Saint Paul named #5 urban park system in the country

We are honored to once again be named among the best park systems in the country--this marks 11 consecutive years in the top 5! This national recognition reflects our city’s unwavering commitment to equity, environmental stewardship, and expanding access to parks and green spaces for all. Parks are essential to building healthy, connected communities, and we’re proud to be recognized for our work to ensure every resident has access to vibrant, welcoming public spaces. Read more in this Pioneer Press article and learn about Trust for Public Land's Park Score. 

All recreation centers closed for Memorial Day weekend

This Memorial Day weekend, all recreation centers will be closed Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 27.

• Phalen Beach will open for limited pre-season swimming from May 24-26, 31, June 1, 7-8, 2025. 
• Highland Park Aquatic Center will open for a limited pre-season May 31, June 1, 7-8, 2025 (weather permitting).

Regular summer hours for Phalen Beach and Highland Park Aquatic Center are June 11-September 1, 2025. Prepare for a summer of fun and plan your next swim session by visiting Aquatics | Saint Paul Minnesota, and learn more about aquatics updates below.

 Waterfest at Lake Phalen May 31

Waterfest is back at Lake Phalen Regional Park on May 31 from 11am-4pm! This festival celebrates clean lakes and provides opportunities to learn about clean water, wildlife, and conservation efforts. 

This is an outdoor, free, family-friendly, and hands-on celebration! Experience activities on and off the water, games, food, and more.

Downtown Summer in the Parks

Interested in learning more about fun summer events in downtown Saint Paul? There are many activities to get involved in for all ages, including:

• Fitness in the Parks
• Music in the Parks
• Food trucks
• Festivals
• Irish Fair 
• Folk dancing
• Community coffees
• Kid story times
• And more events will be added as they are finalized!

Join in the fun and explore downtown Saint Paul this summer by visiting Downtown Summer in the Parks | Saint Paul Minnesota.

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 $230.
• Summer Rec Check: Free program for those entering grades 1-6 in the 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 For Preschoolers: Half-day care ranging from $110-$195/month for ages 3-5. Participants must be potty trained. The program's objective is to provide a quality environment for the total development of the child with special emphasis on the development of a positive self-image. Openings available for summer and fall at the Edgcumbe location. 

Featured Summer Camp: Jr. Police Academy

The St. Paul Police Department in partnership with Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is excited to offer a Junior Police Academy. Participants will learn the ins-and-outs of our police department including visiting the police K9 Kennels, meet a SWAT officer, tour a St. Paul Fire Department firehouse, complete a bike rodeo course, go on a bike ride, play games, learn about internet safety, tour the Emergency Communications center and learn where 911 calls go, meet new friends, and have a graduation ceremony with ice cream at the end. These are free, two-day camps offered at three recreation center locations. 

Partner Organization Summer Programs

Summer camps and programs are available through our partner organizations at many parks and recreation sites across Saint Paul. Browse those offerings below. Registrations vary. Please contact the partner directly for more information. 

• Sanneh Foundation (Conway Park)
• Saint Paul Urban Tennis (Eastview Park)
• Blackhawk Soccer (Orchard Park)
• Joy of the People (So. St Anthony Park)
• Arts-Us (Dunning Park)
• Circus Juventas (Highland Park)
• Neighborhood House (Wellstone Center)
• JK Movement (Jimmy Lee Recreation Center)
• Boys & Girls Club (Valley Park, Sackett Park & Belvidere Park)
• Hallie Q. Brown Center (Martin Luther King Recreation Center)
• NEW CAMP OPENING! Camp Como (Como Park Zoo & Conservatory)
  • Not sure what to with your 5th-6th grader once school is out for the summer? Nurture your child’s green thumb with our NEW Garden Care and Design camp! Campers will experience what it’s like to work at Como’s Conservatory. With lots of behind-the-scenes action and special hands-on activities, your camper will be sure to bloom! Spots still available! (June 9-13; July 7-11; August 4-8)

Pop up recreation in your neighborhood

• Recreation in Motion: This drop-in activity brings outdoor summer fun to your neighborhood! This free, drop-in youth program offers athletic programs, STEM challenges, arts and crafts, games, and other organized activities led by the fun and energetic Rec in Motion team. Snacks provided, no pre-registration required.
• NEW! Nature Tots: This new program offers activities for kids to explore nature at their own pace. These fun, nature-based activities are recommended for ages 0-5 years old. An adult must be present. This is a free activity and no registration is needed, just drop on by. 
• NEW! Park and Play (formerly Tech For All Pop-Up Recreation) is a traveling video game and technology truck for youth. This popular attraction is back with a whole new look! Follow us to locations all over Saint Paul. This is a free activity. No registration is required--just show up! *2025 schedule will be finalized soon
• Library in the Park: Saint Paul Public Library is hosting a series of “Library in the Park” pop-up events in the Hamline Midway neighborhood this summer. All-ages are welcome to join for a variety of activities and performances! 

Explore Outdoors and Natural Resources

• Restore! events: These events, hosted in partnership with, Wakaŋ Tipi Awaŋyaŋkapi, are intended for individual or small groups to help restore this park and be community stewards in the preservation of the Dakota sacred site, Wakáŋ Tipi. Dates available for pre-registration May - October. 
• Tree Steward Training: Are you a Saint Paul resident who’s passionate about the outdoors, eager to learn more about trees, and interested in giving back to your community? Join us as a Saint Paul Tree Steward—a fun, hands-on way to help care for our city’s urban forest and protect our environment! The next training is Saturday, June 7 from 9am-2:00pm at Phalen Recreation Center. Stewards must be 18+ and pre-registration is required. 
• Gardening Volunteer Opportunities: Many gardens across the city need help with water and weeding. We have monthly events at Churchill Gardens this summer or email Tricia.Wehrle@ci.stpaul.mn.us to learn more (and more details below.)
• Saint Paul Natural Resources: Our Natural Resources team hosts a variety of activities for all ages to get you outside and exploring nature in your local parks. All activities are free but some do require pre-registration. Programs include:
  • ExploraTots - Great for families with young children ages 3-5! *Adults must be present
  • Nature Hike: Saturday Science Club - Learn about our diverse and interconnected ecosystem. Ages 14+
  • Dragonfly Bonanza  - Geared towards all ages!
  • Small Mammal Survey - Spend some time outside in a beautiful park, learn about our mammal neighbors, and contribute to scientific study. Ages 10+ *Details subject to change
  • Parks After Dark - Experience another side of nature! Ages 10+ *Details subject to change
  • Blooming Saint Paul nominating events - Wander through your neighborhood to look for community members and landmarks bringing life and color to our streets. Anyone may nominate admirable gardens and spaces in Saint Paul between now and August 1.

Lots of other events will be announced as they are finalized, including other ways to explore the outdoors in Saint Paul!

Help Churchill Gardens maintain their beauty!

A great opportunity for volunteers to get involved in the community! Monthly weeding events will be held from May to October. Drop by anytime between 5pm-7pm on the 3rd Monday of each month. No long-term commitment required! We are especially looking for folks to help out this Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day) from 5-7pm.

Please be prepared to bend, stoop, and walk on uneven terrain. Trowels and some gloves provided, but feel free to bring your own. Check in with the garden leader upon arrival. Attendees must sign a consent and liability waiver and wear a hi-vis vest if available. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Email Tricia.Wehrle@ci.stpaul.mn.us to learn more. Please register in advance. Meet at the intersection of Van Slyke Ave and Churchill St, south of Como Lake.

Movies in the Parks

Bring along a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy a starlit night of fun with friends and family! Movies in the Parks provides a wide range of outdoor films at parks and recreation centers around Saint Paul. Events are free and open to the public. 

This year, it's a flashback to the 90s with classics from the decade for all ages.

• July 10: The Parent Trap (Sibley Manor Apartments)
• July 25: Clueless (Como Midway Pavilion)
• Aug 8: Men in Black (El Rio Vista Recreation Center)
• Aug 15: Toy Story (Edgcumbe Recreation Center)
• Aug 22: Cool Runnings (Central Village Park)
• Aug 29: Jumanji (Lake Phalen Beach)
• Sept 5: Bad Boys (Harriet Island Target Stage)

Music in the Parks

Join us for some outdoor entertainment! All shows are free unless otherwise noted. Events are weather permitting and subject to change without notice. Visit the webpages below for full schedules and information.

• Groovin' in the Garden (Como Park Zoo & Conservatory)
• Lunchtime Series (Mears Park)
• Como Lakeside Pavillion (Como Park)
• Lowertown Sounds (Mears Park)
• Twin Cities Jazz Festival (Mears Park)
• Summer Nights in Rice (Rice Park)
• And more music events will be added to the Music in the Parks webpage as those schedules are finalized, including a new Music on the Mississippi series coming to Harriet Island. 

FEATURED MUSIC EVENT: Saint Paul Get Down 

The Saint Paul Get Down is a hip-hop music showcase for young people 14-24 years old. All artists that fill out this application will have an opportunity to write, record, and produce their own music with local artist Terrell X. Free studio time and mentorship will be provided every Wednesday from 3pm-6pm at the Best Buy Teen Tech Center on Selby Ave. Artists that are chosen to perform will get a chance to play a set at a selected venue as well as earn a chance to open for a headlining act at the Target Stage on Harriet Island.

Apply by June 1st and let's GET DOWN! For more information, email mario.stokes@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Mark your calendars for these performance dates! (Headliners will be announced soon!)

• June 21, 1-5pm - Central Village Park
• July 9, 5:30-8pm - Arlington Hills Community Center 
• July 23, 5:30-8pm - 825 Arts
• Aug. 5 (National Night Out), 5:30-8pm - Martin Luther King Recreation Center
• Aug 22, 3-10pm- Harriet Island Target Stage 

Aquatics update

• Phalen Beach: Weather permitting, Phalen Beach be open on May 25-27, June 1-2 & 8-9, and daily starting June 11. 
• Highland Park Aquatic Center: Weather permitting, Highland Park Aquatic Center will be open for a limited pre-season May 31, June 1 & 7-8, and daily starting June 11. 
• Como Regional Park Pool: Weather permitting, Como Regional Park Pool will be open for the season starting June 11. 
• Great River Water Park: Great River Water Park will be closed 23-26 as staff train and transition to outdoor swimming locations. The water park will close for the summer starting May 30. 
• Splash Pads: Splash Pads will open daily from 9am-9pm starting June 11. 
• Aquatics memberships: Summer aquatics memberships are available for purchase online.

NEW! Free camps at Lake Phalen

Both camps are free and no registration required--just drop by! More details, including dates and times, are available on Phalen Beach's webpage. 

• Camp Phalen: Paddle Sports & Outdoor Adventures (ages 12-17): Daily activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, canoeing, trail hiking, first aid wilderness skills, water safety and rescues drills, nature exploration, crafting, and fishing. All experience levels welcome.
• Camp Phalen: Jr. Lifeguard Academy (ages 15-17): Connect with other teens and beach mentors for team activities and water games. Develop swimming and rescue skills. Hop on kayas, paddle boards, and canoes. Enjoy the sand, sun, and nature on a Phalen Beach Friday! All experience levels welcome.

Watercraft Rentals and Boat Rides

No boat? No problem! Whether you are looking for a kayak, canoe, paddle board, swan boat, pontoon boat, fishing boat, or riverboat ride, our partners offer plenty of options to get you out on the water this season.

• Lake Phalen Beach: Whenever Watersports | Kayak & paddle board rentals - Open
• Lake Como: Wheel Fun Rentals | Kayak, paddle board, canoe & swan boat rentals - Tentative opening May 10--check the website for updates
• Pickerel Lake & Mississippi River: Mississippi Paddle Share | Kayak rentals  - Opens May 22 but you can make your reservation now
• Mississippi River: Your Boat Club at Watergate Marina | Pontoon & fishing boat rentals - Online reservations are open now 
• Mississippi River: Magnolia Blossom | Riverboat cruises for groups/special events - Contact Magnolia Blossom for availability 
• Mississippi River: Padelford Riverboats | Riverboat cruises for individuals or groups - Online reservations are open now 

Mississippi Paddle Share

Mississippi Paddle Share offers kayak rentals down the Mississippi River and in Pickerel Lake in Saint Paul. NEW THIS YEAR: A season pass! Cost is $200 to get unlimited* single boat reservations for the season (*some exceptions for holidays). All season passholders are invited to an exclusive pass holder paddle on May 24 to meet other season pass holders and their future paddling buddy! Other new highlights this year include:

• Pickerel Lake (in Saint Paul) will have rentals available 7 days a week and open through October.
• Coffee & Paddle on Wednesday mornings at 7am at Pickerel lake starting June 11
• Paddle With A Ranger (offered through the National Park Service) Thursday evenings
  • Special event: Kayaking 101 begins at 4pm on June 19th!
• Paddle Share is now on Instagram
• Save the date for the first ever Float Fest on August 9--celebrate the river on the Coon Rapids Dam-SAF section (where Saint Paul gets their drinking water!)
• Learn more on how Paddle Share works, paddling tips, and things to know before you go!

 Reserve your kayak now!

Places to eat: City House on the Mississippi River and Dock & Paddle on Como Lake

Downtown Saint Paul's waterfront dining destination is back! City House is located in the historic Municipal Elevator and Sackhouse building along the Sam Morgan Regional Trail at 258 Mill Street. The restaurant features a patio overlooking the river and Harriet Island and serves up local craft beer, cider, and wine on tap as well as a delicious rotating seasonal menu. City House is open 11am-9pm daily and features live music on select dates.

Dock & Paddle is located within the Como Lakeside Pavilion in Como Park. Dock & Paddle is open 11am - 7pm daily* (except open until 8pm on Thursdays) with a variety of food offerings and refreshing drinks, including beer and wine. Now offering happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-5pm! They host numerous shows and performances throughout the summer. (Please note that some events may charge admission.)