13 Terrific Summer Things to Do in Chisago Lakes with Kids

This post featuring the best summer things to do with kids in Chisago Lakes may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy.

It’s no secret that we love the Chisago Lakes area! Just an hour north of Minneapolis, this community along Hwy 8 (right off Hwy 35 going north of the Twin Cities) is comprised of 5 fantastic cities: Chisago City, Lindström, Center City, Shafer, and Taylors Falls. Whether you are looking for a day trip from the Twin Cities or a quick weekend getaway, Chisago Lakes is an excellent option for families with kids of all ages! 

When you’re ready to explore, Chisago Lakes is filled with fun activities for families with kids during the summer. From beautiful hiking trails and a fun mini golf course to charming local farms and Swedish Heritage sites, there are so many fun things to do, from Chisago City to Taylors Falls. Keep reading to discover our favorite things to do in Chisago Lakes with kids this summer!

See the Huge Art Installations at Franconia Sculpture Park

Nestled in the city of Shafer (in the heart of Chisago Lakes), Franconia Sculpture Park offers a magical experience for families to enjoy together. With wide, pedestrian-only paths, even the youngest explorers can wander safely. The 50-acre park features grassy trails winding through various impressive and HUGE sculptures, ensuring endless fun for kids of all ages. There are even a few interactive installations, which kids will love! My daughter loves running through the paths and climbing into the interactive pieces. It’s a great stop regardless of the weather (even drizzly days are fun here!).

Admission is free, although donations are appreciated, making Franconia Sculpture Park one of the best free things to do with kids in Chisago Lakes. Finally, there is ample parking and clean bathrooms in the gallery.

Explore the Glacial Pot Holes at Interstate State Park

Interstate State Park is one of Minnesota’s most amazing state parks, especially for families. Its unique rock formations and status as part of the U.S.’s first interstate state park system make it a standout choice when searching for things to do in Chisago Lakes with kids.

The park’s glacial potholes are a major draw. If your kids are anything like mine, they will love climbing the enormous rocks—just be cautious, as there are few guardrails. These fascinating geological features will certainly ignite their imaginations. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy the stunning views of the St. Croix River.

The park also has a cozy visitor center with interpretive exhibits! On the weekend, you may also see rangers with fun displays at the glacial pothole area entrance. Finally, the park also features picnic areas, rock climbing (permits required), and canoeing/kayaking. A state park pass is required for vehicles. However, you can find free street parking in Taylors Falls and walk across the provided pedestrian route from downtown to the state park.

Best Trails at Interstate State Park with Kids 

Most of the trails in Interstate State Park are rated as easy to moderate. Here are two great options with kids:

• Glacial Pothole and Ice Age Trail – easy, 1.7-mile out-and-back trail
• Summit Rock, River Bluff, and Echo Canyon Loop – easy, 1.3-mile loop trail

Looking for more places to explore this summer? Read about these 11 Exciting Summer Weekend Getaways Near Minneapolis for Families!

Embark on a Kayak or Canoe Journey Down the St. Croix River

One of our favorite experiences in Chisago Lakes has to be paddling down the St. Croix River. Renting a canoe or kayak from Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rental is easy and affordable. They are also fantastic with families! Your journey begins at Interstate State Park and ends downriver (the endpoint depends on your booked excursion). Then, a shuttle brings you back to Interstate State Park. With options for all skill levels and ages, you can enjoy a 3 to 7-hour self-guided trip down the St. Croix River, paddling through scenic views, swimming, and fishing.

If you’re new to canoeing with kids, try the One-Way Trip to Osceola (this is our preferred route). This 3-hour excursion (or more, depending on how often you stop) from Interstate State Park to Osceola lets you choose a canoe, kayak, or tandem kayak, with life jackets provided. Detailed instructions from the friendly staff ensure a smooth start and journey. 

Along the way, you can stop at beaches, sandbars, and islands for swimming, fishing, or picnicking. Bring a cooler with snacks and drinks (alcoholic drinks are permitted), and watch for turtles, fish, and eagles. During our recent voyage, we stopped 2-3 times to hop out and swim for a bit. I highly recommend packing a cooler for the route with plenty of snacks and drinks. Once in Osceola, a shuttle returns you to the park. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best Chisago Lakes summer activities for kids!

Enjoy the Views from the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tour

Want to enjoy stunning views of the St. Croix River without paddling? Of course, you do! Hop on a Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tour! Perfect for all ages and abilities, these tours (including sunset and twilight options), let you relax on a classic riverboat with an iconic red paddlewheel. 

Each tour lasts 45 to 80 minutes and provides a leisurely journey down the St. Croix River. All tours start and end in Interstate State Park. During the voyage, a knowledgeable guide shares fascinating local history and points out unique rock formations along the way. We loved learning more about the history of this area! Whether you choose indoor or outdoor seating, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the river and its towering rocky shores. Some of the outdoor seating is also shaded. 

Finally, there’s a small concession area and an onboard restroom. In my opinion, this is one of the best family activities in Chisago Lakes (especially with grandparents).

READ NEXT: How to Spend a Fantastic Fall Day in Taylors Falls with Kids

Hike Together at Wild River State Park

For a fantastic state park near Center City and Almelund, Wild River State Park offers paved, accessible trails. Ideal for wheelchair users, strollers, and young kids, this park features several miles of scenic trails nestled along the scenic St. Croix River, making it a top spot for bird watching and wildlife spotting. 

We love this park for its tranquility, making it our favorite for a peaceful hike. Towering trees surround the wide trails, and the views of the St. Croix River Valley from the visitor center deck are stunning, especially in the summer and fall. The visitor center also features a small indoor interpretive display that young kids will enjoy. Year-round, you’ll find indoor restrooms at the visitor center. With diverse trails and beautiful scenery, Wild River State Park is surely one of the best outdoor things to do with kids at Chisago Lakes! Finally, a state park pass is required for vehicles.

Best Trails at Wild River State Park with Kids 

Most of the trails in Wild River State Park State Park are rated as easy to moderate. Here are three great options with kids:

• The Mitigwaki Loop – easy, 1-mile loop trail
• Old Logging Trail, easy, 3-mile (paved, fully accessible)
• Deer Creek Loop – moderate, 3-mile loop trail

Explore nearby Pine City with your family. Here’s How to Spend a Fun Summer Weekend in Pine City with Kids!

Walk Along the Scenic Trails at Allemansrätt Park

You’re going to love this hidden gem in Chisagao Lakes! Tucked away in the heart of Lindström, Allemansrätt Park combines natural beauty with Swedish heritage, making it one of the best free things to do with kids in Chisago Lakes. 

It’s a top spot for local fishing enthusiasts, and the park boasts one of the best kid-friendly hikes in Chisago Lakes. In fact, Allemansrätt Park features several miles of easy trails, including a charming 1.3-mile loop with packed dirt, gravel roads, and boardwalks. This is the path we usually take, and it never disappoints. We even saw a beaver on time!

As you explore Allemansrätt Park, you’ll encounter towering trees, glacial eskers, and peaceful wetlands, all offering picturesque lake views. With three lakes, the park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Kids will love spotting birds and squirrels; you might even see a beaver or muskrat near the water. Finally, the park has convenient parking and portable toilets.

Looking for new hiking gear for kids? Here are a few things that we love for our daughter:

Play at One of the Many Parks

Chisago Lakes offers a treasure trove of parks and playgrounds. There are so many fantastic options across the area. Here are a few of our favorites if you are looking for free things to do with kids in Chisago Lakes!

• Beach Park in Lindström features a sandy beach for swimming, a playground, picnic areas, and more. When we have a lot of time to spare, this is probably our favorite park.
• Moberg Park in Center City offers a cute little train-themed playground, Swedish heritage sites, picnic areas, and more.
• Ki-Chi-Saga Park in Lindström is home to the historic Karl Oskar House, walking and biking paths, a playground near the athletic fields, and picnicking areas.
• Paradise Park in Chisago City features a playground, a beach for swimming, and more.

You can’t beat these parks and playgrounds when looking for summer activities in Chisago Lakes for kids!

Pick Your Own Fruit at Pleasant Valley Orchard 

For a tasty summer outing in Chisago Lakes, be sure to visit Pleasant Valley Orchard with your kids! Starting in mid-June, Jim and Judy welcome guests to their scenic 71-acre farm in Shafer. Early summer is ideal for picking your own strawberries. Then, late summer and early fall mean apple picking!

During your visit, remember to say hello to the goats, chickens, and the friendly farm cat Pip as you explore. This is always my daughter’s favorite part! Afterward, enjoy a relaxing stroll along the charming trail next to the apple orchard.

While U-pick is available only on weekends, the farm’s gift shop is open daily and offers delicious baked goods, crafts, and fresh produce. Pleasant Valley Orchard promises a delightful and memorable visit for all ages—not to mention one of the best summer activities in Chisago Lakes with kids!

Have a Picnic with Alpaca at Evergreen Oasis Farm & Market

If you have a free Saturday and are looking for fun things to do with kids in Chisago Lakes, then you must check out Evergreen Oasis Farm & Market. In my opinion, this enchanting family farm in Center City is a must-visit with kids! 

Owned by the fantastic duo Brooke and Tim, this local farm radiates warmth and humor, making every visitor feel like family. From June through mid-October, Evergreen Oasis hosts Farm Days on most Saturdays. Pack a picnic and spend the day enjoying the farm’s beauty and friendly residents. Kids will love petting and feeding the friendly alpacas and sheep—an absolute hit for animal lovers of all ages! Picnicking with these adorable animals is undoubtedly a bucket list experience in Minnesota.

Throughout the mid- to late-summer season, you can also pick beautiful flowers daily on the farm, adding a colorful touch to your visit. Finally, the farm also features a barn market boutique and rustic campsites, perfect for those seeking to unplug and enjoy the stars.

Putt Putt at Adventure Falls Mini Golf 

Looking for some fun things to do in Chisago Lakes with kids? Put Adventure Falls Mini Golf on the top of your list! Located in Taylors Falls, this unique mini-golf course offers 18 greens, a friendly staff, and stunning grounds; it’s perfect for a family day out (in fact, we will drive to Taylors Falls just for a day here and dinner at The Drive In Restaurant next door). 

The course winds around ponds, streams, and a playful waterfall, with each hole creatively designed to entertain both kids and adults. Grab a putter, rally your family, and embark on a mini-golf adventure filled with laughter and friendly competition. Undoubtedly, Adventure Falls Mini Golf promises a memorable day in Taylors Falls for everyone!

Munch on Something Yummy from The Drive In Restaurant

Step back in time at The Drive In Restaurant in Taylors Falls! This beloved carhop-style diner has been a cherished family tradition since its doors first opened in 1956. Here, you can indulge in classic American favorites such as burgers, grilled sandwiches, corn dogs, and more. Even the fussiest eaters will find something to love on their dedicated kids’ menu. And be sure to treat yourself to one of their renowned malts or a frosty mug of root beer—it’s a must!

As one of the best things to do in Chisago Lakes with kids, The Drive In Restaurant is just a short walk from Adventure Falls Mini Golf, downtown Taylors Falls, and Interstate State Park.

Learn About the Area’s Sweedish Heritage

Did you know that Chisago Lakes has a deep connection to Swedish immigration in Minnesota? Many of the local families can trace their heritage back to early Swedish immigrants, who shaped the culture, food, and sites of Chisago Lakes. If you are interested in visiting some of the Sweedish heritage sites in Chisago Lakes with kids, here’s where to go:

• Moberg Park, where you can see the statue of Vilhelm Moberg, a tribute to this Swedish author who wrote stories set in the Chisago Lakes area.
• Check out the Swedish coffee pot water tower in downtown Lindström. There are several other heritage statues in downtown Lindström as well, including statues of Karl Oskar and Kristina Statue (characters in Vilhelm Moberg’s novels The Emigrants).
• Karl Oskar House, open on Sunday afternoons, is a great spot to learn about Karl Oskar and the histories and stories of early immigrants to the area.

Relax at a Family-Friendly Winery

Set on a scenic hill in Chisago City, Winehaven Winery is a charming family-owned vineyard offering an idyllic setting for a fun day in the sun with your family! In fact, this is one of our favorite wineries in Minnesota! Winehaven boasts a variety of wines and stunning views overlooking a lake. Whether you prefer a cozy indoor table or outdoor seating on the lawn, the ambiance is inviting for all ages.

Wine flights are presented in a unique tower display, featuring four samples of your choosing. Try their wine slushies or other beverages, including non-alcoholic choices, for a refreshing option. Pair your drinks with flavorful flatbread pizzas or a delicious charcuterie board. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the vineyard together. 

Don’t forget to check the events calendar for live music and seasonal festivities.

Looking for more ideas? Read an article I wrote for Chisago Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce: 19 EXCITING THINGS TO DO IN CHISAGO LAKES THIS SUMMER WITH KIDS.

Keep Exploring Chisago Lakes with Kids this Summer!

I hope this article helped you find a few things to do with kids in Chisago Lakes this summer! I love this beautiful collection of Minnesota towns and hope you will, too. Indeed, from hiking and swimming to unique art installations, there are plenty of summer activities for kids of all ages in Chisago Lakes.

Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.