From Parades to Free Festivals—Don’t Miss These July Twin Cities Events!
July in the Twin Cities is bursting with family fun—and we’ve rounded up the best of it just for you! From dazzling fireworks and local festivals to kid-friendly plays, this list is packed with can’t-miss events and activities happening throughout the month. Whether you’re looking for free things to do in the Twin Cities with your kids or hoping to try something new together, you’ll find options that fit every schedule and budget. Think fireworks, live music, art crawls, and quirky local celebrations you won’t find anywhere else. These summer activities in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and beyond are perfect for filling those long July days with memories your whole family will love.
So grab your kids, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure—July events and things to do with kids in the Twin Cities don’t get better than this!
Climb to the Top of Landmark Center’s North Tower
2025 Dates: July 2 & August 6
Looking for unique summer events in Saint Paul that are also kid-friendly? Mark your calendar for Landmark Center’s Climb to the Top of the North Tower—a hidden gem among July things to do in the Twin Cities with kids. This free, self-guided experience lets families explore behind the scenes of one of Saint Paul’s most iconic buildings.
Climb up 198 stairs (or take the elevator partway) to reach a secret door leading to the North Tower, where panoramic views of downtown Saint Paul await. Kids will love the sense of adventure, and parents will appreciate the photo-worthy skyline. No reservations or tickets are needed—just curiosity and a little climbing stamina. It’s the kind of summer memory you can only make in Minnesota, and it’s only open for a couple of hours each month. Don’t miss the July climb on Wednesday, July 2, from 11 am to 1 pm!
Learn more about visiting the Landmark Center with kids by reading our article: Landmark Center: Free Events, Art, and Hidden Secrets?
Enjoy Dazzling Fireworks this Fourth of July
2025 Dates: Dates and times vary by city; read this to learn more.
Free things to do this July in the Twin Cities with kids? We’ve got those too! Don’t miss the magic of Fourth of July fireworks lighting up the sky! A favorite family tradition, these dazzling displays are the perfect way to cap off a day of summer fun. Whether you’re watching from a lakeside park or dancing along to live music before the show, there are plenty of spots around the metro to celebrate.
Head to Boom Island in Minneapolis for a scenic riverfront view, enjoy lakeside festivities in Excelsior or White Bear Lake or check out community celebrations like Eden Prairie’s Hometown Celebration or Eagan Funfest. Pack picnic supplies, bring a blanket, and make a night of it. Here are our top picks for the best fireworks in the Twin Cities this Fourth of July!
Check Out the Minneapolis Aquatennial
2025 Dates: July 23 – 26
One of the most iconic things to do with kids in the Twin Cities this July is the Minneapolis Aquatennial. It’s a four-day celebration packed with family fun, live entertainment, and unforgettable events.
Start with ‘Go Outside: Summer Sessions‘ (July 23) at the Hennepin County Government Center Plaza. You’ll enjoy live music, games, and giveaways during lunch. That evening, grab a blanket and head to the river for the high-energy Twin Cities River Rats Water Ski Show—a crowd favorite with stunts and tricks right on the Mississippi.
Then, don’t miss the Torchlight Parade along Nicollet on July 24. The parade features floats, marching bands, and street performances that will light up downtown Minneapolis. And cap it all off with a bang at the Target Fireworks on Saturday, July 26—one of the top fireworks shows in the country, synchronized to music and bursting over the river. The Aquatennial is summer in Minneapolis at its very best!
Get a Taste of Minnesota
2025 Dates: July 5 & July 6
In search of July events in the Twin Cities that combine food, music, and family-friendly fun, the Taste of Minnesota is a must! Held in downtown Minneapolis, this two-day outdoor festival celebrates everything we love about summer in Minnesota. From sizzling street eats to bold global flavors, the food alone is worth the trip—but there’s so much more!
Families will love the dedicated Family Funway area. It has games, activities, and the KaiBi Mobile Hospitality Suite—a fully equipped, climate-controlled care center for diaper changes, nursing, and quiet breaks. In the evening, catch live music on multiple stages (including this year’s headliners like Joan Jett, Cheap Trick, Ludacris, and NUR-D).
The event is free, making it an easy choice for a unique weekend right here in Minneapolis. Whether you come for the bites, the beats, or to people-watch, Taste of Minnesota is a summer celebration done right.
Inspire Your Kids at the Minnehaha Falls Art Fair
2025 Dates: July 18 – 20
Spark creativity and spend time outdoors as a family at the Minnehaha Falls Art Fair! Held in one of Minneapolis’ most scenic parks, this vibrant event features over 150 artist booths, live music, food trucks, and several interactive activities.
Kids can get hands-on with crafts, enjoy face painting, and watch live art demonstrations—all set against the backdrop of the iconic Minnehaha Falls (a 53-foot urban waterfall in the heart of Minneapolis!). With plenty of space to roam and something for every age, it’s an ideal summer outing focused on art, nature, and community. Whether your little ones are aspiring artists or love to explore, this event promises a full day of fun in the sun. It is undoubtedly one of the best kid-friendly things to do in Minneapolis this summer!
Try the Trail of Small Wonders at Westwood Hills Nature Center
2025 Dates: Opening Day Festival is July 7, Event is July 7 – 26
Step into a world of magic and imagination at the Trail of Small Wonders at Westwood Hills Nature Center. It’s bound to be the highlight of your little one’s summer. Not to mention, one of the most charming free things to do with your kids in the Twin Cities this season.
This enchanting, family-friendly event kicks off Monday, July 7, with live music, puppetry, butterfly stilt walkers, face painting, and interactive art stations. Opening Day runs from 4:30 to 8:00 pm, but the real magic continues all month long.
Stroll along the ADA-accessible trails to discover tiny handmade fairy, elf, gnome, and troll dwellings hidden among tree stumps, moss, and branches. Each one is a work of art created by local community members. Kids are encouraged to dress in costume as their favorite woodland characters. And, of course, let their imaginations run wild as they explore this charming miniature world. The Trail of Small Wonders is pure summer magic, whether you’re sparking creativity, getting fresh air, or just soaking up the wonder.
Want to learn more? Please read our article on the Trail of Small Wonders at Westwood Hills Nature Center.
Panda Fest Will Be a BIG Hit with Your Kids!
2025 Dates: July 11 – 13
Panda Fest is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser this summer! Held at the Mall of America’s North Lot, this high-energy celebration is one of the largest outdoor Asian food festivals in the United States. And it’s packed with kid-friendly summer activities near Minneapolis.
The panda-themed activities are truly endless. From panda inflatables and bounce houses to DIY panda painting, face painting, and dough figurines, there’s no shortage of fun for little ones. Parents will love exploring over 100 Asian food vendors and catching live cultural performances while kids enjoy free panda headbands and a full-on panda-themed wonderland. With vibrant decorations, delicious food, and interactive art experiences, Panda Fest is an unforgettable way to explore global culture right in the heart of the Twin Cities. No wonder it’s one of the best things to do with your kids in the Twin Cities this July!
See Madagascar – A Musical Adventure at Stages Theatre Company Together
2025 Dates: June 20 – August 3
Madagascar – A Musical Adventure at Stages Theatre Company in Hopkins is one of the top things to do in July in the Twin Cities with kids who love theater. Based on the beloved animated movie, this high-energy production follows Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo, and the mischievous penguins on their wild journey from New York’s Central Park Zoo to the jungles of Madagascar. With catchy songs, colorful costumes, and plenty of laughs, it’s a show the whole family will enjoy!
Tickets range from $16 to $20 per person, with lap passes available for children under 4 years old. The theater also offers Pay-What-You-Can Performances, sensory-friendly performances, audio-described shows, and ASL-interpreted performances to ensure accessibility for all families.
Stages Theatre Company is renowned for its engaging productions tailored for young audiences. Explore the charming downtown area before or after the show, featuring public art installations and local eateries. It’s a delightful way to make a day of it with your family.
Meander Marketfest on White Bear Lake’s Charming Mainstreet
2025 Dates: Thursdays, June 19 – July 31 (6:00 – 9:00 pm)
Looking for vibrant, family-friendly things to do in the Twin Cities with your kids this July? Head to Marketfest in downtown White Bear Lake! Every Thursday evening, this kid-friendly festival brings together more than 200 vendors, two stages of live music, food trucks, and themed entertainment that changes weekly. Kids will love the pony rides, classic car show, and activity zone. Meanwhile, parents can shop for local goods and enjoy live tunes in the summer air. They also have dinner covered! There are options across Marketfest that even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy.
Notable July highlights include meeting local Police, Fire, and EMS teams on July 13. Additionally, the Environmental Resources Expo is scheduled for July 27. Admission is free (with food and merchandise available for purchase). Marketfest supports the community while spotlighting local businesses—and it’s all made possible by volunteers, the city, and local organizations. Talk about a community-driven event your family will adore this summer!
Keep reading to discover more July events in the Twin Cities!
Enjoy Rides, Farm Animals, and More at the Anoka County Fair
2025 Dates: July 22 – 27
Classic summer experiences await your family at the Anoka County Fair. Located in Anoka, the fair is easy to reach and packed with all the charm of a traditional county fair. Don’t miss Kids Day on Tuesday, July 22, when kids can get half-off rides and gate admission! It’s one of our favorite ideas for kid-friendly summer things to do near Minneapolis this summer.
Families can enjoy 15+ carnival rides, endless fair food, and 4-H exhibits. Not to mention, there are plenty of hands-on animal encounters. Meet goats, chickens, rabbits, and more in the barns, then catch a tractor pull, magic show, or pig race.
Kids will also love the games and pony rides. Meanwhile, adults can browse local crafts or relax with live music. It’s one of the top things to do in the Twin Cities in July with kids, offering agricultural education, entertainment, and good old-fashioned fun for all ages.
Get Loud & Have Fun at Monster Jam at the Xcel Energy Center
2025 Dates: July 12 & 13 (3 ticketed events in two days)
Looking for family-friendly July events in the Twin Cities that ROAR? Monster Jam is rolling into Saint Paul for the first time in over 30 years—and it will be As Big As It Gets™! Catch the adrenaline-pumping action live at Xcel Energy Center on July 12 and 13 (three-time options).
This kid-friendly summer event in Saint Paul promises an unforgettable weekend packed with high-flying stunts, fierce competitions, and roaring engines. Watch 12,000-pound trucks defy gravity as world-class drivers race, freestyle, and wow the crowd with jaw-dropping tricks.
Whether your kids are longtime fans or first-time attendees, Monster Jam delivers non-stop excitement and memories that will last long after the big engines cool. Don’t miss your chance to see the action up close—this is summer fun at full throttle!
Enjoy the Beautiful Saint Paul Water Lantern Festival
2025 Dates: July 26
Take your kids to Phalen Park for the enchanting Saint Paul Water Lantern Festival. The event promises an unforgettable night filled with glowing lanterns, live music, delicious food trucks, and a vibrant sense of community spirit. It’s a peaceful yet magical event in the Twin Cities for families with kids of all ages this July.
This family-friendly event invites everyone in your family to decorate their own lanterns with messages of hope, love, and dreams, then set them afloat on the water at sunset. The sight of thousands of glowing lanterns on the lake is simply breathtaking—and the perfect way to reflect, connect, and celebrate summer together. With games, activities, vendors, and an atmosphere of joy and unity, it’s one of the most unique summer events in Saint Paul.
Try Something Tasty at the Hopkins Raspberry Festival
2025 Dates: July 16 – 20
Celebrate summer the Hopkins way—with juicy raspberries, hometown pride, and fun for the whole family! Since 1935, the Hopkins Raspberry Festival has been one of the most unique summer events near Minneapolis for families with kids. Not to mention one of the most delicious!
This weeklong festival features something for everyone. The Golden Raspberry Hunt kicks things off with a city-wide scavenger adventure. Then, the Saturday Marketplace Fair lines Mainstreet with 200+ vendors offering everything from tasty bites to handmade crafts. Families will love the Raspberry Jam at Central Park, which brings live music and entertainment into the evening. A festive fireworks show even tops off Raspberry Jam!
And don’t miss the Grande Day Parade on Sunday, July 20! Complete with marching bands, community groups, and a classic flyover, it’s one of the best July things to do in the Twin Cities with your kids. As you can see, this summer tradition is sweet in every way!
Have Fun Celebrating the Heart of Summer with these July Family Fun Events in the Twin Cities
From glowing lanterns over the water to panda-themed festivals and fairy house trails tucked in the woods, there’s no shortage of unique summer events in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and beyond for families with kids this July. Whether you’re dancing to live music at a street fair or cheering for monster trucks, the Twin Cities shine with creativity, culture, and community all month long. Make the most of this magical month with these kid-friendly summer activities in the Twin Cities. And create lasting memories with your little ones along the way. Have fun attending these incredible July events and things to do in the Twin Cities with your family. Keep exploring, stay curious, and don’t forget the sunscreen!
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
