Shakopee Has Something for Everyone
When you’re looking for things to do as family, with your spouse, or for a group of friends in and around the Twin Cities, the search stops here! Visit Shakopee. It’s an easy drive from Minneapolis and the suburbs and has something for everyone from preschoolers to thrill-seekers, animal lovers to card sharks.
Bring the Kids
If you’re looking for a new family adventure but aren’t up for a long car trip, head to Shakopee. Home to Valleyfair, Canterbury Park, the Renaissance Festival and lots of outdoor adventure space, it’s a great place to spend your spring and summer.
You may remember screaming your way through the Corkscrew or Excalibur, but Valleyfair isn’t just for thrill-seekers! They’ve developed plenty of ways for your little ones to enjoy all sorts of things at the best park in Minnesota. Valleyfair offers a whole host of ways for you and your family to enjoy the park, which opens this year on May 11. Start making your summer plans now; when you register before June 9, you can get your child aged 3 to 5 years old a free Pre-K Pass! It will get your kiddos free admission for the entire 2019 public operating season. All you need to decide on is if you’ll treat yourself to a Gold or Platinum Pass, because no one wants to miss out on all the fun. Spend time with the littles at Planet Snoopy, and plan to attend various events at this year’s new Peanuts Celebration!
If you and your family love animals, skip the zoo and try something new. Canterbury Park has family days and lots of special race days featuring different dog breeds, Fourth of July fireworks and even llamas and unicorns. On Sundays from May 12 through Labor Day, the park is transformed by Pepsi Family Day. The first race of the day kicks off at 12:45 p.m. and kids can spend the afternoon getting their faces painted, taking a pony ride and enjoying all kinds of games and attractions.
Do your kids love fairies, reptiles, knights, zoo creatures, or crafts? The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is sure to please! Slip into Fairy Wing Forest and visit with all kinds of magical creatures. Mermaids can be seen in their natural habitat at Mermaid Cove where they dive, twirl and surface to share magic tokens with a special few. If you and your kids love to dress up, encourage them to compete in the Children’s Costume Contest! There’s never ending fun and adventure at Ren Fest.
When you’re in the mood for a more low-key something to do, take your kids on a walk-through Minnesota’s living history. Visit The Landing at Three Rivers Park and see first-hand how 19th Century Minnesotans lived. Plus, if you’re looking to fill your kiddo’s summer days, consider one of the preschool programs offered by the park district–they’ll foster curiosity, collaboration, and a love of the outdoors. What could be better?
Grown Up Things to Do
For those of you looking for adults-only fun, Shakopee has you covered. Canterbury Park is the perfect place to kick-off a weekend of fun just outside Minneapolis. Music in the Park starts back up in May and includes Friday Night food and drink specials. The first race starts at 6 p.m. and live music goes until 11 p.m.
If you’ve never been to the Minnesota Renaissance Fest, make this year your year. Dress up, plan to spend the day and get into it! Every weekend is assigned a theme, so it’s easy to find something you’re into, whether it’s the Bold North, Bellies & Beer or Wine and Chocolate. The food can’t be beat, the artisans doing demos are unmatched in their skills, and it’s home of one of the best artist markets you’ll find. It’s a perfect excuse to get an early start on your Christmas shopping!
When the summer sun gets hot, head indoors and try your luck at Mystic Lake Casino. Get a group together and have a blast. It’s more than a place to gamble; Mystic Lake offers a full resort experience. Sure, there’s card games and slots to keep you busy, but did you know they host free entertainment every Friday and Saturday night as well? And did we mention golf and a spa?
When all else fails, get outside. Shakopee is part of the Minnesota Valley State Trail that runs through the Minnesota River Valley. It’s a great area for hiking, biking skiing and even riding horseback. Pack a lunch and enjoy the warm sunshine while it lasts! No matter what your idea is of a good time, Shakopee is the perfect place to get outside, get active, and have a great time with those you love. Just a short drive from the cities, it’s easy to fill your summer weekends with quick getaways, season passes, and all the things to do in Shakopee.