Twin Cities Southwest Metro: Things To Do This Summer – Covering the Twin Cities, Minnesota, communities of Bloomington, Chaska, Eden Prairie, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Minnetonka, New Hope, Richfield, Shakopee, St Louis Park & Victoria.
Twin Cities Southwest Metro summer events 2024
School’s out and your family is just itching to explore beyond the backyard. We have the scoop on your community entertainment in the Minneapolis-St Paul Southwest Metro – family music in the parks, summer festivals, swimming and splash pads, the puppet wagon and lots more to keep you engaged this summer.
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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 Summer Events Guide.
- BLOOMINGTON -
Summer fun in Bloomington parksÂ
Want to get out and play in Bloomington parks this summer? Try starting with our list of the best: Bloomington Family Fun – 10 Parks To Explore This Summer.
Hyland Lake Park Reserve
10145 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Hyland Lake is part of the larger Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve and contains such delights as a nature center, gigantic playground, disc golf course and two swimming beaches. To entertain on a budget this summer try:
- RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER is stuffed with bright, interactive exhibits and is home to live raptors. Outdoors, kids can play and build freely in the Nature Exploration Area.
- FREE FAMILY FUN DAYS are held ongoing Sundays at the nature center during the summer. Drop in from 1-3pm.
Bloomington Arts in the Parks – for kids!
Monday Morning Kids Series
Entertainment just right for the small set. Performances alternate between MOIR CENTRAL PARK & VALLEYVIEW PLAYFIELD. Get the full schedule at the link. June 3 – August 12, 2024. 10:30am. FREE.
Sunday Funday
An option for families who want to make an afternoon of it in the park. Family-friendly music capped off with dinner from a tasty food truck sounds pretty summer perfect. Shows will be scheduled in Bloomington Parks throughout the city – we’ll track them in our roundup of FREE SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE TWIN CITIES. June-August 2024, 4-6:30pm. FREE.
Tuesday Evening Performance Series
Normandale Lake BandshellÂ
Music to groove to for all ages. Starts June 4, 2024, 7pm.
Midweek Music & Market
Bloomington Civic Plaza
Music, food trucks, a farmers market and lawn games. Wednesday evenings, July 10-August 21, 2024. 5-8pm.
Thursday Blockbuster Series
Normandale Lake Bandshell
June 6-August 8, 2024, 7pm
Bloomington summer festivals
Bloomington Summer Fete
W 84th St & Chalet Rd, Bloomington, MN 55437
The annual summer event includes a carnival, live music and fireworks at dusk. Learn more about Bloomington’s at Normandale Lake Park. July 3, 2024.
Bloomington swimming & beaches
Bush Lake Beach
9140 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN 55438
The popular, sandy beach is located on the east side of Bush Lake in Bloomington. It is guarded during open hours (11am to 7pm daily during the season) and amenities include a volleyball court and concessions stand. Families can canoe, picnic and explore the trails. An annual tradition, each June a sandcastle building contest is hosted at Bush Lake Beach. Admission and parking are free. June 1-Labor Day, 2024.
Bloomington Family Aquatic Center
201 E 90th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Fun features include a zero-depth entry pool, aqua climbing wall, water slides, diving boards, and a concession stand. Tot Time is held 10am to 12pm on weekdays for children ages 6 & under. Find more community Tot Time Open Swims. Open June 8 – August 18, 2024. $10/pp. Save with twilight rates of $5/pp after 4pm.
Find more of the best Twin Cities beaches and playgrounds.
Explore more things to do this summer in Bloomington – with kids!
- CHASKA -
Summer fun in Chaska parks
Firemen’s Park
3210 Chaska Blvd, Chaska, MN 55318
Chaska’s Firemen’s Park is a popular summer destination for families. The park’s amenities include playgrounds, a simple splash pad, a beach and boardwalk, plenty of picnic space plus a concession area, flower gardens, archery range and horseshoe pits.
SUMMER FUN IN CHASKA PARKS FOR KIDS & FAMILY
Chaska Clayhole Concert Series
Fireman’s Park
Family-friendly live music with a beach backdrop. Wednesdays, June 5-August 21, 2024. 6pm.
Touch-a-Truck Events
June 27: Carver Vehicle Fair
Carver Station, 6pm
August 22: Chaska Touch-a-
Truck
Chaska Community Center, 5-7pm
Both events will allow kids to get up close to fire trucks, police squad cars, snowplows and more exciting vehicles. We track all of these big rig events on our calendar of TWIN CITIES TOUCH-A-TRUCK EVENTS.
CHASKA KIDS ENTERTAINMENT SERIES
June 11: The Jolly Pops + Ice Cream Social
June 25, July 9, August 6: Family Yoga
July 23: The Bazillions
August 20: John Kerns
Chaska summer festivals
Fire & Ice Festival Bonspiel
Firemen’s Park
A community festival with food, live music, activities for kids in the park and fireworks. July 12-13, 2024.
Chaska swimming & beaches
Clayhole Swim Beach
3210 Chaska Blvd, Chaska, MN 55318
Firemen’s Park surrounds Clayhole Lake & Swim Beach. We rate this one of the best beaches for families in the Twin Cities.
- EDEN PRAIRIE -
Summer fun in Eden Prairie parksÂ
Staring Lake Park
14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
There’s so much to explore at Staring Lake. In summer, hit up the playground, archery range, disc golf course, hiking trails and sports fields and courts. There is also free family entertainment at the Staring Lake Amphitheater throughout the summer months.
- EDEN PRAIRIE OUTDOOR CENTER: Free family-friendly activities at the Nature Rocks! Open House such as hiking, hands-on interaction with live animals, craft projects and more. Saturdays, 2024. 10am-1pm.Â
- KIDSTOCK – Staring Lake Amphitheater, Tuesdays, 10:30am. 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347.
- EDEN PRAIRIE PLAYERS present: Disney’s The Little Mermaid– free performances. June 21, 22, and 23, 2024, 7:00 pm and June 27, 28, 29, and 30, 7:00 pm.
Eden Prairie summer festivals
Arts in the Park
Purgatory Creek Park, 13001 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344
Shop local artisans and take in live entertainment, lawn games, art activities and food trucks. August 17, 2024. 10am-5pm.
Eden Prairie 4th of July Hometown Celebration
Round Lake Park, 16691 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55346
Inflatables, chalk art, kids beach party, carnival, music and fireworks. July 4, 2024.
Eden Prairie Peoplefest!
Staring Lake Park, 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
The annual festival is a large-scale arts event that bring residents together in celebration of the many cultures that make the community great. July 28-August 4, 2024.
Eden Prairie swimming & beaches
Round Lake Park Beach
16691 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55346
Kids will go crazy for the marine-themed splash pad and treehouse play equipment at the Round Lake Play Area. Older kids might find it fun to rent youth kayaks ($5/hr) or stand-up paddleboards ($8/hr) or bike ride the one-mile path around Round Lake. Nearby is plenty of shaded picnic space and the new Round Lake Skate Plaza.
Bryant Lake Regional Park
6800 Rowland Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
A wide range of recreational activities await families in the park: swimming in the sand-bottomed Bryant Lake, disc golf on the 18-hole course, hiking and nature watching. There is no fee to swim at the beach.
- EDINA -
Summer fun in Edina parksÂ
Centennial Lakes Park
Edina’s crown jewel of a public park is a haven for summer entertainment. Events are held daily Sun-Thurs and include family-friendly concerts at the outdoor amphitheater, Movies in the Park ongoing Thursday evenings, and the Farmers Market. Open starting Memorial Day are the park’s paddle boats, putting course & lawn games. You can find the full entertainment schedule for Centennial Lakes Park here.
KIDS ENTERTAINMENT AT CENTENNIAL LAKES
Tuesday & Thursday Kids Concerts at Maezold Amphitheater at 11am. Come for entertainment in the evenings and kids will love the model boats that zip through the park canals powered by the Edina Model Yacht Club.
Centennial Lakes Summer Concerts
Events are held Sundays, Mondays and most Wednesdays at 7:00pm and include family-friendly concerts at the outdoor amphitheater. 2024 lineup TBA.
Movies in the Park
2024 lineup to be postedÂ
Centennial Lakes Farmers Market
June 6-October 3, 2024
Â
Edina swimming & beaches
Edina Aquatic Center
4300 W 66th St, Edina, MN 55435
Located in ROSLAND PARK the outdoor pool has a pirate-theme and unique water features, a zero depth area, and water slides. For the younger kids, there is a zero-depth water playground named Lil’ Lagoon, designed specifically for them. June 6-July 31, 2024. $11-14/pp, admission $8 extra for Lost Wave Simulator.
Edina summer festivals
Edina Art Fair
50th & France bustles with vendors, live music and a Kids Zone. May 31-June 2, 2024.
Edina 4th of July Parade
The Edina Fourth of July Parade route: Edina City Hall heading east on 50th Street, ending at Halifax – kicks off at 10am. Fireworks to be set off in Rosland Park after dusk. July 4, 2024.
DID YOU KNOW? We carefully maintain a GIANT list of TWIN CITIES FOURTH OF JULY events? That’s something to celebrate!
- GOLDEN VALLEY -
Summer fun in Golden Valley parks
Concerts in the Park
Brookview Park, 200 Brookview Pkwy N, Golden Valley, MN 55426
Free music in the parks on Monday evenings. June 3-August 5, 2024, 7pm.
Golden Valley Ice Cream Social
Free ice cream during the 1st John Philip Sousa Memorial Band concert. July 8, 2024, 7pm.
FIND MORE TWIN CITIES FREE ICE CREAM SOCIALS IN THE PARK!
ENTERTAINMENT FOR KIDS IN GOLDEN VALLEY PARKS
Golden Valley Penny Carnival
For kids 12 & under, super cheap carnival games, hayrides, inflatables, puppet shows, snacks and more. July 26, 2024, 12:30-2pm.
Family Storytime in the Park
Storytelling by Princess Party Pals for kids ages 12 & under. June 26, July 10, August 7 & 21, 2024, 10:30-11:15am.
Playground Adventure Van
Kids between the age of 6 to 12 can drop by Golden Valley City Hall between 9:30am and 11:30am on Mondays & Tuesdays to play games, make crafts, and participate in activities all led by park staff. June 11-July 29, 2024. FREE.
Golden Valley Puppet Wagon
Golden Valley’s Puppet Wagon hits a variety of local parks on Monday and Tuesdays, except during the week of July 4th. June 12-July 25, 2024, 9:30-11:15am. See link for park schedule.Â
Schaper Park Challenge Course
631 Ottawa Ave N, Golden Valley, MNÂ 55422
Here’s something I guarantee your tween will love: knowing you’ll be eating their dust at the local ninja park. (At least mine could; perhaps you’re more in shape?) The fitness challenge course is said to be designed for ages 13+ but there’s a smaller space for tots, too.
- HOPKINS -
Summer fun in Hopkins parksÂ
Hopkins Sunset Series Outdoor Concerts
40 Ninth Avenue S, Hopkins, MN 55343
Performed in Downtown Park. Thursdays, June 13-August 22, 2024, 7pm.Â
Hopkins summer festival
Hopkins Raspberry Festival
The festival includes Family Day in Central Park with art activities, fireworks and other entertainment and a Grande Day Parade. July 17-21, 2024.
Explore more things to do in Hopkins this summer – with kids!
- MINNETONKA -
Summer fun in Minnetonka parksÂ
Minnetonka Music in the Park
Civic Center Park, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd
Music is performed outdoors at the amphitheater. Stop and shop the farmer’s market before the show. Tuesdays, June 25-August 27, 2024. 6:30-8pm.
Minnetonka Movies in the Park
Bring your blankets and chairs. Movies start at sunset. 2024 movies TBA.
FIND OUR MEGA-LIST OF FREE MOVIES IN THE PARK ACROSS THE TWIN CITIES!
Minnetonka summer festivals
Minnetonka Summer Fest
Minnetonka Civic Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd
Inflatables, climbing wall, family music, and fireworks. All activities are free except food! June 22, 2024.
Minnetonka swimming & beaches
Shady Oak Beach
5200 Shady Oak Rd, Minnetonka, MN 55343
This 85-acre park in Minnetonka has a large, sandy beach and a play area with misters and a fossil dig. June 8-August 18, 2024. Admission is $6/pp or $3/pp after 6pm.
- NEW HOPE -
Summer fun in New Hope parksÂ
New Hope Music in the Park
New Hope Performance Center, 4401 Xylon Avenue N, New Hope MN
Bring your own chairs or blankets for musical performances and, new this year, a food truck or two. Watch for a special kids show, Kid Power with Rachael, June 12, 10am.
Wednesdays, May 29-August 28, 2024, 7-8:30pm. FREE.
New Hope Movies in the Park
June 13: Indiana Jones & the Dial of Destiny
August 1: Cool Runnings
August 22: Coco
Free family movies screened outdoors at dusk, New Hope Performance Center.
New Hope Summer Theater: Bye Bye Birdie
Wed-Sat, July 17-27, 2024, 8pm. Free will offering.
Family Activity Packs in New Hope Parks
Sporting equipment, outdoor games and other activities can be checked out to enjoy in New Hope Parks. Rental time is two weeks. $15 per rental kit.
New Hope summer festivals
Wet & Wild Water Fun Day
Valley Place Park, 6822 32nd Ave N, Crystal
Three giant water slides, a kiddie slide and sprinkler fun provided by West Metro Fire’s aerial truck. August 2, 2024, 12:30-3pm. $7/advance, $10/door.
New Hope swimming
New Hope Aquatic Center
4411 Xylon Ave N, New Hope MN
The new swimming spot includes a recreational pool with zero-depth entry, a current channel, vortex pool and body slides. Open June 1-2 & June 6-August 18, 2024. $13/pp, $12/after 5pm.
Tot Time Open Swimming at New Hope Aquatic Center
June 22 & 29
July 6, 20 & 27
August 3 & 10
9:45-10:45am, $5/child
FIND MORE TOT TIMES AT TWIN CITIES POOLS & WATERPARKS!
- RICHFIELD -
Summer fun in Richfield parksÂ
Richfield’s Veterans Park
6335 Portland Ave, Richfield, MN 55423
Veterans Park (also called Veterans Memorial Park) is Richfield’s largest park. It is home to Legion Lake and several walking and biking paths, an outdoor pool, an ice arena, and a mini-golf course.
MINI GOLF IS A GREAT OUTDOOR SUMMER ACTIVITY! Find our list of the best miniature golf courses in the Twin Cities.
MORE FUN FOR FAMILIES IN RICHFIELD PARKS
Richfield Entertainment in the Park
Richfield Veterans Park
Live music at the Richfield Bandshell each Tuesday. Kids shows at 11am, family concerts at 6:30pm. June 11-August 13, 2024.
Richfield Farmers MarketÂ
Don’t miss getting your fresh produce at the weekly farmers market – let the kids have the run of the large playground while you shop. Saturdays starting May 4, 2024. 7am-12pm.
FIND MORE TWIN CITIES FARMERS MARKETS TO VISIT WITH KIDS
Richfield Summer Playground
Free supervised activities for kids ages 6-12 at 4 Richfield parks. One-week sessions, four days per session. Registration required. Mon-Thurs starting June 17-August 1, 2024, 9am-3pm.
Friday & Saturday Fun at Augsburg Adventure Park
7000 Nicollet Avenue, Richfield
Read-a-Story Theater followed by time to play at the inclusive park plus special entertainment such as dance parties and puppet shows. Select Fridays & Saturdays starting May 17 through August 23, 2024. FREE.
Wood Lake Nature Center
6710 Lake Shore Dr S, Richfield, MN 55423
Explore the indoor exhibits, outdoor trails and the nature play area. Check out a free nature exploration backpack at the front desk. The nature center offers inexpensive family programming each month this summer, too, so you’ll want to check out their brochure.
Richfield summer festivals
Richfield 4th of July
Celebrate with Family Night Kids Parade, 4th of July Parade and fireworks to follow. July 3-4, 2024.
Richfield swimming
Richfield Outdoor Pool
630 E 66th St, Richfield, MN 55423
The pool has a zero-depth entry for the youngest splashers along with water play equipment. Tot Time for kids ages 7 and under is Monday-Saturday, 10-11am. Open starting June 7-August 18, 2024. Admission $11/pp.
- SHAKOPEE -
Summer fun in Shakopee parks
Huber Park Performance & Event SeriesÂ
Fillmore St N, Shakopee, MN 55379
Family entertainment on the Minnesota riverfront. Amphitheater is located next to the new playground in HUBER PARK. The final week is a movie in the park. Wednesdays, May 29-August 17, 2024, 7pm.Â
Rhythm on the Rails
Lewis Street, Downtown Shakopee
Free outdoor concerts plus family fun, games and food trucks. June 19-August 31, 2024. 6-9pm.
Wheelies Family Bike Event
Quarry Lake Park
Climb aboard bikes and big vehicles. Plus bike auctions, games, treats and giveaways. May 30, 2024, 5-7pm. FREE.
Pop-up Splash Pad
Shakopee Community Center
The fire department is offering a free cool-down with snacks. July 12, 2024, 5-7pm.
Summer Carnival
Shakopee Lions Park
Games, prizes and treats for kids ages 3-10. August 2, 2024, 10am-12pm. $5/child.
MORE FUN FOR KIDS IN SHAKOPEE PARKS
Shakopee Lions Park & Fun For All Playground
1103 Adams St S, Shakopee, MN 55379
The playground is a huge hit for kids of all ages and abilities and the splash pad is located next door, a welcome relief from the summer heat.
Shakopee summer festivals
Shakopee Happy Birthday America Parade
1103 Adams Street, Shakopee MN
Kids, decorate your bikes or wagons and participate in mini-parade to celebrate Independence Day. Starts at SHAKOPEE LIONS PARK shelter. July 3, 2024, 10-11am.Â
Shakopee swimming & beaches
SandVenture Aquatic Park
1101 Adams St S, Shakopee, MN 55379
A hybrid between a pool and a beach, SandVenture Aquatic Park is chlorinated but surrounded by sand for a beach-going experience. The park is home to two 12-drop slides and a 300-foot waterslide. As of spring 2024, SandVenture is undergoing a remodel with a projected opening time of mid-summer.
- ST LOUIS PARK -
Fun in St Louis Park parks
St Louis Park Summer Concert Series
Veterans Memorial Park, 3700 Monterey Drive, St Louis Park MN
Fam-favorite The Jolly Pops kick off the summer series of music in the park followed by bands, theater and a talent show. See link for dates. June 26-August 24, 2024, most start at 7pm.
Kids Summer Concert Series
June 26: Will Hale & Tadpole Parade
July 3: Tricia & the Toonies
July 10: Kid Power with Rachael
July 17: Todd ‘n Tina
July 24: The Jolly Pops
July 31: Royal Order of Chords & Keys
August 7: Riffin’ Griffin
August 14: Teddy Bear Band
Veterans Memorial Park, 10-11am
Recreation Outdoor Center (ROC) events
3700 Monterey Drive, St Louis Park MN
- Juneteenth Celebration (June 16)
- Roller skating nights (June 27, July 25 & August 29, all 6-9pm and $5/pp)
- Penny Carnival (July 26, 12-2pm)
- Children’s First Ice Cream Social (August 11, 2-5pm)
Westwood Hills Nature Center
8300 W Franklin Ave, St Louis Park, MN 55426
Westwood Hills Nature Center is a 160-acre natural area featuring marsh, woods and restored prairie. Learn more about exploring indoors and out.
Carpenter Park Skate Park
4900 MN-7, St Louis Park, MN 55416
Skaters can take advantage of a plaza-style skate park includes stairs, rails and a mini half-pipe.
St Louis Park summer festivals
St. Louis Park Parktacular
Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Grand Day Parade and Kidtacular family & kids activities are free or low cost including a Splash Into Summer pool event, and a concert in Wolfe Park. June 13-16, 2024.
St Louis Park July 4th Fireworks Celebration
Aquila Park, 3110 Xylon Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55426
Concessions, vendors, live music and fireworks. July 4, 2024, 7-11pm.Â
St Louis Park swimming & splashing
St Louis Park Aquatic Park
3700 Monterey Dr, St Louis Park, MN 55416
The pool features sand and water play area, tot whale slide, spray arches, geysers, an aqua obstacle course, drop slides, diving boards and sun decks. Opens June 3, 2024. Admission is $10-$15/pp with twilight specials $6-$9/pp.
Oak Hill Park Splash Pad
3201 Rhode Island Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55426
The 2,350-square-foot splash pad lets kids activate bubbling hoses, water nozzles and sprinkler arches. Admission is free for SLP residents and a buck for non.Â
- VICTORIA -
Summer fun in Victoria parksÂ
Carver Park Reserve
55386, 7400 Grimm Rd, Waconia, MN 55387
Sprawling on the western edge of the Twin Cities, Carver Park Reserve is home to a nature center, historic site, archery range, campgrounds, King Waterbird Sanctuary and many more recreational opportunities.
Lowry Nature Center
7025 Victoria Dr, Victoria, MN 55386
Located within Carver Park Reserve is a refuge with free family programs often on the calendar. It’s always free to visit and explore the nature-themed playground.Â
Grimm Farm will have a re-dedication celebration on June 8 in Carver Park Reserve
MORE FAMILY FUN THIS SUMMER IN VICTORIA PARKS
Victoria Concerts in the Park
Charlson Thun Community Bandstand
Kid Power with Rachael kicks off the series (highly kid-friendly, obviously) followed by more family bands. Pack a picnic dinner.
Wednesdays, June 5-August 28, 2024. 6-8pm.
Lunch Time Tunes
June 20: Miss Nina
July 11: Tricia & the Toonies
August 22: John Kerns
Kids will enjoy these during the daytime plus a StoryWalk offered by Victoria Library. 12pm.
Victoria Recreation Center events
- TRUCK RODEOÂ – Get up close to big rigs and a helicopter. July 18, 2024, 6-8pm.
- POP UP SPLASH PAD – Get soaked by the Victoria Fire Department. July 26, 2024, 2-3pm
Victoria summer library events
The VICTORIA LIBRARY is a branch of the Carver County Library system, located on the first floor of Victoria City Hall. The City of Victoria’s summer catalog (PDF) lists all of the special summer events hosted by the Victoria Library, including storytimes, StoryWalks and live entertainment.
Summer reading program: All Together Now – June 1-August 12.
150+ Things to do this summer in the Twin Cities with kids!
