Outdoor Concert Guide For Kids In the Twin Cities
Minneapolis Parks and Recreation
(612) 230-6400
www.minneapolisparks.org
If you're searching for something fun to do with your kid, your first stop should be Minneapolis Parks and Recreation. They host over 200 concerts each summer with many kid-friendly or kid-focused options. The most popular spot to catch some tunes with your tot is the Band Shell at Lake Harriet, which has live music daily. Bryant Square Park, Father Hennepin Bluffs and Minnehaha Falls Park also feature music at least twice per week. Leave your wallet at home - all shows at the outdoor concert series at Minneapolis Parks and Recreation are free.
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation
(651) 266-6400
http://www.stpaul.gov/parks
Not to be outdone, across the river in Saint Paul, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation offers their own free music and movies in the park series. The concert series hosted by Saint Paul Parks and Recreation features a wide variety of music genres and family-friendly movies. Most of the action happens at the Como Lakeside Pavilion, but some events take place at Phalen Ampitheater, Rice Park or Mears Park. No matter where they are located, all shows are free.
Centennial Lakes Park
7499 France Avenue S
Edina, Minn. 55435
(952) 833-9580
www.ci.edina.mn.us...
There's outdoor fun to be had even in the suburbs. Edina's Centennial Lakes Park offers excellent outdoor entertainment specifically geared toward families. Centennial Lakes has activities for kids of every age, even teens. They feature music, movies, storytelling and other kid-focused shows. The family entertainment doesn't end with the summer either. In September they bring the shows inside.
Minnesota Orchestra Sommerfest
Peavey Plaza
1111 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, Minn. 55403
(612) 371-5600
www.minnesotaorchestra.org...
Sommerfest consists of three weeks of daily music shows on Peavey Plaza in downtown Minneapolis. They may be organized by Minnesota Orchestra, but they feature a variety of musical styles and genres. There is even the occasional theater or dance performance. Be sure and check the schedule before you head out – some events are more family friendly than others.