Family-Friendly Summer Activities in the Twin Cities

These beautiful summer months make enduring the harsh winters that come with living in Minnesota and Wisconsin all worth it. Between May and August, Midwesterners come to life along with all the plants and wildlife awakening from their hibernation, to enjoy fresh air, warm weather, and plenty of fun family activities.

Take advantage of the beautiful landscape and activities our great states have to offer during this season. Whether it’s a rainy day or the perfect summer afternoon, there is so much to do for families in the summer in the Twin Cities. Of course, this is a non-exhaustive list, so definitely feel free to put on your adventure hat and go out and explore a bit! We are here to get you started and help you have the best summer ever.

Visit Lakes! 

In case you didn’t know, there are a lot of lakes in Minnesota and Wisconsin. In fact, Minnesota — the land of 10,000 lakes — boasts an incredible 11,842 lakes throughout the state, while Wisconsin has, well, a lot as well. (We don’t want to get too controversial here on the SunKissed blog, but some sources claim Wisconsin has 15,000+ lakes, while others take issue with the state’s definition of a lake and if the body of water is or isn’t named.) 

No matter your definition of a lake, or whether you’re in the land of 10,000 or 15,000, there are plenty of options for you and your family to choose from. The best part about a lake day is that you can make it action-packed by going fishing, boating, kayaking, or even snorkeling. Or, if a chill afternoon is in order, your day on the water can be laid back, sipping a cold drink and digging your toes in the sand. Of course, we had to start this list with the most iconic scenic landscape in the area. But don’t just gloss over this and brush it off. Get a group of friends, call your family, pack a picnic, some music, and some games, and make a day at the lake a regular part of your summer vacation.

Go Camping

That’s right, take a hike! No, seriously. Camping is the best weekend getaway for adventurers and families, and it’s even better if you’re looking for some cheap summer activities. There is a pure sense of adventure and being one with nature when you’re camping in Minnesota or Wisconsin. The stories around the fire, the sounds of crickets and loons, afternoons exploring while hiking or sitting on a beach (see previous summer activity) make camping one of the most memorable and fun summer experiences you can have. 

There are plenty of options for local state and county parks in Minnesota and Wisconsin where you can camp with your family. Every park has something different to offer and discover, so be sure to look around and see what you can find! Here are a few of our recommended parks for camping this summer:

• William O’Brien State Park: St. Croix, MN

• Afton State Park: Hastings, MN

• Willow River State Park: Hudson, WI

• Kinnickinnic State Park: River Falls, WI

See the Animals at Como Park and Zoo

One of the best free family-friendly activities in Minnesota is the iconic Como Zoo in St. Paul. With free admission into the zoo, and plenty of rides and activities for kids, there is something for everyone of all ages here. Be sure to catch Sparky — who has been entertaining crowds for more than 65 years at the park. Or, check out the carousel and other rides at Como Park. 

A big draw for botanical enthusiasts (like ourselves!) are all of the beautiful gardens on the grounds of the park, including the bonsai collection, the lily pond, the tropical encounters, and of course the Centennial Garden. Want to complete your day at Como Zoo? Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the warm weather and make great memories with your family and loved ones this summer!

Rock Out to Music in the Parks

Very few things beat live music on a warm summer’s night. All throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, there are plenty of opportunities to gather and catch a local band while sipping something cold, throwing a frisbee, and taking in the beautiful scenery. If music festivals are your scene, you’re in luck! Minnesota hosts many different day- and weekend-long parties in parks all summer long. For smaller events, you have many options, as well. In St. Paul, you can catch live music in local parks nearly year-round, at parks such as Mears Park, Rice Park, and even Como Park! Check out the schedule to see what you might be interested in. 

River Falls plays host to an annual Music in the Park series at Veterans Park, taking place every Thursday from May 29 to August 28. You can also spend an evening at Durand Memorial Park for their entertainment options this summer. While you’re out enjoying live music and the local communities, definitely bring some blankets and chairs, snacks, and bug spray! These are certainly not the only live music options in the area, but this can get you started and inspired to find more this year.

Go on an Art Scavenger Hunt

Looking for a more unique summer activity for your family? Try a local art scavenger hunt! The Twin Cities Metro Area boasts plenty of beautiful art, from murals to museums, and you can spend a whole summer completing your hunt! Whether you want to do a Saturday sprint and just spend a day finding art, or if you make it a months-long goal, this can be a great way to get out, see different parts of our communities, and spend time with your loved ones.

Here is a list of some local artwork you can add to your scavenger hunt this year:

• Spoonbridge and Cherry in Minneapolis, MN

• Union Art Alley in Stillwater, MN

• St. Croix Murals in Stillwater, MN

• Bob Dylan and Prince Murals in Minneapolis, MN

• Sky Sculpture in St. Paul

• The Peanuts Characters in St. Paul

• Crop Art at the Minnesota State Fair

• Murals at Rosedale Mall in Roseville, MN

• Teddy Bear Park in Stillwater, MN

See if you can cross off all these beautiful art pieces this summer!

Sky Sculpture by Georgette Sosin. Photo courtesy City of St. Paul

Catch a Professional Frisbee Game

Did you know that both Minnesota and Wisconsin have professional ultimate frisbee teams? Did you know that ultimate frisbee was a professional sport in the first place?!

The Minnesota Wind Chill and Madison Radicals are part of the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA), competing in electric games of ultimate frisbee all summer long. In fact, the Wind Chill were the league’s 2024 Champions, and are seeking to defend their first-ever title in 2025. The Wind Chill play at Sea Foam Stadium in St. Paul, while the Radicals play at Breese Stevens Field in Madison. 

Professional ultimate frisbee games are fun, fast-paced, and family-friendly. With activities for kids, balloon making, face painting, food trucks, and sign-making stations, everyone in the family will have a great time! Be sure to show up early and cheer loud for your hometown team!

Visit the St. Paul Farmers’ Market

Since 1854, the St. Paul Farmers’ Market has brought together local communities across six counties, making it the longest-running farmers’ market in the state. The community market is a great place to spend a weekday or weekend, finding local fruits, veggies, meats, and home goods while supporting local vendors, farmers, and business owners. Meet your neighbors, make some friends, and enjoy another way to get out in the community. Make this a regular stop this summer, and see what kind of hidden gems and goodies you can find!

Enjoy Summer in the Cities

The most wonderful time of year is here. Our team comes to life creating landscapes and pollinator gardens that make your neighbors’ heads turn, and we get a great excuse to spend time outside! This year, you and your family can have the best summer yet with some of these ideas for family-friendly activities. 

Our goal is to help you enjoy summer your way. Whether you’re looking for a new garden in your backyard, or some ideas for summer activities, we can help. We hope you have a great summer!