The other day some friends and I were talking about warm-weather activities for our kids, when one of them asked, “Am I the only one who’s feeling totally overwhelmed by how many things there are to do this summer?”
She wasn’t. I’ve definitely felt overwhelmed with all the options for entertaining and enriching our kids during the summer, especially as I worked on putting together the summer events calendars. There are a lot of options for activities, and it’s easy to feel like you’re supposed to do it all!
You’ve probably heard of families creating a “Summer Bucket List,” a list of things to do before summer kicks the proverbial bucket and the kids return to school. Maybe your family has even made its own summer bucket list before…
Here’s a list of events for kids and families taking place this week at Eastman Nature Center, which is located within Elm Creek Park of Maple Grove:
Preschool Book Worms Story Hour: “Nature Goes Boom”
Tuesday, July 4 10-11 am
Discover nature on your bookshelf with your preschooler. (Ages 2-6) Explore nature-learning stations, a picture book story, hands-on activities and more. End with a short hike, craft, or other activity. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Reservations required. Cost: $4/child
Register here
I just checked the forecast for next week’s Independence Day festivities, and it looks to be beautiful sunny weather. Hooray! How does your family like to celebrate? We typically enjoy a barbecue with my extended family and sometimes shoot off fireworks from the driveway or over the pond once the sun goes down.
If you don’t have plans yet, here are three fun local ideas to consider for your family’s Fourth:
Bring a chair or a blanket and watch a movie on the giant screen under the stars in Monticello’s Pioneer Park on select Saturday nights this summer.
All movies are scheduled to begin at dusk—around 9:30/9:45—and concessions will be available to purchase. Pets are welcome if they are on a leash.
Monticello Movies in the Park Schedule
Saturday, June 24 – Sing
Saturday, July 29 – Moana
Saturday, August 19 – The Secret Life of Pets
Pioneer Park (map)
9165 Fallon Ave NE, Monticello
Additional information: Call 763-295-2954
See you under the stars!
Gutzwiller Park
Location: On County Road 119, 1/2 mile northwest of County Road 35 | 4455 Kady Ave NE (map)
Features: Playground, gazebo, picnic table, soccer fields, horseshoe pit, paved trail