5 Things Kids Can Still Do This Summer Around Owatonna

The 4th of July is in the rear view mirror. The Steele County Fair is just around the corner. Back-to-school specials are popping up everywhere. But summer is not over yet. Several great events and activities are out there for kids to end summer on a positive note, especially if too much summer has been spent in front of a screen.

The ten-day forecast isn't calling for the weather to get too hot, but a trip to the River Springs Water Park in Owatonna should still be on your radar. Hours of the facility are 12 pm to 8 pm through August 11. Beginning Monday, August 12 hours are 12 pm to 7 pm. Amenities include a climbing wall, lazy river activity pool and body slide, plus a great concession stand. The park is located at 3065 St. Paul Road.

Who says nothing is free? Kids age 12-and-under can play in the Owatonna City Open golf tournament at no charge. Juniors age 4-12 play at Havana Hills Thursday, August 1 and Friday, August 2. Juniors 13-17 years old play those same days at Brooktree and the Owatonna Country Club for $20. Adults play the country club and Brooktree Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4. Registration deadline is Wednesday, July 21. Go to owatonnagolf.com for details.

The Huskies Youth Football Camp is a fast-paced, high-activity camp for youth entering third through tenth grade. Participants get four days of football-related skills and drills led by the current high school coaching staff. Current and former OHS players play a big role in working with the kids as well. The cost is $75. Go to owatonnafootball.com for details and the sign-up form.

A night or two under the stars should be part of every kids summer. Minnesota has many state parks to enjoy and some in the region are even relatively mosquito-free according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

And the Granddaddy of summer events locally, the Steele County Free Fair is August 13-18. Kids with the Mega-Ride wristband can ride all the rides they can handle during the week. Purchase the Mega-Ride ticket at Hy-Vee in Owatonna before the fair opens. Barns filled with animals, games of chance, food at every turn, and a variety of free entertainment on several stages will keep young minds busy as well.