Family events in Mankato, MN

The Badlands Big Sticks face the Mankato MoonDogs at ISG Field in Mankato, Minnesota. Fans can expect a close-to-the-action summer ballgame with an easygoing ballpark atmosphere and quick momentum swings from inning to inning.

Unique Classic Cars marks its sixth season of summer roll-ins with a relaxed showcase outside the showroom, welcoming classics, muscle cars, trucks, and any vehicle owners are proud to display. This monthly gathering unfolds in the dealership’s front lot, offering time to admire a wide range of rides, meet fellow enthusiasts, and see what is available in the showroom. Food will be offered for purchase on site, and this edition features live music by Johnny Frost & the Heatseekers along with eats from IDC Food Wagon.

The monthly MSAR bake sale from Mending Spirits Animal Rescue takes place at Pet Expo Mankato and features a wide selection of homemade treats that support animals in the community. Typically 20 to 30 plus volunteer bakers contribute cookies, bars, breads, cupcakes, dog treats, and more, and there are also non-food items available. Funds raised help cover medical care, food, and enrichment for animals who need it most. Terri, the Small Animal Coordinator and a board member, will be available to talk about ways to get involved, volunteer, foster, or support the organization. Payments are accepted by cash, check, and Venmo. Items are first come, first served, and popular choices tend to sell quickly. For those unable to attend, support can also include sharing the event or visiting during another month.

An unstructured play session created for children five and under offers a safe space to explore, move, and have fun at their own pace. Admission is $5 per child.

This open gym is for ages 5 and up. Participants can choose free play or focus independently on skills. Admission is $5 per child.

The Nicollet County Fair in St. Peter is a family-friendly, community celebration packed with classic fair food, fun rides, games, live entertainment, and exhibits. Spend the day browsing vendor booths, checking out local attractions, and enjoying multiple days of nonstop fair excitement for visitors of all ages.

A weekly, hands-on camp series invites children in kindergarten through third grade to learn through play in a setting designed to inspire curiosity. Each session pairs guided activities on a focused theme with time to discover the museum’s exhibits. Themes include Messy Masterpieces, Plant, Play and Grow with the Living Earth Center, Stitching with the Okies, Slime Time Science, Stars, Stripes and Rockets with 3M, STEAMagination, Mud Masters: Clay Adventure, Crack the Case detective challenges, Pulp to Paper, Mission: Rocket Camp with 3M, Super Science focused on germ busters, Scrap Studio with recycled art and building with MNDot, and Cooking Up Curiosity with the Living Earth Center. The fee is $45.

Free weekly Pokemon League play featuring casual matches and trading. Participants can sign up to receive a League ID, and attendees receive a complimentary Pokemon prize pack.

This open gym welcomes children ages five and older. The cost is $5 for each child. Participants can enjoy open-ended play or spend the session practicing skills independently.