Days at the lake, warm and sunny weather, and let’s face it… it’s the only three months of the year we don’t have snow! Summer is here – and we could not be happier. Our annual Ultimate Guide to a Twin Cities Summer is ready to help you make the most of these incredible months!
We’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide FILLED with all things summer. Your options for adventure are endless!
Save this resource now, add it to your favorites, and use it all summer long! Let’s make this summer one to remember!
If you’re looking for activities to do each weekend, check out our Instagram page for our Guide to the Weekend post each Thursday!
How to use this guide:
Each image leads to either a full guide with a list of local spots you’ll want to hit or to an article with details on a summer outing or activity for you or your kids. Click on each image to find more info. Happy Summer!
The Twin Cities is known for a great park system and with nearly 150 listings, our Twin Cities Park Guide will keep you busy all summer. Each listing has a map within it so you’ll be able to access and find each park on the go while you’re already out and about.
Cool off this summer at your favorite spots for waterplay! We have a guide to all the pools, beaches, splash pads, and waterparks near you. Find your area of the metro and see what’s near you – or take a day trip to try something new!
If you’re packing your summer bag to take along on your outdoor adventures, we have some suggestions on what to take along with you!
Whether you want to enjoy a patio, grab some takeout, or hit the drive thru – we have you covered. Check out our list of favorite local eateries to hit as a family!
We love these local restaurants and how they serve meals that the whole family can enjoy!
Are you running from one activity to the next this summer? Our Coffee & Easy Eats Guide is perfect for the busy mom on-the-go!
Ice cream is made for summer and we have a few favorite local shops that you must try before the end of the season!
Local donut shops are an experience all in themselves and we have plenty to choose from in the metro area. Make a fun morning of donuts for your kids and coffee for mama!
Explore Local Pizza Farms
Local pizza farms are such a fun way to spend a summer evening. These are worth the trip to make some amazing summer memories!
Family Day Trip to Taylor's Falls
The Taylors Falls area is a great destination and the best part, it is less than an hour away! Here are one mom’s favorite family activities to do near Taylors Falls.
A Mom's guide to Lowertown St. Paul:
There are so many fun neighborhoods in the Twin Cities! Check out one mom’s guide for having fun with your kids in Lowertown St. Paul.
Explore Stillwater
Stillwater is a little town that has so much to offer. Right on the river with boutiques, restaurants and antique shops – there’s more than enough to fill a morning or a full day for a fun summer outing.
Take a Camping Trip
Summer is a great time to go on a camping trip with your family! Here are some tips on how to make camping fun with kids!
Looking for the right spot to set up your tent? Check out this list of Favorite Minnesota State Parks for Camping Families!
Traveling Tips to Use this Summer
Long car ride this summer? We have THE secret to share with you on how to keep your kiddos quiet on your trek! (Psst…it’s Audio Books!)
A real mom’s Road Trip Survival Tips:
These Top Toddler Travel Toys are great things to pack before you head out on your summer travels!
Taking a road trip this summer? Check out these Top Road Trip Mistakes to ensure your trip is a success!
Try a different kind of travel experience this summer and say no to hotels! See what we recommend for your summer lodging.
Hey mama, did you know it’s YOUR summer too? We love this post with suggestions on how you can find some moments to enjoy summer yourself.
Need some ideas on how to keep your kids lunches healthy and easy with minimal waste? We love these tips!
Let’s face it. Summer means sweat. We want to help you with this natural deodorant guide!
Stay cool, mama. If you’re expecting this summer, here is some excellent advice on how to keep cool and comfortable in the heat.
What better way to spend a summer Saturday than to host a cookout?! Here are some ideas we have to keep your gathering easy, fun, and low-stress.
If you’re nursing this summer, we want you to feel comfortable and confident! We have some great ideas on what to wear and where to shop.
Have your kids chronicle their summer and the adventures they go on with Summer Adventure Notebooks – check out the how-to here.
You might think that summer is full of endless ideas for you to keep your kids busy, but those words “I’m bored” always pop up much sooner than you expect. Use this list when you need something fresh to do with the kids.
How about a Summer Treasure Box? The Treasure Box can be a shoe box, a picnic basket, or any old box that you decorate together. Hide the Treasure Box somewhere to surprise your kids – either place it at the breakfast table the night before or develop a tradition of hiding it somewhere around your house. Read more here:
Try these activities to keep your kids entertained indoors:
Get them involved in the kitchen:
Make homemade play dough:
Use popsicle sticks for choosing activities:
Land of 10,000 Lakes, but how do you choose which to explore first? We’ve pulled together the best activities to do at a handful of our favorite Twin Cities lakes, including the best lakeside restaurants for you to try out.
Picnics are a perfect way to get out! Here are our 8 essentials for the perfect picnic.
Watching airplanes at MSP Airport is an easy and fun thing to do. Take a drive, park, and enjoy the view.
Farmers Markets are OPEN! This is a great way to get out, enjoy the sun, pick up some local goodies, and support our local farmers. Check out our Farmers Market Guide and find a market near you.
Many U-Pick Berry Farms are open! Enjoy a day trip to one of these berry farms and enjoy some fresh berries.
Does your family homeschool over the summer? One of our writers shares her perspective!
If you are considering summer school for your child, read this post to hear some key factors that may help you make your decision.
Learn alongside your kids this summer by diving into some great books together! We love the list shared here.
Are you looking for a school or educational program for your child to attend this summer? Our Education Guide is a fabulous resource to find a program that fits your needs.
Our Summer Camp Guide features summer camps in multiple locations offering activities for kids ages 5 and up. Whether you are looking for stem, sports, arts or nature camps, we have something for you! There are full day camps and overnight camps to fill your summer calendar!
Did you enjoy this guide? We post daily on Twin Cities happenings, events, how to connect with other parents in the greater Twin Cities area, and real, honest, sometimes funny, sometimes heartwarming stories about motherhood. Sign up to receive our monthly email here, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on parenting in the Twin Cities!
