THINGS TO DO IN THE ALBERTVILLE-ST MICHAEL AREA WITH KIDS & FAMILY
Looking for things to do beyond shopping in the Albertville-St Michael area? Bargain-hunters often zero in on this area for the Albertville Premium Outlets mall, but there’s so much more going for it. We have loads of ideas for entertaining kids in these communities plus neighboring Buffalo, Elk River, Hanover, Otsego and Rogers, Minnesota. Read on for seasonal events, the best parks, fun attractions and family dining.
Albertville Area Quick Links
KID FRIENDLY EVENTS THIS WEEK NEAR ALBERTVILLE, MINNESOTA
Find this week’s Albertville, Minnesota-area, family fun including the nearby northwestern suburbs of the Twin Cities: Buffalo, Elk River, Hanover, Otsego, Rogers & St Michael. Find our full Twin Cities Family Fun Calendar here.
ALBERTVILLE-ST MICHAEL ARA SPECIAL EVENTS, FESTIVALS & SEASONAL ACTIVITIES
Fall in Albertville-St Michael: Festivals, Activities & Halloween Events
Albertville
Fresh Acres Farm Fall Festival
8102 72nd St NE, Monticello, MN 55362
The largest pumpkin patch and corn maze in the Albertville-St Michael area features an annual fall festival ripe with activities for all ages. A wristband includes access to wagon rides, a petting zoo, inflatables, the playground, corn pit and cannon. Get your Halloween jack-o-lantern! Open September 9 thru October 29, 2023 Fridays 11-4pm, weekends 10-6 plus MEA. $12/pp ages 4-69. SUNFLOWER FIELD open this fall 7 days/week, admission FREE with donation requested. $2/stem to cut-your-own bouquet.
FIND MORE TWIN CITIES PUMPKIN PATCHES IN THE ALBERTVILLE-ST MICHAEL AREA!
Buffalo
Deer Lake Orchard
1903 10th St SW, Buffalo MN 55313
Apples both u-pick and pre-picked, live music on fall weekends, a corn maze to meander through, wagon rides, a little train, animals to meet…all the classic orchard activities you’d hope to find. Open starting September 9, 2023. Tues-Sun, 10am-6pm. Activities $4 each or $20/wristband.
Woods’ Edge Apples Orchard
1901 50th St NE, Buffalo, MN 55313
A small, family-run farm and orchard where you can pick your own apples this fall. Plus, u-pick raspberries and sweet resident goats to greet you. Slow down your pace out here in the Twin Cities northwest suburbs.
FIND MORE TWIN CITIES APPLE ORCHARDS NEAR ALBERTVILLE-ST MICHAEL!
Elk River
Elk River Downtown Trick-or-Treat
Collect treats at participating downtown businesses in Elk River plus photo opportunity at Rivers Edge Commons Park and a petting zoo. October 27, 2023, 2-6pm. FREE!
FIND MORE TRICK-OR-TREAT & HALLOWEEN EVENTS IN THE ALBERTVILLE-ST MICHAEL AREA!
Otsego
Otsego Prairie Festival
Prairie Park, 13355 90th St NE, Otsego, MN 55330
Start off with a hearty pancake breakfast then catch entertainment, live music and fireworks at dusk in the park. September 16, 2023.
St Michael
St Michael Fire Department Open House
216 Main St S St. Michael, MN 55376
In honor of Fire Prevention Month, visit with firefighters and see their trucks up close. Enjoy a hot dog lunch and activities for kids. October 7, 2023, 10am-1pm. FREE.
Summer in Albertville-St Michael
Summer in Albertville-St Michael: Festivals & Activities
Albertville
Albertville Friendly City Days
Albertville’s annual summer festivals includes a carnival running Thu-Sun; Saturday kids events including a fire truck display, Kiddie Parade, Kids Pedal Tractor Pull, and a “Toddler Town” activity area. June 7-11, 2023.
Albertville Lions Summer Concert Series
Lions Depot in Central Park, 5801 Main Ave NE, Albertville, MN 55301
Free live concerts in the park – bring your own seating and refreshments, or purchase grill items at the farmers market. Thursdays starting June 15, 2023, 6-8:30pm.
Albertville Central Park – summer activities
Central Park, 5801 Main Ave NE, Albertville, MN 55301
- READING IN THE PARK – Kids in eighth grade & under are invited to attend storytime in the park followed by the chance to take home a free book. Wednesdays, June 21-August 2, 2023. 9-10am. The program also takes place at ST MICHAEL TOWN CENTER PARK (Tuesdays, June 13-August 1, 2023, 9am) and HANOVER SETTLERS PARK (Thursdays, June 15-August 3, 2023, 9am).
- KIDS DAY AT ALBERTVILLE FARMERS MARKET – Pick this day to bring the kids to the farmers market so they can have the run of the mobile ninja gym, meet a deputy and his K9, pet some animals and maybe try some new veggies. July 6, 2023, 3-6pm. FREE.
- ALBERTVILLE PENNY CARNIVAL – Yes, carnival games and prizes for just a penny! July 15, 2023, 10-12pm.
Buffalo
Buffalo Days
Highlights of the city’s summer festival: the requisite carnival Wed-Sun, a kiddie parade on Thursday, Friday fireworks at dusk and a Grand Parade on Saturday at 6pm. June 11-18, 2023.
Buffalo Concerts in the Park
Sturges Park, 505 2nd Ave S Buffalo, MN 55313
Thursday nights from June 29 through August 31, 2023.
HEADED TO BUFFALO FOR THE DAY? TAKE ALONG OUR LIST OF THE TOP 6 THINGS TO DO IN BUFFALO, MINNESOTA, WITH KIDS!
Elk River
Elk RiverFest
18599 Gary St, Elk River, MN 55330
Families with young ones will definitely want to check out the Kids Zone in Orono Park with face painting, inflatables, petting zoo, skatepark show and more. July 29, 2023, 10am-2pm.
Elk River Entertainment in the Park
Woodland Trails Regional Park, 20135 Elk Lake Rd NW, Elk River, MN 55330
Kid-friendly entertainment on Thursdays from 10:30am to 11:15am. June 15 through August 10th, 2023.
Elk River Riverfront Concert Series
Rivers Edge Commons Park, 679 Main St NW, Elk River, MN 55330
A series of tribute bands and cover bands play Thursday nights at 7pm. June 15 through August 17, 2023.
Hanover
Hanover Harvest Festival
Tons of old-fashioned kids carnival games (for a small fee), a mobile video game truck, cow pie bingo (?), classic car show, petting zoo, garden tractor pull, fireworks and lots more. August 5, 2023.
Hanover Concert in the Park Series
Settlers Park, 11230 5th St NE Hanover MN 55341
Dates for live music in the park: June 16, July 13 & August 9, 2023. Enjoy a free summer concert outdoors in the park!
Otsego
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. We’re talking a kids DJ, theater in the park, a free color run, visit from the Raptor Center and more.
Rogers
Rockin’ Rogers
Thursday Family Night has a kid band, a local band, carnival, and kid games. Parade Saturday at noon. Don’t miss all the summer festival fun in Rogers. June 15-17, 2023.
St Michael
St Michael Daze & Knights Festival
Bounce in the inflatables (grab a wristband), listen to live music, hunt for the medallion, and play family Bingo. August 11-12, 2023.
Albertville-St Michael area swimming, beaches & splash pads
Beebe Lake Park & Beach
7250 10th St NE, St Michael, MN 55376
The park has a popular unguarded beach with nearby restrooms and shady areas where you can spread your blanket. Our visit confirmed that the sand is clean and the water is clear. The sand covers both the shore of the beach and the roped in areas of the water. The county has enacted a 5mph speed limit for boats in the area of the beach, keeping the wake down – ideal for your younger swimmers. Open 6am-half hour after sunset. FREE.
We rate Beebe Lake Beach one of the best beaches in the Minneapolis-St Paul Metro Area! Find more of the best at the link.
Orono Park Beach
18599 Gary Street, Elk River, MN 55330-5600
You won’t want to miss cooling off during the summer in Orono Lake, a widening in the Elk River. There’s a well-kept and sandy beach, exciting new destination playground, splash pad for pre-swimmers, covered picnic pavilions, a little nature play area and a skatepark. Arm yourself with a picnic and prepare to spend the whole day!
Otsego Prairie Park Splash Pad
13355 90th St NE, Otsego, MN 55330
Another splash pad option in the Albertville-St Michael area. This park also has nice playgrounds and picnic areas. Open daily 9am-9pm Memorial day into September as weather permits.
St Michael Town Center Park Splash Pad
The area’s newest splash pad opened in 2021. The one has a giant dump bucket for maximum thrills.
Downtown Buffalo Splash Pad
Buffalo’s splash pad is made up of simple fountains within easy walking distance of downtown. Families will find nearby picnic tables and a the music trail full of oversized instruments.
Winter in Albertville-St Michael
Winter in the Albertville area: Sledding, snow tubing, skiing & ice skating
Outdoor Ice skating rinks in the Albertville Area
ALBERTVILLE: CENTRAL PARK is the place for free outdoor ice skating in the city of Albertville. The park includes one full size hockey rink, a half size hockey rink and a pleasure skate rink. 5801 Lander Avenue NE, Albertville MN.
ST MICHAEL: The lower segment of RECREATION CENTER PARK contains, during the winter, hockey rinks, a pleasure ice skating rink and a warming house. Call (763) 496-6820 for any questions. 3316 Lander Ave NE, St Michael, MN 55376. Seeking an indoor ice skating option? The ST MICHAEL ICE ARENA typically offers public open skate hours on the weekends for around $5. (No skate rental available.) Skate hours are published on their social media page.
The best sledding hills in the Albertville Area
Winter Festivals & Activities in the Albertville – St Michael Area
BUFFALO KITES ON ICE
Sturges Park, 401 Lake Blvd S, Buffalo, MN 55313
Kites fill the sky above Buffalo Lake, kite building workshop for kids, food trucks, hot chocolate and treat vendors. February 11, 2023, 11am-3pm, FREE.
Find more WINTER FESTIVALS near the Albertville – St Michael area, Minnesota.
Christmas & Holiday Events in the Albertville – St Michael Area
Albertville Christmas in the Park
Central Park, 5801 Lander Ave. NE, Albertville MN
So much fun in the park to kick off the holiday season: a Christmas tree lighting with Santa & Mrs Claus, horse-drawn wagon rides, caroling, smores over the fire and warm beverages. December 4, 2022, 2-4pm.
Buffalo DECK THE HALLS
Sturges Park, 505 2nd Ave S Buffalo, MN 55313
Santa arrives at 3pm to kick off the family fun that ends with a tree lighting at 5pm. December 3, 2022.
Elk River SANTA IN THE PARK
Rivers Edge Commons, 679 Main St NW, Elk River, MN 55330
Join Santa in the Park for the annual tree lighting. Families will have an opportunity for a photo with Santa Claus, free petting zoo, kids craft station, carolers and shopping. Reservations required to visit with Santa. December 3, 2022. 2pm-5pm, FREE.
Rogers Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
21st Century Event Center, 12716 Main Street, Rogers, MN, 55374
Hot cocoa, cookies, caroling and a special activities beginning at 6:00 p.m. with the tree lighting at 7:00 p.m. December 2, 2022; 6pm-8pm.
VICTORIAN CAROLING at HISTORIC Hanover BRIDGE
Millpond Trail, Hanover, MN 55341
Sing-along Christmas carols, llamas in their seasonal best, hot cider and cookies and photo opportunities with St Nick are all part of this Victorian-inspired holiday festival. Located at the historic Hanover Bridge. December 2, 6-8pm. FREE.
St Michael Winterfest & Tree Lighting
Town Center Park, 11800 Town Center Drive NE, St Michael MN
So good they brought the festival back for a second year! Santa, Mrs Claus & reindeer will be there and the holiday tree will shine. Lots of activities: caroling, bingo, storytime, smores over the fire and hot beverages. December 3, 3-6pm.
SANTA’S WONDERLAND AT CABELA’S
20200 Rogers Dr, Rogers, MN 55374
Make your reservation to meet with Santa and get a free photo. Plus, browse Santa’s Toy Shop and take in the other fun attractions at Cabela’s. Nov 5-Dec 24, 2022.
Santa at Nathes 101 Market
8980 Quantrelle Ave NE, Otsego, MN 55330
An afternoon of fun with Santa at the market: a digital photo, face painting, a Santa ornament and treats. December 2, 2022, 1-5pm. $5/family.
Christmas & Holiday Lights Displays in the Albertville – St Michael Area
- ELK RIVER: The city publishes a map of holiday light displays for an easy DIY tour.
- ST MICHAEL: The 2022 STMA Holiday Lights Tour is a route that includes 8 of the best holiday lights displays in the St Michael area – make sure to check the link for a map plus pictures and descriptions so you can preview your family’s tour. These winners simply dazzle!
FIND MORE HOLIDAY LIGHTS DISPLAYS NEAR ALBERTVILLE & ST MICHAEL ON OUR HUGE LIST and hundreds of holiday events in our 2022 TWIN CITIES CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY GUIDE.
More Winter Fun Near Albertville
For more outdoor winter fun in the Twin Cities check out our round up of free outdoor ice skating rinks our Winter Survival Guide and our Winter Family Festival Calendar – all filled with ways to enjoy the cold season.
COOL PLACES TO TAKE KIDS IN THE ALBERTVILLE-ST MICHAEL AREA
Oliver Kelley Farm
15788 Kelley Farm Rd. Elk River, MN
The farm, owned and operated by the Minnesota Historical Society, transports visitors back in time and lets them get hands-on with animals, farm chores, cooking and harvesting. Operation is April through October as most of the activities take place outdoors. $8-$12/pp.
Cabela’s Rogers
20200 Rogers Dr, Rogers, MN 55374
You need not be a bona fide outdoor enthusiast to enjoy an outing to CABELA’S. There are several attractions in the store that appeal to all ages: a target arcade gallery, giant “conservation mountain” covered with (taxidermy) animals for a scavenger hunt, a walk-thru aquarium, fish feeding shows and a general store for treats. We occasionally feature store events, such as Santa’s Wonderland, on our family fun calendar. Plus great shopping, of course.
Space Aliens Bar & Grill
11166 County Rd 37 NE, Albertville, MN 55301
Extraterrestrial enthusiasts unite at SPACE ALIENS BAR & GRILL over burgers and arcade games. This joint is an ideal place to take kids for a bite to eat and a play break after shopping at the nearby ALBERTVILLE PREMIUM OUTLETS. The large Galaxy Game Room features classic & contemporary games. Tuesday kids special: $2.99 Cadet Menu pizzas and a free game card with the purchase of an adult meal. Open Tues-Sun. FIND MORE DINING SPOTS NEAR ALBERTVILLE, MINNESOTA, WHERE KIDS EAT FREE OR CHEAP!
St Michael Cinema & Drive-In
4300 O’Day Ave NE, St Michael, MN 55376
Ooh la la! The ST MICHAEL CINEMA offers a Parisian-inspired courtyard to nosh on snacks and, during the temperate months in Minnesota, a drive-in for outdoor movies. Cheap flicks: matinee price tickets: $5.59/all ages daily, kids tickets are always $5.59. Vikings games are screened Sundays FREE and are first come, first seated.
Pony Party Place
16978 70th St NE, Elk River, MN 55330
Horseback trail rides and mini-lessons for kids ages 5 & over (no adults, however), and birthday party packages that include structured time on the farm with the animals. Please visit the website or call 763-441-0276 to book activities.
ALBERTVILLE, MINNESOTA AREA FREE FAMILY FUN AT PARKS & OUTDOOR PLAY
These northwest suburbs are only a short drive from the Minneapolis-St Paul metro area, but offer the impression of more space to spread out and recreate. In a roughly six square mile radius are friendly city parks, quiet bends along the Mississippi and a scenic reserve packed with wildlife. Some parks not to miss when searching for things to do with kids outdoors in the Albertville-St Michael area:
Free Family Fun:
- A clear and sandy swimming beach at BEEBE LAKE REGIONAL PARK. 7250 10th St NE, St Michael, MN 55376.
- Lots of wildlife to spot at CROW-HASSAN PARK RESERVE. 12595 Park Drive Hanover, MN 55374.
- A large, creative playground and splash pad at TOWN CENTER PARK. 4320 Landmark Dr NE, St Michael, MN 55376..
- Splash pads for summer months at PRAIRIE PARK (13355 90th St NE, Otsego, MN 55330) and ORONO PARK (18599 Gary St, Elk River, MN 55330).
- Outdoor concert series at RIVERS EDGE COMMONS PARK. 679 Main St NW, Elk River, MN 55330.
- A nature play area at WOODLAND TRAILS REGIONAL PARK. 20135 Elk Lake Road, Elk River, MN 55330
RESTAURANTS WHERE KIDS EAT FREE OR CHEAP NEAR ALBERTVILLE-ST MICHAEL
Broadway Pizza
21431 141st Avenue N, Rogers, MN 55374; (763) 428-3013
Day/Time: Monday, 5pm-7:30pm
Deal: Free kids menu item with purchase of an adult entrée.
Verified: 2/18/22
Chatters Restaurant & Bar
4181 Cedar Street, Monticello, MN 55362 (763) 271-0070
Day/Time: Tuesdays; 4pm-Close
Deal: Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal, 1 child per adult.
Verified: 2/18/22
Pizza Ranch
13797 Jay Street NW, Andover, MN 55304; (763) 710-4555
12443 Champlin Drive, Champlin, MN 55316; (763) 444-1344
19141 Freeport St NW, Elk River, MN 55330; (763) 441-3000
Day/Time: Tuesdays, 4pm-7:30 (or 8pm depending on location)
Deal: Kid’s Night: One child 12 & under per paying adult.
Verified: 2/18/22
Willy McCoy’s
5651 La Centre Ave, Albertville, MN 55301
Day/Time: Sundays, 5-8pm
Deal: One free kid’s meal per adult entrée purchased. Also 95¢ wings all day.
Verified: 2/18/22
BEST FAMILY HOTEL IN THE ALBERTVILLE-ST MICHAEL AREA
Wyndham Garden Otsego-Minneapolis
9200 Quaday Ave NE, Otsego, MN 55330
This is a solid choice for a family-friendly hotel if spending time in the Albertville-St Michael area. Shopping at Albertville Premium Outlets? The hotel is about a 15 minute drive away. And attention swimmer-hopefuls: you do not need to book a room at the hotel to use the WILD WOODS WATERPARK. This small water park has a tot area and water slides for bigger kids. Admission is $20/swimmer; $10/non-swimmer. Open swim hours: Fridays 4-9pm; Saturday 9am-9pm; and Sunday 9am-4pm.
ALBERTVILLE - ST MICHAEL, MINNESOTA, FAMILY FUN MAP
FIND MORE THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES WITH KIDS!
The Albertville-St Michael area is one of dozens of communities we cover. FAMILY FUN TWIN CITIES tries hard to be the best resource when it comes to finding things to do with your kids and family in the Minneapolis-St Paul metro area of Minnesota. We strive to include and share activities and events we have personally experienced with our own kids in tow (all 12 of them!) We call the Twin Cities HOME and are excited to share the area with you! Visitors to the Albertville, Minnesota, area also might want to consider these Twin Cities attractions:
- Minnehaha Falls and Regional Park in Minneapolis
- Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul
- Minnesota Children’s Museum, Saint Paul
- Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley
- Valleyfair Amusement Park in Shakopee
Find things to do this weekend in the Albertville – St Michael area on our Weekend Family Guide!