Looking for ways to celebrate 4^th of July weekend? We’ve come up with several red, white, and cool ideas for Independence Day weekend fun.

Take In a Twins Game

The Twins are in town July 4th weekend, hosting the Baltimore Orioles. Games are Friday, July 1 at 7:10 PM, Saturday, July 2 at 1:10 PM and Sunday, July 3 at 1:10 PM.  Sunday is Kid's Day when kids meals are half price - just $4! Who knows maybe a player will toss a ball to your child for the experience he or she will never forget. 

Run a 5K

Join the annual family-friendly Coon Rapids Firecracker 5k Walk/Run and Kid’s Sparkler Dash in conjunction with the Coon Rapids 4th of July Celebration! 

Date and Time: Monday, Jul 4, 8:00 – 10:30 AM

Place: Coon Rapids Ice Center at 11000 Crooked Lake Boulevard NW, Coon Rapids

Fireworks

Head west to the city of Delano for their 2022 supreme fireworks display! Make an evening of it and get there early with lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks – fireworks start at 10:30 p.m.! Delano also has a 4^th of July parade, 5K race, a carnival, live music throughout the weekend and much more. The city goes all out for the 4^th!

Picnic in a Park

4^th of July weekend calls for us to be outside enjoy wide open spaces. It’s a perfect weekend to pack a picnic and spend an afternoon at one of the area’s beautiful parks. Elm Creek Park Reserve has a large playground and swim pond that kids get excited for. The park is dotted with picnic tables and pavilions, so you can comfortably enjoy your meal. Of course, there’s plenty of green space to spread out on a blanket, too. Other great picnicking parts include Fish Lake Regional Park, Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, and Palmer Lake Park.

Farmers Markets

Are you making a scrumptious dessert for a 4^th of July gathering? Putting together a picnic? Pick up fresh 4^th of July produce at the Lyndale Farmers Market in Minneapolis, 6 a.m. – 1 p.m. or at Saint Paul Farmers Market in St. Paul, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. You may find just the right ingredients for a homemade pie  or veggie pasta salad.

Mini Golf

You’ll have a unique experience with skyline mini-golf at the Walker Art Center’s rooftop, Thursdays 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. May 20 - September 25, 2022.  The course features ten distinct, artist-designed holes that will throw you for a loop. Take a deep breath and savor the view of downtown Minneapolis and lovely Loring Park, along with the quirky sculptures of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

S'mores

Nothing says summer evenings like a campfire and s’mores. Take your s’mores game to the next level when you enjoy specialty s’mores desserts! Try the S’mores pizza at Johnny Boy’s Pizza, made with Nutella, marshmallows, and chocolate syrup. 

Explore Nature

Three Rivers’ popular event Nature Center Without Walls returns July 4^th at both at Eastman Nature Center and Mississippi Gateway Regional Park. These special weekends feature different activities and experiences, such as meeting live animal ambassadors, viewing outdoor displays, participating in nature challenges, and checking out free exploration materials. You can also get trail tips and talk with a naturalist about your discoveries.

Aquatennial

Lots of people think of the Minneapolis Aquatennial as a 4^th of July event, but it actually takes place later in the month, July 20 – 23, and celebrates all that summer has to offer. This year will include the Torchlight Parade on July 20 and Target Fireworks on July 23.