Summer is here and school is out! While this may be exciting for your kids, it might be a little bit stressful for you. You’re used to your kids being gone for the majority of the day, and now that they aren’t, you might be struggling to keep them busy. Thankfully the Orono area is full of opportunities for kids to burn off steam. Not only are there the typical summer activities, but there is also a plethora of family-friendly events you can attend.

Wondering what to do this summer in Orono? Check out this list of activities and events and get rid of the term “I’m bored!” from your household!

Fun Summer Activities in Orono

Visit Our Beaches

It wouldn’t be summer without the beach! The Orono area is full of great beaches to explore with your family. Whether you want to lay out under the sun, go fishing, build a magnificent sand castle, or swim the day away, you have plenty of options in Orono area.

In Orono:

Casco Point Beach
Lydiard Beach
Sandy Beach
Summit Beach Park

Near Orono:

Deephaven Main Beach
Robinson’s Bay Beach
Rocky Beach
Walden Beach

Learn more about the beaches to help plan your day in the sun!

Hike Our Trails

Looking to get some exercise this summer while enjoying all the natural beauty that Orono has to offer? The Orono area is surrounded by woodland and prairie land that you have to see to believe, and the only way that you can see it is if you get out there and look for yourself. There are plenty of hiking trails in the area, each with a varying level of difficulty and length. View some of the more popular trails in the area and search for new routes.

Try Our Youth Programs

Keep your kids active and educated throughout the summer with a local youth program! The Orono Community Education program offers a wide variety of summer programs you can enroll your kids in that will keep them busy and allow them to learn and grow. Camps and classes run all the way to August 17, and bus transportation will be available for most of them. Topics include:

Science & Nature
Technology & Engineering
Academics
Cooking
Life Skills
World Language & Culture
Fine Arts & Crafts
Music
Theater
Dance
Sports & Fitness
Aquatics
Recreation
Field Trips
Preschool Programs

Get more information on Orono summer programs.

Fun Summer Events in Orono

Annual Firefighters Dance — 34th Anniversary

July 20, 2018
5:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Excelsior Fire District Station No. 1
24100 Smithtown Road
Shorewood, Minnesota 55331

Come out to help celebrate and support the the 34th Anniversary of the Annual Firefighters Dance. This festive party is right outside EFD Fire Station No.1 and is free admission. Enjoy friendly kids’ activities, food, family and neighbors. Kids will enjoy funky dance music from the Hi Hats Polka Band starting promptly at 5 PM. Feel free to dance the night away with a live performance from the Belfast Cowboys who will be playing till midnight.

Mini-Hops Gymnastics Summer Camp

Multiple Dates (view page)
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Mini-Hops Gymnastics Association
2600 Campus Drive
Plymouth, Minnesota 55441

Have a kid who loves fun and exercise? The Mini-Hops Gymnastics Summer Camp (Ages 4+) offers a great space for your kids to not only learn the basics of gymnastics, but also play games, do crafts, learn karate/dance/cheer and just have some free time in a large gym! There are multiple dates, so get your kid registered today!

Wayzata’s Music by the Lake

July 18 & 25, August 1
7:00 – 8:30 PM

Wayzata, Depot Park
402 East Lake Street
Wayzata, Minnesota 55391

During a Minnesota summer there is nothing better than a night by the lake, so why not add free live music to the mix? Come out before the show to the Wayzata Depot Park to fascinate your kids with the train station and museum or explore around beautiful Lake Minnetonka. With a different band each night you can come out more than once, but don’t forget the show starts at 7:00 PM!

Tuesdays: Kids Eat FREE @ Joey Novas

Tuesday Nights
4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Joey Novas
5655 Manitou Rd
Tonka Bay, Minnesota 55331

Feed the whole family for less! At Joey Novas, if you buy one entree, you’ll receive a kid’s meal FREE. Come enjoy their pizza, pasta and grilled subs with the entire family in a fun dining atmosphere!

Summer in Orono

Summertime in Orono is perhaps the best time of the year — there is so much to do in the area that it is almost impossible to run out of options. Take the time to take your kids out this summer and enjoy the season while it lasts. You’ll all be happy you did.

Unfortunately, summer doesn’t last forever. The school year will be here before you know it, and it’s important to be prepared. Do you know what school district your kids will be attending this year? Lakeview Orono is in the Westonka School District, which was recently named a top ten school district in Minnesota. Learn more about this prestigious honor!