Explore fun things to do in Coon Rapids. Authored by a local this article aims to connect the community with all the fun things Coon Rapids has to offer. I often yearn for more family-oriented opportunities in our neighborhood and I encourage you to comment some of your favorite activities in the comment section below to help me build a master list!
*This post will be updated as information becomes available.*
Coon Rapids Dam
The Coon Rapids Dam has become an iconic destination in Coon Rapids, Minnesota since its founding. This regional landmark provides a gateway to the Mississippi River and north Metro area. The park offers a variety of activities for visitors such as fishing, swimming, boating, camping, and picnic areas. The Coon Rapids Dam also features miles of trails for walking, running, and biking, making it an ideal destination for outdoor exploration. With its mix of recreation, education, and culture, the Coon Rapids Dam is a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. As a local in Coon Rapids Minnesota I often overlook all the activities and opportunity that the park has to offer.
The Mississippi River
“If you grow up with the Mississippi in your backyard, you don’t much care for it.” A quote by Jacob Zwack and a reminder that the word “Mississippi” is replaceable in the quote. I travel to different places to see different thing and often neglect the beauty right here in our back yard. Some businesses and activities that depend on the Mississippi River in Coon Rapids, Minnesota include riverfront parks and trails, commercial fisheries and boat tours, recreational boating and fishing, paddling, canoeing and kayaking, and water-based activities such as swimming and tubing. There are also numerous restaurants and other businesses along the river in and around Coon Rapids.
I recently discovered an online company that rents kayaks or canoes out from a locker just south of the Coon Rapids Dam at the Paddle Share Station in Brooklyn Park. These kayaks can be rented at a very reasonable price and can be returned at another locker down the river about a mile after the 694 bridge. Be sure to stick to the right after 694! There is a hefty fee if you miss your stop and the kayak needs to be retrieved.
Grand Slam
Growing up in Annandale, Minnesota (for non-locals that’s about an hour commute from the cities) I knew about Grand Slam before I knew about Coon Rapids. Grand Slam in Coon Rapids Minnesota is a family oriented entertainment center that has become a staple of the community. With a wide selection of activities such as an updated arcade, arguably the best laser tag course around, an indoor playground, bounce house, ninja course, mini golf, and a concessions stand! Grand Slam offers something for everyone. It also provides affordable family entertainment, with weekly discounts, monthly specials, and all-inclusive packages. I often take my daughter there on Friday or Saturday night after 6 where they offer a discount on unlimited play passes for US! Grand Slam is a place where families can come together to have fun and create memories that will last a lifetime. From grand kids’ birthdays to date night for the adults, there is something for everyone at Grand Slam.
Cheap Skate Roller Center
Cheap Skate Roller Center in Coon Rapids has been providing the community with affordable family fun for years. It features a wide range of roller skating activities, such as birthday parties, open skate sessions and private parties, as well as a snack bar and a pro shop. The roller center also offers lessons for both children and adults, and even hosts special events throughout the year. The went here in January 2023 and they also rented scooters, had multiple bounce houses, and arcade, and the DJ hosted activities and games throughout the night. With its friendly staff and great prices, Cheap Skate Roller Center has become a popular destination for families and friends to enjoy an exciting night out together.
Crooked Lake Park
This may be THE crown jewel of Coon Rapids. Crooked Lake Park in Coon Rapids Minnesota offers a variety of free activities for the public to enjoy. These activities include hiking, biking, fishing, and boating on the lake as well as picnicking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. Additionally, the park offers access to a playground, tennis courts, a swimming beach, and two fishing piers. Pier fishing may not sound too appealing for some, but the catch and release only regulation for large mouth bass on Crooked Lake allows for some real monsters to grow! I have also had a lot of luck fishing for catfish right off the pier.
Lilli Putt Golf
Lilli Putt Golf is more than a mini-golf course located in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. Owned by a local family, Lilli Putt has been providing a fun family-friendly experience for the community for decades. Lilli Putt also offers go-karts, bumper boats, gem mining, a jump pad, and a snack shack. The owners are passionate about giving back to the community and often host charity events at the golf course. They also host birthday parties and other special events as a way to bring people together and foster a sense of community in the area. Without a doubt, Lilli Putt Golf offers us multiple fun things to do in Coon Rapids.
AMC Coon Rapids 16
The AMC Coon Rapids 16 theater is located in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, and features 16 auditoriums equipped with the latest in high-definition technology. It offers a wide selection of the latest Hollywood releases, independent films and 3D movies, along with a full menu from an onsite concession stand. The theater also provides amenities such as stadium seating, digital projection, closed captioning and audio description for the visually impaired. I have been to a lot of theaters in the area surrounding Coon Rapids and I would have to say the AMC in Coon Rapids is second MAYBE to one-the Andover Cinema (sorry Coon Rapids).
Alloy Brewing Company
The Alloy Brewing Company in Coon Rapids, Minnesota is a craft brewery that serves up a variety of unique beers. Located in the historic Grain Belt Brewery complex, the family-owned business uses only top-notch ingredients to provide beer lovers with an exquisite selection of bold and flavorful beers. Their rotating seasonal offerings let customers discover something new each time they visit, while their tasting room and patio allows visitors to relax and enjoy a pint or two.
Rockslide Park
Nestled in a nice neighborhood Rockslide Park may be the hidden gem you were never looking for. Did you know there is a large sledding hill near the park? Since you have to walk up the hill it doesn’t draw nearly the amount of attention as the hill in Maple Grove! Beyond the perfect sledding hill, Rockslide Park also offers a large playground, basketball court, picnic area, a baseball diamond, and a lot of real estate for running around or walking the dogs! Rockslide Park was recently adopted by the Zwack Family who are proud to be responsible for the appearance of the park.
Bunker Hills Regional Park
Perhaps the crux of Coon Rapids is Bunker Hills Regional Park. Bunker features archery, camping, frolfing (frisbee-golf or whatever you want to call it), golfing, a dog park, a playground, pavilions, and stables. Did I forget to mention they have a water park? Bunker Beach Water Park boasts a fabulous wave pool, a lazy river, courses, classes, and other activities.
Ice Skating
The Coon Rapids community takes hockey very seriously, evidenced by the presence of the Coon Rapids Ice Center. This center has brought a wealth of benefits to the local area, such as providing a safe and affordable space to practice or play the sport, helping to develop an active and healthy lifestyle, promoting team spirit and camaraderie among players, and even offering its own youth and adult hockey leagues. With facilities like these, the Coon Rapids community truly embraces the spirit of the game, making it a great place to be a part of the hockey culture. You can find a list of outdoor rinks in Coon Rapids here.
Average Joe’s Archery
Ever wonder what its like to wander into an archery range because it was conveniently located nearby? Well, I even decided to give archery a shot! With rental equipment available there is only a waiver and a small range fee to see if archery may be an interest or a hidden talent of yours. Average Joe’s Archery in Coon Rapids, Minnesota is an archery shop offering a wide range of services, products, and instruction for indoor and outdoor archery activities. The shop specializes in traditional and compound bow sales, repairs, and tuning; arrows, broadheads, and accessories; and archery lessons for adults and children of all skill levels, from beginner to expert. The shop also offers private events, leagues, tournaments, and classes, as well as custom bows and merchandise.
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park in Coon Rapids, Minnesota offers a range of activities for fun-seekers of all ages. It has over 40,000 sq ft of indoor trampolines, Ninja Course, Sky Rider Indoor Coaster, Climbing Walls, Dunk Lanes, playground, massage chairs, dodge ball, and other “zones” for different jumping abilities. The park also offers food, drinks, and party packages. I have had a membership for years and have shared many memorable moments with my family here.
Cheers Pablo
Cheers Pablo in Coon Rapids Minnesota offers a unique opportunity for creative exploration and expression through a range of art classes and workshops. They provide an inclusive space where people of any ability can learn, create, and take part in art projects. They specialize in teaching techniques, such as wheel-throwing and hand-building, on a variety of mediums including clay, canvas and glass. By offering a supportive environment in which participants can experiment, get inspiration, and collaborate with one another, Cheers Pablo provides an ideal venue to tap into your artistic side.
Riverdale
The Riverdale shopping area in Coon Rapids, Minnesota provides many great options for the community. This shopping center offers a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. There are several major retailers in the area including Target, Dollar Tree, Kohl’s, Best Buy, Petco, and more. With such a wide range of offerings, the Riverdale shopping area in Coon Rapids is the perfect spot for all your retail and dining needs.
What is your favorite thing about Coon Rapids?
I am interested to know what you have found to be fun things to do in Coon Rapids. There are many afternoons or evening where I am motivated to do something fun, but don’t feel like dealing with the traffic to travel far. Have you ever Google’d “fun things to do in Coon Rapids?” … I am! Shameless to say, most sources provide the standard stuff we already know about. Rockslide Park and Average Joe’s Archery are the two “hidden gems” I found. What are yours?
