, and outdoor Farmyard (she loved seeing the chickens/pigs/goats & watering the flowers). We were nervous that the cost of admission ($24 for the 3 of us) wouldn't be worth it, especially with so many other free things to do in the area, but our time here was worth every penny. Definitely a must-see if you bring kids to the Mankato area!
2. Minneopa State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 270 reviews
Reviewed By 886kerstins - St Anton im Montafon, Austria
Minneopa State Park was established in 1905 to preserve Minneopa Falls, a large waterfall for southern Minnesota, and was expanded in the 1960s to include the lower reaches of Minneopa Creek and a large tract of prairie. Minneopa is Minnesota's third oldest state park and is divided into two distinct sections by a corridor of roads, railroads, and private property. We went to the two parc sites several times. On Wednesdays the bison parc is closed. Unfortunately the bisons did not come close to our car when we were there. This northern section has 4 miles (6.4 km) of trail, which in the winter are groomed for cross-country skiing. On the other site there is a trail (about one hour) which takes you right under the waterfall. There are fishing opportunities along the river, especially for channel and flathead catfis. A variety of wildlife is attracted to Minneopa State Park's diverse habitats. There is also a variety of different plants.
3. Seven Mile Creek Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By mdelong1
Beautiful hike through and near 7 mile creek, really enjoyed the wooded setting and constant sound of the creek running by.
4. Sibley Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By sx2dude - Mankato, United States
This is just a nice park to relax at. Plenty of stuff for the kids to do and play on. Kind of a farm type zoo plus koi Ponds and awesome gardens
5. WOW Zone Family Entertainment Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Mjd27 - Kissimmee, United States
We enjoyed a delicious lunch meal, with BBQ chicken pizza (super delicious), burger, Kids meals, and even an ice cream cone. Foods were tasty and prices were your average sports bar prices. Following meal we let the kids play, standard game systems... buy a card for x-dollars - swipe at the game systems - earn tickets - get little toys. Fun stuff, standard games available like all arcades. There are games that we would scan the cards and it would take the points off... and no game so watch for that. They also have mini golf, laser tag and bowling but we didn’t do this so I cannot comment. I will go back again though :)
6. Mount Kato Ski Area
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 33 reviews
Year-round recreation area for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and mountain biking is located in the scenic Minnesota River valley.
Reviewed By L630CXmichaelg
8 chair lifts with at least two runs per lift. Solid trick park. Good surprise jumps. Good snow. Helpful staff. Exceeded expectations.
