From Festivals to Nature Play—June is PACKED with Twin Cities Family Fun!
Looking for fun events and things to do in the Twin Cities this June with kids? Of course, you are! Summer is one of the best times to make family memories. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with these kid-approved ways to kick off the season! Whether you’re searching for free things to do in the Twin Cities with kids or planning weekend outings this June, this list is packed with family fun.
Set up camp at a nearby campground—Marvel at the art during the 11th Annual Chalkfest in Maple Grove. Or, hop aboard for Train Days at Union Depot. June also means berry season—perfect for a sunny morning at a local pick-your-own farm. From outdoor adventures to creative events, these kid-friendly summer things to do in Minneapolis and the surrounding area will keep your crew smiling all month long.
Please keep reading to discover our top picks for the best kid-friendly activities and events across the Twin Cities in June.
Kick off Camping Season at a Nearby Campground
Kick off summer with one of the best things to do with kids in the Twin Cities this June—a family camping weekend! Whether you’re seasoned campers or trying it for the first time, local spots like Baker Park Campground and Wild River State Park offer an easy, rewarding escape.
Baker Park, just west of the metro, is perfect for beginners, with playgrounds, a beach, and roomy campsites near Lake Independence. Then, Wild River, a favorite amongst families, features stunning St. Croix River views and shady trails ideal for exploring with kids. Both locations are less than an hour from the Twin Cities, making them ideal for a weekend adventure without a long drive. Camping builds confidence, sparks curiosity, and gets everyone off screens—and these spots make it easy to love the outdoors together. Here are five family-friendly campgrounds near Minneapolis to check out this summer!
Celebrate Dad with a Fun Afternoon at a Brewery
2026 Dates: Sunday, June 21
Skip the tie this Father’s Day and treat Dad to a laid-back afternoon at one of the many kid-friendly breweries across the Twin Cities. These welcoming spaces make it easy for parents to enjoy craft beer without needing a sitter. With comfy seating, board games, and roomy patios, spots like BlackStack, Lakeville Brewing Company, Lake Monster, Urban Growler, and HeadFlyer are perfect for families looking for a fun place to celebrate. Lakeville Brewing Company even has a playground for kids!
Kids can play while grown-ups sip a pint, and many taprooms also offer tasty food, outdoor games, and relaxed vibes. Whether you’re hanging out on a sunny patio or cozying up indoors, it’s a fun way to celebrate Dad and enjoy quality time together this Father’s Day.
With several kid-friendly breweries, you’re sure to find one that fits your family’s style and location. For more ideas, read about our top picks for the best Kid-Friendly Breweries in the Twin Cities for fun summer events and things—cheers to that!
American Craft Fest, Saint Paul
2026 Dates: June 13 & 14
Celebrate creativity and community at American Craft Fest—one of the best free summer events in Saint Paul for families with kids! Held at the Union Depot, this all-ages festival offers hands-on fun, live craft demonstrations, and a vibrant emerging artist market.
There’s plenty to explore with over 50 regional makers selling everything from ceramics to textiles. You might even find one or two one-of-a-kind treasures to take home with you! Watch a canoe come to life with Urban Boatbuilders. Let your kids join in on the interactive activities. Enjoy local food trucks like Eggroll Queen, Auntie M’s Gluten Free, craft beverages, and coffee from Lowertown Bike Shop. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer weekend together, spark kids’ creativity, and support local makers—all without spending a dime to enter. Add this colorful festival to your June calendar!
Stone Arch Bridge Festival, Minneapolis
2026 Dates: June 20 & 21
Looking for one of the most unique summer events in Minneapolis for families with kids? Don’t miss the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, a lively celebration of art, music, and community along the scenic Mississippi Riverfront. This free outdoor . It’s a great way to introduce kids to local art in a fun, relaxed setting—think colorful booths, tasty eats, and music echoing along the iconic Stone Arch Bridge.
Bring a stroller or wagon, soak in the river views, and let the kids groove to live tunes or hunt for handmade treasures. This festival is perfect for kicking off your family’s summer arts adventures—not to mention one of the best things to do with kids in the Twin Cities this June!
Eat at Sea Salt & Spend the Day at Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis
Looking for kid-friendly summer things to do in Minneapolis? Head to Minnehaha Regional Park for a full day of outdoor adventure. Then, top off the day with fresh seafood from Sea Salt Eatery!
Start with a short walk to the stunning 53-foot Minnehaha Falls—easily accessible and perfect for wow-worthy family photos. After snapping pics from above, take the stairs down to view the falls from below and stroll the scenic creekside trails.
When hunger hits, grab a table at Sea Salt (or order to-go from the counter) and enjoy shrimp tacos or fried fish with a view of the falls. There’s no kids’ menu, but they have kiddie-sized fish and shrimp.
Little ones will also love splashing in the nearby wading pool or playing at the park’s large playground. Round out your visit by stopping at the rose garden or catching live music at the bandstand. It’s a must-do summer day for families in the Twin Cities!
Train Days at Union Depot, Saint Paul
2026 Dates: June 6 & 7
Kick off summer with Train Days at the Union Depot—one of Minneapolis’s most unique summer events for families with toddlers and young kids! Held in downtown Saint Paul, this family-friendly celebration is a must for train lovers.
Tour real locomotives and rail cars, browse a bustling vendor marketplace, and check out huge model train displays. Kids will love the bounce house, craft kits, coloring station, oversized games like giant Jenga and Connect-Four, and the festive DJ-led dance area. Meanwhile, parents will appreciate the historic exhibits and food trucks that complete the day. This exciting event is one of the top things to do with kids in the Twin Cities this June. Best of all? Admission is free—hop aboard and enjoy the ride!
Keep reading to discover more June Events in the Twin Cities!
Check Out a Local Farmer’s Market
It’s not summer without a Saturday morning spent exploring a local farmers market. Luckily, families in the Twin Cities have some of the best around! From the historic Minneapolis Farmers Market on Lyndale to the scenic Mill City Farmers Market by the river, these markets offer more than fresh produce. Kids can enjoy free activities, live music, and tasty treats while parents shop for locally grown fruits, veggies, and artisan goods.
Need more ideas for local markets? The Richfield Farmers Market has a playground steps away from the vendors! And, the lakeside Centennial Lakes Farmers Market in Edina makes for a full day of fun in the sun. Read more about all of our favorite local farmers markets in this article: Ultimate Guide to Kid-Friendly Twin Cities Farmers Markets.
Visiting a farmers market is one of the top kid-friendly summer activities in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, with options all across the metro. It’s a great way to support local growers, try something new, and create easy weekend traditions your whole family will love.
Groovin’ In The Garden Outdoor Concert Series at Como Park, Saint Paul
2026 Dates: Wednesdays, June 10 – July 29, 6 pm–8 pm
One of the best free things to do with kids in the Twin Cities this June (and into July!) is Groovin’ In The Garden at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. This lively outdoor concert series runs on Wednesday evenings from June 10 to July 29. It was even voted “Best Place to See a Concert with Kids” (back in the day) by City Pages. And, for good reason!
Families can spread out on the lawn in front of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, enjoy live music from local bands, and dance the night away. Pack a picnic or grab hot dogs, ice cream, beer, or wine onsite. Kids will love the wide-open space to play and listen to the music. If the weather turns, the fun moves inside for Music Under Glass. It’s a perfect midweek outing for parents looking for an easy, feel-good way to enjoy summer nights with little ones.
11th Annual Chalkfest, Maple Grove
2026 Dates: June 13 – 14
One of the most colorful things to do in the Twin Cities with kids this June is Chalkfest Maple Grove, the largest chalk festival in the Midwest! Main Street transforms into an outdoor art gallery filled with jaw-dropping chalk masterpieces, including interactive 3D creations perfect for family selfies. This free, two-day street art festival is packed with hands-on fun. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to spark your child’s imagination while soaking up summer vibes in downtown Maple Grove.
With over 50 artists from around the world, plus food vendors and live entertainment, it’s an event bursting with creativity. Don’t miss the expanded Kids Zone, featuring inflatables, yard games, chalk classes, a warped wall climb, caricatures, and even police and fire vehicles to explore. Finally, kids can even make their own masterpieces in the Chalk Zone. Talk about a vibrant weekend outing for the whole family!
Embark on a Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tour, Taylors Falls
Set sail on a summer adventure your kids won’t forget with a Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tour! Since 1906, families have cruised the stunning St. Croix River aboard the Taylors Falls Queen and Princess, taking in dramatic cliffs, glacial potholes, and rock formations like Lion’s Head and the Old Man of the Dalles.
Departing from Interstate State Park, these 45—to 80-minute guided tours are a fun, educational way for kids to learn about Minnesota’s natural history while enjoying the breeze from the upper deck. With enclosed lower seating, onboard snacks, and restrooms, it’s an easy and comfortable outing for families with kids of all ages.
You can even grab a meal at the River Rock Patio before you board! Just an hour from the metro, this scenic boat ride is one of the most memorable kid-friendly things to do near Minneapolis this summer. It’s perfect for a quick weekend road trip with a splash of adventure!
Eat at a Local Pizza Farm
Plan a visit to a local pizza farm for an equally delicious and unforgettable summer outing! Just a short drive from the Twin Cities, several charming farms serve wood-fired pizzas topped with fresh, seasonal ingredients—often grown on site. Families can relax with live music, picnic under the trees, and let the kids roam freely, spotting chickens, llamas, and more. It’s a low-key, high-reward way to spend a summer afternoon or evening together.
While there aren’t any pizza farms in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, plenty of kid-friendly options nearby make for a fun and tasty day trip. For Minnesota parents looking to combine great food with fresh air and wide-open space, pizza farms are one of the best kid-friendly summer things to do near Minneapolis—and beyond! Here’s where to go (all within about an hour of Minneapolis):
- Red Barn Farm in Northfield
- Alpha and Omega Pizza Farm in Princeton
- Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm in Waseca
- Sawmill Pizza & Brew Shed in Clear Lake, Wisconsin
To learn more about these tasty spots, read our article on the 4 Tasty Pizza Farms Near Minneapolis for Families!
Deutsche Tage at the Germanic-American Institute
2026 Dates: June 13 & 14
Looking for unique June events in the Twin Cities for families that blend culture and fun? Head to Deutsche Tage at the Germanic-American Institute in St. Paul. This long-running festival celebrates all things German with live music, traditional dance, and authentic European food—including bratwurst, pretzels, and strudel. Kids will also love the games, crafts, and family-friendly atmosphere. Plus, the event is all set on the beautiful GAI grounds!
This year’s event marks the nonprofit’s 31st anniversary of its commitment to German language and culture in Minnesota. Admission is free, and proceeds from food and drink sales support the GAI’s educational programs year-round. Whether you’re there for the schnitzel or the toe-tapping tunes, this event makes for a festive, cultural day out with kids in the heart of Saint Paul.
Take a Day Trip to Lanesboro for the Rhubarb Festival
2026 Dates: June 6 (always the first Saturday in June)
For families, take a scenic day trip to Lanesboro for the Rhubarb Festival for a quirky twist on June events near the Twin Cities. The city is just two hours from Minneapolis!
Held in Sylvan Park, this charming celebration honors Minnesota’s sweet-tart favorite with a day full of rhubarb-themed fun. Kids can compete in rhubarb games, sample treats in the Tasting Contest, and pose with rhubarb cutouts. There’s also live music, a rhubarb fashion show (yes, you can be in it!), crafts, and an educational zoo. Early risers can also kick off the day with the Rhubarb Run 5K or 1-mile race. With free entertainment and a fun-loving community vibe, it’s worth the drive to the Rhubarb Capital of Minnesota. No wonder this is a favorite amongst summer events in Minnesota for families with kids of all ages!
Go Berry Picking at a Local Farm
Berry picking tops the list of June things to do near the Twin Cities with kids—and with more than 60 u-pick farms in the region, you’ve got options! Strawberry season usually kicks off in early to mid-June, offering sweet, sun-warmed berries perfect for little hands.
Farms like Afton Apple Orchard in Hastings make it extra fun to visit with animals and offer room to roam. Kids love filling their baskets; parents love the chance to slow down, snack on berries, and soak in the summer sky. It’s a joyful, low-cost outing that ends with a delicious reward—looking for places to go? Read this: Pick your own at over 60 U-pick or pick-your-own farms in the greater Twin Cities area.
If this is your first time berry picking with kids, here are 10 tips for taking your kids, specifically toddlers, berry picking!
Enjoy these June Events in the Twin Cities!
As you can see, June is FILLED with exciting events and things to do with your kids in the Twin Cities this June, from outdoor art festivals to sweet berry-picking adventures. Whether you’re celebrating dad, hopping aboard a vintage train, or camping under the stars, there’s no shortage of kid-friendly summer things to do in Minnesota. These unique summer events in the Minneapolis and Saint Paul area for families with kids offer something for every age and interest, so grab your calendar and get ready for a month full of summer memories!
