A Partnership That Opens Doors to Adventure
Since summer 2020, Wheel Fun Rentals Minnesota has joined forces with Tickets for Kids, ensuring that underserved and at-risk youth in the Twin Cities can enjoy enriching outdoor recreation—completely free. Through this collaboration, children have accessed experiences at eight Minnesota locations, from kayaking and pedal boats to specialty bikes and mini golf at Como Park and Veterans Memorial Park.
This isn’t just fun—it’s a gateway to confidence, creativity, and connection.
What Wheel Fun Rentals Provides
Free rides on boats and bikes—including swan boats, paddleboards, kayaks, cycles—and mini golf at key parks around Minneapolis and St. Paul
Participation for youth from nonprofit programs at no cost, enabled by Tickets for Kids
Experiences are available at all eight Wheel Fun Rentals Minnesota locations, including Lake Nokomis, Minnehaha Falls, Lake Harriet, Bde Maka Ska, and others
Wheel Fun Rentals Minnesota remains a key partner in strengthening the Tickets for Kids network, offering seasonal programming year-after-year.
The Health Benefits of Outdoor Fun
Beyond the excitement, these activities deliver powerful physical and mental health benefits for kids:
Boosted mental health: Outdoor play has been linked to lower stress levels, reduced anxiety, and improved mood in children and teens
Physical fitness: Paddling, biking, and walking strengthen muscles, improve balance, and support heart health
Vitamin D exposure: Time in the sun promotes healthy immune systems and supports bone development
Social-emotional skills: Group recreation fosters teamwork, communication, and self-esteem
Tech-free time: Stepping away from screens gives children a chance to reconnect with nature—and with each other
Through these outings, youth are not only having fun—they’re actively improving their overall wellness in a way that’s memorable and meaningful.
Testimonials from Each Location
Lake Como
“This is one of our favorite events every summer! Many of our kids are afraid of the water but are willing to try out the low-risk swans (paddle boats). We encourage the comfortable kids to check out a paddle board or kayak. It’s so fun to watch as kids get more and more comfortable because they start to trade spots and try out all the watercrafts.”
“This was an amazing event that the ladies loved and enjoyed. It is so important for them to learn how to have sober fun. It was a great opportunity for them to enjoy the weather and be around each other. One client is from the area and she was happy to go back with the support of staff.”
“We are teachers at Focus Beyond Transition Services. We recently took advantage of your generosity by bringing our students to Wheel Fun Como Park Mini Golf on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. We had a mix of first timers and a few who had previously experienced mini golf. Each group was assigned a challenge within their groups. We were all required to problem solve with our groups. We needed to get along, help friends and listen to each other. There was laughter and cheering each other on. It was truly a day of enjoyment.”
Lake Harriet
“The kids loved this so much but they were scared to be on the water at first. We had a great time figuring out the pedal boat. At first, we wanted to try the kayak, but I don’t think we would’ve been able to do that! One day we want to go back and try it though!”
Lake Nokomis
“We’re incredibly thankful to Tickets for Kids for making it possible for our students to spend an afternoon out on the water at Lake Nokomis! Through Wheel Fun Rentals, our youth had the chance to canoe, kayak, and paddleboard—activities that many of them had never experienced before, or only rarely.”
Veteran’s Memorial Park
“We’re so grateful to Tickets for Kids for providing our group with a fun and meaningful outing to Wheel Fun Rentals for mini golf at Veterans Memorial Park! One of the biggest highlights of the day was watching one of our newer volunteers—who’s been faithfully serving with us for the past year—connect more deeply with the girls in her mentoring group.”
Minnehaha Falls
“This Client had been struggling with depression and anxiety, as something special for her children to get them out of the house, this activity was able to help the children mental health and some normalcy, the children were able to be outdoors and be able to spend some quality time with their mother as they continue to face challenges. Thank you for making this possible and for your wonderful donation.”
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Joy of Movement
Year after year, Wheel Fun Rentals continues to strengthen its commitment to youth empowerment through outdoor recreation. Their partnership with Tickets for Kids ensures access—and joy—for thousands of children in Minnesota every summer. These experiences are more than just rides—they’re cornerstones of childhood discovery, health, and happiness.
Together, they’re turning the Twin Cities’ lakes and parks into classrooms and playgrounds where every child has the chance to play, learn, and grow.
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