June Rochester MN visit with 11 years old

Posted by happyccl8 @happyccl8, May 15 10:54am

We will be staying at Ronald McDonald House. But looking for other things to do while we are there for that week.

He likes to swim.
He likes Asian food.
He likes Roblox/Minecraft.
He needs it cool. Heat triggers seizures for him.
He likes animals- dogs, cats mostly
He likes Anime.
He likes some movies.
He likes to play DND if someone reads and scribes for him and helps him with the math.

Sadly he doesn’t like art, crafts, music, dance, or hikes.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Visiting Mayo Clinic Support Group.

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | May 16 7:05am

@happyccl8

I do not have pre-teen boy so going to reach out to some contacts to see if I can come up with suggestions. Hopefully few others in this group will have ideas.

Another mentor (Lori) recommended this post with ideas:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/rochester-visit-with-child-9-help-with-things-to-dowhere-to-stay/
Staff at Ronald McDonald house may have info on area activities. Also, this local website has variety of ideas: https://rochesterlocal.com/

There is not much for indoor pools in Rochester. Lap pools at couple health clubs and one hotel has small indoor Waterpark. You use to be able to buy day passes, but should check hotel if that is still possible. Hotel: Best Western Rochester Hotel Mayo Clinic Area/ St. Mary's (1517 16TH ST SW, Rochester, MN) .

For outdoor pools / beaches, see the Park dept web site:
https://www.rochestermn.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation/parks-trails-recreation-facilities/outdoor-pools-beaches
They are opening a new aquatic center this summer at Solider Field's outdoor pool.

On Mayo campus there are often visiting therapy animals. Mostly dogs, but one miniature horse visits Rochester. Could not find a published schedule, but when at Rochester Mayo, stop at any information desk and ask if they have a schedule.

Another suggestion, contact Mayo Concierge Services, they may have ideas or list that would be helpful.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/concierge-services

Cheyenne Peterson | @cheyennepeterson | May 16 9:43am

Hello @happyccl8. The Ronald McDonald House does have a some great activities for the kids and families, including Paw Pals; volunteer dogs that came visit the patients. Rochester does have a lot of other fun activities, good for all ages. One place I go to get some ideas is, http://www.experiencerochestermn.com, they have so many list and you can filter to fit more of your needs. I have also have listed a few other things that may fun to look into.

Rochester Honkers Baseball
Skyline Raceway
Air Insanity- trampoline park
Bowlocity- bowling, laser tag and arcade
ROCA Climbing & Fitness- indoor rock climbing walls
The Machine Shed- arcade
The Mess Hall- smash room and splash room
Old School Entertainment Company- ax throwing and arcade
Quarry Hill Nature Center- indoor nature center