Opening in May – Twin Cities Area Attractions

It’s official – Family Fun Twin Cities has come down with our annual bout of SPRING FEVER! Check back often as we’re always adding to this list of Twin Cities-area attractions opening in May 2022 for the season.

Twin Cities Attractions Opening in May

May 1, 2022: Caponi Art Park

1220 Diffley Rd, Eagan, MN 55123
Wander the trails through the sculpture park and take in free cultural entertainment (when offered – otherwise tour at your own leisure). This year, Caponi will celebrate its 30th anniversary with yoga in the park, forest bathing, theater in the park and a 30th celebration bash on June 5. Open Tues-Sun, 9am-8pm. Admission is always FREE unless noted for a special event.

May 1, 2022: Como-Harriet & Excelsior Streetcar Lines

4200 Queen Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Between 3rd and George Streets, Excelsior MN
Take a ride on a historic streetcar in the lovely Lake Harriet neighborhood of Minneapolis or near Water Street in downtown Excelsior. A round-trip ride is about 15 minutes in length. Weekends, 12:30-8:30pm & additional afternoon and evening hours added in June.  Closed Mon & Tues. $3/pp.

May 1, 2022: Cafesjian’s Carousel in Como Park

1245 Midway Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55103
Take a spin on Como Park’s famous, beautifully painted carousel. This is but one of the many reasons to spend a day at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory this summer. Open daily through Labor Day, Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. $3/pp ages 1+.

May 1, 2022: Centennial Lakes Park outdoor attractions

7499 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435
Now open for the season are the park’s paddleboats to explore the ponds and canals, the putting course, and lawn bowling. If it’s free entertainment you’re after, the park hosts movies and live music all summer long. And don’t miss pop-up shows from the Edina Model Yacht Club. Please see the website for the most recent rates.

May 7, 2022: Wheel Fun Rentals

Rent surreys, choppers, canoes, paddleboards and more for scenic viewing of our lake areas. Locations include: BDE MAKA SKA (Minneapolis), LAKE NOKOMIS (Minneapolis) & VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK (Richfield).

May 21, 2022: Wheel Fun Rentals

Locations include: LAKE COMO (St Paul), LAKE HARRIET (Minneapolis) & MINNEHAHA FALLS.

Early May 2022: Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store

20430 Johnson Memorial Dr Jordan, Minnesota 55352
An eye-popping collections of sweets, sodas and bakery treats are for sale within the screaming yellow barn on the side of the highway. Opens at 8am.

May 14, 2022: Como Town Amusement Park

1301 Midway Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55103
A fun destination for the 12-and-under set that includes attractions like a junior rollercoaster, an exciting zip line, swings, kiddie cars, spinning teacups and a big splash zone. Purchase points for the individual attractions or an all-inclusive wristband. Open Wed-Sun, 11am-6pm.

May 21, 2022: Historic Eidem Farm

4345 101st Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
SPRING ON THE FARM: Greet the farm babies, help with spring planting and other activities. There will be interpretive signs up for self-guided tours along with pictures and the first floor of the farmhouse will be open to tour. After the FREE spring kick-off, the farm will be open for a variety of events all summer long, from storytime on the porch to movies on the barn. Most events offer free admission. 

Vali-Hi Drive In

11260 Hudson Blvd, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
The last surviving drive-in movie theater in the Twin Cities screens two movies each night starting in May. Adults/$9.50, kids 6-12 just $1.

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The Best Twin Cities Nature Playgrounds

May is an IDEAL month to get out before the skeeters hatch and enjoy yourselves some of the many Twin Cities-area NATURE PLAYGROUNDS.

More places are popping up where kids get the opportunity to interact with the landscape and, perhaps, develop a greater appreciation for it. Here are 10 places we’ve discovered that have those goals in mind:

Discovery Hollow & Garden | Tamarack Nature Center, White Bear Lake

Fawn Crossing Nature Play Area | Whitetail Woods Regional Park, Farmington

Green Play Yard | Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chanhassen

Maple Hollow Nature Play Area | Wargo Nature Center, Lino Lakes

Nature Exploration Area | Lowry Nature Center, Victoria

Nature Exploration Area | Richardson Nature Center, Bloomington

Nature Play Yard | Maplewood Nature Center

Springbrook Nature Center’s nature-based play area | Fridley

Terrace Oaks Park Nature Play | Burnsville

Wood Lake Nature Center | Richfield

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Twin Cities attractions opening Memorial Day Weekend 2022

Sibley House Historic Site

1357 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Mendota, MN 55150
Discover the historic house and trading post nestled in one of the first areas of the Twin Cities to be settled. Open weekends, 10am-4pm. $6-$10/pp.

Gibbs Farm

2097 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul, MN 55113
Take a themed guided tour or attend one of Gibbs Farm’s special events (such as the Apple Festival and a Halloween event) throughout the season. Open weekends for public tours, 10am-4pm. $5-$8/pp.

Historic Fort Snelling

200 Tower Ave, St Paul, MN 55111
Explore the historic buildings, chat with costumed interpreters, watch cannon and musket firings and join in historic games. Open Memorial Day weekend then Wed-Sun, 10am-4pm. $8-$12/pp.

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Twin Cities Pools, Water Parks, Splash Pads & Beaches

These outdoor swimming holes typically open Memorial Day Weekend, weather permitting. Make sure to double check the websites before packing up the swimsuits and heading out.

Anoka Aquatic Center

1551 7th Ave, Anoka, MN 55303
See all open swim hours here. $4-$7/pp.

Elm Creek Park Reserve Swimming Pond

12400 James Deane Pkwy, Maple Grove, MN 55369
The swim pond offers chlorinated water and a sand beach. Plus, close proximity to a fabulous playground, nature center, bike trails and more recreation! Open 9am-8pm. $5/pp or $18/season pass.

Grove Cove Aquatic Center Outdoor Pool

12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
The outdoor portion of the pool opens Memorial Day Weekend. 11am-6pm. $8/pp or $32/family.

Jim Lupient Water Park

1520 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Pre-season opens Memorial Day Weekend. Open 1-7pm, $3-$5/pp.

Lake Minnetonka Regional Park Swimming Pond

4610 County Rd 44, Minnetrista, MN 55364
The chlorinated pond maxes out at 6 feet deep and is rimmed by a sand beach. Open 9am-8pm. $5/pp or $18/season pass.

Minneapolis Wading Pools & Beaches

Open daily 10am-9pm – please note that wading pools attached to a Minneapolis public school will remain closed until the school year is done. Beaches remain unguarded until mid-June. Minneapolis beaches and wading pools are FREE.

Nicollet Commons Park Water Feature

Oak Hill Park Splash Pad

3201 Rhode Island Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55426
Residents admitted free, non-residents pay $1/pp. Open 10am-8pm.

Webber Natural Swimming Pool

4300 Webber Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55412
Uniquely filtered by plants and boasting free admission! Opens Memorial Day Weekend. 1-7pm.

Twin Cities attractions opening in June 2022

Oliver Kelley Farm

15788 Kelly Farm Rd NW, Elk River, MN 55330
Explore an original 1860s working farm, meet the animals close up and get hands-on in the barn and kitchen. Public hours begin June 10, 2022. $8-$12/pp.