About Summer Kick-off

Get updates on the Facebook Event Page

Families are invited to the Summer Kick-off, your one-stop-shop to learn about exciting summer programs offered by organizations all across Saint Paul. With representatives from various programs all at one place, families can explore their options, choose programs they are interested in, and sign-up right on site, with many of the confirmed vendors offering free programs or scholarships.

In addition to providing information about summer activities, the Summer Kick-off will also feature fun activities for children and families. Fun for families & people of all ages including:

2026 Summer Kickoff
  • Train like a Hero activities- Test your physical & mental abilities while training like a hero.  Join in a mini workout; obstacle course, fun run, and learn about health & safety all while meeting your local heroes. No pre-registration needed.  
  • Gaming Truck, Giant Bubbles, Chalk Art, and Yard Games
  • Double Dutch, Fast Pitch, Tennis, Golf, Robotics, and more

This event is free to attend, and attendees can stop by the Harriet Island Pavilion anytime between 12 – 2 p.m. All are welcome.

Register your organization  Download the Event Flyer   

Getting to the event

Metro Transit Free Ride Pass

Download Your Free Metro Transit Pass

Free Metro Transit bus passes will be available to those attending the event.

  • Los asistentes al evento recibirán pases gratuitos de autobús de Metro Transit.
  • Kaarka Baska Metro Transit oo lacag la'aan ayaa dhiyaar u ah kuwa ka soo qaybgalaya xafladda.
  • Yuav muaj pib caij cov npav Metro Transit rau cov neeg uas mus koom lub koom txoos no.
  • မဲၣ်ထြိၤထြဲးစ့ၣ်ဘၢးစ်ဖးစ်တဖၣ်အိၣ်ဝဲလၢပှၤကလဲၤဆူမူးတၢ်ရဲၣ်တၢ်ကျဲၤတဖၣ်အဂီၢ်လီၤ.

Check out who will be at the Summer Kick-off!

OrganizationFor agesDescription 
AutomatonsAll AgesHave you ever played catch with a robot? Here’s your chance! Come and meet The Automatons, a FIRST Robotics team from Highland Park Senior High School and their newest robot! The robot will be tossing nerf balls to the crowd and the team will show kids of all ages how they met this year’s FIRST robot building challenge!
Black Youth Healing Arts CenterPK - 18 yrsDrumming, Basketball Skills, Sewing, Gardening, and Cheerleading
CollegeBound Saint Paul - City of Saint Paul0 - 5 yrsEvery child in Saint Paul born Jan 1, 2020 and after gets a college savings account with $50! Engage in the program to earn more and start saving for your child's future. 
Community Action of Ramsey and Washington Counties- Head Start and Early Head Start0 - 5 yrsHead Start and Early Head Start offer high-quality early childhood programs for families with children ages birth to five. Services include school readiness, health and developmental screenings, and family support.
East Side Arts Council PK - High SchoolESAC will be offering our traveling summer Artmobile Program, which provides drop in art classes at rec centers and libraries across St. Paul. This program, aimed at ages 3-13, is free and open to the public! All supplies will be provided. ESAC will also be offering arts programming in collaboration with St. Paul Parks and Rec, for youth enrolled in Rec Check. 
First Tee Golf Program7 - 15 yrsCome try our portable blow-up driving range at the event. At First Tee - Minnesota, we help kids 7-15 build the strength of character they need to face life’s challenges with confidence. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with life skills curriculum, we create learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do.   
Girls on the Run6 - 12 yrsJoin Girls on the Run for Camp GOTR, July 20-24! This is a one-of-a-kind summer adventure for girls entering 3rd–6th grades, where confidence blooms, friendships grow, and fun is everywhere. In a joyful, inclusive environment, girls play games, stay active, get creative, and share stories to discover their inner strength. Led by caring and trained coaches, Camp GOTR brings together the heart of the GOTR program and the magic of camp for an unforgettable week. 
Go Solar Education LLC Elementary SchoolThis summer, let your child dive into a world of hands-on STEM learning and solar innovation!  Our In-House Summer Camps are designed to ignite creativity, curiosity, and eco-consciousness through two exciting one-week sessions—each packed with fun, learning, and take-home solar-powered projects.
Hamline University McVay Youth PartnershipMiddle - High SchoolJoin Hamline University McVay Youth Partnership's summer program! Activities lead by Hamline University students and staff, will include field trips around the cities, community service, and more, with a focus on building connections and community. There is no cost to participate. Summer programming runs July 6 - 31, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:00pm - 4:00pm. 
HAP Academy OIC 16 yrs- AdultsWe serve both adults (25 and over) and youth (16-24) with credential-based programming across the age groups, designed to teach skills that lead to livable wage careers in high-demand industries. By enrolling in one of our five training tracks, clients get hands-on training and apprenticeship experience from experts, and even potential college credits and certification through our partnerships with local colleges. Our classes are specially designed to be culturally sensitive. Upon completion, our employment services staff assist clients with job placements in positions that offer a significantly higher salary and ladder for advancement.
HAP ASCEND12 - 24 yrsASCEND responds to the sensitive topics of vulnerable Southeast Asian youth, ages 12-24, by providing support to cultivate healthy relationships with family, friends, and self. Our advocates are here to help create a safe space to have conversations. We coordinate fun activities and networking events for you to connect with others or simply meet you where you're at to help you grow and recover. 
Laura Jeffrey Academy12-14 yrsEvery summer, our school takes its seventh and eighth graders on a 5-day canoe trip with the Friends of the Boundary Waters through the "No Boundaries to the Boundary Waters" program. 
Marine Corps Recruiting Station Twin Cities The Marines at Recruiting Station Twin Cities are seeking men and women who aspire to challenge themselves, uphold the highest standards of honor, courage, and commitment, and work through the enlistment process to earn the title “Marine.”
Metro TransitHigh SchoolThe Met Council’s Internship Program offers professional development opportunities for students in a variety of post-secondary fields of study. Our internships are designed to provide students meaningful work and be an introduction to public service and a chance to discover the Met Council. Whether they are out on a construction site, in the lab, or in the office, their work at the Met Council matters. 
Minnesota Boat ClubMiddle - High SchoolMinnesota Boat Club offers junior rowing team experience. Learn a new sport, true team work and the opportunity to compete at rowing regattas. 3 day camps to introduce your Middle - High School student to Sport of Rowing.
Minnesota Toy Library0 - 5 yrsThe Minnesota Toy Library is a toy lending program for families with children ages birth to 5 years. Like a book library, you can check-out up to five toys, take them home for 2-4 weeks and exchange them for new ones when you return!
Pitcher Perfect BB & SB Academy6 - 12 yrsCome test your throwing stress with our pitching machine at the event. Youth ages 6-12 will work on the fundamentals of baseball skills & drills:  catching, throwing, hitting, infield & scrimmage play.  Instructor:  Pitcher Perfect Academy.   Bring your mitt & a water bottle.7/20-7/23, 2026  1-3 pm at Palace Rec. Center
Ramsey County Public Health - Child and Teen Checkups0 - 18 yrsRamsey County Child and Teen Checkups is a preventative health program. We help families find doctors and dentists for their children. We also provide referrals to other needed resources. 
RONDO Double DutchAll agesRondo Double Dutch is a community-focused crew aimed at spreading love, peace, and unity through the sport of Double Dutch. 
Saint Paul Children's Collaborative0 - 18 yrsThe Saint Paul Children’s Collaborative’s mission is to mobilize the influence and resources of the city, county, school district, and community to improve outcomes for young people in Saint Paul. SPCC is a financial supporter of the Summer Choice Fair because of the belief that all families should have easy access to the services and supports they need to thrive, including summer programming.
St. Paul Office of Neighborhood Safety- Project PEACE2 yrs - AdultsProject PEACE helps keep Saint Paul safe by supporting individuals and families who are at the highest risk of being involved in gun violence. Led by a team of skilled professionals from local neighborhoods, the program builds strong, supportive relationships that enhance safety and well-being across our communities. Project PEACE life coaches and outreach workers support those who are most likely to become involved in gun violence—so they can stay alive, safe, and free. 
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Preschool3 - 5 yrsSaint Paul Parks and Recreation Preschool offers recreational activities for kids ages 3-5. 
Saint Paul Public Library0 - 18 yrsSummer Spark is Saint Paul Public Library’s summer reading initiative for kids and teens ages 0–18. From June 1 to August 31, kids and teens are encourage complete reading challenges and earn books and fun prizes to keep. Whether you're a parent whose child is just beginning to read or you're a teen tearing through a graphic novel, Summer Spark helps growing readers stay engaged and build a lifelong love of reading.
Saint Paul Public School Summer Learning ProgramsElementary - Middle SchoolSPPS Summer Learning Programs offer something for every K–8 student—art, STEM, languages and culture, outdoor adventures, and more. Learners build new skills, strengthen what they know, and get ready for the next school year through fun, hands-on activities. All programs are free, include transportation, and run Monday–Friday.
Small Sums High SchoolSmall Sums outfits unhoused workers with the specific work items required to start a new job. With our practical and timely assistance, we help remove the obstacles that often prevent workers from being able to take a job.
Sol of the CitiesElementary - Middle SchoolSol of the Cities offers free youth programming that blends futsal/soccer, service, and skill-building. Through our Serve-to-Play futsal league, youth ages 7–14 earn their place on the court by giving back to their community. Programs focus on wellness and leadership, creating pathways for growth both on and off the court.
SPPS Community Ed Youth EnrichmentPK - 14 yrsKeep kids active and engaged this summer with Community Education! Whether your child wants to dive into a hobby, brush up on academics, or simply have fun and make friends, we have you covered with exciting half- and full-day camps, enriching classes, and a self-paced workbook program. Our sliding fees let you pay what you can afford, ensuring accessible opportunities for every family. Visit our table to explore our programs and learn how to register!
Saint Paul Fire DepartmentAll AgesThink you have what it takes to be a firefighter? Come participate in an obstacle course involving, carrying fire houses, mannequin victim rescue, and a forceable entry prop. There will even be a fire truck on site!
Saint Paul Urban Tennis (SPUT)Elementary - High schoolSPUT offers affordable, inclusive youth tennis programs year-round for ages 5-18. Our youth coaches provide skill development through seasonal clinics, summer camps, and team tennis opportunities at accessible St. Paul locations. We welcome all skill levels and backgrounds, making tennis fun and accessible for every child in our community. Register now and spend your summer with SPUT!
The Free Book Buggie0 - 18 yrsWe will be present with our 26' Book Buggie loaded with hundreds of children's books. All of our books are FREE! Children are encouraged to select as many books as they want.
Walker West Music AcademyElementary - High SchoolHalf day camp for beginner musicians who have completed grades K-6, July 6-24, 8AM - 12PM, and  Full day camp for musicians who have completed grades 6-12, August 3-7, 10AM - 4PM, tuition assistance available
Wyldwolf Games8 yrs - AdultsJoin Wyldwolf Games this summer for Dungeons & Dragons adventures throughout Saint Paul! Youth can learn to play this classic tabletop roleplaying game and embark on guided Adventures at the Saint Anthony Park Library, while adults and families can participate through Saint Paul Community Education. Programs focus on storytelling, teamwork, creativity, and problem solving through collaborative tabletop adventures.
Youth Performance CompanyElementary - Middle SchoolDance! Sing! Act! Youth Performance Company offers week-long, Monday through Friday, full-day and half-day, Summer Theatre Classes for students in grades K-8. Our Summer session begins June 15 and wraps up September 4 for a whole summer of fun! Opportunities for beginning and advanced students. Topics include acting, musical theatre, improv and more! Get your groove on at YPC!