Fun Family Activities

Dying to get the family out of the house and away from TV and phone screens? Look no further than your favorite hometown park for the destination and action guaranteed to give you wireless fun.

Go birdwatching in the park

Grab the family and head to the park for some birdwatching! Mansfield parks are full of many types of wildlife, with many species of birds to be seen. Grab our list of common bird species and go a hunt to see how many you can find. Don't forget to take a peak through the bird-blinds at Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park. Bonus: see how many animals and plant species you find, too!

Have a picnic at your favorite park

There's a perfect picnic spot out there for everyone... even those who aren't wild about nature! You can grab a blanket and head out for a family lunch - or check out our many parks with pavilions, picnic tables and grills. Sitting down with family and friends for a meal together is always something special. Personal grills must stay in the parking lot.

Grab your pup and take a hike

With miles of trails grabbing the kids and the pups and taking them for walk at any one of our parks. You can check out the Walnut Creek Linear Trail for a longer route, or hike through Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park to have unique, natural scenery. Either way, the whole family is sure to enjoy the fresh air while also getting some exercise!

Don't have a family dog? Check for our next Barks & Rec class, where volunteers sign up to take a dog from the Mansfield shelter for a run on the WCLT or a hike through ONP. Everyone gets exercise and the pups get improved socialization and a better chance at finding a home. It's a great way to help out if you have enough pets at home, or to "test drive" pet ownership before taking the plunge.

Go Old School

Kids today might be able to code websites and unlock grandma's Iphone, but they still have a lot to learn! Bring back your favorite childhood games and help your kids discover the joy in old school fun. When's the last time you found an open patch of sky and watched your kite fly high? Or try an afternoon of cloud watching; it may seem simple - but grabbing a blanket, some pillows, and the kids and heading to the park for cloud watching is both fun and relaxing. Picking out shapes in the clouds is a great way for you and your kiddos to exercise their imagination. 

Want something more physical? Grab your frisbee or ball and head out for a game of catch! Or bring some horseshoes to the pits at Katherine Rose Memorial Park. Either way, there's more than enough space to play some friendly (or even competitive!) games with family.

Family workout!

Not only do some of our parks have built-in exercise equipment, you can make up your own workout too! Whether it's walking lunges down the trail, or push-ups off of a bench, there are many ways to get creative with your workout. 

The Walnut Creek Linear Trail is a two-mile, paved and lighted path that is a great place for even early bike riders to practice, or the whole family to enjoy a walk or jog together. Most of the trail is wooded, and it connects five different Mansfield parks, giving you plenty of opportunities to hop off for bathroom or swing set breaks!

Go Playground Hopping

Did you know Mansfield has nine different parks with playgrounds? Challenge your family to explore them all! It could be one crazy day, hopping from one to the next, or a season-long project, checking off one a week. 

Each park's equipment is unique and offers a different play experience, making for a fun adventure. You might just discover a new favorite!

Click here for the full list of Mansfield's playgrounds.

Mark your calendar for our family events happening all year long

Enjoy bringing the family out for some fireworks and games during the summer at Mansfield's Rockin' 4th of July celebration.

In September, get your toes tapping at the Music Alley Music & Arts Festival. It's a free one-day music and arts festival in Historic Downtown Mansfield full of live music, food trucks, and lots of activities for all ages.

Looking for some spook-tacular fun in October? We've got something for all ages - Boo Bash at the MAC for the littles and Haunted Mansfield haunted house and paranormal experience for those looking for a fright!

In November we honor all those who have bravely served our country. With a parade and patriotic salute, the Veterans Day Parade is suitable for everyone in the family.

Finally, what better way to kick off the holiday season than with the Hometown Holidays festival, parade, and tree lighting ceremony? A full weekend of family, fun, and activities for all!