THINGS TO DO IN MAPLE GROVE WITH KIDS & FAMILY
Welcome to Maple Grove! Popular for upscale shopping and beautifully maintained natural and recreational parks, Maple Grove Minnesota Family Fun can be found in small businesses, special events, kid-friendly restaurants and parks. Families can find both big-ticket and free family fun in the northwest area of the Twin Cities.
KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS THIS WEEK NEAR MAPLE GROVE, MINNESOTA
Find this week’s Maple Grove, Minnesota, Family Fun, including the nearby northwest suburbs of the Twin Cities: Find our full Twin Cities Family Fun Calendar here.
SPECIAL EVENTS, FESTIVALS & SEASONAL ACTIVITIES IN MAPLE GROVE
Winter in Maple Grove: Sledding, snow tubing and ice skating in Maple Grove
Outdoor Ice skating rinks in Maple Grove
The City of Maple Grove maintains ten community ice skating rinks to enjoy during the winter. Eight park locations have warming shelters and attendants: BOUNDARY CREEK PARK, CEDAR ISLAND SCHOOL PLAYFIELD, DONAHUE NORTH PLAYFIELD, ELM CREEK SCHOOL PLAYFIELD, GLEASON FIELDS PLAYFIELD, KERBER PLAYFIELD, MAPLE GROVE MIDDLE SCHOOL PLAYFIELD, & WEAVER LAKE PLAYFIELD. THORESEN SPECIAL USE PARK offers skating without a shelter. Learn more about outdoor ice skating rinks in Maple Grove here.
Elm Creek Park Reserve Winter Recreation Area
Hit this park up for the best sledding to be found in Maple Grove. Operated by the excellent Three Rivers Parks District, Elm Creek features a free sledding hill and/or, for an extra thrill, a tubing area with lanes of varying steepness. Tubing rate is $15/2 hrs. The season typically begins in early December and goes through mid-March, weather permitting. Elm Creek aims to fit most of your winter recreational needs – you can also ski, snowboard, snowshoe or kicksled in the park. Daily downhill ski & snowboard pass: $17 plus tax, equipment rental available. For hiking after dusk, Elm Creek’s Northern Lights Trail is lit after dark. Learn more about Elm Creek Park’s winter recreation area here.
Learn more about winter fun at ELM CREEK PARK RESERVE and FIND MORE SLEDDING HILLS NEAR MAPLE GROVE.
Winter festivals in Maple Grove
Wonders of Winter at Central Park of Maple Grove
Embrace the season with free ice skating on the CENTRAL PARK ICE LOOP, ice luminaries and more outdoor activities. This is a FREE event held in February 2024. MORE ABOUT THE CENTRAL PARK ICE SKATING LOOP: During the winter months, take a serpentine spin on an LED-lit, refrigerated ice loop through the park. The ice designed for leisure skating; no hockey sticks or pucks are allowed. There is no charge to skate. Bring your own skates or rent from the Phenow Pavilion – which also has a fireplace for warming up.
Holiday events in Maple Grove
Holiday Walk in the Woods Open House
The Woods Gifts, 15825 95th Ave N, Maple Grove, Minnesota 55369
Visit with Santa and his reindeer at this annual holiday shopping event. November 18, 2023, 9am-3pm.
Breakfast & Lunch with Santa
Dining with Santa is a holiday tradition in Maple Grove. Held at the MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER, choose between a breakfast or lunch meal, play games and visit with Santa. Prices run $2-$7/pp and pre-registration is required. December 2, 2023.
Maple Grove Christmas & Holiday Lights Displays
6809 Cottonwood Ln N., Maple Grove MN
Tune to radio station 87.9, Show times are on the half hour. 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 every night added show at 9:30 on Friday and Saturday. Static lights when not running. Verified by owner in 2020. FIND MORE HOLIDAY LIGHTS DISPLAYS NEAR MAPLE GROVE ON OUR HUGE LIST and hundreds of holiday events in our 2023 TWIN CITIES CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY GUIDE.
More winter fun near Maple Grove
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.
Summer in Maple Grove
Summer in Maple Grove: Festivals & Activities
CHALKFEST AT MAPLE GROVE ARBOR LAKESÂ
Main Street in Maple Grove, MN between Elm Creek Boulevard and Arbor Lakes Parkway. June 10-11, 2023, 10am-5pm.
MAPLE GROVE DAYS
12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Kids parade and family entertainment in Central Park, Big Truck Show, family games and fireworks. July 12-16, 2023.
MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY ENTERTAINMENT
MAPLE GROVE TOWN GREEN PARK
- SOUNDS OF SUMMER:Â 2023 concerts include kids shows on Thursdays, 10am. Town Green, 7991 Main Street, Maple Grove, MN.
- MOVIES AT DUSK – Fridays at dusk July 14-September 29, 2023.
Central Park, Maple Grove
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. Opens Memorial Day Weekend in 2023.
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. Opens June 9, 2023. $8/pp.
Fall in Maple Grove
Fall in Maple Grove: festivals & activities
Harvest-Tober Fest at Central Park
12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Beverages, food and music to usher in the fall season at MAPLE GROVE CENTRAL PARK. Kids will enjoy the huge, creative playground! October 7, 2023. FIND MORE TWIN CITIES FALL FESTIVALS near Maple Grove, Minnesota!
More classic fall fun near Maple Grove
Fall fun near Maple Grove – the best apple orchards, pumpkin patches and corn mazes to take the kids and enjoy a beautiful fall day in Minnesota. Our guides are bursting with ideas for things to do.
Apple orchards near Maple Grove
Unless it’s just doing an excellent job of staying hidden, we have yet to find an apple orchard within the boundaries of Maple Grove. The closest orchard we’ve found is KNAPTON’s RASPBERRIES, PUMPKINS & ORCHARD, offering you-pick apples starting in late August. Call ahead to check what’s ripe, (763)-479-1184. 5695 Hwy 55, Rockford, MN 55373.
Dehn’s Pumpkins
17270 125th Ave N, Dayton, MN 55327
Seeking a pumpkin patch in the Maple Grove area? Come pick yours from their 20-acre field. Their list of activities includes fall classics such as a corn maze and scenic hayride. Opens for the season September 23, 2023. Weekend hours start at 9am, weekday hours at 12pm. Please note kids attractions open at noon (and Sundays at 9am.) Free admission to the market place and pumpkin patch. Wristbands for adults & kids vary according to day of the week and range from $7-$12/pp. Not all activities are available each day and some come at an additional cost.
Maple Grove Halloween events
Halloween Family Fun Day
Activities, crafts and treats aimed for kids ages 2-8 at WEAVER LAKE PARK. October 21, 2023. $6/child; pre-registration is required.
Maple Grove Halloween Trunk or Treat
Come one and all for a fun Trunk or Treat event in the community center parking lot as a part of the Maple Grove Parks and Rec event. Fun activities include a costume contest, free treats, and guess-the- weight-of-the-pumpkin. activities. October 28, 2023, 1-4pm, FREE.
FIND MORE TWIN CITIES HALLOWEEN EVENTS near Maple Grove, Minnesota!
Spring in Maple Grove
SPRING IN MAPLE GROVE: FESTIVALS & ACTIVITIES
EASTER EGG HUNTS NEAR MAPLE GROVE
Easter at Creative Church
7651 Hwy 65 NE Spring Lake Park, MN 554321
13000 63rd Ave N Maple Grove, MN 55369
Candy filled eggs for all kids and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny. Maple Grove branch: 8:30am, 10:30am or 12:30pm. Spring Lake Park branch: 10:15am; FREE.
EXPLORE OUR GIANT LIST OF EASTER EGG HUNTS ACROSS THE TWIN CITIES METRO!
Covering Easter egg hunts & events in the communities near Maple Grove: Anoka, Blaine, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Corcoran, Fridley, Osseo, Otsego, Plymouth, Ramsey & Spring Lake Park Minnesota.
WHAT IS OPEN EASTER SUNDAY IN MAPLE GROVE? EASTMAN NATURE CENTER is hosting a free Eco-Art Party on Easter Sunday from 1-3pm. The nature center is just one element of fun within the sprawling ELM CREEK PARK RESERVE – you can also find smooth bike trails, a boardwalk, nature play area and a historic site (see below for more links).
SPRING FARMERS MARKETS IN MAPLE GROVE
Maple Grove Farmers Market
12951 Weaver Lake Road, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Opening Day: 2023 spring indoor markets held March 2, 16 & 30 and April 13. Outdoor market to open mid-May.
Family fun: Rock the Market offers weekly live music by local musicians, Power of Produce (POP) program starts in June for kids ages 4 to 12, and seasonal activities round out the fresh local offerings at various booths.
Make a Day: The Maple Grove Community Center, Maple Grove Library and Town Green Park all interconnect through easy walking paths. Maple Maze Indoor Playground is open until 8pm on Thursdays. FIND MORE SPRING FARMERS MARKETS NEAR MAPLE GROVE.
SPRING REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER CAMPS
Yes, it’s about that time to start planning summer camp opportunities for your kids! As many camps open registration as early as February (and many fill almost as quickly), we strive to publish our 2023 GUIDE TO TWIN CITIES SUMMER CAMPS accordingly. We work closely with local businesses and camps to provide a wide variety of activities and concentrations. Some camps we are proud to highlight in Maple Grove, Minnesota, include:
Bunce Performing Arts
The Bunce Backyard, 16938 Weaver Lake Drive, Maple Grove, MN 55311
One or two-week camp preparing for and performing a theatrical production to be announced. Camp runs in June culminating in a performance for families. Ages 8-15, $100-$185. Registration opens March 1st for 2023.
Twin Cities Soccer Academy Summer CampÂ
Maple Grove Middle School, 7000 Hemlock Ln N, Maple Grove, MN 55369
TCSA Summer Soccer Camps offer an international soccer experience without having to travel far. TCSA offers a fun filled week for boys and girls ages 6 – 14 of all ability levels. Our experienced and licensed coaches will give your players the opportunity to push their skills, techniques and confidence to a new level in a fun, dynamic way, with a focus on cognitive and technical skills. July 24-August 11, 2023. $325.
COOL PLACES TO TAKE KIDS IN THE MAPLE GROVE AREA
Maple Grove Community Center
The MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER is a concentration of recreational facilities that welcomes any family to come play and be active. There is no need for a membership to visit. The center is located near the heart of Maple Grove’s shopping and dining district and close to two of the city’s major parks, MAPLE GROVE TOWN GREEN and CENTRAL PARK OF MAPLE GROVE. Enjoy a day out in Maple Grove with kids and include these amenities at the community center:
- MAPLE MAZE INDOOR PLAYGROUND: An indoor playground with a jungle theme for kids ages 12 and under. There is a separate play area for infants and toddlers.
- GROVE COVE AQUATIC CENTER: Year-round swimming with 2 indoor pools and an outdoor pool.
- MAPLE GROVE ICE ARENA: Open skate on an Olympic-sized rink.
- MAPLE GROVE SKATE PLAZA: Free and open to open to skate boarders, in-line skaters, BMX bikers and scooters.
Learn more at the Maple Grove Community Center website.
Whirlyball Twin Cities
13644 80th Circle North, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Whirlyball, you say? We were unfamiliar, too, but having active tweens and teens, we needed to check this place out. The sport combines hockey, lacrosse and basketball – played while navigating around on bumper cars! That’s just the beginning of the fun at the Maple Grove location – there’s also bowling, laser tag, an escape room, an arcade, and lots of food options. We don’t recommend this place for younger kids, but your teen just may love it (and Mom & Dad might, too). Learn more about fun at Whirlyball in Maple Grove.
Color Me Mine
Color Me Mine | 12155 Elm Creek Boulevard North, Maple Grove 55369
Family friendly offerings include Toddler Tuesdays, Family Nights and Kids Night Out drop off events. They also offer some seasonal fun and kits to pick up and make at home.
MAPLE GROVE INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS
Anyone who raises kids in Minnesota understands that we desperately need places where they can bounce off someone else’s walls during the winter. Maple Grove has four indoor playgrounds and play areas where kids can do just that! Find more indoor play areas near Maple Grove in our TWIN CITIES INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS GUIDE.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
16501 County Rd 30, Maple Grove, MN 55311
A family outing to SKY ZONE TRAMPOLINE PARK is one of the most requested among our kids. We often recommend trampoline parks for tweens and teens, but the SkyZone parks also offer special toddler times and adults can get a good workout while playing with their kids. Some of the thrills you’ll find at the parks include trampolines for open jumping, ninja obstacle courses, ultimate dodgeball, climbing walls and foam pit zones. Each location is a bit different but tons of fun!
MiniSota Play Cafe
12055 Elm Creek Blvd N, Maple Grove, Minnesota 55369
MINISOTA PLAY CAFE, located within The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, provides an indoor play space and a coffee shop in one location – the perfect place to sit and relax after a shopping session while the kids can get wiggles out. They’ll love exercising their “make-believe” muscles at the pint-sized play town and lake to fish on. Drinks and kid snacks are sold. Admission fees are $3/adults, $5/ages 6-12 mons & $12/ages 1-9. Grip socks are required.
Playground Plaza Indoor Playground
11701 95th Avenue North, Maple Grove 55369
PLAYGROUND PLAZA INDOOR PLAYGROUND is a 20,000 square foot space where kids can run and play year-round. There is standard park equipment as well as turf for free play. Buy your passes online (the park is self-use; there is no staff) and come and go as you wish for the day. Open 7 days a week, 7am-9pm. $12/child, adults FREE.
Teen & Tween Fun at ProKART Indoor Racing
11700 Troy Lane North, Maple Grove, Minnesota 55369
PRO KART INDOORS provides an indoor go-kart racing track with a seasonal outdoor extension. The venue offers birthday party packages. Parental waivers are required for all minors.
Find More Indoor Playgrounds Near Maple Grove Here.
MAPLE GROVE, MINNESOTA, FREE FAMILY FUN AT PARKS & OUTDOOR PLAY
Maple Grove carefully tends to more than 50 parks, dozens of playgrounds, athletic fields, an arboretum, trails and more natural spaces to explore. Our list of the 10 BEST PARKS IN MAPLE GROVE is a great place to start no matter the season. Our Parks Search tool also covers most of these parks – just type “Maple Grove” into the location search space. Some parks not to miss when searching for things to do with kids outdoors in Maple Grove:
Free Family Fun:
- A huge, creative playground, interactive water fountains, a winter ice-skating loop, a garden labyrinth and more to be found at MAPLE GROVE CENTRAL PARK. 12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove, MN 55369.
- An even bigger (can you even imagine?) playground is to be found at the ELM CREEK PLAY AREA within ELM CREEK PARK RESERVE. Keep reading for lots more about this incredible Maple Grove park (12400 James Deane Parkway, Maple Grove, MN 55369).
- Sandy swimming beaches at WEAVER LAKE PARK (8401 Dunkirk Lane N, Maple Grove, MN 55311) and FISH LAKE REGIONAL PARK (Fish Lake Regional Park, 14900 Bass Lake Road, Maple Grove, MN 55311).
- Community concerts, kids entertainment, outdoor movies and more at TOWN GREEN PARK (7991 Main Street N, Maple Grove, MN 55369).
- Learn all about native tree species at the MAPLE GROVE ARBORETUM (9400 Fernbrook Lane North, Maple Grove, MN 55369).
- Winter Open Dome Times and Outdoor Playground at FERNBROOK ATHLETIC COMPLEXÂ (14401 99th Ave N, Maple Grove, MN 55369)
- Year-round outdoor fun at GLEASON FIELDS (18815 67th Avenue North, Maple Grove, MN 55311).
- Access Eagle Lake from THORESEN PARK (6259 Eagle Lake Drive, Maple Grove, MN 55369)
Eastman Nature Center at Elm Creek Park Reserve
13351 Elm Creek Road, Dayton, MN 55369
The beautiful ELM CREEK PARK RESERVE sprawls across almost 5,000 acres, passes through three northwest Twin Cities communities and is the largest in the Three Rivers Park District system. There is so much to do at here that you’d be hard-pressed to fit it into one day! If you’re interested in the highlights, here’s what we recommend trying:
- Your kids will go crazy for the giant, rainbow-hued ELM CREEK PLAY AREA (pictured). Great for all abilities!
- Spend a summer afternoon swimming at the chlorinated, sandy ELM CREEK SWIM POND ($5/pp).
- Explore the EASTMAN NATURE CENTER – filled with indoor exhibits and live animals, then head outdoors to find a boardwalk, trails and a sweet little nature playground. Check out free nature exploration materials at the front desk.
- Feeling sporty? Elm Creek has an archery range (BYO equipment) & a disc golf course. $6/day pass.
- Ride the bike trails. They’re very smooth and fairly level with some rolling areas. The park is huge and a little tricky to navigate; study the map well before you ride.
RESTAURANTS WHERE KIDS EAT FREE OR CHEAP NEAR MAPLE GROVE
Boulevard Bar & Grille
3395 Coon Rapids Boulevard, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Day/Time: Sunday, All Day
Deal: Kids Eat Free. Kids 12 eat free from the kids menu – one child’s meal with each adult entrée purchased.
Verified: 7/19/22
Broadway Pizza
11822 Aberdeen Street NE, Blaine MN 55449; (763) 755-5080
13705 27th Avenue North, Plymouth, MN 55441; (763) 551-0155
Day/Time: Monday, 5pm-7:30pm
Deal: Family Night Dinner Buffet: One free child’s buffet with each adult buffet purchased, includes pizza, pasta, hoagies, salad and dessert.Â
Verified: 2/18/22
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.Â
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. Â
Verified: 2/18/22
Green Mill
4355 Pheasant Ridge Drive, Blaine MN, 55449; (763)792-9400
2705 Annapolis Ln N, Plymouth MN, 55441; (763) 553-9000
Day/Time: Tuesdays at Most Locations, Hours vary by locationÂ
Deal: Please call your local Green Mill for details. Kids Eat Free: 1 child (12 and under) eats free with adult purchase.Â
Verified: 2/18/22
Lucy’s Burgers
4365 Pheasant Ridge Dr. NE. Ste. #102, Blaine, MN 55449; (763) 762-7140
Day/Time: Mondays, 5pm-8pm
Deal:Â Kids Eat FREE and Kids BINGO! One free kid’s meal per paying adult.
Verified: 6/18/22
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.Â
Verified: 2/18/22
Primo Plates & Pours
1935 Wayzata Blvd, Long Lake, MN 55356; (952) 479-1143
Day/Time: Sundays; 5pm-8pm
Deal: Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult meal, 1 child per adult full price pizza, pasta or entrée. Thank you to our reader, Whitney, for this Facebook find!
Verified: 7/10/22
Robert’s at Medina
500 Hwy 55, Medina, MN 55340; (763) 478-6661
Day/Time: Sundays @ 4pm
Deal: Enjoy a FREE kids meal with the purchase of an adult entree!
Verified: 1/8/23
Space Aliens Grill & Bar
11166 CR-37, Albertville, MN 55301; (763) 497-6718
Day/Time: Tuesday Evenings
Deal: $2.99 kids pizza & free game card with purchase of an adult meal.
Verified: 1/10/23
Sunshine Factory Restaurant
4100 Vinewood Lane, Plymouth MN, 55442; 763-535-7000
Day/Time: Sundays after 4pm
Deal: Kids eat free – kids 10 & under get one free meal per adult meal purchased.
Verified: 2/18/22
Willy McCoy’s
5651 La Centre Ave, Albertville, MN 55301; (763) 515-3600
13655 Martin St NW, Andover, MN 55304; (763) 767-6333
12450 Business Park Blvd N, Champlin, MN 55301; (763) 422-5020
6415 Highway 10 NW, Ramsey, MN 55303; (763) 717-8916
Day/Time: Sundays, 5-8pm
Deal: One free kid’s meal per adult entrée purchased. Also 95¢ wings all day.
Verified: 2/18/22
More Family-Friendly Restaurants in Maple Grove
Chuck E Cheese
12945 Elm Creek Blvd N., Maple Grove, MN 55369
Chuck E. Cheese is the quintessential kid-friendly restaurant (family-friendly might be stretching it). Deals change, so we suggest you check the deals page before going, but two regular family deals include:
- Â Two for Tuesdays: Two Large 1-Topping Pizzas for $22-$25 every Tuesday!
- All You Can Play Wednesday: Purchase an hour of unlimited play time for only $14.99!
Dave & Busters
Another options to eat and play. Find weekly deals here. One to look for is 1/2-Price games on Wednesdays.
Nadia Cakes
11650 Fountains Dr #207, Maple Grove, MN 55369
This award-winning cupcake shop is great for special occasions or just a fun treat. Kid-friendly workshops make great birthday parties.
BEST FAMILY HOTEL IN MAPLE GROVE
Holiday Inn & Venetian Indoor Waterpark
11801 Fountains Way North, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Whether you’re in town to shop and play or you’re treating the kids to a staycation the best family hotel in Maple Grove is the HOLIDAY INN & VENETIAN WATER PARK. Themed after the famous city, the waterpark features two 4-story slides, an activity pool, zero-depth entry for the youngest kids, a spa for the parents, and an arcade. Most likely, you’ll have to beg the kids to take a break from the waterpark to enjoy the rest of Maple Grove. (Images courtesy of TPI Hospitality)
More Twin Cities Indoor Water Parks:Â Family Exercise Fun: Twin Cities Indoor Waterparks and Pools
MAPLE GROVE PERFORMING ARTS
Bunce Backyard Productions is a family-owned theater group located in Maple Grove that produces an annual summer show that is FREE and open to the public. As their name indicates, summer productions are held in a local backyard. They also offer summer camp programs for kids.
Watch for more events near Maple Grove in our FAMILY PERFORMING ARTS PLAN-AHEAD CALENDAR.
MAPLE GROVE, MINNESOTA, FAMILY FUN MAP
FIND MORE THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES WITH KIDS!
Maple Grove is just the beginning! 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 cover a wide range of communities 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 Maple Grove, Minnesota particularly love these Twin Cities attractions:
- Albertville Premium Outlet
- Mississippi Gateway Regional Park in Brooklyn Park
- Oliver H Kelley Farm in Elk River