As the weather begins to warm, the trees bud, and the grass turns green, people come out of the winter hibernation to enjoy outdoor activities. Need a few ideas to start the summer with a bang? Read the list below which explains the most popular Minnesota summer activities that people participate in.

Because we live in the land of 10,000 lakes one of the most common sunny summer day activities is boating. A summer cannot be complete without a day on Lake Minnetonka. A lake day has an endless amount of activities one can participate in including tubing, skiing, wake surfing/boarding, and swimming. Still don’t have 4th of July plans? No worries. Find a ride out to Big Island, the common spot to park boats, and celebrate with hundreds of others.

There are many beaches and swimming holes like Elm Creeks man-made “beach.” There are also the Quarries, a rocky, circular, swimming hole. The attraction is free, but aimed for teenagers. Around the hole are high cliffs that teenagers jump off, some close to 20 feet high according to a CBS article. There is no lifeguard on duty, so be cautious when participating in the cliff jumps.

Mini golf is another typical activity. There are countless places to go to have some friendly mini golf competition. Big Stone Mini golf located in Minnetrista is unlike the standard 18 holes one can find. Instead of simple obstacles or boring holes, this one has sculptures built by local artist around every hole. At the end ot the 14 holes, there are farm animals including chickens and goats. It is open seven days a week and on all holidays. Adults are 10$ and kids under 8 are 9$. Clubs and balls are provided.

Movies at home are fun and all but do not compare to a movie outside. Vali-Hi drive in, located by Lake Elmo, is a drive in movie theatre. The movies differ each weekend, but always play three movies: PG, PG-13, and R rated. They only accept cash. There are bathrooms and concessions available where one can by hotdogs and snacks. An arcade is located on the grounds as well. The movies play regardless of the weather. The cost is 9.50$ per person which results in three movies for the price of one. Kids 6-12 are charged 1$ at the entrance and kids five and under are free.

“I went last summer but in the middle of the second movie it started pouring rain and hailing so we left. I remember the first movie was Hotel Transylvania,” said senior Ellen Kittridge.

Summer is a chance to explore out of one’s comfort zone and get a thrill. Valleyfair is the place to go. The park offers 75 rides and attractions including eight roller coasters. The Wild Thing, a tall and log roller coaster, is the most popular. Valleyfair also has a water park and a kids area called Planet Snoopy. The grounds open on May 11. Day passes, or season passes can be purchased.

Food, more food, and even MORE food. Yes, you guessed it. The state fair: a typical way to end of summer. The Minnesota State fair is 12 days long and includes Labor Day. Games, rides, farm animals, concerts and of course food are all options that a $12 ticket can buy to get in. It is the largest state fair in the United States by average daily attendance with close to two million fairground fans attending each year.

“Going to the state fair and trying all the different food is one of my favorite things about summer,” senior Maddy Willander said.

Now that football, basketball, and hockey are over it’s time for baseball season. The twins plays every week. A Twins baseball game is a fun and inexpensive way to have fun and see a professional team play in the warmth of summer. Tickets range from 15$ to the hundreds. The atmosphere of a baseball game is more than just the two teams playing. Games and activities, cracker jacks and hot dogs, friends and families is what makes a baseball game such a common summer outing.

Related Stories

Ice Castles: A New Addition To Your Winter Bucket List

MN must-do winter activities

Get ready for vacation with this summer workout

How To Have Fun On A Spring Break Staycation

Numerous concerts with well-known names including Shawn mendes, John Mayer, Thomas Rhett, The Backstreet boys, Billie Eilish, and Cardi B are taking place throughout the summer. May 6th is when the popular music festival Soundset occurs over Memorial weekend. The line-up can be viewed on the official Soundset website.

Waterparks are a must for summer vacation. Bunker Beach offers a lazy river, 6 slides to tube down, a kids area, climbing wall, and the big attraction: the wave pool. The wave pool has waves close to 4 feet high, replicating waves in the ocean. Prices for a day pass for adults and teens are 15$, 48” and under and senior citizens are $12 for a day pass.

Although the ideas listed above are all common and fun, having family game nights, using chalk on the driveway or going for a bike ride are perfect summer activities to make summer 2019 a memorable one.