I am taking the family up to Arnold Park in August for 4 days for the first time. I have not been up there before, what are some recommendations for things you did? Places to eat? Anything is welcome. I have twin 6 year old girls so family friendly stuff.
Arnold Park - Activities
- Thread starter State43
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I hope they still have skee ball
Why is this game so fun???? So simple, yet so fun.
It's hard to be poor at it. It's easy to get good. It's challenging to get great.
I misspoke, or at least mislead. I didn't mean to say mastering the game is easy, I meant to say the concept of it is. Roll ball into hole. That should not be nearly as much fun as it is. I cannot resist skeeball, and I'm not even any good at it.
Nutty bars. Not to spoil your fun. You would have seen it anyway.
Three Sons in Milford probably still has a huge selection of 1/2 off clothing and sportswear (even post-Internet) an is probably worth a stop, maybe on your way there or back. It used to be the entire second floor.
It is also home of the University of Okoboji, which you can find a lot about online. There is a Wall Street Journal article from the 1970s. A more recent local article had a photo of the smiling Richter brothers up front, and a sign there that unattended children will be given an espresso and a free puppy. :0
IIRC.
Three Sons in Milford probably still has a huge selection of 1/2 off clothing and sportswear (even post-Internet) an is probably worth a stop, maybe on your way there or back. It used to be the entire second floor.
It is also home of the University of Okoboji, which you can find a lot about online. There is a Wall Street Journal article from the 1970s. A more recent local article had a photo of the smiling Richter brothers up front, and a sign there that unattended children will be given an espresso and a free puppy. :0
IIRC.
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Not sure there's enough in the actual park to justify two full days at it, but there's a bunch of small things around, including mini golf, shops, renting watersports things, etc. Maritime museum is actually really interesting, but probably only takes up half an hour or so.
Skee ball makes Chuck E. Cheese's fun- That my friend is the true miracle of Skee ball
Ride the log ride alot since those God-less heathens at Adventureland took that one away.
The second generation Richters are big Cyclones too. A couple were managers under Larry and Fred. Great family.
Half a day at the actual park is enough to tire out the kids and they start to get bored. Especially if you go before high season and the lines are short. There is a good "kiddie" area up front that your kids will probably like. You don't need a wristband to escort them in the park so if you don't plan to go on any rides then don't buy one. The go cart track is fun.
Pirate mini-golf next to the park would be good for them.
The area with the dilly bars and taffy shop has some outdoor musical instruments my kids spent a lot of time playing.
Go on a cruise on the boat, can't remember what it's called.
Weekends there is usually free live outdoor music somewhere. You can enjoy some beverages while the kids run around.
With our kids we pretty much tried to get them as much beach time as possible.
Arnolds park is like a 2 hours deal. Maybe you can spend another hour walking around the outside park after. If you are in that area go spend time at Barefoot bar and other bars around.
My father grew up in Ruthven, Iowa (Home of Loren Meyer) and we used to go to the fun house. I have not been up to that park in 25 years so I am not sure if the fun house attractions are still there. As a kid it was top notch.
If my college experiences are of any help, you can spend several days drinking yourself silly and awkwardly hitting on women. Not sure the rest of your family will enjoy that, though.
