School’s out, and if your kids are anything like mine, they’re bouncing off the walls and itching to be outside! Luckily, we’re surrounded by family-friendly events happening all summer long—and the best part? Many of them are totally free.

Whether you’re looking for movies under the stars, live music in the park, or outdoor storytimes perfect for little ones, there’s something happening almost every night in Woodbury, Oakdale, Cottage Grove, Stillwater, and Hastings. These warm evenings are made for memory-making—so pack a blanket, grab the snacks, and let’s go have some fun!

🎥 Movies Under the Stars⭐

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🪗Summer Tuesdays (Stillwater)
The 23rd Annual Summer Tuesdays returns to scenic downtown Stillwater, offering a lively blend of live music, a local outdoor market, family-friendly activities, and movies under the stars. Held every Tuesday evening from July 8 through August 12 at Lowell Park along the St. Croix River, this beloved community tradition brings residents and visitors together for unforgettable summer nights.

This free event in Stillwater is perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking to enjoy outdoor entertainment in a beautiful riverfront setting.

Schedule:
Market opens at 5:00
Live Music 6:00-8:00
Movie: begins approx. 10 minutes after sunset

For the full schedule, musical lineup, movie titles, and vendor details, visit www.summertuesdays.com

📽️Movies in the Park (Hastings)
Enjoy a family-friendly movie night on the big screen at this fun-filled community event! All ages are welcome to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and enjoy a movie under the stars. Arrive an hour early for free pre-movie activities, games, and giveaways for kids and families. Admission is free with the donation of a non-perishable food item.

Schedule:
Friday, June 13 - Moana 2, movie starts at 9pm
Friday, July 11 - Mufasa, movie starts at 9pm
Friday, August 8 - Inside Out 2, movie starts at 8:30pm
Friday, September 5 - Wonka, movie starts at 7:30pm

For more information, visit City of Hastings Summer Programs.

📽️Movies in the Park (Cottage Grove)
Enjoy free summertime movie nights at Highlands Park in Cottage Grove—perfect for families looking to make the most of warm evenings outdoors. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and your favorite snacks for a fun, family-friendly evening under the stars.

Pre-movie entertainment kicks off at 6:30 p.m., with the movie beginning at sundown. These community events are free to attend, thanks to the generous support of local sponsors.

For more information, visit Movies with Mo.

Schedule
Friday, June 13 - The Wild Robot
Friday, July 18 -  Paddington in Peru
Friday, August 15 - Moana 2

📽️Movies in the Park (Oakdale)
Gather your family, friends, blankets, and lawn chairs for free outdoor movie nights under the stars! Enjoy a relaxing evening in the park as popular family films light up the big screen.

2025 Movie Lineup:
Friday, July 25 – Moana 2
Friday, August 15 – Mufasa

Movies begin at dusk (approximately 20 minutes after sunset). These family-friendly movie events are the perfect way to enjoy summer evenings in your community.

For more information, City of Oakdale Movies in the Park

🎥Cool Indoor Summer Flicks🎥

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🎥Kids Summer Movie Series - $1 Movies - Woodbury 10 Theatre
Treat the kids to affordable summer fun with the Kids Summer Movie Series, happening every Tuesday all summer long! Families can enjoy a selection of family-friendly films for just $1 admission per person.

Movies start at 11:00 a.m., making it the perfect weekday activity to beat the heat and enjoy some quality time together.

June 10 - The Amazing Maurice
June 17 - Dragonkeeper
June 24 - Rally Road Racers
July 1 - Epic Tails
July 8 - The Bad Guys
July 15 - The Wild Robot
July 22 - Curse of the Were Rabbit
July 29 - Abominable
Aug 5 - The Croods
Aug 12 - The Croods: A New Age
Aug 19 - Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken
Aug 26 - HitPig!

For more information, visit Woodbury 10 Theatre

🎥Kids Camp - Movies at The Alamo (Woodbury)
Kids Camp is the perfect way to enjoy affordable, family-friendly movies all summer long. All tickets are discounted for everyone—whether you're a little kid, a big kid, or a grown-up kid at heart. Each week features a rotating lineup of films, from recent animated hits to timeless family classics.

Most Kids Camp movie screenings are recommended for children ages 3 and up, though select locations offer All Ages showings to accommodate the whole family.

Schedule
Monday, June 16 - The Garfield Movie
Friday, June 20 - Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
Friday, June 27 - Hotel Transylvania
Monday, July 7 - The Bad Guys
Friday, July 11 - The Wild Robot
Friday, July 18 - Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Friday, July 25 - Minions: The Rise of Gru

For more information, showtimes and tickets, visit The Alamo Kids Camp

🎥Kids Dream Summer Series - Marcus Theatres Oakdale
Catch your favorite family-friendly films on the big screen this summer for just $3 (+tax) per ticket! Families can enjoy a lineup of popular kids’ movies at an unbeatable price—perfect for staying cool and entertained during summer break.

Don’t miss your chance to purchase a Kids Dream Passport, which entitles the passport holder to see all 8 movies in the series for just $12! It's a fantastic deal for parents looking for budget-friendly summer activities for kids.

June 8 - July 31, 2025
June 15 - 19: Harold and the Purple Crayon
June 22 - 26: A Sloth Story
June 29 - July 3: Sonic the Hedgehog 3
July 6 - 10: The Garfield Movie
July 13 - 17: Kung Fu Panda 4
July 20 -24: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
July 27-31: The Wild Robot 

For more information, visit Marcus Theatres.

🎶Music in the Park: Dance & Play🎶

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🎶Performance in the Park (Woodbury)
Bring the whole family to enjoy free live entertainment at the Woodbury Lions Bandshell, located in Ojibway Park at 2695 Ojibway Drive. These outdoor performances begin at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted and are designed to be fun and family-friendly for all ages. From music and theater to interactive shows, it’s a great way to spend a summer evening in Woodbury. 

For full schedule, visit Performances in the Parks.

🎶Summer Concert Series (Oakdale)
Select Wednesdays, 7pm
Gather your friends, family, and lawn chairs for the Walton Park Summer Concert Series, happening Wednesday evenings throughout the summer in Oakdale. Enjoy a variety of live music performances in a beautiful outdoor setting—there’s something for every musical taste, from rock and jazz to country and pop. These free concerts are perfect for all ages and a great way to enjoy summer nights in the park.

🎶Music + Market (Hastings)
Thursdays, 6:30pm
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Music in the Park in downtown Hastings—an evening filled with live music, a local Makers Market, a kid-friendly activity zone, and a variety of delicious food trucks. This free community event is open to all ages and offers something for everyone to enjoy.

The Makers Market and food trucks are open from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., the Kids’ Zone runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and live music will fill the park from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Please note: food trucks and vendors at the Makers Market accept cash or card, though some may not accept credit cards.

Schedule:
Thursday, June 5 - 6:30– 8:30 p.m. – ABBASolutely Fab – Tribute to ABBA
Thursday, June 12 - 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Coyote Wild – Country & Rock
Thursday, June 26 - 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Holy Rocka Rollaz – Tribute to the 50s
Thursday, July 3 - 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Steam Machine – Old-Time Bluegrass
Thursday, July 10 - 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. – International Reggae All Stars – Reggae
Thursday, July 24 - 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. – The Hot Toddies – Swing to Disco
Thursday, July 31 - 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Double Down – Tribute to 80s
Thursday, August 7 - 6:30– 8:30 p.m. – 70s Magic Sunshine – Tribute to 70s
Thursday, August 21 - 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Alma Andina – Salsa, Cumbia & Latin Rock
Thursday, August 28 - 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Chelsea Drugstore – Tribute to The Rolling Stones
Thursday, September 4 - 6:30– 8:30 p.m.– Gregg Hall & The Wrecking Ball – Country & Americana
Thursday, September 11  -6:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Wren + Wilde – Folk Rock

For more information, visit City of Hastings Summer Programs at Levee Park

🎶Summer Concert Series - Woodbury Lakes
Woodbury Lakes Shopping Center, is hosting the Summer Concert Series during July and August. This free, family-friendly event brings local talent to the Courtyard for live performances surrounded by shops and restaurants.

Schedule:
July 12 - Sonic Dream (jazz, soul, pop/rock)
July 26 - Daniel Switch (acoustic looping, Top 40)
August 9 - Daniel the Violinist (violin meets R&B, Afro-beats)
August 23 - Cavatina String Quartet (classical ensemble)

For more information, visit Woodbury Lakes.

🚌Hop Aboard the Skoolie Adventure!🍭

🚌Skoolie (Woodbury)
When: Monday-Thursday, 5-6:30pm.
June 16th - August 14th (No Fun Nights June 19 or June 30- July 3)

Join South Washington County Schools for their FREE weekly Skoolie Family Fun Nights—an exciting, family-friendly event that brings books, games, hands-on activities, and free food right to your neighborhood! Perfect for kids and families in Woodbury, Cottage Grove, Oakdale, and nearby communities, these Skoolie nights are a fun and accessible way to enjoy summer programming close to home.

Mondays - Pullman Elementary in St Paul Park
Tuesdays - Newport Elementary in Newport
Wednesday - Royal Oaks Elementary in Woodbury
Thursday - Armstrong Elementary in Cottage Grove

For more information visit SoWash Community Education Skoolie.

📚Story Adventures Outside🌳

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🎭Puppet Wagon (Woodbury)
The Woodbury Puppet Wagon will be making its way through neighborhoods and parks this summer, delighting families with short and silly puppet shows packed with lively music and colorful characters. Each performance lasts approximately seven minutes and is perfect for young children and families looking for a fun, free outdoor activity. Puppet shows will be canceled in the event of inclement weather.

June 9 - August 14 (no shows July 3)
Mondays to Thursdays
9am - 11 am

Tuesday Evenings
6pm-7:30pm

For the full schedule and park locations, visit the City of Woodbury website.

📔Storytime in the Park (Woodbury)
Select Fridays at 10:30am
Families are invited to enjoy Story Time in the Park, a free outdoor reading event presented by Woodbury Parks and Recreation in partnership with Washington County Library. Held in local Woodbury parks, each session features a lively mix of three to four engaging stories, along with songs, rhymes, and finger-plays to keep young listeners entertained and learning. Story time lasts approximately 30 minutes and is geared toward toddlers and preschoolers, though children of all ages are welcome to attend. Events will be canceled in the case of inclement weather.

Friday, June 27, 10:30 am - Liberty Park
Friday, July 11, 10:30 am - Lion's Band Shell at Ojibway Park
Friday, July 25, 10:30 am - Liberty Park
Friday, Aug. 8, 10:30 am - Lion's Band Shell at Ojibway Park

For more information, visit the City of Woodbury website.

🪇Summer Wednesdays on the Lawn (Stillwater)
June 11 - August 6, 2025
Wednesday, 10:30am
Families are invited to the Stillwater Public Library every Wednesday morning for free weekly guest performances as part of the Summer Explorers series. Each program features engaging entertainment designed especially for school-age children, but all ages are welcome to attend. No registration is required.

Weather permitting, most events will take place outdoors on the library’s 4th Street lawn. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair. In the event of inclement weather, performances will be moved indoors to the Margaret Rivers Room. Don't miss this fun, family-friendly way to celebrate summer reading and community connection in Stillwater!

June 11 - Circus Manduhai
June 18 - Bill the Juggler
June 25 - Wendy’s Wiggle, Jiggle & Jam
July 2 - Science Heroes
July 9 - The Bazillions (kid-friendly rock-n-roll band)
July 16 - Brodini Comedy Magic Show
July 23 - Rap, Rock & Read with Miss Nina
July 30 - Hunter Marionettes (inside in Margaret Rivers A&B, upper level)
Aug 6 - Puppet Show – The Three Little Pigs (inside in Margaret Rivers A&B, upper level)

For more information, visit Stillwater Library

📔Storytime in the Park (Hastings)
Select Wednesdays at 10:30am
Join a free interactive storytime experience designed for children ages 7 and under. In partnership with Pleasant Hill Library, this engaging program features oversized storybook readings, games, songs, snacks, and take-and-make crafts that kids can enjoy at home. It’s a perfect way to support early literacy, creativity, and social interaction in a fun, family-friendly setting.

Schedule:
Wednesday, June 18 - Garden Theme
Wednesday, July 16 - Bear Theme
Wednesday, August 20 - 5 Senses Theme
Wednesday, September 17 - Rhythm Theme

For more information, visit City of Hastings Summer Programs at Levee Park

🌞 Let’s Make This Summer One to Remember!
From outdoor movies and music to puppet shows and storytimes in the park, there are so many ways to soak up the season with your family. Whether you're looking to plan ahead or just need a last-minute idea, there’s always something fun (and free!) happening nearby.

👉 Bookmark our Events Page—I update it daily with the latest family-friendly happenings in Woodbury, Cottage Grove, Oakdale, Stillwater, Hastings, and surrounding areas. Let’s make the most of these sunny days and magical nights!

I’m a local mom and the publisher of Macaroni KID Woodbury–Oakdale–Cottage Grove–Stillwater, your go-to guide for family fun in the South East Metro! Each week, I curate a FREE weekly e-newsletter, update our family-friendly website, and share the latest local events, kid-friendly activities, and small business spotlights on social media to help families like yours stay in the know.  Whether you live here, work nearby, or are just visiting, I’m here to make it easy for you to find fun things to do with your kids in Woodbury, Oakdale, Cottage Grove, Stillwater, and beyond. Join our community of moms, dads, grandparents, and caregivers—SUBSCRIBE TODAY and never miss out on local family fun!

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