Minnesota Summer Activity Ideas for Everyone
Summer is a time for sunshine, with endless possibilities for fun and adventure. Finding activities for people with chronic health conditions or identified needs can sometimes be a challenge. However, with a bit of creativity and planning, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to make the most of the summer months. Here are some summer activities to consider, whether you’re a child or an adult!
Museums
Exploring a museum is a wonderful way to stay cool while engaging your mind. Many museums offer free admission days or are free year-round, making them an affordable outing that is welcoming to visitors of all ages and abilities.
Website: Free museums in Minnesota: All 76 museums to visit (May 2025)
See a Play at a Theater
Catching a play at a local theater can be a fun summer activity for people of all ages and abilities. There’s something magical about seeing a play performed live on stage. Whether you’re enjoying a lighthearted comedy or a classic drama, going to the theater is a great way to connect with others and enjoy the arts in an engaging and welcoming environment.
Some theaters offer special showings for audience members with sensory needs, and many offer seating options for wheelchair users.
Websites:
Theater & Performing Arts | Explore Minnesota
Music In the Park
In the summer, parks throughout Minnesota offer free outdoor concerts that everyone is welcome to attend! These shows typically take place in the evening. Some concerts feature food and drink vendors or food trucks, but you are also welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages. Depending on the park, you might want to bring a blanket or lawn chair, as not all parks provide seating areas.
Website: Music in the Park Events in Minnesota 2025
Free Outdoor Movies
Minnesota offers many places to watch free outdoor movies. These films are projected onto a large screen and typically start at sundown. Please note that seating is usually not provided at these events, so you’ll need to bring your own chairs or blankets. Don't forget to pack your favorite snacks and beverages, as refreshments are often not available on-site. Enjoy the show!
Website: Free Outdoor Movies in Minnesota
Minnesota State Parks
Minnesota boasts many state parks with easily accessed facilities and trails. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, several Minnesota State Parks are equipped with amenities for everyone, and over a dozen Minnesota State Parks have all-terrain track chairs that can be used on designated trails. Please call ahead to ensure a track chair will be available during your visit. These are available at 13 Minnesota State Parks, including Crow Wing, Maplewood, Lake Carlos, Fort Snelling, Camden, Blue Mounds and Frontenac!
Website: All-Terrain Track Chairs | Minnesota DNR
Community Education and Activities
Community Education is an amazing resource! It offers a diverse range of affordable classes and activities for people of all ages, including art, music, languages, fitness, theater, computer skills, cooking, sports, tours and trips, among others. You can find Community Education programs in your area by following the link below or by searching for your city along with "Community Education" in a search engine.
Website: Community Education Program Locator – Minnesota Community Education Association
Zoos
The Minnesota Zoo, located in Apple Valley, is a great time for all visitors. They offer wheelchair and stroller rentals, disposable earplugs, child-size earmuff hearing protectors and other sensory-friendly items. The Minnesota Zoo ZooUnlimited page shares helpful information about the zoo, and the Minnesota Zoo also has a guide to help those with sensory-processing disorders prepare for their visit.
The Como Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul also provides a range of accommodations for people with identified needs. They have wheelchairs and electric scooters for rent. The zoo also hosts sensory-friendly events throughout the summer, including Sensory Friendly Mornings with reduced noise and sensory input, and Senior Strolls & Sunset Senior Strolls is special time set aside for those 55 and older.
Adaptive Recreation Programs
Courage Kenny, Reach for Resources, and Special Olympics Minnesota are among the organizations that offer adaptive recreation programs for individuals with identified needs. These programs offer year-round sports programs, outdoor fun and physical activity for people of all ages and abilities.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Located in Chaska, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum information page offers a wealth of information for your trip, including a wheelchair-friendly map of trails, gardens and quiet spaces; tram tours that provide an overview of the expansive grounds and more. Visitors can explore a variety of themed gardens, including a sensory garden designed to engage the senses through touch, sight and smell.
Theme parks
Many theme parks, such as Valley Fair in Shakopee, offer service accommodations for individuals with identified needs. Enjoy rides, live shows and attractions for a memorable day of adventure and excitement. Nickelodeon Universe, located in the Mall of America, has a Sensory Guide and quiet spaces to provide a safe and calming environment for guests who feel overwhelmed or overstimulated.
Minnesota Attractions
Thrifty Minnesota has a wealth of ideas for affordable attractions to visit and events to attend in Minnesota. Check it out!
Other Ideas for Summer Fun
Arts and Crafts
When it's raining or too hot to be outside, you can get creative indoors with arts and crafts projects. Minnesota offers many paint-along art classes that cater to various interests. Arts and crafts activities provide opportunities for self-expression and sensory exploration for individuals of all abilities.
Picnics and Outdoor Dining
Have a picnic in the park or a barbecue in the backyard. Pack your favorite yard games to enjoy after eating. Socializing outdoors in a relaxed setting can be a great way to connect with family and friends.
Beach Days
Many beaches offer beach wheelchairs and ramps. Spend a day soaking up the sun, swimming or building sandcastles with friends. Just be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Gardening
Cultivate a green thumb by starting a garden at home or volunteering at a community garden. Gardening is therapeutic and provides opportunities to learn about nature and the environment.
Summer is a season full of possibilities—whether you’re looking to relax, explore or connect with your community. With a little planning and creativity, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the sunshine while honoring your energy, interests and needs. However you choose to spend your summer, we hope you find joy, connection and memories that make you smile.