Twin Cities Northwest Metro Things to Do This Summer – Covering the Twin Cities, Minnesota, communities of Andover, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, Maple Grove, New Brighton, Otsego & Plymouth
Three cheers! School’s out and your family is just itching to explore beyond the backyard. We have the scoop on your community entertainment in the Twin Cities Northwest ‘burbs: concerts in the parks, family-friendly festivals, swimming and splash pads, perhaps the puppet wagon and lots more to fill those long summer days.
Get started planning your best summer!
Everything under the sun you need to know about family fun this summer in the Twin Cities is wrapped up neatly in our ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUMMER EVENTS IN THE TWIN CITIES. Boredom doesn’t have a fighting chance against it! Explore the best the Twin Cities has to offer in the way of parks, swim spots, community entertainment and local festivals.Â
Twin Cities Northwest Metro summer events - 2024
Not the Twin Cities region you’re searching for? We’re also covering things to do this summer in the four corners of the Minneapolis-St Paul Metro:
- ANDOVER -
Andover summer festivals
Andover Family Fun Fest
Andover’s annual salute to summer is the Family Fun Fest. Those with kids, keep an eye out for the Zoomobile, Kidzart, magic & juggling shows, and donkey-pulled wagon rides. Parking is available at Andover Elementary School, Sunshine Park and Oak View Middle School. July 12-13, 2024.
Andover swimming & beaches
Bunker Hills Regional Park
701 County Rd A, Coon Rapids, MN 55448
Much of the sprawling Bunker Hills Park lies in Andover; the BUNKER BEACH WATER PARK is located within the park though its address is technically Coon Rapids. Bunker Beach is Minnesota’s largest outdoor venue for swimming, waterslides, a lazy river, splash pad, climbing walls and a wave pool. Open June 8-August 25, 2024. 11am-7pm. $19/pp.
More swimming beaches in Anoka County:
- CENTERVILLE LAKE BEACH, Lino Lakes
- COON LAKE REGIONAL PARK, East Bethel
- LAKE GEORGE REGIONAL PARK, Oak GroveÂ
BUNKER BEACH DISCOUNTS
Explore Your Parks Days: June 11, July 9 & August 13
BOGO Admission Days: June 20 & August 5
Twilight All Day: July 18
For more splashy adventures this summer see our massive list of the BEST TWIN CITIES WATERPARKS, BEACHES, POOLS & SPLASH PADS.
- BROOKLYN CENTER -
Summer fun in Brooklyn Center parksÂ
Brooklyn Center Rec on the Go
Brooklyn Center’s Rec On The Go van brings recreation activities and equipment to local parks for kids and teens to play games and sports and create arts, crafts! Plus FREE MEALS for kids 18 and under. Drop in! No registration required. June 17-August 8, 2024 (except June 19 & July 4).
REC ON THE GO SCHEDULE
- EVERGREEN PARK:Â Mon/Wed, 10:30am-12pm. 7112 N Bryant Ave.
- LIONS PARK: Mon/Wed, 3-4:30pm. 5501 Russell Ave N.
- NORTHPORT PARK: Mon/Wed, 5-6:30pm. 5600 France Ave N.
- ORCHARD LANE PARK: Tues/Thurs, 10:30am-12pm. Â 6512 Perry Ave N.
- FIREHOUSE PARK: Tues/Thurs, 12:30-2pm. 6535 N Bryant Ave.
- TWIN LAKE NORTH APTS: Tues/Thurs, 3-4:30pm. 4539 58th Ave N.
Palmer Puppets Playhouse
West Palmer Park, 7110 Palmer Lake Drive, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430
Activities for kids followed by a puppet storytime in the park. 2024 TBA. 10am, FREE.
Brooklyn Center Movies in the Park
Movies are schedule to start at dusk. Titles will be listed on Facebook @BrooklynCenterRec closer to the movie date. 2024 TBA.
Brooklyn Center Entertainment in the Park
Centennial Park, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN, 55430
Live music in the park – bring your blanket or chairs and a picnic dinner. Special entertainment & tunes for the kid set are performed during the week as well. All shows take place at the amphitheater in CENTENNIAL PARK. Ongoing Tuesdays 2024, TBA.
Brooklyn Center summer festivals
Juneteenth Celebration
Centennial Park, 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
A family friendly day filled with activities, entertainment and food. Saturday, June 15, 2024, 11am-7pm.
Find more ways to celebrate Juneteenth in the Twin Cities!
Brooklyn Center summer library events
6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
The BROOKDALE LIBRARY is a branch of the Hennepin County Library system. We recommend this library for its creative castle-and-dragon theme. See the library events calendar for upcoming summer programs.
- BROOKLYN PARK -
Summer fun in Brooklyn Park parks
Brooklyn Park Rec on the Go
A FREE program at 14 rotating parks for kids ages 5–18 (or younger with parents), offerings to include art, science, water days, sports, group games and slime. Free summer meals & snacks served to kids and families. Registering your kids is required. Learn more about Rec on the Go in Brooklyn Park and register for your location.
Brooklyn Park Arts Festival
Plaza Park, 85th Ave N and Broadway, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Live music, arts activities and food trucks. 2024 TBA, 1-4pm.
Brooklyn Park community entertainment
Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center
5600 85th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
The Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center is a hub for families searching for something to do this summer. Meet your neighbors:
- Tuesday Music On the Lawn. 2024 TBA.
- Kids might enjoy fishing in the stocked sunfish pond.Â
Brooklyn Park summer festivals
Brooklyn Park Tater Daze Parade & Community Celebration
The big community parade features exciting emergency vehicles, visiting royalty, live music, and floats from community organizations. A community celebration follows from 12-4pm with inflatables, food trucks and a makers market. June 1, 2024, 11am.
Brooklyn Park Walk the Park
Trinity Gardens, 8822-8852 Prestwick Pkwy, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Not meant to be a competition, but a dedicated afternoon of gathering families in the park to walk at their own pace (along a marked route), visit with the police & fire departments, play games and win prizes. June 8, 2024.
Brooklyn Park Juneteenth Celebration
North Hennepin Community College, 7411 85th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
A free family event with food, games and educational activities. 2024 TBA, 1-7pm.
Family Summer Splash
Zanewood Recreation Center, 7100 Zane Ave N, Brooklyn Park MN
Free family activities, a splash pad to cool off in, games, prizes, food trucks and music. July 12, 2024, 5-7pm. FREE.
Brooklyn Park historic sites
Historic Eidem Farm
Travel back and experience the historic farm through farm tours, hayrides, old-time demos and special events during the summer.
- EIDEM FARM “OPEN GATE” HOURS – Help with chores, explore the gardens, see the animals and more. Starts May 20, 2024. Mon-Thurs & Sat, opening at 10am. FREE.
- STORIES FROM THE PORCH – Stories read aloud at the historic farmhouse followed by free play and exploration. Starts May 21, 2024. Ongoing Tuesdays, 11am-12pm. FREE.
- MOVIE ON THE BARN – Babe. August 29, 2024. FREE.
Read all about our trip with the kids to the HISTORIC EIDEM FARM with kids.
Brooklyn Park summer library events
8500 W. Broadway Ave., Brooklyn Park , MN 55445
The BROOKLYN PARK LIBRARY is a branch of the Henenpin County Library system. We recommend this library for its creative play-and-learn area. See the library events calendar for upcoming summer programs.
- COON RAPIDS -
Summer fun in Coon Rapids parksÂ
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
9750 Egret Boulevard, Coon Rapids, MNÂ 55433
It’s always exciting to take a walk over the rushing dam! There’s also a visitor center to explore, a nature play area and playground equipment. Anoka County charges a $7 vehicle permit fee.
COON RAPIDS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES is the weekly musical entertainment hosted at the park pavilion. Concessions available for purchase between 5:30-7pm followed by the bands. Ongoing Thursdays (excluding July 4), June 6-August 8, 2024.Â
Coon Rapids summer festival
Coon Rapids 4th of July Celebration
11000 Crooked Lake Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
The Independence Day festivities are held at Boulevard Plaza with a parade, carnival, live music & dazzling fireworks. July 4, 2024.
DID YOU KNOW? We carefully maintain a GIANT list of TWIN CITIES FOURTH OF JULY events? That’s something to celebrate!
Coon Rapids swimming & beaches
Bunker Beach Water Park
701 County Rd A, Coon Rapids, MN 55448
Can brag of its title as Minnesota’s largest outdoor water park. The fun features include a wave pool, lazy loop river, twisted towers and an adventure pool. Admission is $15-$19/pp taking into account a twilight special rate. June 8-August 23, 2024. See Andover information above for special Bunker Beach discount days.
- MAPLE GROVE -
Summer fun in Maple Grove parksÂ
Want to get out and play in Maple Grove parks this summer? Try starting with our list of the top contenders:Â Maple Grove Family Fun: 10 of the Best Parks to Explore This Summer.
Elm Creek Park Reserve
12400 James Deane Pkwy, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Elm Creek Park Reserve really has it all sewn up when it comes to summer fun. The largest in the Three Rivers Parks system, it contains a nature center, miles of hiking and smooth biking trails, a sand-bottomed swimming pond, a huge playground, disc golf, archery and a variety of wildlife.
EASTMAN NATURE CENTER – Hands-on exhibits for kids, a puppet theater, costumes and a small outdoor nature play area. 13351 Elm Creek Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369.
ELM CREEK PLAY AREA – Maple Grove can boast of having one of the two largest playgrounds in the state! But take comfort, the whole play area is surrounded by a fence with only one opening, so it’s easy to protect your little ones. This rainbow-hued stunner ranks highly on our list of the BEST PLAYGROUND IN THE TWIN CITIES TO EXPLORE THIS SUMMER!
Maple Grove community entertainment
Maple Grove Town Green Park
7991 Main St, Maple Grove, MN 55369
The Town Green is exactly as you might picture – a tree-dotted gathering space for families to relax on a warm summer evening and take in a concert or movie. Just be aware that if your kids see the splash fountains, you’re going home soaked. For more fountains of fun, check out our ever-growing list of THE BEST TWIN CITIES SPLASH PADS & WADING POOLS.
- SOUNDS OF SUMMER concerts include kids shows on Thursdays at 10:30am. Live shows also performed Monday, Wednesday nights at 7pm. June 24-August 29, 2024.Â
- MOVIES AT DUSK – Family-friendly flicks screened Fridays at dusk. July 12-August 30, 2024.
Central Park, Maple Grove
Maple Grove summer festivals
Arbor Lakes Chalkfest
Chalkfest Family Zone is set aside for families to create sidewalk art together. Plus games, music and, of course, food. June 8-9, 2024. FREE admission.
Maple Grove swimming & beaches
Elm Creek Swim Pond
12420 James Deane Pkwy, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Located within the sprawling ELM CREEK PARK RESERVE, the pond is chlorinated, guarded and has a sandy bottom and beach. No charge to enter the park, but $6/pp plus tax to swim or $20 season wristband. Traditionally opens Memorial Day Weekend.
Grove Cove Aquatic Center
12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
The outdoor pool is open during the summer months. Water park features include a lazy river, tumble buckets, log walk, tot slide and water sprays outside and an indoor pool as well. $8/pp.
- OTSEGO -
Summer fun in Otsego parksÂ
Prairie Park Splash & Play Tuesdays
Otsego Prairie Park & Splash Pad, 13355 90th St NE, Otsego, MN 55330
Cool off in the park’s splash pad and enjoy kids entertainment on select Tuesdays at 10am. June 11-August 20, 2024.
SPLASH & PLAY SCHEDULE
- June 11: Free Kids Color Run
- June 18: Safety Day
- June 25: Brodini Comedy Magic Show
- July 9: KidsDance
- July 30: Raptor Center
- August 20: Theater in the Park: Matilda
Otsego Evenings in the Park
Also at Prairie Park on Tuesdays towards the end of the day is a full lineup of free family entertainment. You’ll want to mark your calendars for more theater, circus performers and the thrill of getting close up to big rigs. We know all ages delight in this – and keep a calendar of TWIN CITIES TOUCH-A-TRUCK EVENTS just so you can plan ahead.
- PLYMOUTH -
Summer fun in Plymouth parks
Plymouth keeps the family fun buzzing all summer long with community events that encourage all ages to recreate together. Here’s what you can look forward to in Plymouth this summer:
Plymouth Hilde NightsÂ
Hilde Performance Center, 3500 Plymouth Blvd, Plymouth MN
Live monthly concerts presented at the stunning bandshell. Please see the link for the full entertainment schedule. 2024 dates include June 14, July 19 & August 23.
Music in Plymouth
Plymouth’s biggest music event of the summer features a performance by the Minnesota Orchestra. To keep it extra family-friendly you can expect kids activities, roving entertainment and food truck treats. July 10, 2024. FREE.
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Plymouth Summer Beach Series
As if you needed another excuse to hit the beach in the height of summer, the Beach Series offers it! All events run 6-9pm and are free to attend.
May 23: Beaches & Bonfires at EAST MEDICINE LAKE PARK.
June 21: Play Day at PARKERS LAKE PARKÂ
August 9: Beaches, Bands & Brews, also at East Medicine Lake.
Plymouth summer festivals
Happy Birthday America Parade
Join in the bike parade – decorating kits provided! June 27, 2024, 10am–12pm.
Plymouth Kids Fest
Hilde Performance Center
THE event of the summer for the youngsters of Plymouth (though all are welcome to attend.) Activities include inflatables, games, face painting and other entertainment. Some free activities, others included in $8 wristband. August 15, 2024, 5-8:30pm.
Plymouth swimming & beaches
French Regional Park
12605 Rockford Rd, Plymouth, MN 55441
Along the north shore of Medicine Lake, the park offers an award-winning play area, a swimming beach, fishing and lighted trails. Entrance to the park and beach are free.
There are also swimming beaches at WEST MEDICINE LAKE PARK, EAST MEDICINE LAKE PARK and PARKERS LAKE PARK & BEACH.
150+ things to do this summer in the Twin Cities with kids!
Drop us a comment if you are aware of something else in the Twin Cities Northwest Metro that we missed. We will share it with the community.