Twin Cities Guide to Family Activities This Weekend: June 18-19, 2022

Stone Arch Bridge Festival

The whole area around the Stone Arch Bridge is buzzing with fun things to do. Explore MILL RUINS PARK, shop at the MILL CITY FARMERS MARKET (Saturday until 1pm), even tour the ST ANTHONY LOCK AND DAM. More ideas for fun with Dad? Arm yourself with our list of 10 Things for Kids: Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis. Festival runs June 18-19, 2022 west bank of the river.

FREE admission For Dad (and Mom!) to Sandventure Aquatic Park

Parents Day means free admission with paid child(ren). The watepark is a hybrid between a pool and a beach – chlorinated, but surrounded by sand for the ultimate beach-going experience. Located in SHAKOPEE LIONS PARK. June 19, 2022.

More beach-going, splashy fun ideas can be found in our huge list of the best TWIN CITIES BEACHES, POOLS, WATERPARKS & SPLASH PADS.

Take Dad to a waterski show

Dad will flip for Ski Otter’s Water Ski Show located on Little Goose Lake – the intersection of Hwy. 61 and County Road F in White Bear Lake.  Make a day of it by exploring the charming downtown area. June 19, 2022.

Play a round in Centennial Lakes Park

Does Dad like to golf? Try out the “golf in miniature” fairways at beautiful CENTENNIAL LAKES PARK in Edina, then enjoy a Q. Cumbers Father’s Day Brunch at the buffet restaurant next to the park.

Find more fun mini-golf spots in the Twin Cities.

Take in free live music with Dad

There are free shows both Sat & Sun night at the LAKE HARRIET BANDSHELL as part of the traditional Minneapolis Music in the Parks series. Grab a picnic from Bread & Pickle at the pavilion and let the kids run around the playground during the show.

Frontier Fun with Dad

Drop in with dad (and mom!) on Father’s Day to the historic Pond House in POND DAKOTA MISSION PARK in Bloomington. Saturday features a pollinator program and Father’s Day presents the annual John Philip Sousa Memorial Band Concert. June 18-19, 2022, 1-4pm, FREE.

Dads & Discs

One of my kids’ favorite things to do with their dad is to play disc golf (also known as frisbee golf). Their go-to course is the moderate (and free!) HIGHLAND DISC GOLF COURSE located in Highland Park, St Paul, but we’ve got more ideas on our Twin Cities Disc Golf page.

Father’s Day Geocaching

The naturalist at INTERSTATE STATE PARK will provide the GPS units and instructions before you head out to find hidden clues fathers of the animal world. Participation is limited for this activity, but if you don’t get a slot keep in mind that the park – and the lovely river town of Taylors Falls – are super fun to explore. In fact, it’s just about our favorite day trip destination from the Twin Cities. Check it out with Dad: TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN TAYLORS FALLS WITH KIDS.

Nurture with Nature – Free Family Fun Day

Activities may include animal interactions, outdoor displays, nature challenges and checking out free exploration materials. Held at RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER (Bloomington), MISSISSIPPI GATEWAY REGIONAL PARK (Brooklyn Park) & EASTMAN NATURE CENTER (Maple Grove). June 19, 1-3pm, FREE.

Take a family bike ride

We love to spin our wheels with Dad on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Need some ideas for a great new trail?

• Best Minneapolis bike trails for families
• Best St Paul bike trails for families
• Cottage Grove Bike Park
• Elm Creek Park Reserve (make a day of it with the enormous ELM CREEK PLAY AREA or the swimming pond)
• Hastings Scenic Circuit (then go into town for the best chocolate shakes at HASTINGS DAIRY STORE!)

Find more of the best Twin Cities Ice Cream Shops to celebrate Dad with a sweet treat!

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO ALL THOSE RAD DADS OUT THERE FROM FAMILY FUN TWIN CITIES!