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  • Archery at the Boathouse

    Join us for a morning of archery at the Brookside Boathouse! Our Experiential Education staff will be on hand to teach the basics of archery safety and technique in a fun, supportive environment. Registration is required to ensure waivers are completed ahead of time. All children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the event. If you’d like to enjoy both archery and a paddling adventure on Fountain Lake, please register on the Boathouse registration page instead—there is no extra charge for archery with that registration. The Boathouse is located at the Brookside boat landing by Brookside Education Center (211 W Richway Dr). Archery will be set up in the park behind the Boathouse. If you have any questions please contact our office at 507-379-5318.
  • Boathouse

    Paddle your way across beautiful Fountain Lake with our kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes—or enjoy a scenic ride along the Fountain Lake Trail with our adult bikes. Boathouse Schedule: July 5 - August 16 Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Saturday 9:00-12:00pm Tuesday/Thursday 5:00-7:30pm August 23 - September 26 (dates/times subject to change) Saturday 9:00-12:00pm Important Notes: If you are unable to register, it means we are either full or closed due to weather, low enrollments, or unforeseen circumstances. No cash or checks are accepted at the Boathouse. Payment must be made online with a credit card. The cost is $10 per boat. Parents/Guardians must complete registration for their minors (18 years and younger). All children must be accompanied by an adult. Equipment is limited. We will hold your reservation up to a half house after the time listed in your registration. Who should select 'Passenger'? Choose this option if you are riding as a passenger on any equipment. For example, if you’re in a canoe (which costs $10), only one person needs to pay—but everyone in the canoe must register online and agree to the required waivers. Punch Passes Now Available: You can now purchase punch passes online by clicking HERE or at the Community Education office. If you've purchased a punch pass, please select this option from the dropdown menu. Remember to bring your punch pass to the Boathouse for check-in, where our staff will punch your card. The Boathouse is located at the Brookside Boat Landing by Brookside Education Center (211 W Richway Dr). If you have any questions please contact our office at 507-379-5318.
  • Parent's Night Out

    Need a night out? Drop off your K–5th grader for an evening of fun at the rock gym while you enjoy some well-deserved time to yourself! Each Parent’s Night Out is packed with exciting, instructor-led activities that vary by event—so no two nights are the same. Kids may spend the evening rock climbing, getting creative with arts and crafts, playing gym games, building with Legos, or learning a simple, kid-friendly recipe. Weather permitting, they may also head outside for kayaking, archery, or outdoor games—adding an extra dose of adventure to their night! What to Bring: Tennis shoes Water bottle Snack We’ll keep your kids active, creative, and entertained—you just enjoy your night out! Limited spots available!
  • Rock Gym

    The Rock Gym is open on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Preregistration is required! The rock gym welcomes climbers of all ages and experience levels! Enjoy our beginner to expert graded routes, our bouldering wall, Kilterboard, rope climbing and more. Our experienced staff are available to belay and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Come explore and make your indoor rock climbing adventure unforgettable! Important Notes: If you are unable to register, it means we are either full or closed due to weather, low enrollments, or unforeseen circumstances. No cash or checks are accepted at the Rock Gym. Payment must be made online with a credit card. The cost is $10 per climber. Parents/Guardians must complete registration for their minors (18 years and younger). All children must be accompanied by an adult. If you are not participating in rock climbing but are simply there to supervise your child or spectate, there is no need to sign up. Punch Passes Now Available: You can now purchase punch passes online by clicking HERE or at the Community Education office. If you've purchased a punch pass, please select this option from the dropdown menu. Remember to bring your punch pass to the Rock Gym for check-in, where our staff will punch your card. Planning a Birthday Party? While the Rock Gym is not available for private birthday parties, you can still host your celebration during regular open gym hours! Simply have each parent register their child online through our normal sign-up process. A table with chairs may be available for use with prior notification to the Community Education Office during business hours. If you’d like to cover the cost of the children attending, please contact our office prior to any sign ups at 507-379-5318—we’d be happy to assist you with the details. The Rock Gym is located at Brookside Education Center, Gym B, 211 W Richway Drive, Albert Lea, MN 56007. For any questions, please contact our office at 507-379-5318.
  • Saturday Youth River Trips

    Explore the scenic Shell Rock River between Albert Lea Lake and Glenville, MN with our experienced Experiential Education staff. Participants will enjoy peaceful paddling, wildlife sightings, and the beauty of this gentle prairie river. Transportation is provided, and all participants will meet and return to the Brookside Boathouse in Albert Lea. How to Prepare: Dress for the weather and wear old tennis shoes or water shoes (no flip-flops). Bring a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and a water bottle in a small backpack. Pack a snack and leave anything valuable or not waterproof at home. Arrive 10 minutes early at the Brookside Boathouse (At Brookside Boat Landing) for check-in. Pickup Time Note: Return times may vary based on river conditions. If the water level is low, the trip will take a bit longer; if the river is high, the current may move us along more quickly. Important Reminder: These outings have limited space and tend to fill quickly. If your child is unable to attend, call 507-379-5318 as soon as possible so we can offer the spot to someone on the waitlist. We’ll also call in advance to confirm attendance to avoid no-shows. Thanks for helping us keep these trips accessible to all! About the Shell Rock River: Starting at Albert Lea Lake and flowing 113 miles to the Mississippi River, the Shell Rock River is named for the fossilized shells along its banks. This slow-moving, warm-water river offers excellent bird watching and a peaceful paddle through wetlands, tallgrass prairies, and gentle slopes.