Family Fun and Youth-oriented
National Learn to Row Day 2026
Duluth Rowing Club presents hosts this opportunity to check out its facility, try rowing on a rowing machine and/or give rowing on the water a shot.
Lake Superior Estuarium Open
Lake Superior Estuarium is open every Friday and on the first Saturday of each month during the summer. A special activity is planned for each open Saturday.
The Estuarium houses family-centered exhibits that tell the story of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior and the communities on their shores. It also includes a classroom, meeting space and offices. The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient visitors to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help anyone explore.
An estuarium is gathering place for learning and play. The term is a combination of words “estuary” and “museum.” Staff in the exhibit hall offer information about how fresh water, ecology and culture coexist and thrive in the Lake Superior watershed.
The Estuarium is hosted by the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve and is a red building on Barker’s Island in Superior.
St Louis County Wear Orange Community Event
Wear Orange to raise awareness for gun violence prevention. There will be a few speakers to share actions we can all take to end gun violence. There will be informational tables including Be SMART, Moms Demand Action, grief counseling, suicide prevention, ERPOs and more. Enjoy free coffee, donuts, orange juice and oranges. We will ring a bell for the loved ones we’ve lost to gun violence including speaker Melissa Hortman. Remember to wear orange.
Eco3 Urban Farm Plant Swap
The Eco3 Urban Farm is holding a free community plant swap. Please contribute plants of all types, including houseplants, vegetable starts and more. The farm will contribute excess vegetable starts. In addition to the swap, the farm will also be open to the public for guided tours and interactive activities for kids, including farm bingo and yard games.
UMD Planetarium Show: Sunstruck
Discover the wonders of the Sun. Its incredible energy has supported life on earth for millennia, but is now threatening human technology and our way of life. Travel to the distant future to discover the Sun’s connection to the universe’s cosmic cycle of life and death.
The June 13 showing at 4 p.m. is a special sensory-friendly edition.
Each show is followed by a live presentation of the night’s sky.
Admission is $8 for adults; $5 for senior citizens ages 60 and up, kids ages 3-12 and University of Minnesota Duluth students; and free for kids age 2 and under. Tickets are available at tickets.umn.edu or at the door. UMD students are required to show their student identification for the discounted admission.
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Food and drinks are not allowed in the planetarium. Proof of purchase must be ready to show at the door.
MSO Pops Orchestra and Jumpsuit
The Mesabi Symphony Orchestra’s annual fundraiser is funk-forward this year as the MSO Pops Orchestra joins with Jumpsuit, one of the hottest bands in Duluth. The night features Jumpsuit’s funky takes on all of the hits, including some originals.
A reception with a cash bar follows the show. Doors open at 6 p.m.; show starts at 7.
Tickets are $35 online at tickettailor.com and $40 at the door.
UMD Planetarium Show: Out There: The Quest for Extrasolar Worlds
For thousands of years, mankind thought the Earth was the center of the Universe. It is now known that planets like Earth are nothing special in the cosmos. The Sun is just one ordinary star among hundreds of billions in the Milky Way galaxy. With the world’s most powerful telescopes, humans are able to explore more and more of the universe. What has been found so far has surpassed even the wildest expectations of scientists as well as authors of science fiction. Most stars have planets — it turns out they are more common than thought. A huge diversity of different worlds is out there, just waiting to be discovered.
Each show is followed by a live presentation of the night’s sky.
Admission is $8 for adults; $5 for senior citizens ages 60 and up, kids ages 3-12 and University of Minnesota Duluth students; and free for kids age 2 and under. Tickets are available at tickets.umn.edu or at the door. UMD students are required to show their student identification for the discounted admission.
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Food and drinks are not allowed in the planetarium. Proof of purchase must be ready to show at the door.
Bike Blessing
Bike Blessing is an annual outreach of Salem Covenant Church in West Duluth. Bikers and non-bikers of all walks and rides are invited to this family-friendly event starting at 10:30 a.m. that kicks off the riding season. Pastor Joe Florestano leads the blessing of the bikes. Then there is “kickstands up” at 1 p.m. for a 100 mile ride. Destination to be determined. Emma’s Kitchen food truck will provide lunch (cost not included).
Digital Art Camp with Ant Nold
Students in this five-day art camp explore how artists use tablets to draw, paint, edit images and create simple animations.
A limited number of iPads are available to use in class, and students are welcome to bring their own tablet. When registering, select a ticket option accordingly to assure everyone has an iPad. Students bringing their own device should have Procreate, Calipeg and Sketchbook installed before the first day.
Sessions are from 9 a.m. to noon June 8-12. The cost is $170 for DAI members and $210 for nonmembers. Registration is available at duluthart.org. Beginners are welcome.
Creative Clay Camp ages 8-11
Participants will learn foundational ceramic techniques while developing their own creative style through functional pottery, sculptural work and more detailed clay projects. Students will be encouraged to experiment, problem-solve and build technical skills in a supportive studio setting. Bring clothes that can be messy and a water bottle. All artwork will be glazed and kiln-fired in a food-safe finish.Families will be notified when artwork is ready.This series runs June 8-12, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. with an additional series running June 22-26. Returning students are welcome.
Dan the Monkey Man
Dan the Monkey Man plays familiar children’s tunes and new favorites alike.
This program is sponsored by the Arrowhead Library System.
Creative Clay Camps ages 12-15
Explore handbuilding, sculpture and surface design in a weeklong clay camp designed for older students and teens. Participants will learn foundational ceramic techniques while developing their own creative style through functional pottery, sculptural work and more detailed clay projects. Students will be encouraged to experiment, problem-solve and build technical skills in a supportive studio setting. Bring clothes that can messy and a water bottle. All artwork will be glazed and kiln-fired in a food-safe finish. Finished work will be ready for pickup after kiln firing. Families will be notified when artwork is ready.
The first series will run June 8th-June 12th from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. The second series runs June 22nd-June 26th 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Returning students are welcome.
Teen Open Studio
Students ages 13–17 are invited to explore their creativity at the Duluth Art Institute’s Lincoln Park Building during spring sessions of Teen Open Studio. Attendees can bring headphones and creative ideas — art supplies are provided, but students can also bring their own.
A $50 registration fee covers all 26 sessions, which run from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from April 2 to June 30. Attending every session is not necessary. Registration is available at duluthart.org.
Wonderstruck Wednesday Planetarium Show
Explore the wonders of the cosmos at the Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium during free shows on Wonderstruck Wednesdays.
June Schedule
June 3 – Exploring the June Sky
June 10 – Presentation by the Arrowhead Astronomical Society
June 17 – Mythbusters: Astronomy
June 24 – The Mystery of the Northern Lights
For descriptions of upcoming shows visit d.umn.edu.
Limited seating is available. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Food and drinks are not allowed in the planetarium.
Creature Connections: The Reptile Experience
Sarah’s Serpentarium presents this one-hour journey into the fascinating world of reptiles. The family-friendly program features live animal ambassadors — including snakes, lizards, turtles and more. Fun facts and engaging storytelling are paired with hands-on learning moments to spark curiosity in every age group.
This event is in the Two Harbors Public Library Meeting Room and is sponsored by the Arrowhead Library System.
Teen Open Studio
Students ages 13–17 are invited to explore their creativity at the Duluth Art Institute’s Lincoln Park Building during spring sessions of Teen Open Studio. Attendees can bring headphones and creative ideas — art supplies are provided, but students can also bring their own.
A $50 registration fee covers all 26 sessions, which run from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from April 2 to June 30. Attending every session is not necessary. Registration is available at duluthart.org.
Duluth-stämman 2026
The fourth annual Duluth-stämman: Folk Music & Dance Festival will offer dances, workshops, jam circles, performances, youth workshops and activities and a unique experience that is inclusive to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Admission is free for any youth who participate in a music or dance workshop. This year’s musical performers will include many Nordic musicians from around North America and two special guests from Denmark.
Tickets and the schedule are available at nordiccenterduluth.org.
UMD Planetarium Show: Expedition: Moons
Our solar system has more than 150 moons. Hop in the MWAP spaceship to explore some of the most interesting moons our solar system has to offer. There’s a moon full of volcanoes, another with a giant ocean, and more.
Each show is followed by a live presentation of the night’s sky.
Admission is $8 for adults; $5 for senior citizens ages 60 and up, kids ages 3-12 and University of Minnesota Duluth students; and free for kids age 2 and under. Tickets are available at tickets.umn.edu or at the door. UMD students are required to show their student identification for the discounted admission.
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Food and drinks are not allowed in the planetarium. Proof of purchase must be ready to show at the door.
Free Park Day
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers free admission to all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas on four days each year. On Free Park Days the DNR waives the requirement for a vehicle permit to enter state parks and recreation areas. The entrance fee waiver does not cover activities like camping, rentals or tours.
The goal of Free Park Days is to get all Minnesotans outdoors.
For more information, contact the DNR Information Center by emailing info.dnr @ state.mn.us or by calling 888-646-6367 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
The next Free Park Day is Friday, Nov. 27.
Thunderbird Warrior Challenge 2026
The second annual Thunderbird Warrior Challenge in Bayfield is Wisconsin’s northernmost trail run and the only run with views of the Apostle Islands. The event features 50k, 25k and 10k trail run options and a 5k run with obstacles. There are also games, entertainment and activities throughout the day.
The run courses feature a mix of rolling trails, technical singletrack and panoramic vistas of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands. Runners explore diverse terrains, including old-growth maple stands and sandy pine forests, with challenging climbs and descents through glacial topography. Notable highlights include passing the historic Nourse Sugarbush State Natural Area and taking in views from Mt. Ashwabay.
The challenge kicks off at 6 a.m. with the 50k trail run, followed by the 25k and 10k races at 8 a.m., and a 5K fun run and obstacle course at 9 a.m.
This event is also a chance to honor veterans and first responders, with discounts for those groups and free entry for active-duty military personnel.
All proceeds from the event benefit Camp Benesi and Mt. Ashwabay Outdoor Recreation Area.
Camp Benesi is a nonprofit recreational getaway for veterans and Gold Star families who are grieving loss or dealing with the effects of military service. Created in honor of MSGT. Jonathan J. Dunbar, who was killed in action in 2018, Camp Benesi’s mission is to provide a safe and peaceful retreat for its guests to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and connect with others who share similar experiences. It offers free lodging, meals and activities at no cost to its guests.
Mt. Ashwabay is a nonprofit ski and recreation area dedicated to promoting outdoor activities and community engagement throughout the greater Chequamegon Bay area.
On-site (primitive) camping is available for those looking to immerse themselves in the event and the beautiful natural surroundings.
Duluth-stämman 2026
The fourth annual Duluth-stämman: Folk Music & Dance Festival will offer dances, workshops, jam circles, performances, youth workshops and activities and a unique experience that is inclusive to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Admission is free for any youth who participate in a music or dance workshop. This year’s musical performers will include many Nordic musicians from around North America and two special guests from Denmark.
Tickets and the schedule are available at nordiccenterduluth.org.
Lincoln Park Summerfest 2026
The annual Lincoln Park Summerfest is a family friendly event that supports the Lincoln Park community. It features an array of vendors, food trucks, live music, art and activities for kids and adults.
UMD Planetarium Show: Sunstruck
Discover the wonders of the Sun. Its incredible energy has supported life on earth for millennia, but is now threatening human technology and our way of life. Travel to the distant future to discover the Sun’s connection to the universe’s cosmic cycle of life and death.
The June 13 showing at 4 p.m. is a special sensory-friendly edition.
Each show is followed by a live presentation of the night’s sky.
Admission is $8 for adults; $5 for senior citizens ages 60 and up, kids ages 3-12 and University of Minnesota Duluth students; and free for kids age 2 and under. Tickets are available at tickets.umn.edu or at the door. UMD students are required to show their student identification for the discounted admission.
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Food and drinks are not allowed in the planetarium. Proof of purchase must be ready to show at the door.
UMD Planetarium Show: Sunstruck
Discover the wonders of the Sun. Its incredible energy has supported life on earth for millennia, but is now threatening human technology and our way of life. Travel to the distant future to discover the Sun’s connection to the universe’s cosmic cycle of life and death.
The June 13 showing at 4 p.m. is a special sensory-friendly edition.
Each show is followed by a live presentation of the night’s sky.
Admission is $8 for adults; $5 for senior citizens ages 60 and up, kids ages 3-12 and University of Minnesota Duluth students; and free for kids age 2 and under. Tickets are available at tickets.umn.edu or at the door. UMD students are required to show their student identification for the discounted admission.
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Food and drinks are not allowed in the planetarium. Proof of purchase must be ready to show at the door.
UMD Planetarium Show: Out There: The Quest for Extrasolar Worlds
For thousands of years, mankind thought the Earth was the center of the Universe. It is now known that planets like Earth are nothing special in the cosmos. The Sun is just one ordinary star among hundreds of billions in the Milky Way galaxy. With the world’s most powerful telescopes, humans are able to explore more and more of the universe. What has been found so far has surpassed even the wildest expectations of scientists as well as authors of science fiction. Most stars have planets — it turns out they are more common than thought. A huge diversity of different worlds is out there, just waiting to be discovered.
Each show is followed by a live presentation of the night’s sky.
Admission is $8 for adults; $5 for senior citizens ages 60 and up, kids ages 3-12 and University of Minnesota Duluth students; and free for kids age 2 and under. Tickets are available at tickets.umn.edu or at the door. UMD students are required to show their student identification for the discounted admission.
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Food and drinks are not allowed in the planetarium. Proof of purchase must be ready to show at the door.