National Get Outdoors Day Round Up - 2021

National Get Outdoors Day is June 12, 2021. Started in 2008, this day is intended to inspire and motivate Americans to get outside for a “healthy, fun day of outdoor adventure”. While the original website has since been taken down, the day itself has taken off. Parks across the nation continue to celebrate each year.

Fun Twin Cities Outdoor Events

Playground Grand Opening – Baker Park Reserve: Maple Plain

Time: 10am-1pm.

Celebrate the new creative play area at Baker Park. Try out the new 9-foot tall climbing feature and the 100-foot zip line. The play area is open daily from 9 am to sunset. Learn more here.

Borrow a Bike to Explore Battle Creek Regional Park

Time: 11am–3pm

Battle Creek Regional Park will have bikes available to borrow in a variety of styles and sizes. Anne includes Battle Creek trails as some of the Best St Paul Bike Trails for Families. Bikes will be available near the main pavilion, in the parking lot by Battle Creek Waterworks.First come, first served. Also available June 19th.

Nature Center Without Walls

Time: 11am–2pm
Join this ongoing program at Three Rivers Parks nature centers try various outdoor activities and engage with staff and animal ambassadors outdoors. This program is free and open to all ages. Children 13 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult from the same household. More information here.

Children playing a Lowry Nature Center in Minnesota — Lowry Nature Center

Free Entrance to Washington County Parks

Washington County Parks has designated Get Outdoors day as a free day to visit county Parks without purchasing a vehicle permit. In past years, this offer was extended the weekend before for, Explore Your Parks Day. Read more here.

water safety — Lake Elmo Park Reserve – Swim Beach

Cancelled: National Get Outdoors – Take a Kid Fishing

Time: Sunday, June 13, 2021; 12pm–3pm
Fishing program provided by Tips Outdoors at Thompson County Park in West St. Paul. This event has been CANCELED due to the pandemic. There may be a virtual event on YouTube. Learn more.

If you still thinking fishing sounds great, check out one of the 10 Best Fishing Holes in the Twin Cities.

Get Outdoors Day Events Across the State

State Parks

National Get Outdoors Day is a free admission day at Minnesota State Park again in 2021. Many parks offer free activities — including free Kid’s Discovery Kits and loaner fishing equipment, GPS units and birding kits to borrow for a day of exploration.

My daughter and her friend recently took advantage of the loaner fishing equipment. We recommend bringing your own live bait. The kids didn’t have any the first day, but brought some the second day. It made all the difference in their success.

Find activities at the State Park of your choice with this State Park Event Finder tool. We are lucky to have 8 Twin Cities Metro-Area Minnesota State Parks that are close enough for a spontaneous day visit.

Past Events We Hope To See Return

Powderhorn Park: Minneapolis

Time: Cancelled in 2020; TBA 2021

Events will go forward rain or shine (but apparently a virus can stop them). Last year, Powderhorn celebrated on the eve of Get Outdoors Day for an evening of outdoor fun. The Minnesota DNR, REI, the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service were among the other organizations providing free outdoor activities, such as rock climbing, canoeing, archery, fishing, camp games and more! Music and concessions filled out the evening.

North Mississippi Regional Park: Minneapolis

Time: Cancelled in 2020; TBA 2021.

Events will go forward rain or shine. All Minneapolis Park event have been cancelled for the summer of 2020.

Maplewood Parks – Treasure Hunt

Time: 2021 TBA.

FREE National Get Outdoors Day Treasure Hunt! Find the golden hiking boot in a Maplewood park and win! Follow Maplewood Parks on Facebook and Twitter starting at 7am. Find the boot and claim your prize by calling 651.249.2125.

National Get Outdoors Day Round Up – 2021