Get Outside! From Fall Foliage to Winter Fun: Grand Forks Parks

One of the best parts of living in Grand Forks is that we can enjoy the four seasons. In addition to the changing seasons, Grand Forks is fortunate to have more than thirty beautiful parks for our community and visitors to enjoy! With new playgrounds, seasonal events, and plenty of opportunities to get outside, there’s always something to explore. Two newer parks worth adding to your list are Crary Park and NDAD Park.

Crary Park, located on South Washington Street and 69th Avenue South, has something for every age! The park features thrill-seeking slides, zip lines, swing sets, a toddler area, interactive play areas, and picnic spaces. Plan to stay awhile, because there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained!

NDAD Park, formerly South Kiwanis Park near Discovery School, officially opened in August 2026. This fully inclusive playground features a sensory tunnel, accessible ramps, a Freedom Swing seat, and a 360 Loop. With opportunities for children of all abilities and ages, it’s a playground where everyone can join in on the fun.

Along with the beautiful parks we get to enjoy, the Grand Forks Park District hosts several annual events that community members can take part in throughout the fall and winter.

Parktoberfest will take place on September 28, 2026, at Crary Park. This annual event is free and open to the public. The festivities will include food trucks, s’mores, bounce houses, hayrides, music, and games. It’s the perfect family-friendly way to kick off the fall season in the Grand Cities!

Santa Village is a longstanding community tradition taking place December 12–20, 2026, on weekends at Lincoln Clubhouse. Take a stroll through beautifully decorated Christmas trees, enjoy sleigh rides, and hot cocoa, and meet Santa’s elves! It’s a festive way to get the whole family into the holiday spirit. Admission is a nonperishable food item, an unopened toy, or a cash donation.

Winters can get a little long here in the Red River Valley, so indoor community events are always something to look forward to. Mark your calendars for January 18, 2027, for a mid-winter pick-me-up at Icon Sports Center. The event includes FREE open skating and a matinee movie, making it a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family!

This event is an outdoor, snow-filled day on the Greenway. Enjoy snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and even cardboard sled races! Free equipment rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Best of all, this event is FREE for the community and will be taking place on February 6^th, 2027.

Whether you’re looking for a new playground to explore, a fall festival to attend, or a winter activity to get you out of the house, Grand Forks Parks has plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy the seasons!