Whether that answer be in the form of arts and crafts or games and activities, Rec on the Go has something for everyone in New Ulm.

The program started this year on June 16 and will continue Monday through Thursdays in New Ulm until August 7. The program is held from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Lincoln Park on Mondays, Highland Park on Tuesdays, Riverside Park on Wednesday and North Park on Thursdays, with a “Concert in the Park” event at German Park on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Liz Malloy, New Ulm Park & Recreation program supervisor, said the program was started with the goal of creating mobile recreational programming throughout the community that knocks down the barriers of cost and transportation.

Made possible by a collaborative effort between Park & Recreation, New Ulm Community Ed, Allina/New Ulm Medical Center, New Ulm Public Library and other community groups, Rec on the Go is a free recreational program that is accessible to everyone in the community.

Staff photos by Travis Rosenau Josephine Engstrom colors at a Rec on the Go event in New Ulm at Riverside Park on June 17, 2025.

“Rec on the Go is open to all ages,” Malloy said. “It was geared towards youth under 18 at inception but has always been open to all. We have different activities and options for no matter age or ability.

“It is offered for free to remove any barriers someone may be experiencing and in different parks throughout the community to help those that may not have access otherwise.”

The program is staff-based, with three to four Park & Recreation staff members at each stop to get things set up and interact and play with participants.

“We have a lead staff that helps plan the special activities and stops,” Malloy said. “Some days we have a partner group come and they will volunteer to lead a craft or specific activity for that day in addition to the Park & Rec staff.”

Rec on the Go got its morning time slot to give people something to do, especially before lunch time, outside of the organized activities in New Ulm that fill up the evenings.

Staff photo by Travis Rosenau Three-year-old McKinley Johnson hula-hoops at a Rec on the Go event at New Ulm’s North Park on June 19.

While the program finishes in under two hours each Monday through Thursday, there are enough activities and fun events to get a day’s worth of fun during that time.

“We offer a variety of games and activities at every stop but include different specials throughout the week including the bounce house and our new portable gaga ball pit,” Malloy said. “We also offer different craft activities that change throughout the weeks.

“Our regular activities include giant yard games like Jenga and Connect 4 and traditional games like bags. We offer friendship bracelet making often and temporary tattoos are always a hit and a great conversation starter.”

With the many fun opportunities Rec on the Go provides, the program is also a good opportunity to meet and make new friends.

“We have heard stories of it having a positive impact on participants,” Malloy said. “One parent shared that it helped their shy child enjoy coming to the park more and they become more willing to ask to play with others at the park.

Staff photos by Travis Rosenau Sisters Eloise and Olive Dahl play with toy hammers and nails with their mom, Emily, during a Rec on the Go event at New Ulm’s Riverside Park on June 17, 2025.

“We have also had a grandparent share that it was nice to be able to bring their grandchildren and have a built it in way meeting and connecting with others at the park.”

Staff photo by Travis Rosenau Pictured in front from left to right are siblings Lydia and Owen Anderson as they jump around in a bounce house at a Rec on the Go event at New Ulm’s North Park on June 19.

Staff photos by Travis Rosenau Yamilet Barron shows off her sticker art which she completed at a Rec on the Go event in New Ulm at Riverside Park on June 17, 2025.

Staff photos by Travis Rosenau Four-year-old Brooks Lieser throws a bean bag while his younger brother, Rory, waits for his turn at a Rec on the Go event in New Ulm at Riverside Park on June 17, 2025.