The following parks in Columbia Heights have free wading pools, picnic tables and nearby play structures for little kiddos. Lather on the sunscreen and enjoy!!!

Huset Park

3965 Jefferson St. NE

McKenna Park

4757 7th St. NE

Ramsdell Park

4956 Johnson St. NE

July 3-6

Harriet Island in Saint Paul

Click here for a list of free events at the Annual Taste of Minnesota festival.

If you have kids who love to climb and explore playground equipment, you have to check this Bloomington park out! Known to some as "Chutes and Ladders", this 16,000 square foot playground and climbing structure makes a great family outing. The large, outdoor, multi-level play area is best suited for children 5 and above. The climbs can be challenging, although our 2 and 3 year old loved the park, with assistance. Mist sprayers offer relief from the summer heat. If you have multiple children and go solo, be vigilant…it’s easy to lose track of your kids in a heartbeat and the equipment can get crowded, which can be precarious for little ones with little fingers. The park staff does require periodic safety checks when all children must get off the equipment and meet their guardians at the base of the playground. Shoes are required…leave your flip flops and sandals at home. Adjacent to "Chutes," is a small play and sand area appropriate for kids 5 and under. Tire swings are available at the smaller children’s play area. Parking and admission are free every day for family vehicles. The park has nice shade, lots of green space and picnic areas, as well as bathrooms and a concession stand.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

http://www.mda.state.mn.us/food/minnesotagrown/berries/berries-quicklist.htm

Minnesota Pick Your Own

http://www.pickyourown.org/MN.htm

Tuesday Nights in July and August

Minnesota History Center in Saint Paul

651-259-3000

Gather at the Minnesota History Center in Saint Paul on every Tuesday evening in July and August from 6:30-8:00pm for FREE, live, outdoor music. This events includes FREE museum admission and FREE all-age activities. The museum galleries will be open until 8pm on these evenings. Food, wine and beer will be available for purchase. There is a nominal charge for parking. For the full music schedule, please check the website.

Ingredients:

½ cup sugar

½ cup packed brown sugar

¼ cup butter

¼ cup shortening

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon vanilla

¼ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1 egg

1 ½ quick cooking oats

1 cup flour

1 cup chocolate chips (we like Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Chips)

Directions:

Heat oven to 375 degrees. In mixer combine butter, shortening and the sugars until smooth. Add the baking soda, cinnamon, vanilla, baking powder, sale and egg. Beat until smooth. Add the flour and oats. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake until light brown about 10 minutes. Remove onto a drying rack.

This awesome website informs you of the family-friendly events at each of the 26 libraries in Hennepin County. All of the events are free and open to the public. Some events require registration, so read the details carefully.

This unique World War II aircraft museum features seven aircraft and several military and civilian vehicles. It is also home to a wide array of military memorabilia and artifacts. The hangar is open on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm, when members maintain and restore the aircraft. Look on the website for information on special events such as open houses, dances and air shows.

Pick your own strawberries! They’re located between White Bear Lake & Stillwater on Keller Avenue North. From St. Paul go East on Hwy 36 to Washington County 15 (Manning Ave). North on 15 to Washington County 7 (122nd St N). Follow signs to farm. Call for daily information.

This 150-acre Nature Center and trail system is open all year long and features marsh, woods and prairie land. If you’re lucky you may spy deer, fox, mink or owls. The Interpretive Center has educational exhibits, several live animals and restrooms. General admission and parking are FREE. Some programs require pre-registration and charge a nominal fee.