Fun Things to Do as a Group in Shakopee
Vacations, events, and activities are always more fun when you enjoy it with a group of friends or family members. In Shakopee, there is something for everyone to enjoy regardless of your age. Let’s explore some of the fun group activities in Shakopee that you’ll want to add to your bucket list this summer.
1. Enjoy a Thrill at Valleyfair
Valleyfair offers rides and entertainment for those who are seeking a big thrill. Grab your friends and turn things upside down at 70-feet in the air on Valleyfair’s newest ride, Delirious, or enjoy many family-friendly rides like the Mad Mouse or the Bumper Cars. Valleyfair is also host to a variety of summer activities including Food Truck Fridays, where food trucks take over the park every Friday between May 11 and June 15. Also, mark your calendars for the Harlem Globetrotters performance July 28 and 29 and the Beach Bash summer party August 18th and 19th.
2. Spend the Day at the Races
Canterbury Park is one place where you’ll find a myriad of group activities in Minneapolis. On a typical summer day, head to the racetrack and watch horse racing at its finest or visit during one of their exciting events throughout the year. On June 30, you don’t want to miss the popular Corgi Dog Races and Cupcake Festival. Between the horse races, Corgis will hit the track to determine which dog is the fastest. Plus, you can indulge in some of the best cookie and cupcake vendors in the area as well.
On July 3, enjoy horse racing and the Fireworks Spectacular, a beautiful firework display immediately following the last horse race of the night. You’ll also want to mark your calendars for July 14, where it won’t be just horses racing for the title, but zebras, ostriches, and camels as well during Extreme Race Day. Plus, if you are 21 years or older, BeerFest is where you’ll want to be on July 21. There will be hundreds of craft beers to sample and live horse racing beginning at 12:45 p.m.
3. Take a Step Back in Time
If you want to experience a time many, many years ago, plus some delicious food and drinks, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival should be at the top of your list of events and festivals in Shakopee that you don’t want to miss. The festival takes place every weekend between August 18 through September 30. It features daily events including a Fairytale Princess Party, pub crawl, and wine tasting. You won’t want to miss the Feast of Fantasy, which is a six-course meal with two hours of pure entertainment. It is the perfect group date night and one of the many events and festivals in the Twin Cities area that you’ll want to visit every year.
The Renaissance Festival isn’t the only place to experience history in the Shakopee area. The Landing — Minnesota River Heritage Park, gives you a look at how people in the region lived during the early 19th century. Explore small villages, buildings, farms, and more while learning history. It is an excellent educational experience for the entire family.
4. Relax with Great Tunes
In Shakopee, it is easy to sit back with some of your closest friends and enjoy live music, great food, and cold drinks. The Rhythm on the Rails is a free outdoor concert series every Wednesday night, from July 18 – August 15, in Downtown Shakopee. It has everything you need to relax or for a large family adventure. Also, mark your calendar for the Prior Lake Rotary’s Lakefront Music Fest July 13 and 14. Enjoy popular musicians including Young the Giant and Thompson Square.
July 22, Canterbury Park will host the Vans Warped Tour with dozens of bands playing throughout the entire event. July 27-July 29 is the Great Midwest Rib Fest and is an event that should be at the top of your must-do list. This festival at Mystic Lake features three days of outdoor concerts and amazing BBQ. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of the BBQ contest.
If you want to attend even more big-name concerts, check out the lineup at the Mystic Lake Amphitheater. Kesha, Pitbull, and Reba McEntire are each making an appearance during the 2018 summer months.
5. Head to the Green
While there are many things to do with your friends in the Twin Cities area, sometimes the best memories are made on the golf course. In Shakopee, there are several beautiful golf courses that can cater to groups both large and small. The award-winning golf course The Meadows at Mystic Lake provides a beautiful, yet challenging golf experience. While there, you can also enjoy a great lunch at the Meadows Bar and Grille. If you want to get away, you must visit The Wilds Golf Club. This is the ideal golf course for both advanced and beginner golfers. Stonebrooke Golf Club is another destination if you desire a gorgeous and luxury golf experience. It is a four-star rated golf course, features a full-service restaurant, and outdoor terrace, which makes it easy to spend an entire summer day relaxing and having fun.
6. Increase Your Heart Rate
Moving your body and ramping up your heart rate is easy to do with groups in Twin Cities and Shakopee. Sand Creek Adventures is ideal for groups with very little fear. Zip lining, a ropes course, and team building challenge courses are just a few of the ways you can get your adrenaline pumping. It is the perfect activity for large family groups or for a small business retreat.
You can also gather your friends together and head down the Minnesota Valley State Trail. This paved trail is the perfect way to enjoy a little sunshine and the great outdoors while biking or hiking. Spending the day out on Prior Lake is another pleasurable summer activity. Whether you want to fish or just enjoy the water, you can rent boats for all your activities and for groups of all sizes.
7. Watch a Game
If your group of friends love a good game and are sports fans, then you must attend one of the many professional sporting events in Minneapolis. Purchase tickets and watch the Minnesota United FC play or enjoy a major-league baseball game and cheer on the Minnesota Twins.
Shakopee offers activities for all ages, group sizes, and interests. You can create memories for the entire family and do things that everyone will love. Gather your group together and start planning your greatest adventure this summer in Shakopee.