Your Guide to Memory-Making, Kid-Approved Fun This Season
When summer hits Minnesota, it’s time to soak up the sunshine, explore the great outdoors, and make lasting memories with the people you love most. Whether your family is into hiking, lakeside lounging, museum hopping, or amusement park thrills, there’s something for everyone within driving distance of White Bear Lake.
At Four Seasons Air Specialists, we’ve been helping local families stay cool and comfortable at home since 1974—but when you’re ready to hit the road, we’re here to help you plan a season of unforgettable summer family adventures around Minnesota.
🚤 1. Spend a Weekend at Gull Lake
Located near Brainerd, Gull Lake is a perfect mix of relaxation and recreation. You can swim, fish, rent a pontoon, or stay at one of the area’s family-friendly resorts.
🌟 Highlights:
- Boat rentals and water sports
- Lakeside cabins and lodges
- Nearby golf and mini-golf courses
- Great dining options, many with lake views
🎢 2. Visit Valleyfair Amusement Park
For a day of thrills, laughs, and cotton candy, head to Valleyfair in Shakopee. It’s Minnesota’s largest amusement park, with roller coasters, water rides, and an entire area just for kids.
🎟 Perfect for all ages:
- Planet Snoopy for younger kids
- Soak City water park to cool off
- Live shows and games
- Food and treats galore
🐾 3. Explore the Minnesota Zoo
Located in Apple Valley, the Minnesota Zoo offers hands-on learning and up-close animal encounters your whole crew will love.
🐘 Must-see exhibits:
- Treetop Trail (the world’s longest elevated zoo trail!)
- Farm Babies and nature play areas
- Penguins, tigers, and a tropical rainforest
- Seasonal animal feedings and behind-the-scenes tours
🚴 4. Take a Scenic Bike Ride on the Root River Trail
For active families, the Root River State Trail in southeast Minnesota offers 42 miles of paved, scenic biking through picturesque small towns and forested landscapes.
🚲 Trail perks:
- Bike rentals available in Lanesboro
- Stop for ice cream or a picnic along the way
- Ideal for strollers, walkers, and beginner cyclists
- Plenty of wildlife and photo ops
🛶 5. Paddle Through the Boundary Waters
For older kids and adventure-loving families, consider a guided canoe trip through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
🛶 Why go:
- Unplug and experience nature at its most peaceful
- Camp under the stars
- Learn paddling and portaging skills
- Spot loons, eagles, and maybe even a moose
🏖️ 6. Enjoy a Beach Day at White Bear Lake or Lake Nokomis
You don’t have to go far for some sun and sand! Enjoy a low-key beach day at White Bear Lake’s Memorial Beach or head to Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis for swimming, paddleboarding, and lakeside lounging.
🧺 Bring:
- Swimsuits, beach towels, sunscreen
- A cooler with snacks and drinks
- Sand toys or a frisbee
- Lawn chairs and a good book
🧗 7. Explore Interstate State Park (MN Side)
Located in Taylors Falls, this park features stunning glacial potholes, scenic hikes, and riverboat cruises along the St. Croix River.
🌄 Family favorites:
- Climbing and scrambling on ancient rock formations
- Guided boat tours or canoe/kayak rentals
- Fun photo ops on the cliffs
- Ice cream shops nearby for a sweet reward
🍓 8. Visit a Pick-Your-Own Farm
Summer is berry season! Take the kids to a local farm for berry picking—and enjoy the freshest fruit you’ve ever tasted.
🍓 Try:
- Pine Tree Apple Orchard (White Bear Lake)
- Afton Apple Orchard (Hastings)
- Barten Pumpkins & Strawberries (New Prague)
🎉 Many farms also offer play areas, hayrides, and petting zoos.
🛏️ 9. Book a Cabin Weekend in Northern Minnesota
Sometimes the best summer adventures happen when you slow down and unplug. Rent a cabin on a quiet lake and spend your days fishing, swimming, and playing board games as a family.
🪵 Cabin activities:
- Make s’mores around a fire pit
- Take a morning canoe ride
- Spot constellations in the dark night sky
- Enjoy screen-free time together
🎆 10. Catch a Small-Town Summer Festival
Minnesota’s summer calendar is packed with parades, carnivals, and street fairs celebrating everything from lumberjacks to sweet corn.
🎪 Check out:
- Marketfest in downtown White Bear Lake
- Stillwater Lumberjack Days
- Anoka Riverfest
- Lindström’s Karl Oskar Days
🎉 Expect music, food trucks, crafts, games, and fireworks!
☀️ Adventure Starts at Home
Before you hit the road this summer, make sure your home stays cool, efficient, and ready to welcome you back after every adventure. At Four Seasons Air Specialists, we provide trusted air conditioning service, tune-ups, and indoor air quality solutions—so your family’s summer memories don’t include a surprise AC breakdown.
✅ Serving White Bear Lake since 1974
✅ Honest, friendly HVAC experts
✅ Summer cooling, energy savings, and smart home upgrades
✅ Emergency service available when you need us most
📞 Ready to make this the coolest summer yet? Schedule your seasonal AC tune-up
