Summer 2022 is officially here! Is your crew itching to explore beyond the backyard? You're in luck! We have the scoop on your community entertainment – live music in the parks, family festivals, swimming and splash pads, and lots more to keep you busy this summer.
Andover
ANDOVER FAMILY FUN FEST
Sunshine Park, 1900 Crosstown Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
Look for the Zoomobile, Kidzart, magic & juggling shows, and donkey-pulled wagon rides. July 8-9, 2022.
Blaine
PERFORMANCE IN THE PARK
Tom Ryan Park, 10802 Town Square Dr NE, Blaine, MN 55449
Live summer entertainment, many acts very kid-friendly. Tuesdays (kids night) & Thursdays, 6pm begins June 14, 2022.
BLAINE FESTIVAL
Aquatore Park, 9191 Lincoln St NE, Blaine, MN 55434
The includes a family beach party, carnival, petting zoo, and dance party. June 24-26, 2022.
LAKESIDE COMMONS PARK
3020 Lakes Pkwy, Blaine, MN 55449
Public beach, splash pad, playground, and water rentals. $5/non-res, residents FREE. The beach opens June 1, 2022.
Brooklyn Park
CENTENNIAL PARK
Centennial Park, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
- BROOKLYN CENTER ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PARK – Live music in the park – bring your blanket and a picnic. Ongoing Mondays starting June 14, 2022.
- FAMILY PLAY DAYS – Music and backyard-type games for the family. June 16 & 23, 2022. 5:30pm.
- MOVIE IN THE PARK – Aug 12 & 19, 2022, 7pm.
BROOKLYN PARK REC ON THE GO
Varying locations
A free program at rotating parks for kids ages 5–18 (or younger with parents!) Offerings include art, science, water days, sports, group games and slime. June 20-Aug 11, 2022. Free summer meals & snacks served to kids and families. Learn more about Rec on the Go in Brooklyn Park and register for your location.
BROOKLYN PARK COMMUNITY ACTIVITY CENTER
Brooklyn Park Community Center, 5600 85th Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55443
- TUESDAY MUSIC ON THE LAWN – Ongoing concerts. July 6-27 & Aug 10-17, 2022.
- Kids can enjoy fishing in the stocked sunfish pond!
Coon Rapids
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.
- SUMMER CONCERT SERIES at the park pavilion. Ongoing Thursdays, June 9-Aug 11, 2022.
BUNKER BEACH WATER PARK
701 County Rd A, Coon Rapids, MN 55448
Holding onto the 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 $10-$16/per person taking into account a twilight special rate beginning at 4pm. June 10-Sept 5, 2022.
Fridley
SPRINGBROOK NATURE CENTER
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! PS: Dress for a mess. Plan to spend time in the nature center exploring the exhibits.
2022 FRIDLEY SUMMER COMMUNITY CONCERT SERIES
Springbrook Nature Center, 100 85th Ave NW, Fridley, MN 55432
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.
FRIDLEY ’49ER DAYS
Commons Park, 555 61st Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432
The annual summer event celebrates with a festival and parade. June 16-18, 2022.
Maple Grove
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 PLAY AREA – One of two largest playgrounds in the state!
- EASTMAN NATURE CENTER – Hands-on exhibits for kids, a puppet theater, and costumes. 13351 Elm Creek Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369.
MAPLE GROVE TOWN GREEN PARK
Town Green Park, 7991 Main Street, Maple Grove, MN.
- SOUNDS OF SUMMER 2022 concerts include kids' shows on Thursdays.
- MOVIES AT SUNSET – Fridays at dusk July 15-Sept 30, 2022.
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 $5/per person to swim.
New Brighton
NEW BRIGHTON STOCKYARD DAYS
Long Lark Park, 1500 Old Hwy 8, New Brighton, MN 55112
New Brighton’s largest community-wide event includes a grand parade, duck races, fireworks, and a youth fun zone. Aug 11-13, 2022.
LONG LAKE REGIONAL PARK
1500 Old Highway 8, New Brighton, MN 55112
The large beach makes the list of the top 20 beaches in the Twin Cities! Beach season is Memorial Day – Labor Day, 2022. FREE.
Plymouth
SUMMER BEACH SERIES
Includes a bonfire at EAST MEDICINE LAKE PARK (June 3), a water ski show at PARKERS LAKE PARK (June 27) and a night of music at Medicine Lake (Aug 12) 2022.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA PARADE
Join in the bike parade! June 30, 2022, 10 am–12 pm.
PLYMOUTH KIDS FEST
Activities include inflatables, games, face painting and other entertainment. Hilde Performance Center. Aug 4, 2022, 5-9pm.
What are your favorite summer activities in the North Metro? We would love to hear!
