Fun Places in Fargo Where Kids of All Ages Love to Hang Out
From bouncing in a backyard inflatable to spotting red pandas at the zoo, racing go-karts, or exploring a real air museum, Fargo has no shortage of ways to keep children entertained. Here is a friendly guide to the best hangout spots for kids of every age, all year round.
Fargo is a great city for families. Rain or shine, hot or cold, there is always something close by to keep kids busy and happy. Below is a simple guide to the best spots around town, from toddlers to teens, for a fun day out with the family.
Red River Zoo
The Red River Zoo is a top pick for younger kids and animal lovers of any age. It is home to close to 90 species of animals, many from cold climates similar to North Dakota. Kids can walk the paths, watch red pandas, and take a spin on the old style carousel. The zoo has wide open space, so strollers move easily, and there is plenty of shade and seating for parents who need a break.
Thunder Road Family Fun Park
Thunder Road is a classic Fargo summer spot that has been around since 2001. It is open from May to November and packs in a lot of activities in one place. Families can play two full 18 hole mini golf courses, race on the go kart track, bump around in bumper cars, or head inside for laser tag and batting cages. Teens tend to love the go karts and laser tag, while younger kids gravitate to mini golf. It is one of those places where every age group finds something to do.
Bounce House Party Fargo
For pure jumping, bouncing, and high energy fun, book a bounce house through Bounce House Party Fargo. This is a great option for birthday parties, school events, or just a weekend of backyard fun. They bring the inflatable right to your home or event space, so parents do not need to drive anywhere or manage a crowded venue. Kids burn off energy fast, and setup is simple. It works well for toddlers who need a soft, safe space to jump, and it also keeps older kids entertained with bigger bounce and slide combos. Many local families use this as their go to choice for birthday parties because it turns any backyard into an instant party spot.
Slick City Action Park
Slick City is a newer indoor park that has quickly become a favorite with local families and visitors. It uses a slick surface with socks so kids can slide, race, and play games that mix a skate park feel with soft play. It works well for a wide age range, from young kids to teens, and even adults join in on some of the courses. It is fully indoor, so it is a solid pick on cold winter days or hot summer afternoons.
Fargo Air Museum
The Fargo Air Museum is packed with history and hands on learning, split across two hangars. Kids can see planes ranging from replicas of the Wright Brothers aircraft to modern drones. Since Fargo is the setting of the famous movie of the same name, the museum even has a nod to the film with a wood chipper on display, which older kids and teens often find funny once they know the reference. It is a good stop for kids who like machines, history, or just want to see something different from the usual playground.
Bonanzaville USA
Bonanzaville is the largest historical attraction in the region, sitting on 12 acres in West Fargo. It has 43 buildings and hundreds of thousands of artifacts that show what pioneer life looked like on the prairie. Kids can walk through an old school house, a general store, and other restored buildings from the past. It is educational without feeling like a classroom, and it gives kids a hands on sense of history they do not get from books.
Ninja Gyms
Fargo has a couple of solid ninja gym options, including Conquer Ninja Gym and Four Star Ninja Academy. These gyms are built around obstacle courses, similar to what kids see on television ninja shows. Climbing walls, rope courses, and balance obstacles help kids build strength and confidence while having fun. Ninja gyms tend to work well for kids who have a lot of energy and like a physical challenge, and many gyms offer open gym sessions along with structured classes.
Rock Climbing Gyms
For families with a bit more adventurous kids, indoor rock climbing gyms around Fargo give a safe way to test heights and build confidence. Staff usually walk new climbers through the basics of harnesses and safety before they start. It is a fun way to spend an afternoon and works for a wide range of ages, since walls usually have routes for beginners up to more advanced climbers.
Fargo and Moorhead Public Libraries
Libraries do not always come to mind first for family fun, but the Fargo and Moorhead Public Libraries offer far more than books. They run story times for toddlers, STEM programs for older kids, and teen focused events throughout the year. Many of these programs are free, which makes the library a great budget friendly stop, especially on days when the weather keeps everyone inside.
Rustad Recreation Center and Fargo Parks Sports Center
These sports facilities give families space to move. Kids can shoot hoops, walk an indoor track, or bring their own ball for open turf time. It is a good option for families who want active play without needing a specific event or reservation, and it works well for kids who play sports and want extra practice time outside of a formal team setting.
Hulbert Aquatic Center
Located in West Fargo, the Hulbert Aquatic Center is a swimming facility with open swim times throughout the week. It also offers party rentals, so it can double as a birthday venue during warmer months. Swimming is a favorite activity for almost every age group, and this center gives families a reliable spot to cool off during the summer.
MSUM Planetarium
For a quieter, more educational outing, the MSUM Planetarium offers affordable shows about space and the night sky. It runs year round, so it is a solid pick regardless of season. Kids who are curious about space, stars, or science in general tend to enjoy this stop, and the shows are short enough to hold the attention of younger children too.
Fargo Force Hockey Games
Catching a Fargo Force hockey game is a fun night out for the whole family. Kids get to meet the team mascot, take part in games between periods, and enjoy typical game day food. It gives families a taste of live sports in a setting that is lively but still easy for kids to enjoy, even if they are new to hockey.
Escape Rooms
Fargo has family friendly escape rooms, including Puzzled and Fargo Escape Room, built for groups to solve puzzles together. These rooms work especially well for older kids and teens who enjoy problem solving and teamwork. Younger kids can join in too, especially with easier rooms designed for beginners, and it gives the whole family a shared goal to work toward together.
Local Parks and Outdoor Trails
Fargo has a strong list of parks, bike paths, and stroller friendly trails spread across the city. These are free, easy to reach, and great for picnics, biking, or simply letting kids run around outside. On a nice day, a park visit is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to keep kids entertained without spending money.
Wrapping It Up
Fargo offers something for every age, every budget, and every kind of weather. Active kids can burn energy at Thunder Road, Slick City, or a ninja gym. Curious kids can explore the Air Museum, Bonanzaville, or the planetarium. And for an easy, low stress party option that brings the fun straight to your backyard, Bounce House Party Fargo remains one of the simplest ways to turn any day into a celebration. With this many options nearby, families in Fargo rarely run out of ways to spend a fun day together.