Summer is the time to get outside and explore, but it looks a little different this year. With COVID-19 in mind, we put together a list of fun activities to get you out of the house while still following CDC guidelines. Remember to maintain 6 feet of distance between you and others while enjoying all the outdoors has to offer.
1. Visit the Quarries
Waite Park is home to the Quarry Park and Nature Preserve. There are 2 designated swimming areas perfect for thrill-seekers to cliff jump. Don’t forget a floaty! There’s plenty of room to lounge and watch the action. Along with the quarries, there are hiking trails, rock climbing, scenic overlooks, and more. Quarry Park and Nature Preserve is the perfect day trip for the whole family. Pack up the car and make it a day trip; there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
2. Stand Up Paddleboard
Check out Lebanon Hills to rent paddleboards. Get in a core workout and stay for the scenery. There are also kayaks and canoes to rent. If you’ve always wanted to try paddle boarding – but can’t justify the price to buy your own, Lebanon Hills is the place to be.
3. Search for Hidden Treasure
Channel your inner explorer and try your hand at geocaching. Minnesota has over 28,000 caches hidden in its parks. Geocaching is a great opportunity to teach kids how to use GPS and brings treasure hunting to life. Make sure to bring along trinkets to leave at each cache. You’ll never know what you’re going to find!
4. Minneapolis Sculpture Park
The infamous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture is located in the Walker Art Museum. If you haven’t been – are you really from Minnesota? Along with the sculpture park, visit the rest of the museum for awesome art galleries. Make sure you bring this self-guided sculpture park worksheet.
5. Visit Sunflower Fields
Minnesota has a couple of different sunflower fields throughout the state. Take a walk and get that perfect Instagram photo. These fields are a great location for family photos or senior pictures. Make sure the field your visiting is in bloom before you head out the door. Click here for Fish Farm or here for Treasured Haven Farm.
6. Zip Around the Cities
You can find electric scooters all around the Twin Cities. Simply download the company's app, scan the QR code, and you're off! Ride along the river or through the cities. Scootering is a convenient way to get around and see what Minnesota has to offer. Plus, they’re just plain old fun to ride. Don’t forget to sanitize the scooters before riding and maintain a proper distance from others.
7. Go Chasing Waterfalls
From Minnehaha Park to Gooseberry Falls, there are a variety of waterfalls located all around the state. See how many waterfalls you can check off your bucket list this summer. Venture to Hudson, WI, to splash around in the massive Willow Falls. Here's a list of Minnesota waterfalls.
8. Drive-In Movie
Keep a safe distance while enjoying a movie from the comfort of your car! Check out ValiHi Drive-In Theater in Lake Elmo or Starlite In Litchfield. Both locations have a snack bar – you can’t watch a movie without popcorn! There's just something special about watching a movie in the trunk of your car.
9. Disc Golfing
Pick up a new hobby and head to one of 240 Minnesota disc golf courses. All you need is a disc and a pair of sneakers. Disc golfing is an easy way to get exercise while having fun. Each course varies in difficulty and length. Use Disc Golf Scene to find the right course for you. Whatever activities you do this summer, remember to follow CDC guidelines while in public. Learn more about how to protect yourself and others.
