Got kids who are just crazy about getting up close to big rigs? Good news! Your Modern Family recently shared their research on why this obsession makes kids smarter! Our calendar of Twin Cities Touch-A-Truck events and Public Works Open Houses will help you find events featuring a wide variety of different trucks!
While amount of access and type of vehicle offered can vary from event to event, children of all ages can expect the chance to climb into big vehicles like:
- Tow trucks
- Snowplows
- Tractors
- Excavators
- Utility Vehicles
- Skid Loaders
- Ambulances
- Police cars, and
- Rescue vehicles.
Participants can often sit behind the wheel of a fire truck and learn about the equipment from real firefighters at these family-friendly events. Guests sometimes even have permission to honk the truck’s horn or listen to the sirens.
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Best Months for Touch-A-Truck Events
While there are free touch-a-truck event opportunities throughout the year, the best times to find opportunities are in May, during National Public Works Week, and in October, during Fire Prevention Month. Because it is easier to offer these events outdoors, April through October naturally have more opportunities than winter months.
2023 Twin Cities Touch-A-Truck Events
Usually a vehicle fair is a free event, but we do sometimes share fun splurge big-truck events where there is an admission charge for attendance and a ticket holder gets a special experience. In those cases, we will list the price for individual tickets and any family deals.
September Touch-A-Truck Events
Fridley Touch-a-Truck Event
Fridley Civic Campus, 7071 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55432
Celebrate Fridley’s Civic Campus with a Touch-A-Truck event, bounce house, games, live music and more. September 9, 2023, 11am-2pm. FREE.
Crystal Vehicle Fair
Crystal Community Center, 4800 Douglas Drive North, Crystal, MN 55429
Bring your cameras and let your kids explore a variety of trucks and cars on display during this annual event. September 16, 2023, 10am-Noon. FREE.
St Louis Park Fire Department Open House
St. Louis Park Fire Department – Fire Station 1, 3750 Wooddale Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55416
This annual open house features kid-friendly activities. Past events included Sparky the Fire Dog, a squirt house, fire truck displays and free snacks. September 19, 2023, 5pm-7:30pm.
Big Truck Day in Woodbury
8595 Central Park Pl, Woodbury, MN 55125
Find a variety of big trucks in the east lot of Central Park including an ambulance, fire truck and garbage truck. The Teddy Bear Band will perform from 9-11am. September 23, 2023; 9am-noon. FREE.
Day of the Dozers
ERX Motor Park, 21591 US-169, Elk River, MN 55330
Kids get a chance to climb inside construction vehicles, play in sandpits and other fun activities. September 23, 2023, 9am. $20-25/child; $10-15/adult. Save by pre-registering.
Trucksploration
Lake Harriet Upper Elementary School, 4912 Vincent Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Drop in for a chance to explore over 25 vehicles, climb inside and learn about a variety of trucks, boats, plows and even meet a police horse or bomb squad robots. Free fire helmets for the first 150 kids. September 23, 2023, 12m-3pm. FREE.
Chanhassen Fire Department Open House
Fire Station, 7610 Laredo Drive, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Kids can see firetrucks, try out a fire-fighter obstacle course, play in a bounce house and watch demos. Snacks, ice cream and drinks available. Monday, September 25, 2023, 6pm-8:30pm.
October Touch-A-Truck Events
Special Family Storytime: Meet A Fire Truck!
North St Paul Library, 2400 Margaret Street North
North Saint Paul MN 55109
This story time will feature the North St Paul Fire Department. Kids can meet a firefighter, explore a fire truck and learn about fire safety. Best for ages 2-5. Free. Drop In. October 4, 2023, 10:30am-11am.
Excelsior Fire District Open House: October
24100 Smithtown Rd, Shorewood, MN 55331
Take a ride on a fire truck! In addition, families can participate in activities, watch demonstrations and see displays related to fire safety. October 5, 2023, 5:30pm -8pm.
Eden Prairie City-Wide Open House
Eden Prairie City Center, 8080 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344
Check out city vehicles and equipment along with exhibits and demonstrations. October 7, 2023; 11 am-2 pm. FREE.
Shoreview Touch-A-Truck
Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St N Shoreview, MN 55126
Kids can climb into a snowplow, dump truck, and other vehicles. Lower level parking lot. Free. Drop In. October 7, 2023, 9am-12pm.
St. Anthony Fire Department Open House
St. Anthony Fire Station, 3505 Silver Lake Road, Minneapolis, MN 55418
Tour the fire trucks and meet real live firefighters along with other special fire-safety activities. Free. Drop In. Traditionally the first weekend of October.
Fridley Fire Open House
7071 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55432
Take a vehicle tour while learning fire safety. Visitors will also meet firefighters and see the new fire station and firefighting equipment. Traditionally the first weekend of October.
Minnetonka’s Fire Department & City Open House
Central Fire Station, 14550 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, Minnesota 55345
Go on a fire truck ride, explore the Central Fire Station and view interactive demonstrations. FREE. Drop In. Tuesday, October 10, 2023; 5-8 pm.
Hastings Fire/EMS Department Open House
115 5th St. W. Hastings, Minnesota 55033
Tour the fire trucks and see the equipment, enjoy treats and meet the rescue workers. October 10, 2023, 7-9pm. FREE.
Burnsville Fire Department Open House
Fire Station No. 1, 1427t Newton Avenue, Burnsville, MN 55337
Tour fire engines and ambulances, meet firefighters and learn how to create an escape plan for your home. Thursday, October 12, 2023, 5:30-7:30pm.
Champlin Police and Fire Open House
11955 Champlin Dr, Champlin, MN 55316-2379
Besides the chance to look inside squad cars and fire trucks, kids can color a picture for Champlin police to share on Facebook, families can watch demonstrations and tour the jail. Food trucks onsite. Free. Drop In. Saturday, October 15, 2022; 10am-2pm
Huset Park Truck or Treat
Huset Park East, 3965 Jefferson Street, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
Columbia Heights is throwing a Halloween celebration for truck-loving kids. Come in costume and collect candy from police cars, fire trucks, garbage trucks, tow trucks, mail trucks and a school bus. October 28, 2023. 1pm-4pm.
Check back regularly for this year’s touch a truck events! We’ll list them as we learn of them.
Heavy Metal Dine-In / Extreme Sandbox
From the creators of Extreme Sandbox, families can now visit the “Heavy Metal Dine-In”. This interactive outdoor event pairs food trucks with the opportunity to see and even operate real construction equipment. There are mini excavators available for younger construction enthusiasts and adults can try their hand at the real thing. Tickets to visit are an affordable $7.50 with add-ons ranging from $10-$40. Food is purchased at the show from the vendors.
2023 Heavy Metal Dine Dates:
- May 20th (4:00pm – 8:00pm)
- June 10th (4:00pm – 8:00pm)
- June 24th (4:00pm – 8:00pm)
- July 8th (4:00pm to 8:00pm)
- July 15th (4:00pm to 8:00pm)
- August 5th (4:00pm – 8:00pm)
- August 19th (4:00pm – 8:00pm)
- September 9th (3:00pm – 6:00pm)
- September 23rd (3:00pm – 6:00pm)
- October 7th (3:00pm – 6:00pm)
An Any-Time Touch a Truck Opportunity
If you have never visited the Firefighters Hall and Museum in Minneapolis, this is a great place to climb on Fire Trucks any weekend. Open 2nd & 4th Saturdays of Every Month, 9am-4pm.
Related Articles
Past Twin Cities Touch-a-Truck Events We Are Watching For in 2023 & 2024
SEPTEMBER Touch-a-Truck Events
Community Chili Cook-Off
Location: Faith Church Minnetonka, 12007 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55343, USA
Admission includes police squad and fire truck displays as well as chili tasting, live music, games and Sparky the Fire Dog. Saturday, September 24, 2022, 11am-2pm. $5/pp. Food shelf donations welcome.
MAY Touch-a-Truck Events
Edina Vehicle Day
Southdale Center Parking Lot, 10 Southdale Center, Edina, MN 55435-2402
Dump trucks, construction equipment, police cars, firetrucks and a variety of other large vehicles will be open to climb aboard in the mall parking lot. May 6, 2023, 10am-12pm.
Big Rig Day
Location: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd N, Forest Lake, MN 55025
Vehicles like an ambulance, fire truck, garbage truck ad more will be at the Forest Lake Metro Transit Parking lot (behind the library). Roe Family Singers will play their signature “Good-Time, Old-Time Hillbilly” music. Free. Drop In. Saturday, May 6, 2023, 9:30am-11:30am.
Mendota Heights Touch-a-Truck
Get close up to fire trucks, police cars, mowers and plows. Also games, photo opps and refreshments. May 13, 2023, 10am-12pm. FREE.
Burnsville Pop Up Police Event
Burnsville City Hall, 100 Civic Center Pkwy, Burnsville, MN 55337
Stop by for a meet-and-greet with Burnsville Police in the Parking lot across from City Hall. Kids can get close up to squad cars, the command post and EVA to explore, a K-9 Unit, treats, car seat checks and a chance to chat with officers. May 17, 2023, 4-7pm. FREE.
Arden Hills Touch-A-Truck
Perry Park, 3700 New Brighton Road, Arden Hills, MN 55112
Got kids who are just crazy about getting up close to big rigs? Celebrate National Public Works Week in Arden Hills by getting a close-up look at some of your favorite vehicles, including a fire engine, squad car, boat, snowplow, and more. May 20, 2023 from 10am to 1pm.
Bloomington Public Works Open House
1700 West 98th Street, Bloomington MN 55431
Equipment rides and demos, interactive displays, free snacks and prizes. May 20, 9am-12pm. FREE.
Coon Rapids Public Works Open House
1831 111th Ave. NW, Coon Rapids MN
Take a tour of the Public Works facility and check out snowplows, tractors and other big rigs. Kids can learn about the city’s Recycling Center and other community services. May 20, 2023, 10am-Noon.
Farmington Police Dept. Open House
Farmington Police Department, 19500 Municipal Dr, Farmington, MN 55024
See squad cars, SWAT vehicles, sheriff vehicles and a helicopter. There will also be a bounce house and food trucks on site. FREE. May 20, 2023; 11am to 2pm.
Inver Grove Heights Touch-A-Truck
Veterans Memorial Community Center, 8055 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
Kids of all ages will love these photo opportunities with a wide variety of different trucks on display, including IGH Police Cars, Fire Trucks, Public Works Vehicles, Commemorative Air Force MN, and plenty more. Bring money for Ice Cream! May 20, 2023 from 9:30am-11:30am.
Otsego Touch-A-Truck
Otsego Prairie Park, 13355 90th Street NE, Otsego, MN 55330
Besides the Touch-A-Truck event, families can bring a picnic, play on the playground and the splash pad. Bring your own remote control car to race it on the park’s RC Race Track. May 23, 2023, 6-7:30pm.
Burnsville Public Works Open House
Burnsville Maintenance, 13713 Frontier Ct, Burnsville, MN 55337
Kids can get a passport vehicle card, go on a tour of the vehicles and equipment the city uses and claim a free prize. Food Trucks will be onsite during the event. Thursday, May 25, 2023; 3:30-7pm.
JUNE Touch-a-Truck Events
Eagan Big Rig Rally
Central Maintenance Facility, 3501 Coachman Point, Eagan, MN
Families can get a close-up, behind-the-scenes glimpse at the City of Eagan’s big rigs: fire trucks, police cars, mowers, plow trucks and garbage truck! More family fun includes face painting, photo ops, refreshments and fun giveaways. Learn more about Eagan’s annual Big Rig Rally here. June 1, 2023, 4-7pm. FREE.
West St Paul Days
West St Paul Municipal Center, 1650 Humboldt Avenue, West St Paul MN
A city open house with public works vehicles is held as an event during the city’s annual summer festival. June 8, 2023, 5-8pm. FREE.
North St Paul Touch-a-Truck
Charles Street and 7th Ave. E, North St Paul MN
Kids can view fire trucks, police cars, snowplows, and more equipment during the History Cruzers Car Show. June 9, 2023, 4-8pm. FREE.
Mighty Machines at Dakota County Libraries
Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Ave. Apple Valley, MN 55124
Heritage Library, 20085 Heritage Drive Lakeville, MN 55044
Wentworth Library, 199 Wentworth Ave E, West St Paul, MN 55118
Kids can climb inside and explore trucks, vehicles and other machines from Dakota County’s fleet. FREE touch-a-truck event. Drop in your favorite branch during these times:
- Wentworth Library – Tuesday, June 13, 2023; 9:30-11:30am.
- Heritage Library – Tuesday, June 22, 2023; 9:30–11:30 a.m.
- Galaxie Library – Thursday, June 29, 2023, 9:30–11:30 am
Maplewood Touch-a-Truck
2100 White Bear Avenue, Maplewood MN
Get close to police cars, firetrucks, garbage trucks, snow plows and more favorites plus the event includes activity stations, free hot dogs and chips – all free. June 14, 2023, 6-7:30pm.
Golden Valley Public Safety Open House
Police Station & Fire Station 1, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427
Tour the stations, win p prizes and check out all the safety vehicles. June 21, 2023, 5–8 pm.
Popsicles with Public Safety
Orono Park, 18599 Gary Street, Elk River, MN 55330
Besides the opportunity to explore public safety vehicles, kids can meet a K-9 officer, have a Child Safe ID kit created, meet police officers and firefighters and get a free popsicle. June 21, 2023, 5–8 pm.
Farmington Big Rig Open House
Marschall Line, Inc 5119 212th St W, Farmington
A part of the Dew Days festival, see antique fire trucks and a school bus, a semi and more big trucks. Food for purchase, $5/plate or free with festival button. June 23, 2023.
Lil’ Sparkler Celebration
Richfield Band Shell & Ice Arena, 636 East 66th Street, Richfield, MN 55423
Richfield Police, Fire & Public Works vehicles will be on display during the annual Lil’ Sparklers Family Night. There will also be food trucks, a kidsdance, ice skating, a movie and a laser light show. June 30, 2023, 5:30-6:30 pm.
JULY Touch-A-Truck Events
Mighty Machines at Dakota County Libraries
Burnhaven Library, 1101 County Rd 42 W, Burnsville, MN 55306
Farmington Library , 508 Third St. Farmington, MN 55024
Inver Glen Library, 8098 Blaine Avenue Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
Pleasant Hill Library, 1490 S Frontage Rd, Hastings, MN 55033
Kids can climb inside and explore trucks, vehicles and other machines from Dakota County’s fleet. FREE touch-a-truck event. Drop in your favorite branch during these times:
- Farmington Library – Thursday, July 6, 2023, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
- Pleasant Hill Library – Tuesday, July 11, 2023; 9:30am-11:30am.
- Inver Glen Library – Thursday, July 13, 2023; 9:30–11:30 a.m.
- Burnhaven Library – Wednesday July 26, 2023; 9:30-11:30am
Fete des Lacs Public Safety Night / Touch-A-Truck
St. Genevieve Parish Community Center, 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville, MN 55038
Besides the touch-a-truck, families can watch K-9 unit demonstrations, see a helicopter land and get a free first aid kit. July 12, 2023, 6pm-8pm.
Maple Grove Days Big Truck Show
Grassy Lot across from Life Time, 12601 82nd Ave N, Maple Grove, MN 55369
The field will be full of fire trucks, police cars, National Guard trucks, cranes, diggers, and big trucks of all kinds that kids of all ages can climb on and explore.
July 15, 2023; 9am-3pm.
Stillwater Big Truck Night
Lowell Park, 101 Water Street S., Stillwater, MN 55082
Big trucks on display you can climb on: fire trucks, a SWAT truck, army trucks and more. Part of Stillwater’s Summer Tuesdays event. July 18, 2023, 5:30-8:30pm. FREE.
Popsicles with Public Safety
Trott Brook Farm Park, 18300 Trott Brook Pkway NW, Elk River, MN 55330
Besides the opportunity to explore public safety vehicles, kids can meet a K-9 officer, have a Child Safe ID kit created, meet police officers and firefighters and get a free popsicle. July 19, 2023, 5–8 pm.
Victoria Truck Rodeo
Victoria Recreation Center, 8475 Kochia Lane, Victoria MN 55386
Get close to the big trucks and machinery that keep the city running smoothly. FREE event. July 20, 2023, 6-8pm.
AUGUST Touch-A-Truck Events
Champlin Big Trucks & Cool Stuff
Event: Public Works Yard, 11955 Champlin Drive, Champlin, MN 55316
Parking: Champlin Ice Forum, 12165 Ensign Ave N, Champlin, MN 55316
Get up close and personal with the Public Works vehicles. Sit in a plow truck, front end loader, one-ton, water truck, and more. August 3, 2023, 4pm-7pm. FREE.
Robbinsdale Police and Fire Open House
Robbinsdale Police Department, 4101 Hubbard Avenue N, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Learn more about the City of Robbinsdale Police and Fire Departments at this annual open house. August 12, 2023, 11am-3pm. FREE.
Popsicles with Public Safety
Lion John Weicht Park, 1104 Lions Park Drive, Elk River, MN 55330
Besides the opportunity to explore public safety vehicles, kids can meet a K-9 officer, have a Child Safe ID kit created, meet police officers and firefighters and get a free popsicle. August 16, 2023, 5–8 pm.
Linwood Vehicle Fair
Linwood Recreation Center, 860 St. Clair Avenue, Saint Paul, MN, 55105
Walk the park to see a variety of vehicles. Concessions available to purchase. Thursday, August 17, 2023; 4:30pm-7pm.
Chaska Touch-a-Truck
Chaska Community Center, 1661 Park Ridge Dr, Chaska, MN 55318
It’s a full-on carnival with games. treats, a kids DJ, bounce house and the vehicles of Chaska’s various public safety and recreation departments. August 17, 2023, 5-7:30pm. FREE.
Community Ed Vehicle Fair
Shakopee High School, 100 17th Ave W, Shakopee, MN 55379
Families can explore a variety of vehicles free and first 500 guests get a free hot dot meal! August 28, 2023, 5-6:30pm. FREE.
My son likes anything that has a steering wheel. Can’t wait!
That’s awesome, Henry. Let us know how he likes the touch a trucks!
Hello,
I wanted to let you know about another “Touch-a-Truck” event coming up in September. Shakopee Community Education will be hosting our annual Vehicle Fair! We will have music, activities, a free hot dog dinner for the first 500 attendees, and Kona Ice & Drooling Moose items available for purchase. Vehicles confirmed so far include the Life Link III helicopter, police, fire, and ambulance vehicles, city construction and utility vehicles, and many more!
Logistics:
Monday, Sep 26, 5-6:30pm
Shakopee High School – 100 17th Ave W, Shakopee, MN 55379
Please add to your list if you can. Thanks!
Emily Starke
Thanks for this information, Emily. We’ve added the event.
I’m satisfied reading your article , it was very interesting and informative .
I appreciated your blog i gained a lot of knowledge from your trucking blog
Thank you, Todd. I hope you and your kids can get out and enjoy some big trucks close up this season. The events seem to be coming back this year!