Twin Cities Northwest Metro: Things To Do This Summer

Twin Cities Northwest Metro Things to Do This Summer – Covering the Twin Cities, Minnesota, communities of Andover, Blaine, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Maple Grove, New Brighton, Otsego & Plymouth

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 our ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUMMER EVENTS IN THE TWIN CITIES.

Family Fun Twin Cities Ultimate Guide to a Summer to Remember

TWIN CITIES NORTHWEST METRO SUMMER EVENTS 2024

ANDOVER

Andover summer festivals

Andover Family Fun Fest

Look for the Zoomobile, Kidzart, magic & juggling shows, and donkey-pulled wagon rides. June 12-13, 2024.

Andover swimming & beaches

BUNKER HILLS REGIONAL PARK

701 County Rd A, Coon Rapids, MN 55448
Much of the sprawling Bunker Hills Park lies in Andover; the
 BUNKER BEACH WATER PARK is located within the park though its address is technically Coon Rapids. The waterpark is Minnesota’s largest outdoor venue. Open June 8-August 25, 2024. 11am-7pm. $19/pp.

BLAINE

Blaine parks – summer events

Blaine Performance in the Park

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 8, 11am & 2pm. Then, most Tuesdays (kids night) & Thursdays, 6pm. June 8-August 15, 2024.

Blaine festivals

Blaine Festival

Aquatore Park, 9191 Lincoln St NE, Blaine, MN 55434
The includes family beach party, carnival, petting zoo, dance party. June 28-30, 2024.

Blaine Family Fun Night

Aquatore Park
FREE kids carnival games, safety vehicles on display, and inflatables. 2024 date TBA.

Blaine swimming & beaches

Lakeside Commons Park

3020 Lakes Pkwy, Blaine, MN 55449
Public beach, splash pad, playground, and water rentals. $10/non-res, residents FREE.
The beach opens late May.

Family canoeing at Lakeside Commons Park in Blaine, inthe Twin Cities Northwest Metro
Lakeside Commons Park (image courtesy Twin Cities Northwest Metro City of Blaine)

BROOKLYN CENTER

Brooklyn Center parks – summer events

Brooklyn Center community parks

Rec on the Go

Evergreen Park, 7112 N Bryant Ave, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Lions Park, 5501 Russell Ave N., Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Northport Park, 5600 France Ave N., Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
Orchard Lane Park, 6512 Perry Ave N., Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
Firehouse Park, 6535 N Bryant Ave, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Twin Lake North Apartments, 4539 58th Ave N., Brooklyn Center, MN 55429

Brooklyn Center’s Rec On The Go van brings recreation activities and equipment to local parks for kids and teens to play games and sports and create arts, crafts! Plus FREE MEALS for kids 18 and under. Drop in! No registration required. June 17-August 8, 2024 (except June 19 & July 4).

  • EVERGREEN PARK:  Monday & Wednesday, 10:30 am – Noon
  • LIONS PARK: Monday & Wednesday,  3 – 4:30 pm
  • NORTHPORT PARK: Monday & Wednesday, 5 – 6:30 pm
  • ORCHARD LANE PARK: Tuesday & Thursday, 10:30 am – Noon
  • FIREHOUSE PARK: Tuesday & Thursday, 12:30 – 2 pm
  • TWIN LAKE NORTH APT: Tuesday & Thursday, 3 – 4:30 pm

Palmer Puppets Playhouse

West Palmer Park, 7110 Palmer Lake Drive, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430
Activities for kids followed by a puppet storytime in the park. 2024 TBA. 10am, FREE.

Brooklyn Center Movies in the Park

Movies are schedule to start at dusk. Titles will be listed on Facebook @BrooklynCenterRec closer to the movie date. 2024 TBA.

Centennial Park

  • BROOKLYN CENTER ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PARKLive music in the park – bring your blanket and a picnic. Ongoing Tuesdays 2024 TBA. Amphitheater, Centennial Park. 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
  • KIDS CONCERTS – Special entertainment & tunes for the kid set. 2024 TBA, 10:30am.

Brooklyn Center summer festivals

Juneteenth Celebration

Centennial Park, 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
A family friendly day filled with activities, entertainment and food. Saturday, June 15, 2024, 11am-7pm.

Brooklyn Center summer library events

6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
The
 BROOKDALE LIBRARY is a branch of the Hennepin County Library system. We recommend this library for its creative castle-and-dragon theme. See the library events calendar for upcoming summer programs.

Collage of fun elements of children's section of Brookdale Library in Brooklyn Center Minnesota - sculpture of pink elephant climbing a tree, dragon bookshelf reading a book, castle that kids can explore

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. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Learn more about Rec on the Go in Brooklyn Park and register for your location.

Plaza Park – Brooklyn Park Arts Festival

Plaza Park, 85th Ave N and Broadway, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Live music, arts activities and food trucks. 2024 TBA, 1-4pm.

Brooklyn Park community entertainment

Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center

Brooklyn Park Community Center, 5600 85th Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55443

  • TUESDAY MUSIC ON THE LAWN. 2024 TBA.
  • Kids might enjoy fishing in the stocked sunfish pond. 
Sun Fish Pond at the Community Activity Center in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Image courtesy of City of Brooklyn Park

Brooklyn Park summer festivals

Tater Daze Parade

Featuring emergency vehicles, visiting royalty, live music, and community organizations. June 1, 2024, 11am.

Juneteenth Celebration

North Hennepin Community College, 7411 85th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
A free family event with food, games and educational activities. 2024 TBA, 1-7pm.

Family Summer Splash

At Zanewood Recreation Center with free family activities, games, prizes and music. July 12, 2024, 5-7pm. FREE.

Brooklyn Park historic sites

Historic Eidem Farm

Travel back and experience the historic farm through farm tours, hayrides, old-time demos and special events during the summer.

Read all about our trip with the kids to the HISTORIC EIDEM FARM with kids.

Twin Cities Northwest Metro - Eidem Farms
Eidem Farm

Brooklyn Park summer library events

8500 W. Broadway Ave., Brooklyn Park , MN 55445
The
 BROOKLYN PARK LIBRARY is 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.

Giant Lite Brite wall at Brooklyn Park Library in Minnesota.
Brooklyn Park Library

COON RAPIDS

Coon Rapids parks – summer events

Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park

9750 Egret Boulevard, Coon Rapids, MN 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.

Coon Rapids summer festivals

Coon Rapids 4th of July

11000 Crooked Lake Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Held at Boulevard Plaza with a parade, carnival, live music & fireworks. 2024 Details TBA.

Coon Rapids swimming & beaches

Bunker Beach Water Park

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 8-August 23, 2024. 

FRIDLEY

Fridley parks – summer events

2024 Fridley Summer Community Concert Series

Concerts are held at Springbrook Nature Center, commons Park and Civic Campus . The remainder of the concerts are on Tuesdays at 7pm.

Fridley summer festivals

Fridley ’49er Days

The annual summer event celebrates with a festival and parade. June 13-15, 2024

Fridley nature playground

Springbrook Nature Center

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.

Kids playing in the sand at Springbrook Nature Center
Springbrook Nature Center

MAPLE GROVE

Maple Grove parks – summer events

Want to get out and play in Maple Grove parks this summer? Try starting with our list of the best: Maple Grove Family Fun: 10 Close-To-Home Parks to Explore This Summer.

Maple Grove Family Fun

Elm Creek Park Reserve

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.

Elm Creek Park Playground in Maple Grove Minnesota

 

Maple Grove community entertainment

MAPLE GROVE TOWN GREEN PARK

  • SOUNDS OF SUMMER concerts include kids shows on Thursdays at 10:30am. Live shows also performed Monday, Wednesday nights at 7pm. June 24-August 29, 2024. Town Green, 7991 Main Street, Maple Grove, MN.
  • MOVIES AT DUSK – Fridays at dusk July 12-August 30, 2024.
Central Park, Maple Grove
Central Park, Maple Grove

Maple Grove summer festivals

Arbor Lakes Chalkfest

Family Zone is set aside for families to create together, plus games, music, food and sidewalk chalk art. June 8-9, 2024

Maple Grove swimming & beaches

Elm Creek Swim Pond

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. Traditionally Opens Memorial Day Weekend.

Grove Cove Aquatic Center

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 the BEST PARKS IN NEW BRIGHTON and surrounding communities!

Long Lake Regional Park

  • Home to the NEW 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 FESTA whole spread of rhubarb treats available for purchase at the historic New Brighton History Center. Early June TBA.

community entertainment
New Brighton History Museum

New Brighton Veterans Park

New Brighton summer festivals

New Brighton Stockyard Days

New Brighton’s largest community-wide event includes a grand parade, duck races, fireworks and a youth fun zone.  August 9-11, 2024.

New Brighton swimming & beaches

Long Lake Regional Park Beach

1500 Old Highway 8, New Brighton, MN 55112
The large beach makes our list of the
Top 20 Beaches in the Twin Cities. Beach season is Memorial Day – Labor Day, 2022. FREE.

Hammocks by Long Lake Regional Park Beach in New Brighton Minnesota
Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton

OTSEGO

Otsego parks – summer events

Prairie Park Splash & Play Tuesdays

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

Plymouth summer festivals

Happy Birthday America Parade

Join in the bike parade – decorating kits provided! June 27, 2024, 10am–12pm.

Plymouth Kids Fest

Activities include inflatables, games, face painting and other entertainment. Some free activities, others included in $8 wristband. Hilde Performance Center. August 15, 2024, 5-8:30pm.

Plymouth swimming & beaches

French Regional Park

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.

150+THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER IN THE TWIN CITIES WITH KIDS!

 


Drop us a comment if you are aware of something else in the Twin Cities Northwest Metro that we missed.  We will share it with the community.

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