Let the summer adventures begin! You know, spending just 20 minutes outside gives your brain an energy boost comparable to one cup of coffee. We’ve got some ideas for outdoor family adventures, and sometimes backyard adventures right here in Anoka County are the best kind!

Beaches and Waterparks: There are several options around the county for swimming and water-filled fun. Bunker Beach Water Park is Minnesota’s largest outdoor water park with a wave pool, six waterslides, an aquatic climbing wall, 900-foot lazy river, and a sandbox area. There’s something for every age. Anoka Aquatic Center and Roosevelt Community Pool in Blaine are two options for public pools. Plus, don’t pass up the opportunity to play at Boulevard Plaza’s (Coon Rapids) splash pad. For a more traditional beach day, visit any of the public beach locations at:

• Coon Lake County Park
• Lake George Regional Park
• Rice Creek Chain of Lakes
• Martin-Island-Linwood Lakes Regional Park

Wargo Nature Center: Ever visited the Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes? This Anoka County park offers several class options for kids of all ages and tons of self-explore activities. Families can rent canoes and kayaks to get out on the lakes. The nature center also has themed, family-oriented Activity Backpacks. Each backpack has a theme ranging from general nature to bird and tree species, and new themes are created often. Using the backpacks is free, and you just have to ask for one at the nature center. You can take it along with you as your family explores the rain and butterfly garden, walking and hiking trails, and other areas of the park. Here’s where you can find more info:

Wargo Nature Center Map

Activity and Rental Information

Bunker Park Stables: The county partners with Bunker Park Stables at Bunker Hills Regional Park to offer kids and families a unique opportunity to ride horses. Trail rides, riding lessons, day camps, and birthday parties are just a few of the fun options to give your family an experience to remember all summer. Find information about other recreation opportunities, pricing, and scheduling on Bunker Park Stable’s website.

Lilli Putt Amusement Park: For those competitive kiddos, we’ve got an idea too. Lilli Putt Amusement Park in Coon Rapids offers a mini-golf course, bumper boats, and go-karts. Competing for a hole in one and racing around the track will fill their need for competition. Find information about hours, pricing, and unique events on Lilli Putt’s website.

Camptastic at Jam Hops: It would be a bummer if we didn’t mention our own summer adventures that your kids can have right here at Camptastic. Our camp days are full of indoor and outdoor adventures from gardening with our green thumbs to escaping to fantasy lands during reading time, along with other activities like water fights and ninja obstacles. Any weekday this summer is a great opportunity for your kids to interact and play with new friends. Find information about openings, pricing, and registration here.

Get out and get exploring in our backyard this summer. With so many ways and places to be active in Anoka County, you can fill every day with an adventure!