Top 10 Summer Adventures in Shakopee for Families

Are you looking for the perfect summer getaway with your kids? Look no further than Shakopee, Minnesota! Located just southwest of the Twin Cities, this vibrant community offers an incredible variety of family-friendly attractions that will keep children of all ages entertained while providing plenty for moms to enjoy too. Here are the top 10 things to plan for this summer in Shakopee and the surrounding area.

1. Valleyfair Amusement Park

The largest amusement park in the Upper Midwest boasts over 75 rides and attractions perfect for families. Older kids will love thrill rides like Renegade, Steel Venom, Wild Thing, and Power Tower, while younger children can enjoy Planet Snoopy with its kid-friendly rides such as Cosmic Coaster and Flying Ace Balloon Race.

Soak City Waterpark, located within Valleyfair, provides the perfect way to cool off during hot summer days. With water slides, a wave pool, and areas designed for smaller children, the waterpark offers a refreshing break from the excitement of the main park. The combination of thrilling rides and water attractions makes Valleyfair an ideal destination for a full day of family fun.

2. Canterbury Park

Canterbury Park offers much more than just horse racing! During the summer months, families can experience the excitement of live thoroughbred and quarter horse racing in a kid-friendly environment. The track hosts special family days throughout the season with activities designed specifically for children, including pony rides, face painting, and behind-the-scenes tours where kids can learn about horses and the racing industry.

Don’t miss the popular Dog Race Days, where dachshunds, corgis, and other breeds sprint down the track to the delight of spectators of all ages. These special event days typically include additional family activities, making them perfect for a day out with the kids. Canterbury Park also hosts various themed race days, concerts, and special events throughout the summer that appeal to visitors of all ages.

3. Minnesota Renaissance Festival

Step back in time at one of the nation’s largest Renaissance festivals! The 2025 Renaissance Festival will run for 7 weekends (Saturdays & Sundays) from August 16th through September 28th, plus Labor Day (September 1st) and Festival Friday (September 26th). The festival operates rain or shine from 9 AM to 7 PM.

King Henry and his royal court invite visitors to the 16th Century European village featuring 16 stages of exciting entertainment. Over 250 artisans fill the Festival marketplace, displaying and selling handcrafted wares for a unique shopping experience. Families can interact with costumed characters, watch live jousting, and enjoy a variety of food and drink options throughout the day.

Kids especially love the fairy tale characters, mermaid encounters, and hands-on activities like candle making and archery. Each weekend features a different theme, so you can plan your visit around topics that interest your family most.

4. Rhythm on the Rails

This FREE, six-week outdoor concert series takes place on Wednesday nights during June and July. Each concert runs from 6:00-9:00 pm on Lewis Street in Downtown Shakopee, featuring top-notch live music, family fun and games, food and brew vendors. The evening kicks off with local opening acts, followed by regional headliners.

This is a perfect mid-week activity for moms and kids looking to enjoy summer evenings with great entertainment that won’t break the budget. Pack a blanket, bring the kids, and experience the charm of downtown Shakopee while introducing your children to live music in a family-friendly environment.

5. SandVenture Aquatic Park (Reopening in 2025!)

Great news for families who love water fun! After a long summer of construction in 2024, SandVenture Aquatic Park is thrilled to announce its grand re-opening on Friday, June 6, 2025! This unique attraction is one of only four public sand-bottom, chlorinated pools remaining in Minnesota.

The renovated park will feature an all-new pool building that is twice the square footage of the old one, with space for Tommy’s Malt Shop (which is already open!), changing rooms, restrooms, lockers, and a community room. The existing large yellow waterslide and smaller plunge slides were kept as part of the pool renovation. This hybrid of beach and pool provides the perfect summer escape for families with children of all ages.

6. Mystic Lake Casino

While Mystic Lake is known for its casino, it also hosts numerous family-friendly events throughout the summer. One highlight is Rock and Rockets, a spectacular fireworks display synchronized to live music that creates a magical experience for visitors of all ages. The event typically includes food vendors and pre-fireworks entertainment that appeals to kids and adults alike.

Another popular summer event is The Great Midwest Rib Fest, where families can enjoy delicious barbecue from award-winning rib vendors while enjoying live entertainment and kid-friendly activities. Mystic Lake’s outdoor amphitheater area transforms into a lively festival atmosphere during these special events, making them perfect for a family outing where moms can enjoy live music while the kids have fun with various activities.

7. Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store

This iconic yellow barn is a must-visit destination for families with a sweet tooth. Inside, you’ll find more than you can imagine—all types of licorice and taffy, candy that’s difficult to find elsewhere, treats you thought no longer existed, and even bacon-flavored candy. The store’s quirky atmosphere and vast selection make it a fun stop for kids and adults alike.

Beyond candy, the store features a huge selection of puzzles, toys, and novelty items that will captivate children’s attention. With its vibrant colors and seemingly endless aisles of treats, this is one destination that will have your kids talking long after your visit is over.

Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store

8. Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Wacipi

Celebrate Native American culture at this traditional powwow held in mid-August. Visitors are welcome at this contest powwow, where dancers of all ages compete in various dance categories. The event incorporates Native American ceremonies, traditions, and drumming. Native American artisans will have handmade items for sale, and food vendors offer authentic meals and treats.

This cultural event provides a wonderful educational opportunity for children to learn about Native American traditions while enjoying the vibrant colors, rhythmic music, and delicious food. The friendly atmosphere welcomes families, and children are often encouraged to participate in certain dances, making it an interactive experience they won’t forget.

9. Shakopee’s Expanded Dining Scene

Shakopee’s growing restaurant scene offers plenty of options for hungry families after a day of adventures. The Canterbury Park area has become a dining destination with exciting establishments catering to various tastes.

At Canterbury Commons, families can enjoy Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar (opening spring 2025), which will feature classic American fare perfect for kids and adults alike. Current favorites include Bravi’s Craft Mexican Kitchen with its family-friendly atmosphere and menu options for little ones, OG ZaZa offering creative cuisine, and Mr. Pig Smokery serving up delicious barbecue that kids will love.

Downtown Shakopee offers familiar favorites like Turtle’s Bar & Grill, known for its relaxed atmosphere and menu that appeals to all ages. Don Ramon’s and Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant serve flavorful Mexican cuisine with kid-friendly options, while Mr. Taco offers quick and delicious Mexican fare. For a taste of Irish pub fare in a family-welcoming environment, O’Brien’s Public House is a great choice where parents can enjoy a drink while kids dig into comfort food.

Many of these restaurants offer kid’s menus, high chairs, and other family-friendly amenities, making dining out with children a stress-free experience in Shakopee.

10. Outdoor Adventures in the Minnesota River Valley

For families who love outdoor exploration, Shakopee offers amazing opportunities to connect with nature in the Minnesota River Valley. The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, with parts located in eastern Shakopee and just west of Shakopee along Highway 169, encompasses more than 14,000 acres and offers a variety of free outdoor recreational experiences. The diverse landscapes include wetlands, floodplain forest, and bluff-top oak savanna, making it perfect for wildlife observation and bird watching with the kids.

The Xcel Energy Mountain Bike Trail provides an exciting outdoor adventure for families with older children or teens interested in biking. The trails offer various difficulty levels, allowing beginners and more experienced riders to enjoy the park together. Even if mountain biking isn’t your thing, the surrounding trails are perfect for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the area.

For a more leisurely outdoor experience, the multi-use Minnesota Valley Trail, which starts in Shakopee and parallels the Minnesota River, offers a scenic path for walking or biking. Pack a picnic lunch and make a day of exploring the river valley’s natural beauty – a perfect way to balance out the more high-energy attractions Shakopee has to offer.

Where to Stay

After days packed with fun and adventure, you’ll need a comfortable place to rest. Shakopee offers a range of accommodation options from campgrounds to hotels at various price points, with great options for families and groups. Many local hotels offer package deals with popular attractions, so be sure to check for special offers when booking.

Family-friendly amenities like pools, free breakfast, and suites with separate sleeping areas for parents and children make staying in Shakopee comfortable and convenient for families of all sizes.

Planning Your Visit

Shakopee’s convenient location as a suburb of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area makes it easily accessible for families looking for a day trip or weekend getaway. The variety of attractions means you can plan multiple visits throughout the summer, each with a different focus based on your children’s interests and ages.

Whether you’re seeking thrills at Valleyfair, cultural experiences at the Renaissance Festival, or relaxing family time at SandVenture Aquatic Park, Shakopee offers the perfect blend of entertainment, education, and relaxation for mothers and their children. Start planning your Shakopee summer adventure today, and create memories that will last a lifetime!