School’s out and your family is just itching to explore beyond the backyard. We have the scoop on your community entertainment – live music in the parks, family festivals, swimming and splash pads, the puppet wagon and lots more to keep you busy this summer.
Get started planning your best summer!
Everything under the sun you need to know about family fun this summer in the Twin Cities. Beat boredom and fill your long school break days exploring the best the Twin Cities has to offer in the way of parks, swim spots, community entertainment and local festivals with our2023 ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUMMER EVENTS IN THE TWIN CITIES.
TWIN CITIES NORTHWEST METRO SUMMER EVENTS 2023
Not the Twin Cities community you’re searching for? We’re also covering the following:
701 County Rd A, Coon Rapids, MN 55448 Much of the sprawling Bunker Hills Park lies in Andover; the BUNKER BEACH WATER PARKis located within the park though its address is technically Coon Rapids. The waterpark is Minnesota’s largest outdoor venue. Open June 10-August 27, 2023. 11am-7pm. $15-$19/pp.
Tom Ryan Park, 10802 Town Square Dr NE, Blaine, MN 55449 Live summer entertainment, many acts very kid-friendly. Kicks off with special Saturday concerts on June 10, 11am & 2pm. Then, mostTuesdays (kids night) & Thursdays, 6pm starting June 13, 2023.
West Palmer Park, 7110 Palmer Lake Drive, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430 Activities for kids followed by a puppet storytime in the park. June 10, July 15 & Aug 19, 2023. 10am, FREE.
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PARK – Live music in the park – bring your blanket and a picnic. Ongoing Tuesdays June 13-August 15, 2023.Amphitheater, Centennial Park. 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
KIDS CONCERTS– Special entertainment & tunes for the kid set. June 15 & August 17, 2023, 10:30am.
Centennial Park, 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 A family friendly day filled with activities, entertainment and food. June 17, 2023, 11am-7pm.
Brooklyn Center summer library events
6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 The BROOKDALE LIBRARYis a branch of the Henenpin County Library system. We recommend this library for its creative castle-and-dragon theme. See the library events calendar for upcoming summer programs.
BROOKLYN PARK
Brooklyn Park parks – summer events
Brooklyn Park community parks
Brooklyn Park Rec on the Go
A free program at rotating parks for kids ages 5–18 (or younger with parents), offerings to include art, science, water days, sports, group games and slime. Free summer meals & snacks served to kids and families. Learn more about Rec on the Go in Brooklyn Park and register for your location.
North Hennepin Community College, 7411 85th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 A free family event with food, games and educational activities. June 17, 2023, 1-7pm.
8500 W. Broadway Ave., Brooklyn Park , MN 55445 The BROOKLYN PARK LIBRARYis a branch of the Henenpin County Library system. We recommend this library for its creative play-and-learn area. See the library events calendar for upcoming summer programs.
9750 Egret Boulevard, Coon Rapids, MNÂ 55433 It’s always exciting to take a walk over the rushing dam! There’s also a visitor center to explore, a nature play area and playground equipment. Anoka County charges a $6 vehicle permit fee.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIESat the park pavilion. Ongoing Thursdays, June 1-August 3, 2023. 7pm.
701 County Rd A, Coon Rapids, MN 55448 Can brag of its title as Minnesota’s largest outdoor water park. The fun features include a wave pool, lazy loop river, twisted towers and an adventure pool. Admission is $15-$19/pp taking into account a twilight special rate. June 10-August 27, 2023.Â
Concerts are held at Springbrook Nature Center, commons Park and Civic Campus – with a kids concert featuring Kids Power with Rachel on August 5th at 11am at Springbrook. The remainder of the concerts are on Tuesdays at 7pm.
100 85th Ave NW, Fridley, MN 55432 The centerpiece of the new nature playground is a sandy play space kids can pump their own water into. Dress for a mess. Plan to spend time in the nature center exploring the exhibits.
12400 James Deane Pkwy, Maple Grove, MN 55369 Elm Creek has it all. The largest in the Three Rivers Parks system, it contains a nature center, miles of hiking and smooth biking trails, a sand-bottomed swimming pond, a huge playground, disc golf, archery and a variety of wildlife.
EASTMAN NATURE CENTER– Hands-on exhibits for kids, a puppet theater and costumes. 13351 Elm Creek Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369.
SOUNDS OF SUMMERÂ 2023 concerts include kids shows on Thursdays at 10:30am. Live shows also performed Monday & Thursday nights at 7pm. June 26-August 31, 2023. Town Green, 7991 Main Street, Maple Grove, MN.
MOVIES AT DUSK– Fridays at dusk July 14-September 29, 2023.
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.
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. $8/pp.
NEW BRIGHTON
New Brighton parks – summer events
Summertime means MORE time to explore! If you’re looking for something to do in New Brighton parks with kids, start with our list of theBEST PARKS IN NEW BRIGHTONand surrounding communities!
Home to theNEW BRIGHTON HISTORY CENTER MUSEUM– visit the restored train depot and let your kids climb aboard the caboose. June thru September the museum exhibits are open weekends from 1-4pm and are free. 700 Park Drive, New Brighton, MN 55112.
RHUBARB FEST – A whole spread of rhubarb treats available for purchase at the historic New Brighton History Center. June 4, 2023.
New Brighton Summer Concert Series – Free music in the park on the following dates: June 8, July 13, August 10 & September 1, 2023. 6-8pm. 803 Old Hwy 8 NW, New Brighton, MN 55112
Chalk Walk Festival– All ages & abilities welcome to participate. June 24, 2023.
1500 Old Highway 8, New Brighton, MN 55112 The large beach makes our list of theTop 20 Beaches in the Twin Cities. Beach season is Memorial Day – Labor Day, 2022. FREE.
Otsego Prairie Park & Splash Pad, 13355 90th St NE, Otsego, MN 55330 Cool off in the park’s splash pad and enjoy kids entertainment on select Tuesdays at 10am. Only one event is music this year. Find the rest on our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR.
PLYMOUTH
Plymouth community entertainment
ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PARKS–Â Live concerts at the Hilde Performance Center. Please see the link for dates & times as they vary each week. Starts June 16, 2023.3500 Plymouth Blvd, Plymouth MN.
Activities include inflatables, games, face painting and other entertainment. Some free activities, others included in $8 wristband. Hilde Performance Center. August 17, 2023, 5-8:30pm.
12605 Rockford Rd, Plymouth, MN 55441 Along the north shore of Medicine Lake, the park offers an award-winning play area, a swimming beach, fishing and lighted trails. Entrance to the park and beach are free.