What's Happening

The latest news, events, and activities from Saint Paul Parks and Recreation.

Free Youth Tackle Football Youth tackle football will be offered free of charge for youth ages 7-14 this fall in partnership with the Minnesota Vikings. The registration deadline has been extended to July 31.

Help our urban forest during the drought 

Saint Paul is currently experiencing a drought due to low rainfall and high temperatures. The city’s nearly 111,000 public street trees are showing signs of stress due to lack of rain this summer. While young trees are especially vulnerable to drought conditions, mature trees will also benefit from supplemental watering. A weekly watering is recommended to help trees through the dry weather. Recently planted trees can be effectively watered using a water bag placed around the trunk of the tree or by setting a trickling hose at the base for several hours. For more information about caring for trees, residents can visit www.stpaul.gov/forestry.

Summer Swarm This summer, the City of Saint Paul is partnering with local businesses and organizations to bring an exciting series of pop-up science and technology programs and activities for youth called Summer Swarm. Mayor Carter invites you, your family, friends and neighbors to join in the fun! Visit the Tech For All webpage to learn about these upcoming technology activities

Safe Summer Nights Safe Summer Nights, a program is designed to provide opportunities for Saint Paul police officers to become acquainted with residents of the neighborhoods they serve, takes place at rec centers throughout the city. All events are free, feature food, activities for youth, and ample opportunities for attendees to meet their Saint Paul police officers.

Featured Camps & Activities 

Browse all summer camps & activities 

Robert Piram Trail Ribbon Cutting Join us on July 28 at 10:30am for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Robert Piram Trail connecting Saint Paul and Dakota County. Learn more and RSVP on the Robert Piram Trail project webpage.

General Highlights & Reminders

• Merriam Park Recreation Center is hosting the Official MLB Network Pitch, Hit & Run Youth Skills Competition on July 28 from 5-7pm. This free program allows baseball and softball participants the opportunity to advance through three levels of competition culminating at the MLB World Series! Please register for the activity on our website and also sign up on the official MLB website. 
• Join the East Side Arts Council at the Xiang Jiang Pavilion at the Lake Phalen Garden of Whispering Willows & Flowing Waters from 3-5pm on July 26 where poetry students will read their poems aloud. Bring a chair and let the beauty of poetry enchant you. 
• Space is still available for some swimming lesson sessions. Additional 11am swimming lessons and water aerobics classes have been added at Highland Park Aquatic Center. No pre-registration is required for water aerobics. 
• The Saint Paul Youth Commission application deadline has been extended to July 31. 
• Space is still available in our summer Recreation for Preschoolers, S'more Fun, and Rec Check programs. Registration is required. Drop-in youth programs including Summer Swarm and Recreation in Motion are also available.  
• Seize the summer sun at an outdoor event! Our Music in the Parks, Groovin’ In The Garden, Movies in the Parks, Fitness in the Parks, and Safe Summer Nights programs are in full swing. 
• Free meals are available for Saint Paul families in need. All families with one or more children under the age of 18 are eligible. This week, we served our two-millionth free meal through this program. 
• Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is open. Reservations must be made in advance and face masks are encouraged. 

Click here to subscribe to these updates or change your preferences.