No Kidding: Downtown Fargo Is Great for Families, Too!
Whether you’re interested in living here or just looking to explore this vibrant neighborhood with your family, there is plenty to do in downtown Fargo for all ages!
Room to Play
Few things are more important for a child’s development than playtime, and there is no shortage of opportunities to do just that in downtown Fargo.
Fargo Broadway Square, the neighborhood’s beloved “outdoor living room” offers opportunities to play year-round. In the summer, the Square’s splash pad is filled with kids throughout the day. In the winter, the Scheels Skating Rink is the perfect way for families to spend quality time outside, and the Square’s skate shack means you don’t need to own your own ice skates to take part.
The oldest park in the Fargo area, Island Park is just a few minutes’ walk away from the heart of downtown. With a basketball court, tennis courts, grills, picnic tables, and a playground, this expansive green space is the perfect way to get outside. Island Park’s pool is also undergoing major renovations sure to make the area a destination for outdoor activity next year.
The YMCA’s Fercho location, which neighbors Island Park, is another perfect place for families to spend quality time. Its long list of amenities includes an indoor pool, a gymnastics room, a kids’ gym featuring a full-blown ninja course, and short-term childcare so parents can get in their physical activity, too. There’s also extensive child-focused programming for a wide range of ages.
Educational Adventures
There’s no better way to spend quality time than going on adventures, and in downtown Fargo, those adventures can include opportunities to learn as you go.
The Fargo Public Library’s main branch in downtown Fargo has an exceptional children’s department, with tons of books for all ages, family-focused events and programming, and even its own Wiggle Room.
Wildlife of the Red River Valley Mural
This colorful mural, located around the corner from Black Coffee & Waffle Bar and right across the street from Fargo Broadway Square, is a great opportunity to appreciate the city center’s thriving art scene while also learning about the creatures that call the Red River Valley home. It’s even got a built-in hunt-and-find activity to keep the kiddos entertained.
If one mural stop has your family hooked, then check out Fargo Mom’s plan for a full-blown mural tour guaranteed to get your steps in. There’s even a printable map.
Stimulating Events
Downtown Fargo is a hub for family-friendly events of all kinds throughout the year sure to dazzle, thrill, and entertain.
This regional favorite, open from July through October at Fargo Broadway Square, makes for a great weekend tradition. Pick up fresh veggies to make the perfect family meal later, enjoy diverse performances, take a family photo in front of the iconic red truck, and so much more.
Like the Red River Market, this much-loved seasonal event at Broadway Square is a great way to explore all things north of normal. With performers on stilts, kid-focused activities, and one-of-a-kind performances, it’s an event like no other.
The Plains Art Museum offers so many ways for families to experience the joy of creativity. With free admission for everyone, you can explore the galleries and seasonal exhibitions. They also offer a ton of great family-friendly classes, giving your children the opportunity to get creative, as well as free events like movie nights, Kid Quest events, and more.
Seasonal Celebrations
As the vibrant neighborhood at the heart of the Fargo-Moorhead area, downtown Fargo also hosts staple seasonal events throughout the year that your kids will absolutely love, such as the Coffee and Cocoa Crawl, St. Patrick’s Parade, Fargo Broadway Square’s annual tree lighting, Christkindlmarkt, and the Xcel Energy Holiday Lights Parade.
Entertainment & Experiences
Family outings in downtown Fargo are easy to plan when there are this many family-friendly activities.
Fargo Broadway Square’s Outdoor Movie Nights
Grab a blanket or your lawn chairs and head to Fargo Broadway Square every other week during the summer for their outdoor movie nights.
Catch a new movie with the whole fam or enjoy a family favorite during their summer kids’ movie series.
Although Pixeled is limited to 21+ most of the time, they welcome minors every Sunday, so long as they’re accompanied by an adult, so your family can check out tons of vintage arcade games.
Looking to spend some quality time getting pampered? Polished does appointments for kids, too!
Do you and your family love playing video games? Check out Replay Games! With pretty much every gaming system and an endless number of games to choose from, it’s a great way to get out of the house. They also have VR gaming systems and board games galore.
Did you know that kids 8 and older are able to participate in axe-throwing? We were surprised, too. But if you’re an outdoorsy family or looking for a new adventure, this might be the activity for you!
Kid-Centric Shopping
Whether you’re shopping with your kiddos or for them, these places have the goods!
Your child will be the most fashionable kid for miles with the incredibly aesthetic clothing options featured at Vella. They also have an excellent selection of toys as well as much-needed items like strollers and car seats.
From puzzles and learning activities to board games for all ages, Game Giant has plenty that will keep your kid entertained, both in the store and at home.
Zandbroz’s carefully curated inventory includes an amazing kids’ section, including picture books and chapter books, stuffed animals, games, and more.
Don’t Forget About Treats!
Family outings are just better with your favorite treat, and downtown Fargo has some of the area’s best places to go.
Black Coffee & Waffle: Who doesn’t love waffles?
Insomnia Cookies: It’s hard to beat a freshly baked cookie right out of the oven.
Sandy’s Donuts: The best donuts in town speak for themselves.
Silver Lining Creamery: Indulge with creamiest ice cream made from scratch.
Teaberry: We hear boba tea is a hit with teenagers these days.
Tea & Crepe: This Thai-style ice cream made to order is an entertaining experience!
