Free summer fun at Ramsey County parks
Ramsey County is home to nine county parks, six regional parks and five regional trail corridors. This summer, discover a county park or explore our trails.
In addition to our parks and trails, Parks & Recreation is offering a variety of free outdoor activities for all ages this summer. Explore archery, experience ice skating in the summer, pull weeds and learn about gardening, discover new trails on a bike and more. Here's what you can do for free this summer.
Archery
Try your hand at the exciting and challenging sport of archery during Archery in the Park. Equipment will be available to borrow and staff will be on hand to teach you the basics to get you started. Participants of all ages and of all experience levels are welcome to join.
Biking
Borrow a bike to cruise around or explore the trails while at the park. A variety of bike styles and sizes for youth and adults will be available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis.
You can also borrow a bike to explore local trails around the libraries in Shoreview or North St. Paul during our Books and Bikes events.
Fishing
Let’s go fishing! Join us for free fishing opportunities for youth ages 15 and younger. Participants will learn basic fishing techniques and skills. All fishing is catch and release.
Discover Hollow
Play, dig, plant, learn, create and explore Ramsey County’s best nature play area. Conveniently located in Tamarack Nature Center’s back yard, Discovery Hollow lets you run wild in nature.
Discover Walks
Join our experienced volunteers for a free walk around the nature center. We'll learn about birds of the area, find the tracks of critters that call the nature center home and look for signs of spring. Bring binoculars if you have them. Walks are free and open to all ages. Children under 16 should be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration is preferred.
Gardening
Let’s get digging! Do you enjoy weeding, watering and harvesting goodies from the garden? Join the garden stewards at Tamarack Nature Center on Monday mornings to trade tips and tricks with other gardeners and help take care of our garden. Our harvest is used for programming and donated to members of our community through the local food shelf.
Ice Skating
Sharpen your skating skills or just get out on the ice for some exercise during open skate. Bring your skates or rent a pair for $10.
Playing
Many of our parks offer playgrounds for little ones and Tamarack Nature Center offers a nature play area and garden. Don’t forget about your canine friends. Visit one of our four off-leash dog parks to give your dog a chance to play.
Swimming & Splashing
Our nine swimming beaches are the perfect place to cool off this summer. All beaches are open May 27. Lifeguards are on duty at Long Lake Thursday-Sunday, noon-8 p.m. All other beaches are unguarded.
Swim, splash and slide away the summer heat at Battle Creek Waterworks. Located in Battle Creek Regional Park, Waterworks is the perfect destination for families with children age 10 and younger. Kids 12 months old and younger get in free; admission is $7 for adults, children and spectators.