Family Health Focus: Staying Safe, Active, and Healthy in the Montevideo Area

Summer in Montevideo, Minnesota, offers families a wealth of opportunities to stay active, safe, and healthy. With a focus on safety and well-being, here’s how you can make the most of July and August 2025 in the Montevideo area.

🛡️ Prioritizing Summer Safety

Before diving into activities, ensure your family’s safety with these precautions:

Sun Protection: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Hydration: Encourage everyone to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during physical activities.
Insect Safety: Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, wear long sleeves and pants in wooded areas, and perform regular tick checks after outdoor activities.
Heat Awareness: Be mindful of heat-related illnesses. Schedule outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

🎉 July & August 2025 Family-Friendly Events

Chippewa County Fair (July 30 – August 3)
Experience a classic county fair with rides, food, and competitions. Highlights include a kids’ tractor pull, youth archery, a petting zoo, and a color run. Admission is $10 for ages 7 and up; children 6 and under enter free. chippewacofairmn.com. Make sure to stop by the CCM Health and CCM Wellness Center booths while at the Fair!
Montevideo Community Education Summer Programs
Enroll your children in various activities such as tee-ball, swimming lessons, and arts and crafts. These programs are designed to keep kids engaged and active throughout the summer.
Summer Food Service Program (June 3 – August 15)
Children 18 and under can enjoy free meals at Sanford Elementary School. Breakfast is served from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., and lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. No registration required. montevideoschools.org
Music in the Park – Benson (1st & 3rd Thursdays in July & August)
Bring a chair and enjoy live music at Roosevelt Park in Benson from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Food vendors will be on-site, making it a perfect evening outing for the family. Explore Minnesota

🌳 Outdoor Activities to Keep Families Active

Windom Park Recreation Area
This 25-acre park features tennis courts, a baseball field, sand volleyball court, basketball court, pickleball court, bocce ball courts, playground equipment, picnic shelters, and a hard-surfaced walking path. It also houses Montevideo’s outdoor swimming pool complex, complete with a 151-foot waterslide, wading pool, concession area, and patio.
Lagoon Park
Located along the Chippewa River, Lagoon Park offers a peaceful setting for family picnics, fishing, and walking trails. It’s an ideal spot to unwind and connect with nature.
Lac qui Parle State Park
Just west of Montevideo, this state park provides facilities for hiking, swimming, horseback riding, and canoe access to the river. It’s a great destination for camping and observing wildlife.

🐾 Pet-Friendly Fun

Wag’s Dog Park
This fully fenced, off-leash area allows your furry friends to play and socialize safely. It’s a great place for dog owners to meet and connect while their pets enjoy the outdoors.

By focusing on safety and taking advantage of the events and outdoor activities the Montevideo area has to offer, you and your family can enjoy a healthy and active summer. Remember to stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and most importantly, have fun!