The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) drivers use some very large snow plows to keep the highways free of snow. Come explore these giant rigs as they wait in the garage for next big snow! Meet at the MNDOT/DVS visitor door, 1000 Hwy 10 W. Detroit Lakes. Guests can park within the first fence and we will drive together through the gate to the second fenced area. If plows need to be out for a big snow, watch for a reschedule date.

Join Brainy Ink and Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) for hands-on fun and playful learning! Little learners will explore, build, and create through interactive STEAM-inspired activities designed to spark curiosity and imagination. From painting and tinkering to sensory play and discovery - it's all about learning through play! Come ready to explore, laugh, and make more memories together! Come when you can and stay as long as you like! SENSE-sational Camp - A playful journey through sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell! Campers use all five senses to explore, create, and make discoveries through sensory-rich experiences and imaginative play. Tinker & Build Camp - Invent, design, and build! Campers become young engineers as they explore tools, materials, and ideas through hands-on tinkering and collaborative problem-solving.

Come join us! No Fee! No pre-registration! Visit the Detroit Lakes Public Library for a night of stories and fun with the youth services librarian, Eliza, and staff from ECFE. Listen to stories, explore our kids' area, sign up for a library card, learn about 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, and more. Great for caregivers and families. Ages 0-6.

With Merry Melody Music Academy! (infant, toddler, preschool) Musical Immersion and Exploration! Music, movement, instruments, self-expression, children's museum areas, and family connections! In partnership with Merry Melody Music, Becker County Museum, and Early Childhood Initiative of Becker County.

(Infant, Toddler, Preschool) Whether you are feeling cooped up or just want a place for you and your little ones to move, connect with us for Open Gym at the Boys and Girls Club gym! This is a fun, informal play time. Throw and bounce balls, jump through hula hoops, navigate cones, and more opportunities for moving. All children must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver who will supervise and play. To protect the gym floor, children and adults wil need to switch from boots/street shoes into non-skid footwear for the gym. No stroller wheels in B & G gym. We will meet up at the Boy's & Girl's Club of Detroit Lakes! Use the entrance to the right as you face the building. 150 Richwood Road, DL

(Infant, Toddler, Preschool) Whether you are feeling cooped up or just want a place for you and your little ones to move, connect with us for Open Gym at the Boys and Girls Club gym! This is a fun, informal play time. Throw and bounce balls, jump through hula hoops, navigate cones, and more opportunities for moving. All children must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver who will supervise and play. To protect the gym floor, children and adults wil need to switch from boots/street shoes into non-skid footwear for the gym. No stroller wheels in B & G gym. We will meet up at the Boy's & Girl's Club of Detroit Lakes! Use the entrance to the right as you face the building. 150 Richwood Road, DL

Experience a behind-the-scenes tour of how bakes goods are made. Observe equipment like mixers and ovens, learn about ingredients that are transformed to the finished products, baking tools, and ask questions to stimulate curiosity about the baking process. Wrap up the tour with a sweet hands-on activity decorating your own donut!

Explore the health and wellness activities that The Center has to offer for families who have young children! Climb and crawl in the Backyard (socks needed), bounce basketballs in the Youth Gym, stroll the indoor walking lanes (bring indoor shoes), join activities in the Fieldhouse, hangout in the kidzone childcare room playing with toys or coloring, and enjoy pizza in the Backyard Party Room! (The Aquatic Center is not open during this event as it is undergoing exciting major renovations). DLCCC staff will be available to answer questions about the center. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Pizza will be served at 5:30 pm.

Are you interested in learning more about using essential oils with children - safely, gently, and with confidence? Join Janna Setterholm, Registered Aromatherapist and Owner of Northstar Aromatics, for an approachable, down-to-earth class designed especially for parents and caregivers. You'll leave with clear, practical guidance on oils considered safe for children - plus you'll have the opportunity to make your own hand-poured essential oil blend to take home.

Miss Jenny In line with our existing format, this class will continue to include children of various ages, with the added benefit of a focused time dedicated to 3-5 year olds. During this segment, parents engage with younger siblings or connect with one another, while our child educator will lead targeted school readiness activities with the older children. This structure supports developmental needs across age groups while providing enriching, age-appropriate experiences for all participants. Registration required. Please enroll parent/adult, and each child (including infants) who will attend.

Miss Jenny and Miss Fran Come explore! Classes are designed for you and your child to spend time together enjoying activities to enhance learning, whether it is with children the same age as your child or with a group of mixed-age children. Mixed-age classes also give families with multiple children the opportunity to attend class together, at the same time. Parents have the opportunity to join other parents for discussion led by a Parent Educator while children remain with the Child Educator for a short period of time. Spend uninterrupted time with your child(ren), receive helpful parenting information, and meet other families. Registration required. Please enroll parent/adult, and each child (including infants) who will attend.

Miss Jenny and Miss Fran Come explore! Classes are designed for you and your child to spend time together enjoying activities to enhance learning, whether it is with children the same age as your child or with a group of mixed-age children. Mixed-age classes also give families with multiple children the opportunity to attend class together, at the same time. Parents have the opportunity to join other parents for discussion led by a Parent Educator while children remain with the Child Educator for a short period of time. Spend uninterrupted time with your child(ren), receive helpful parenting information, and meet other families. Registration required. Please enroll parent/adult, and each child (including infants) who will attend.

Miss Jenny Come explore! Classes are designed for you and your child to spend time together enjoying activities to enhance learning, whether it is with children the same age as your child or with a group of mixed-age children. Mixed-age classes also give families with multiple children the opportunity to attend class together, at the same time. Parents will receive handouts from the Parent Educator and continue interactions with their child(ren). Registration required. Please enroll parent/adult, and each child (including infants) who will attend.

Thu. Feb 5, 5:30-6:45 pm Fri. Feb 6, 10 am - 11:15 am Come join us! No fee! No pre-registration! (Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers)In partnership with Polar Fest 2026 A yearly favorite! Explore and create with wintery activities your family will enjoy! Enjoy a slice of pizza, sponsored by Papa Murphy's and make your own hot chocolate!

Thu. Apr 23, 5:30 - 6:30 pm Fri. Apr 24, 10 - 11:15 am Come join us at MState in our ECFE space (#F109) No fee! No pre-registration! (Infant, Toddler, Preschool) We believe that we all hold superpowers and positive powers! We would also like to emphasize to our children, how important everyone is and what amazing superpowers they have. Parents, grandparents, family members & siblings may join us. Community heroes! Activities! Snacks! Painting! Vehicles! Feel free to wear your own Superhero costumes to the party! Free will donation.

(Toddler/Preschool) Shake off those winter blues! Get out and have fun moving during some of the typically coldest days of the year! We’ll supply the space, music, and equipment. You bring the energy and shoes for the gym! Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Pre-register for one or all three sessions

We can't wait to celebrate the Week of the Young Child in April! April is designated as Month of the Young Child and one week is focused on bringing attention to the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. Plans are in the works for ways to join the celebration! Watch for a complete list of events and activities at lakesfamilies.com!

(expectant, infants, toddlers) Being pregnant or having an infant or toddler is both exciting and challenging! Feeding, soothing, sleeping, child development, safety, child and parent health, and additional discussions will be customized to questions and needs of families, along with time to play and explore. Specially trained nurses from public health and guest facilitators will join ECFE. Staff for parenting support and guidance in healthy decision making and effective parenting through the joys and challenges of being a parent or caregiver. In partnership with Becker County Public Health

(expectant, infants, toddlers) Being pregnant or having an infant or toddler is both exciting and challenging! Feeding, soothing, sleeping, child development, safety, child and parent health, and additional discussions will be customized to questions and needs of families, along with time to play and explore. Specially trained nurses from public health and guest facilitators will join ECFE. Staff for parenting support and guidance in healthy decision making and effective parenting through the joys and challenges of being a parent or caregiver. In partnership with Becker County Public Health