June 2010

Family Fun Guide

By Lindy Lange

■ Let your kids release their inner howl with a visit to Oxbow Park’s Zollman Zoo. With more than 30 Minnesota native animal species (coyote, wolf, black bear), stroller-friendly wooden walkways, and naturalists that are happy to answer all of your animal questions, it makes for a perfect sunny day outing.

Why We Like It: It all comes down to size, and, with regard to size, Zollman Zoo is perfect. You can stand at the otter display and gaze around the entire zoo. This means if Junior A wants to check out the prairie dogs and Junior B wants to check out the cougar, you can stand at the badger and keep an eagle eye on both of them.

Hours and Fees: Zoo and Nature Center hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open daily, except Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Free, donations accepted.

Oxbow Park/Zollman Zoo • 5731 County Road 105 N.W., Byron • 775-2451 • www.co.olmsted.mn.us/parks/zollman_zoo.asp

■ Pedal, pedal, pedal your way around Silver Lake in a rented paddle boat from Silver Lake Boat and Bike Rental. The half-hour tour gets your family a trip around Silver Lake. The hour-long tour takes you around Silver Lake, up Lake Zumbro to the Civic Center, and back again.

Why We Like It: First, although it’s called a paddle boat, there’s no paddling, you pedal (with your feet). Second, you don’t even have to pedal if you don’t want to (there’s an electric motor). Third, it’s a big enough boat to fit a family of four and a small enough boat so that you’ll be comfortable letting the older kids take the helm.

Hours and Fees: Open every day April 1 through Sept. 30, 11 a.m. to sunset. Half hour and hour rates include life vests and range from $12 to $20.

Silver Lake Boat and Bike Rental • 800 West Silver Lake Dr., N.E. • 261-9049 • www.silverlakefun.com

■ Splat, swing, or race your way to fun at Skyline Raceway. Located in southwest Rochester, Skyline offers single and double go-carts (adults can ride with kids 34 to 54 inches tall), a kid-friendly nine-hole mini golf course, and a 15,000-square foot paintball field (kids must be 10 or older, rental equipment available).

Why We Like It: Skyline is the kind of place you can come for one ride or one round (if you can stop yourself at just one), or stay for the whole day (a special treat for really good kids who clean their rooms, take out the trash, and are super duper nice to their little sister).

Hours and Fees: Open seven days a week, June through August, noon to 8 p.m. Weather permitting. One-time rates start at $5 for go-carts, $4 for mini golf, and $20 for paintball (includes paint and rental equipment). All-day package prices available.

Skyline Raceway • 2250 40th St., S.W. • 287-6289 • www.skylineracewayroch.com