Summer fun to sizzle in Albert Lea
City News May 29, 2026
With school out for summer, the Albert Lea Recreation Department offers several recreational programs for kids and families to have fun, stay safe and try new activities.
On Sunday, May 31, at 2 p.m., kids of all ages can try hockey for free at the City Arena, 701 Lake Chapeau Drive. The Albert Lea Hockey Association will provide equipment at no charge. This is a great way to try the sport with no financial commitment. To register, visit the hockey association website at www.albertleahockey.org/program/try-hockey-for-free/33155.
Four neighborhood parks will offer free supervised activities for grade-schoolers, starting Monday, June 1:
- Academy, 910 Frank Hall Park
- Lakeview, 102 Willamor Road
- Sondergaard, 806 17th St.
- Valley, 611 Sheridan St.
Kids may drop in Monday – Thursday, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. While no registration is needed for daily activities, they need to have a parent or guardian complete a registration form for the season. Activities will include crafts, games, art, water activities and tie-dyeing T-shirts. All play park leaders have passed background checks.
Freeborn County 4-H will also return to the neighborhood parks this summer, leading team-building exercises, STEM challenges, gardening and food demonstrations. Youth participants can even showcase their projects at the Freeborn County Fair.
Because of weather delays, the painters are still working at the Aquatic Center, 321 James Ave. The goal is to open the week of June 8. Season passes are available beforehand at the Recreation Department, 701 Lake Chapeau Drive. The Aquatic Center also has openings for swim lessons. Call 507-377-4370 for more information.
The Aquatic Center will again offer free admission – with one paid swimmer – for grandparents on Mondays and for dads on Sunday, June 21. Admission on Tuesdays is only $2 per participant with free admission for kids age 2 and younger.
A new feature this year is water walking, a low-impact and self-guided exercise, on Sundays from 7 – 8 p.m. with a $2 fee.
The Recreation Department will offer a free field trip to the Aquatic Center on Friday, June 12. Participants must ride the bus to and from the pool to participate. The bus will pick up kids from Sondergaard Park at noon, Valley Park at 12:15 p.m. and Lakeview Park at 12:30 p.m. Participants should pack a lunch to eat at Frank Hall Park before the pool opens, a swimsuit, towel and snack money.
Archery tag for ages 8 and older starts on Tuesday, June 16, at 5:30 p.m. This free activity will take place weekly through July 21 at Eberhart Park, 1502 Eberhard St.
There will be a free movie in the park on Friday, June 26, with the showing of “Goat” at Sondergaard Park. This event is open to all ages, and attendees should bring their own blankets, lawn chairs and snacks.
The City Arena, 701 Lake Chapeau Drive, will be open for public skate this summer on Thursdays from 10 – 11:30 a.m., starting June 10. Admission is only $2.
The Splash Pad is open daily, weather permitting, from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. with no admission fee.
For more information about recreational programming, call 507-377-4370 or the see the Summer Fun Guide on the city website at www.cityofalbertlea.org/departments/recreation/.
May 29, 2026
For immediate release
Media contact: Cathy Malakowsky, engagement/enrichment director, at 507-377-4316 or cmalakowsky@ci.albertlea.mn.us
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