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Top picks in Cottage Grove

Kid-friendly spots

Keeping the kids entertained while getting out of the house is a constant balancing act.

Based on 727 Opinions
+724
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Updated April 2026
01

Large park has diverse playground equipment like a unique tunnel and zip line for kids. Shaded picnic areas and trails create a natural atmosphere. Facilities include accessible play options and sports courts for all ages.

Playground offers features for all ages including slides and a concrete tunnel. Adapted areas support children with special needs and a baby zone allows easy supervision of little ones.

People are saying

"It's a really fun place with lots of stimulation options for kids."

"It's a wonderful, huge park with ample picnic tables."

"The basketball courts here are great."

Good to know

1

Many features in the park are wheelchair accessible and include braille for visually-impaired visitors.

2

The park has a variety of play equipment suitable for kids of all ages.

3

Public bathrooms with running water are available in the park.

02
Highlands Park image 1

Large open grass fields and multiple courts offer space for varied outdoor activities. Families enjoy the multi-section splash pad and playground with water features that keep kids entertained. Walking paths and covered seating provide spots for relaxation and watching children play.

A big field next to the splash pad offers plenty of space for kids to run, fly kites, or play ball. The splash pad and playground keep kids entertained while parents watch from ample seating and picnic tables.

People are saying

"The park's splash pad is perfect for kids on hot days."

"The playground here is nice and right next to the splash pad."

"It's so kid friendly with a huge splash pad for cooling off."

Good to know

1

Highlands Park has large open spaces with paved paths, basketball courts, and a pond with paddleboats.

2

There is plenty of parking available for visitors.

3

Expect limited shade; most seating is under picnic tables.

03
Spring Lake Park Reserve image 1

Country park offers panoramic river views and miles of trails for hiking and biking. Playground features varied slides and swings for kids of all ages. Peaceful atmosphere with archery areas adds fun for families and outdoor lovers.

Playground offers varied slides, swings, and climbing structures suitable for both big and little kids. Walking paths add to the fun, letting kids enjoy running and biking alongside play.

People are saying

"I loved the beautiful panoramic views of the river."

"The bathrooms here are really nice and clean."

"The playground is kid friendly with slides, swings, and climbing structures."

Good to know

1

The park has well-maintained trails suitable for hiking and biking.

2

Handicap-accessible paths are available, but some trails may be bumpy.

3

Clean bathrooms are available, including handicap-accessible options.

04
Hamlet Park image 1
City park

Large city park offers playground equipment for toddlers and baseball fields for older kids. Plenty of space for walking dogs and spotting ducks and geese. Wooden bridge adds charm to this family-friendly spot.

Playground offers play equipment for toddlers and space for older kids to enjoy activities like baseball.

People are saying

"I found Hamlet Park to be a nice place for a walk."

"The skatepark's ramps are mostly in good shape and decent."

"It's really kid friendly with a great playground."

Good to know

1

There are no restrooms available, but a porta-potty is on-site.

2

Ample parking is available at Hamlet Park.

3

The park is well-maintained and clean.

05
Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park image 1

Large park offers quiet trails for hiking and biking plus a big playground for kids. Families enjoy the fishing pier and free games. Heated pavilion and indoor room support events and gatherings.

Big playground and fishing pier create a fun spot for kids. Free games and activities keep children entertained in designated play areas.

People are saying

"It's a beautiful park with lovely trails for walking."

"The bathrooms here are clean and accessible."

"It's really kid friendly with a great playground and trails."

Good to know

1

To access the park, a Washington County park pass or $7 per day is required.

2

Parking costs $7 without a permit, which is not worth it unless staying all day.

3

The park has well-maintained paths, toilets, picnic areas, and parking facilities.

06
Kingston Park image 1
City park

Kingston Park offers large open fields perfect for soccer and sports. Kids enjoy multiple playgrounds and active soccer programs. Parking can be limited during events, but the park stays peaceful and family-friendly.

Lots of playgrounds at Kingston Park keep kids busy. CG United soccer offers active participation for children.

People are saying

"I found this place to be nice for live soccer."

"It's a large playground area with lots of options for kids."

"It's so Kid Friendly with all the playgrounds for the kids."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough during big events at Kingston Park.

2

The Strawberry Fest features over 50 food trucks and live music.

3

Expect fireworks during the Strawberry Fest celebration.

07
DANCE BY KRIS image 1
Dance school

Dance school feels like a second home with a family-oriented atmosphere where kids as young as two build confidence and poise. It offers varied styles for both recreational and competitive dancers, fostering strong connections and growth for all ages.

Kids start dancing here as young as two and grow into confident performers. The studio feels like a second family and helps kids gain confidence, poise, and strength through dance.

People are saying

"This dance spot feels like a second family."

"It's a family friendly environment; it feels like a second home."

"You'll find a great community and make friends during the fun activities."

Good to know

1

Summer camp offerings include themed activities for kids.

2

Dance classes are available for all ages, including hip hop for adults.

3

Additional fees may apply for performances.

08
Burn Boot Camp image 1

High energy workouts blend strength and conditioning with supportive coaching for all levels. Friendly staff provide free childcare, letting parents focus on fitness while kids have fun. The space feels inclusive with a strong community spirit that uplifts everyone.

Free childcare lets parents focus on themselves while kids enjoy supervised fun. The child watch staff are friendly and attentive, making it easy to attend classes worry-free.

People are saying

"The trainers at this gym are amazing and supportive of your goals."

"The free childcare here is amazing; my kids loved it!"

"The workouts are fun and challenging."

Good to know

1

They often offer the first camp for free to try it out.

2

The included childcare is a significant benefit for parents.

3

The 45-minute classes are effective and challenging for all fitness levels.

09
Omi Nails Lounge Cottage Grove image 1

Salon features a calming atmosphere with elegant decor and fresh energy. Kids enjoy custom nail designs and pedicures made just for them. Staff provide attentive care ensuring comfort and perfect results for all ages.

Kids get custom nail designs and pedicures tailored to their requests. Staff works closely with children to ensure their nails turn out just right.

People are saying

"Kimberly did an amazing job on my nails."

"Kimberly gave me the best pedicure I've ever had."

"It's so Kid Friendly; Kimberly paid close attention to my daughter's nails."

Good to know

1

Gift cards cannot be used unless the owner is present.

2

Customers should check their gift card balance before leaving the salon.

3

The salon maintains a clean and welcoming environment.

10
Bella Nails & Spa image 1

Salon offers acrylic nails and mani/pedi services perfect for kids, with a cute chair that welcomes families. Friendly staff create a relaxing atmosphere with calm music. Busy yet peaceful, it suits both quiet time and casual chats.

Acrylic nails and mani/pedi services cater well to kids, with nail technicians providing extra care to make them feel special. A cute chair designed for children adds to the kid-friendly atmosphere.

People are saying

"I got a beautiful, neat manicure and my nails look amazing."

"Michelle did a beautiful job with my nails and pedicure."

"It's so Kid Friendly; my daughter loved her acrylic nails."

Good to know

1

Prices for services range from $37 to $62, depending on the service.

2

Service duration averages about an hour and a half.

3

Extra charges may apply for longer nails, even for simple services.

11
Oakwood Park image 1
City park

Disc golf course offers intermediate challenge with long baskets amid natural scenery. Playground suits younger kids with a safe, fun spot and a walking path for adults. Quiet park also has a picnic pavilion and scenic overlook with benches.

A playground designed for younger kids offers a fun spot to play. A walking path circles the area, letting adults stroll while kids enjoy themselves.

People are saying

"I found the disc golf course to be a lot of fun."

"It's a really kid-friendly place with a clean, well-designed playground."

"I found the playground to be clean, cute, and well-designed."

Good to know

1

Parking can be limited during busy times.

2

The park features a nature-based playground and picnic pavilion.

3

The disc golf course is the only one in Cottage Grove.

12
Vangz Kitchen image 1
Asian restaurant

Bright dining room with artificial cherry blossom trees offers a lively, family-friendly vibe. Kids love the purple sticky rice and sesame chicken, while adults enjoy the DIY ramen stations for an interactive meal. Cozy, modern layout makes dining fun for all ages.

Kids enjoy the ramen and the purple sticky rice, which they keep eating. The sesame chicken appeals even to picky eaters.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food's pho broth is light, savory, and delicious."

"Their Chinese food's sesame chicken had great taste and large chunks."

"The sesame chicken is crispy with a flavorful sauce, kids loved it."

Good to know

1

The food is served within 10-15 minutes of ordering.

2

You pay at a kiosk similar to McDonald's kiosk.

3

The portions are large enough to get two meals for each person.

13
Red Nails image 1
Nail salon

Chic salon offers a clean and cozy setting with no background music, perfect for relaxation. Kids enjoy kind and fun care during nail sessions, making it ideal for a girls day out. Known for beautiful nail work and spa pedicures, it keeps many customers coming back.

Young kids get treated with kindness and care during nail sessions. The staff delivers fun experiences and consistent results, making it a good spot for a girls day out.

People are saying

"My nails look amazing after a great manicure."

"It's a very relaxing time here."

"It's so Kid Friendly; you'll be laughing and feel relaxed."

Good to know

1

Nail services for a 13-year-old cost $60, not the advertised $40.

2

Cash is needed to tip the nail technician; an ATM is available but may not work.

3

The salon is clean and well-maintained, ensuring a pleasant experience.

14
Pizza Ranch FunZone Arcade image 1

Video arcade offers family-friendly vibe with mostly working games and clean space. Kids enjoy winning prizes while adults relax nearby watching on TV. Affordable meals under $50 make it a fun spot for all ages.

An arcade with prizes keeps kids entertained while adults watch from a nearby room with a TV. Meals for families with small children come in at under $50, making it affordable and fun for all ages.

People are saying

"The pizza here has a good variety and is fresh."

"The buffet had a great variety of pizza and fantastic fried chicken."

"The arcade is great fun for kids and has prizes."

Good to know

1

You must eat at Pizza Ranch to access the arcade.

2

About 1/3 of the arcade games are out of service.

3

The buffet is priced at $16 per person with a decent food variety.

15
Caribou Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Quick service and affordable pricing make this drive-thru coffee spot a great choice. Kids love the hot chocolate and frozen Matcha with bubbles. Outdoor seating with umbrellas adds a cozy, relaxed atmosphere for all ages.

Kids enjoy the hot chocolate here, often preferring it over other places. The frozen Matcha with bubbles also appeals to younger tastes.

People are saying

"The drive thru staff here always greet you with a smile."

"I found the coffee to be amazing and great."

"The staff here are so friendly and make you feel welcomed."

Good to know

1

Caribou Coffee is a drive-through only location with no indoor access.

2

Expect to pay around $5.99 for menu items like the Santa Fe Bowl.

3

The drive-thru can get busy, but the wait is generally worth it.

16
Pizza Ranch image 1
Buffet restaurant

Buffet offers kid-friendly meals and a lively arcade with bright lights that keeps children entertained. Staff are kind, giving stickers and helping with prizes, making it great for birthday parties. Expect a loud, bustling atmosphere with tight spaces around the buffet.

Staff show extra kindness to kids, like giving stickers and helping pick prizes. Birthday parties include arcade games and staff make celebrations special. Kids eat for a low price, and buffet options cater to their favorites.

People are saying

"The buffet's fried chicken and salad bar were highlights."

"The Pizza Ranch has a fun zone for kids and families."

"It's a fun place for kids with a great arcade."

Good to know

1

Pizza Ranch offers a buffet dining experience with a variety of food options.

2

Children eat for a dollar per year, making it family-friendly.

3

The buffet costs $18, but options may be limited.

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Cottage Grove, Minnesota

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