Summer 2023 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 7-8, 2023.
Blaine
PERFORMANCE IN THE PARK
Tom Ryan Park, 10802 Town Square Dr NE, Blaine, MN 55449
Live summer entertainment, many acts are very kid-friendly. Tuesdays (kids' night) & Thursdays, 6pm begins June 10, 2023.
BLAINE FESTIVAL
Aquatore Park, 9191 Lincoln St NE, Blaine, MN 55434
The includes a family beach party, carnival, petting zoo, and dance party. June 23-25, 2023.
LAKESIDE COMMONS PARK
3020 Lakes Pkwy, Blaine, MN 55449
Public beach, splash pad, playground, and water rentals. $5/non-res, residents FREE. The beach is open until late August 2023.
Brooklyn Park
CENTENNIAL PARK
Centennial Park, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
- MOVIE IN THE PARK – July 17 & 28, August 3 & 14 2023, 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 17, 2023. Learn more about Rec on the Go in Brooklyn Park and register for your location.
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 1-Aug 3, 2023. All concerts begin at 7pm.
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 $15-$19/per person taking into account a twilight special rate beginning at 4pm. June 10-August 27, 2023.
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.
2023 FRIDLEY SUMMER COMMUNITY CONCERT SERIES
Springbrook Nature Center, 100 85th Ave NW, Fridley, MN 55432
Concerts will be held at the Civic Campus and Springbrook Nature Center on Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m., June 6 through August 22. Concerts feature a variety of genres, and at Civic Campus - food trucks and games on the plaza!
FRIDLEY ’49ER DAYS
Commons Park, 555 61st Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432
The annual summer event celebrates with a festival and parade. June 15-17, 2023.
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 – June 26 - August 31, 2023.
- MOVIES AT SUNSET – Fridays at dusk July 14-Sept 29, 2023.
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, 2023.
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, 2023. FREE.
Plymouth
SUMMER BEACH SERIES
Includes a bonfire at EAST MEDICINE LAKE PARK (June 11), a water ski show at PARKERS LAKE PARK (June 13), and a night of music at MEDICINE LAKE (Aug 13) 2023.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA PARADE
Join in on the bike parade! June 29, 2023, 10 am–12 pm.
PLYMOUTH KIDS FEST
Activities include inflatables, games, face painting and other entertainment. Hilde Performance Center. Aug 17, 2023, 5-9pm.
What are your favorite summer activities in the North Metro? We would love to hear!
