A Saturday With The Family

Does summer seem to be slipping by this year? Does it seem like you haven’t seen your extended family since the holidays? In my case, the answers would both be yes. But what can I do about that? I can’t slow down time (as much as I’d like to). Recently, I found a solution that would help me to enjoy the summer while at the same time gathering my family for some great bonding time! I planned a Saturday at Robbins Island Regional Park in Willmar with the family!

Here’s how simple it was. I reserved the 4-Season Shelter at Robbins Island for the whole day so we wouldn’t be rushed. I sent out email invites to all of our extended family inviting them to a Saturday of relaxation and fun! And I asked that everyone bring a dish to share for lunch and any outdoor games and sports to play throughout the day.

I love to bake so I made enough cinnamon rolls and caramel rolls for everyone and brought some juice and coffee for the morning hours. Lunch was a delicious spread of a variety of family dishes that everyone loves along with many great desserts. (Gotta love potlucks!) I also made some snack mix and cut up a variety of fruit for an afternoon snack.

I rented a couple of kayaks and paddle boards for the day so that everyone could enjoy being on the lake. We had beach toys for all the little kids to play with (and even some of the big kids). We brought some discs for disc golf, volleyball for the sand volleyball court, soccer ball, football and even a bat and ball for some friendly softball games. We reminded those who’d like to go swimming to bring along their swimsuit, towel, life jacket, water toys and sunscreen. I even added a little paragraph in the invite to let everyone know about the Willmar Destination Playground that is fully accessible for all ages of kids.

Between all of the families, cornhole, ladder golf, bocce ball and croquet were brought along as well. Those that weren’t up to playing the games went for a nice walk through the trails of Robbins Island. To say the least, there was no lack of fun on this particular Saturday. Everyone in the extended family had a blast at Robbins Island with the many fun activities to partake in. We had so much fun that we were there into the evening hours and ordered some pizza for everyone to enjoy!

All you need is a great location, some delicious food and interesting conversation and you have a quick and easy planned family day!

Let us know if you’d like help planning a Saturday of fun for you and your family. We’re full of ideas here at the Willmar Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau!

To rent a shelter at Robbins Island Regional Park, click here.

For Recreational Rentals, click here.

Fish our lakes

The possibilities are endless on our 30 recreational lakes…boating, swimming, fishing, water skiing, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, hydro biking, paddle boarding and so much more!

Fishing Report

Explore our Trails

Surrounded by beautiful lakes and scenery…who wouldn’t take a hike or a leisurely bike ride to enjoy the view? With miles of trials to choose from, you can always find new places to explore.

Trail Report