4th of July Weekend 

Events

• The 76th annual 4th in the Park parade and celebration will take place at Langford Park on July 4. The parade starts at 11am from Luther Place and winds down Como Ave, ending at Langford Park, where pony rides, live music, food trucks and more take place throughout the afternoon.
• Hmong International Freedom Festival is taking place at McMurray Fields July 1-2. Parking restrictions are in place in the surrounding area. Please observe all no-parking signs. 
• Catch the fireworks after a St. Paul Saints baseball game at CHS Field on June 30, July 1, and July 3.
• Music in the Parks shows take place at 11am and 3pm on July 4 at Como Lakeside Pavilion's Dock and Paddle restaurant.

Closures

• Como Regional Park Pool will be closed from June 29 - July 4. Please visit Highland Park Aquatic Center, Phalen Beach or a Saint Paul splash pad to cool off over the 4th of July weekend. 
• All recreation centers will be closed on July 1-2 and July 4. 
• Due to firework damage to several tennis courts in recent years, the following courts will close daily at 5pm on June 30 and July 1-4 and reopen in the morning on July 1-5: Battle Creek, Conway, Dayton’s Bluff, Eastview, Groveland, Hayden Heights, Hazel Park, Highwood Hills, Langford, MLK, Rice and St. Clair.

Health & Safety Reminders

• As you celebrate, please remember that we all have a responsibility to ensure the safety of those around us as we enjoy our public spaces.
• All are welcome to use our parks and recreation center properties to celebrate responsibly, but use of fireworks is not permitted.
• This will be a busy weekend for us and we are experiencing a staffing shortage. Your help in keeping our parks clean is much appreciated. 
• With the exception of authorized picnic areas, the consumption of alcohol is prohibited at parks and recreation center properties.

Saint Paul Amazing Race

Every summer, Saint Paul recreation center youth ages 7-13 come together to solve clues, complete challenges, and ultimately win the “Amazing Race”! 

This year's Amazing Race leaves participants shipwrecked on Parrot Island! Teams will compete in various pirate-themed activities. All participants begin their 2023 Amazing Race journey on a 1 hour boat ride down the Mississippi River, courtesy of Padelford Riverboats! This is a free activity and youth may register at any recreation center.

Tackle Football at Jimmy Lee Recreation Center

This summer and fall we are offering a FREE in-house Tackle Football league for ages 9-12. Players will be grouped by skills and teams will be evaluated regularly. (This is not a regular tackle football season and teams will only be playing other Jimmy Lee teams.) This activity is co-ed and all are welcome with no previous experience required. Looking for more football options? Warm up for the season with a free Football Camp the week before!

Summer Aquatics Updates

Como Regional Park Pool will be closed from June 29 - July 4. Please visit Highland Park Aquatic Center, Phalen Beach or a Saint Paul splash pad to cool off over the 4th of July weekend. Great River Water Park is closed for the summer.

Highland Park Aquatic Center will close at 5pm on July 14 for the Highland Park Aquatic Center Gala. In the event of inclement weather, the Gala will be moved to July 15.

Registration for summer swimming lessons at Como Regional Park Pool and Highland Park Aquatic Center is open. For information on swimming lesson scholarships, please call 651-642-0390.

Youth summer programs

Choose from a variety of fun and safe summer programming options for youth. Register today as some camps and activities have limited spots remaining. 

• Summer camps and activities: Full and half-day camps for youth of all ages. Costs range from free up to $275.
• Summer Rec Check: Free program for those entering grades 1-6 this fall on Monday-Thursday from 1-4pm at 23 sites. 
• Summer S'more Fun: $42/day for those entering grades 1-6 this fall on Monday-Friday from 7am-6pm at 3 sites. Limited spots available.
• Recreation in Motion: Recreation in Motion brings outdoor summer fun to your neighborhood! A free youth program offering athletic programs, arts and crafts, and other organized activities. No pre-registration is required. 
• Nature Pop-ups: Join the Recreation in Motion team for drop-in hiking, fishing, paddle sports, crafts, games and more! No pre-registration necessary -  just stop by!

Music & Movies in the Parks

Come enjoy an outdoor show in Saint Paul's beautiful parks. Music in the Parks has kicked off for the season and Movies in the Parks starts in July. All shows are free unless otherwise noted.