“The best I can explain our family, simply is ‘beautiful chaos,'” said Jennifer Johnson, who has four kiddos.

They are always on the go.

Asher, the 4th grader and the oldest eats and breathes everything football.

Jordan, the second oldest, also loves sports and rotates between flag football and basketball.

Ava, the second grader, is into creepy crawlies and has a love for all animals and creatures. In fact, she wants to be a scientist in the future!

Adilena, their pre-K baby, is a social butterfly sure to put a smile on your face and make best friends anywhere she goes. Her passion, at the moment, is gymnastics.

Prince and Jagger are their 2.5-year-old American Bully and their 4-month-old English Bulldog. Both enjoy endless cuddles from the whole family.

Jennifer and Brandon work full-time while navigating their beautiful chaos. Brandon works from home to provide extra support for their home life. “There is something fulfilling about ending the day with a relaxing evening knowing your kiddos are happy and healthy, and the household is filled with love. Life is crazy at times, but we wouldn’t have it any other way,” Jennifer said.

Into The Wild

The Johnsons are an outdoorsy bunch and they love all things wild, but some of their favorites are:

Willow Falls in Wisconsin

It’s about a four-hour drive from Fargo to Willow Falls, Wisconsin, but the views are well worth it. Pack up the family and explore Willows River State Park with its miles of hiking trails, beautiful campgrounds, lakeside picnic areas, and nature center.

Learn more about all there is to do at Willow Falls here!

Chahinkapa Zoo

Located in Wahpeton, many Fargo-Moorhead residents are aware of Chahinkapa Zoo. However, you may not be aware that this zoo, which has been around since 1933, offers a carousel, a rentable Chapel, and a camping area.

See what events are happening and learn more at chahinkapazoo.org

Finding Events

When looking for family-centric information in the area, the Johnsons head to:

The “Fargo Moms Group” on Facebook

With over 6,000 members, Jennifer says this is her favorite way to find events in the area and to connect with other moms out there.

The Visit Fargo Moorhead Events Page

This is the place to go to find just about any event in the Fargo-Moorhead area—check it out at fargomoorhead.org/events

Childcare Recommendation

When looking for childcare in the area, the Johnsons head to:

The YMCA

“Three of our kiddos went here from infant to pre-K. We loved that the kids could enjoy sporting programs (swimming lessons, soccer, assorted sports) during daycare hours without taking more time out of our days. It is extremely helpful that they have multiple location options to choose from, and the waitlist was never crazy. They got to enjoy field trips as well and were able to be involved in the community.”

Ava and Addy The All Stars

Fargo All Stars

Both Ava and Addy have participated in Fargo All-Stars, a local organization offering programs for both gymnastics and cheer.

Did you know?
Fargo All-Stars can be rented for birthday parties!

Recreation Recommendations

KidCo Children’s Museum

“This is close to us in Moorhead, and our girls absolutely love it!”

Did you know?
Reservations are not required, but they are highly encouraged as attendance is capped! Download the KidCo. app for easy booking! You can also purchase a variety of packages or memberships if you’d like to visit and get your kids’ “wiggles out” more often!

Skate City ND

“From Birthday parties to playdates, this is one of our favorite places.”

Did you know?
Family Memberships, which are $25 per year, get members 25% off admission for regular public skating sessions, 25% off meal deals, and more!

Courts Plus Community Fitness

“My husband and I are able to get a workout in while the kids utilize the giant play place or the gyms for basketball.”

Did you know?
Courts Plus also offers a selection of after-school, no-schooldays, holidays, and weekend programming for kids of various age groups! There is so much going on for area youth at Courts Plus—check it out at courtsplus.org/programs/ youth-programs!

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