What are kid-friendly things to do in Rochester?

If you have a car, there is a place in Wisconsin. It’s a 58 minute drive to Kinstone. It’s a Megalith garden with mown meadows to wander through the stones, visit the two buildings, and walk a labyrinth. Four splendid cat emissaries reside there, not intrusive but friendly and May follow you. There is an educational building with a library and best of all dragon walking sticks to purchase. It’s our haven to get out. Google it or there is also a Facebook/Instagram site.

The eagle rehab center is in Wabasha and does feedings and talks on a schedule so check them.

Also there is the famous carousel at Lark Toys in Kellogg MN. A wonderful toy and candy shop (Google)

Rochester has a Library, many walking paths around silver lake, cascade lake and more. We have found google and trip advisor great resources.

I strongly suggest checking out the "MOMS" website for local activities for kids in Rochester area. Have updated list for fall activities including apple orchards and pumpkin patches.
https://rochestermom.com/
On nice day day, I recommend Oxbow park in nearby Byron. Free small zoo,
https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/residents/parks-recreation/parks/oxbow-park-zollman-zoo
A little farther away is Wabasha MN a National Eagle Center. There is a fee, but have excellent program about eagles. Check website for times.
https://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/
Also, Wabasha also has SeptOct fest going on, most activities on weekend, but town always decorate for fall.
https://www.wabashamn.org/septoberfest/
And as someone else mentioned, on way to Wabasha is Kellogg's Larks toy, Has a miniature golf course and large carousel.
https://www.larktoys.com/
Laurie

So much to see and do for all ages, a lot have been mentioned...Eagle Center in Wabasha, Lark Toys in Kellogg (miniature golf very doable for all ages), Oxbow Park and zoo north of Byron (try to go around 10 a.m. as they are sometimes feeding the animals...also go to Otto’s Bakery in Byron,,,the best!). In Rochester, Quarry Hill Nature Center and as mentioned Cascade Park. Our grandson enjoyed the climbing walls at Roca Gym. SPAM museum in Austin is very nice and has displays set up for children Did you know there are 13 different flavors of SPAM? Piggy Blues BBQ is a good restaurant in Austin. Ice cream at Flapdoodles in Rochester is a must. There is a great toy and puzzle store in University Shops next to Clinic. Also ABC Toy Zone in Rochester is a fun place to shop...lots of LEGOs. Enjoy your time in Rochester. Spend an extra “fun” day or two if you can.

@bria I second Oxbow Park & Zoo, Quarry Hill Nature Center and Flapdoodles. My kids and grandkids live in Rochester. My daughter works at Mayo and also the Quarry Hill Nature Center. She might have other good recommendations and she can ask the grandkids for suggestions too. They know family friendly restaurants also.

These are outstanding recommendations, thank you so much! I know our nature lover will be excited to check the eagles and lakes and will not turn down a trip to the carousel and toy/candy shop! Thanks!

The Spark at the mall is great fun. It is a children’s museum.

I think there's a reason that Mayo is located in southern Minnesota. If they were located in the Minneapolis area, yes, there's a lot to do there. There are also a lot of dangerous things you can accidentally get involved in, in Minneapolis.

I'd rather live in Rochester and be bored. With the pandemic going on, Rochester is THE best place in the world to be living, or visiting, in my opinion.

Here are some places to consider.
https://airinsanity.com/
https://www.sparkrochestermn.org/
https://www.bowlocity.com/