FFTC Guide to Summer Water Sports - Family Fun Twin Cities

As the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesotans take pride in our summer water sports. We’ve collected water ski shows, boat rentals, kayaks and canoes, sailing experiences and other water fun. Most are located in the metro while some of them are just a short drive away.

Happy wakes to you.

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Water Ski Shows in the Metro
Water Ski Shows Outside the Twin Cities
Kayaks and Canoes
Boat Rentals

Water Ski Shows in the Twin Cities Metro

It’s water acrobatics galore courtesy of these Twin Cities water ski clubs!

Twin Cities River Rats

Mississippi River – 1758 West River Rd N, Minneapolis, MN 55411

Shows run ongoing Thursdays at 7pm (You’ll want to arrive by 6:30 or earlier) starting June 2, 2022. Check the website for special showtimes. Park on West River Road south of Broadway Avenue and bring your own seating: blankets or chairs.

6:30pm – Development Show -Our Members Under The Age Of 18 And Our New Members Get The Opportunity To Perform For The Crowd Before Jumping Into The “Big” Show.
7:00pm – The Big Show! -The Ski Show Is A 1 Hour Long Themed-Show. In Between Daring And Beautiful Acts On Water, A Storyline Unfolds. We Encourage Audience Participation And Love Applause!
8:00pm – Photos! -Photo Opportunities With The Cast Of The Show, Visit With The Skiers, And Even Take A Ride In Our “Triple-Rig” Boat (For A Price!)

Shockwaves

Quarry Lake Park, 6201 Innovation Blvd., Shakopee, MN 55379 (unless otherwise indicated)
Most ski shows run at Quarry Lake, 7pm with a few exceptions. Please check the website for exact locations and times.

Ski Otter’s Water Ski Team

Little Goose Lake, Hoffman Rd, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Shows run ongoing Sundays at 6pm. Check the website for special showtimes in July & August.

Bald Eagle Water Ski Shows

7145 Main St, Centerville, MN 55038

Shows run Thursdays at 7pm, mid-June through mid-August. All shows are listed on Bald Eagle Water Ski Shows’ Facebook page. Bring your own seating!

More Family Fun: Summer Bucket List
10 Beaches and Playgrounds to Try

Water Ski Shows Outside the Twin Cities

SkiDox

Lake Zumbro, 40240 Wabasha County Rd 90, Mazeppa, MN 55956

Wednesdays at 7 pm, special showtime July 4 following boat parade & 1:00 pm Labor Day Holiday Show (September 6th).

Little Crow Ski Team

Neer Park, SE Mill St, 311 2nd Avenue, New London, MN 56273

Most Fridays at 7:30 pm. Special performances found on their website. For the schedule click on “Tickets” in the top right corner of the page. Cost is $3-$5/pp with season passes available.

Chetek Hydroflites

Lake Chetek, Chetek WI 54728

Sundays, Thursdays and special events. Check schedule before heading out.

FFTC Guide to Summer Water Sports — Amazon link

Kayaking & Canoeing Outfitters

Three Rivers Park District

Three Rivers Park District makes outdoor activities accessible to everyone. They have an expansive presence in the Twin Cities, so if you are looking to canoe, kayak or paddleboard, you will find them to be a very reasonably priced option.

Minneapolis Parks

Canoeing programs at Loring Park, Powderhorn Park and Lake Nokomis, including:

Drop-In Canoeing at Loring Pond – Wednesdays, June 30th-August 25th, 5pm-7pm. Free. Drop In.
Drop-In Canoeing at Powderhorn Park – Tuesdays, June 15th-August 17th, 5pm-7pm. Free. Drop In.

Staring Lake Canoe Time

Staring Lake Park, Eden Prairie
Every Saturday June through August, 10am-12pm families can spend up to an hour canoeing. Canoes, life jackets, paddles and basic safety instruction are provided. Register one adult per canoe. $12.

Wilderness Inquiry

808 Minneapolis | (612) 676-9400
This company does not mess around – traveling all over the world including Africa, New Zealand, Central America as well as around the US. They are also proud to lead trips in their home state whether it’s in the Apostle Islands, Boundary Waters , and Lake Itasca. Trips they lead in our backyard are on the Mississippi, the Chain of Lakes, and on the St. Croix River.

Riverwood Canoe

Osceola, Wisconsin
Offers canoe, kayak, and tandem kayak rentals. June-August, 7 days a week, $25-$35.

Minnesota State Parks

Offers boat, paddleboard, canoe, and kayak rentals. Available daily during summer months.

Boat Rentals

Bald Eagle Boat Rental

White Bear Lake | 651-426-0365

Rent a pontoon to enjoy on Bald Eagle Lake. Especially good for families full of fishing enthusiasts. 2 hour minimum.

Bay to Bay Boat Club

Excelsior | 952-401-3880

Currently renting 2017 Gekko Water Sports Boat, pontoons, kayaks, paddleboards, and Hobie Mirage Eclipse (think the marriage of a paddleboard and jet ski). You can also take a guided fishing tour.