Great River Regional Library’s Summer Reading Program kicked off on Monday and continues through August 12. The program provides a fun way to keep students of all ages sharp over the long summer months.
Kids and teens in the program will receive credit for time spent reading—or being read to, in the case of the little ones—and have the opportunity to earn prizes.
The theme of this year’s program, Reading By Design, takes an interdisciplinary approach to literacy. It celebrates not only the ingenuity of authors, but also artists, builders, inventors, architects, and other creators who strive to strengthen the world we live in.
In keeping with the theme, the library is offering a diverse set of programs and events for kids ages 0-18. From LEGO building and STEM activities to special guest artists and a hands-on wildlife exhibit, the goal of this year’s Summer Reading Program is to show how much fun learning can be… all year long!
To find out more about the summer events, visit griver.org/events or stop by your local library. (Nearest locations are in St. Michael, Monticello, Elk River, and Buffalo)
Camp Arbor is a series of FREE, fun, and educational summer activities for children ages 3-10, taking place on Tuesday mornings at The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove.
Here are some of the highlights for July:
July 11 – Dance Party with Kidsdance! Don’t forget the kids’ dancing shoes! Kidsdance is an interactive DJ that plays the hits and gets kids on their feet!
July 18 – Our Feathered Friends: The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota will be on-site with live eagles, owls, hawks and falcons. This activity will entertain and educate.
July 25 – Carnival Games: Kids will “step right up” and test their skills with fun games! by Just Jump
Click to view the full Camp Arbor schedule
All Camp Arbor events are held Tuesday mornings from 10:30 to 11:15 in “Arbor Park,” a.k.a. the area next to the fountain. (Located in the center of the shopping mall, just outside of Bath & Body Works)
Tips for visiting: Arrive early to get a good spot! The nearest restrooms are located west of the fountain area—go past H&M and turn left; they are alongside Victoria’s Secret. There is also an awesome nursing area in there! Some great nearby options for lunch are Potbelly (just around the corner) or Chick-fil-A (super kid-friendly, with a play area).
Camp Arbor
The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes
12225 Elm Creek Blvd N, Maple Grove (map)
Website: shoppesatarborlakes.com/events
School is finally out, and your kids are undoubtedly looking forward to all the awesome summer fun there is to be had over the next few months.
Here are 5 fun ideas to get YOUR family’s summer bucket list started. I’ll bet there’s at least one thing on this list you haven’t tried before…
1. Otsego Splash Pad
This is a favorite local place to cool down when the temps get high. The splash pad at Otsego’s Prairie Park is free and open all summer long. The splash area is probably best suited for kids ages 2–8. The park also has a nice playground, two picnic shelters, paths for walking/biking, and lots of green space for your kids to run around. (Click here for my full review of Prairie Park & Splash Pad)
2. Beebe Lake Swimming Beach
Located in St. Michael, Beebe Lake Regional Park offers a great place for your kids to swim and play in the sand. You’ll also find a playground, picnic area, fishing pier, and hiking trails, and if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even plan a family camping trip here! (more info)
The carnival is coming to town! My family always gets excited when the carnival trucks start rolling into town in June because it means that Albertville Friendly City Days is just around the corner. This year, Albertville’s annual festival is celebrating its 30th year and taking place June 7–11.
Friendly City Days is a great way to celebrate the start of summer. My husband frequently takes time off from work, and we create a mini-staycation around all of the family-friendly events the festival has to offer.
You can view the full event schedule here, but I’ve compiled a list below of the events that are especially suited to families with kids.
Schedule highlights for families with kids:
Ongoing Events
City-Wide Garage Sales
Wednesday–Saturday (more info)
Carnival Rides & Games
Thursday–Sunday (more info)
Friday
HealthSource Kids Day
Games, bounce house, face painting, crazy hair, food, and more!
10am–1pm at HealthSource (more info)
REMAX Tethered Balloon Rides
7pm Central Park baseball field (weather permitting)
Fireworks Display
10pm Central Park
Saturday
5K Race and 1K Kids Race
8:30am STMA Middle School West (more info)
Fire Department Open House
Fire trucks, Buster the Clown, canine demo, and more
9am Albertville Fire Station (more info)
Kids Parade
10am Fire Department parking lot
Classic Car Show
10am Lachman Avenue near STMA Hockey Arena
Toddler Town
Filled with toys, a diaper changing station, and Fair Hair
11am Central Park Lions Shelter
Root Beer Floats with the Albertville Royalty Candidates
11am Central Park Lions Shelter
Barta Kids Pedal Tractor Pull
11am Main Avenue
RC Car Demo Derby
1pm Main Avenue
Spaghetti Dinner served by Albertville Royalty
4:30–6:30pm St Albert Parish Center
Baseball Game – Albertville Villains vs. St. Michael Saints
7:30pm Central Park Baseball Field
Sunday
Carnival Wristband Day (more info)
Grande Day Parade
12:30pm Main Avenue
Albertville Royalty Coronation
3:30pm STMA High School Auditorium
>> Click here to view the full AFCD schedule
A note about food: In addition to the scheduled events and the food available at the carnival, the Girl Scouts, Youth Hockey, and the STMA Cheer Squad will be offering things to eat like pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks, and snacks.