Free Summer Fun in the Twin Cities – 2024

Summer fun in Minneapolis parks 

Minneapolis buzzes, hums, thrills, moves and grooves with free outdoor concerts and free movies in the park all summer long. From the breezy, iconic Lake Harriet Bandshell that draws visitors from all over the Twin Cities to the cozy neighborhood parks that draw locals Minneapolis Music & Movies in the Parks has got the entertainment covered.

Minneapolis summer festivals

Minneapolis Aquatennial

First stop with kids, hit the Loring Park Family Fun Night. Then, onto the Torchlight Parade, performances by the Twin Cities River Rats waterski team and spectacular fireworks cap off this longtime Minneapolis festival. July 24-27, 2024.

Loring Park Arts Festival

1382 Willow St., Minneapolis, MN 55403
140 artists, interactive art, family events, food, music and unique entertainment around the walking paths and duck ponds of Loring Park—an idyllic setting for an outdoor art festival. July 27-28, 2024. Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm.

Minneapolis festivals cancelled in 2024

A couple regulars aren’t on the calendar this year including Minneapolis Open Streets (inviting the public to walk or bike main city thoroughfares to explore local businesses) and the 60-year-old Uptown Art Fair (cancelled due to road construction). Both festivals, with their family-friendly elements, hope to return next year.

Minneapolis beaches

Minneapolis boasts a dozen lovely beaches open to the public for free swimming all summer long. Please check each link for more information and to see lifeguard services. Beaches typically open Memorial Day weekend.

Bde Maka Ska Beaches

The urban beauty of Bde Maka Ska Park in Minneapolis incorporates walking trails, picnic areas, and three swimming beaches for summer family fun:

• BDE MAKA SKA 32ND STREET BEACH – This is our pick for best of the three when toting along kids due to the playground and lifeguards. 3200 E Calhoun Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55408
• BDE  MAKA SKA NORTH BEACH – 2707 Lake Street W, Minneapolis, MN 55416
• BDE MAKA SKA THOMAS BEACH – 3700 Thomas Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55410

Cedar Lake Beaches

Cedar Lake, with its squiggly shoreline, also has three sandy beaches open for swimming. These beaches are among the “no frills” variety in Minneapolis for their lack of playgrounds and lifeguards – but they also tend to be quieter.

• CEDAR LAKE EAST BEACH – also known affectionately as “Hidden Beach” as it is a bit tucked away in the trees. 2000 Upton Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55405
• CEDAR LAKE POINT BEACH – Again, a little off the beaten path and tends to draw a bit older crowd. 2101 Cedar Lake Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55416
• CEDAR LAKE SOUTH BEACH – 3500 Cedar Lake Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55416

Lake Harriet Beaches

The north end of Lake Harriet Park area constantly bustles due to the near-daily draw of concerts and movies at the Bandshell, watercraft rentals, nice-sized playground and snack shop. It may be tricky to find parking for the two beaches to choose from:

• LAKE HARRIET NORTH BEACH – 4180 East Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55409
• LAKE HARRIET SOUTHEAST BEACH – 4612 E Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55419

Lake Nokomis Beaches

We have an affection for these beaches as they are easier to access from the eastern side of the Twin Cities and have a more neighborhood feel.

• LAKE NOKOMIS 50TH STREET BEACH – 5000 Lake Nokomis Parkway E, Minneapolis, MN 55417
• LAKE NOKOMIS MAIN BEACH – Our choice spot for bringing kids. The beach is large by Minneapolis standards, the playground equipment is near the water and there’s a snack stand. 5001 Lake Nokomis Parkway W, Minneapolis, MN 55417

Lake Hiawatha Beach

Lake Hiawatha Park, 2701 E 44th St. Minneapolis, MN 55406
We don’t pick this park for its beach but rather for the recreation center’s playground and splashy wading pool. Sometimes one just don’t want to deal with sand, you know?

Wirth Lake Beach

3200 Glenwood Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405
We found this to be a wonderful option with very low crowds, rare shade structures and nice playground.

Minneapolis waterparks

Webber Natural Swimming Pool

4330 Webber Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55412
Water treated with plants instead of chemicals. Zero-depth entry for the littlest swimmers. FREE admission.

North Commons Water Park 

1701 Golden Valley Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55411
The outdoor waterpark is part of North Commons Park, which also includes a playground, recreation center and free wading pool. Admission has been eliminated for youth under 18 the past few years, adults will pay $5 to swim or $3 to chaperone without swimming.

Jim Lupient Waterpark

1520 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
The fun features include 3 large water slides, log water walk, a spray pool for younger kids, water volleyball and shade structures. Admission is just $3-$5/pp.

Minneapolis splash pads & wading pools

You will absolutely want to check out our master list of free Minneapolis wading pools if you have pre-swimmers. Many feature fancy splash features including, but definitely not limited to, WABUN PARK WADING POOL, LAKE HIWATHA WADING POOL and WAITE PARK WADING POOL. Open daily 10am-9pm.

Just want to get sprayed? Our list of the 40+ best splash pads in the Twin Cities has got you as good as soaked. Entries in Minneapolis include:

• CURRIE PARK splash pad
• THE COMMONS splash pad (downtown Minneapolis)
• FRANKLIN STEELE SQUARE splash pad
• PHELPS FIELD PARK splash pad

Minneapolis bike trails

Spin your wheels on the best Minneapolis bike trails for families. They’re free and they are a fantastic way to explore the city’s beautiful parks and lakes.