Fun things to do in Twin Cities for 13-17 yo

The Nice Ride bikes are fun, here's a map of stations: https://www.niceridemn.org/

Foggy's ideals will keep you busy!

And if you go to Lake Calhoun (great idea!), time it for lunch or dinner.  The boathouse restaurant (Tin Fish) is great!  The food servings are huge, you could share a couple of different baskets for variety.

If you like walking around, I always recommend either (or both) Minnehaha Falls and Fort Snelling.   You can access some great paths by the water (Minnehaha Creek or the Mississippi) and bring a picnic.

For your location for beaches, I recommend any of the Three Rivers Parks.  Bryant Park is probably the closest, although I like Hyland for their trails and facilities.  I have never swam there, though I am sure they have a beach...   In the city, if I had to pick a city lake, I would suggest Cedar Lake over Calhoun, etc. I just think they get really crowded and can have icky clientele.  Nokomis is big and great for swimming, but I don't think worth the drive for you and it's crowded and you may have to pay to park.

The Minneapolis lakes and Three Rivers Parks have free access.

For a SUPER nice beach/facility, you can pay $5/head for Shady Oak Beach in Minnetonka.

Hyland: http://www.threeriversparks.org/parks/hyland-lake-park.aspx

Baker Park: http://www.threeriversparks.org/parks/baker-park.aspx

Cedar Lake: http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&parkid=261

If you're here on a Tuesday between now and August 14th, there is free swimming across Lake Nokomis from the Main beach.  It's about 600 yards each way and it's sponsored by the Mpls Parks people. It's REALLY fun and I'd love to meet you out there!  It's from 5:30-7:30 pm.

Hyland does not have a beach - but there is one a little ways away at Bush Lake.  It is city run and cost $6 or so to park and use it.  I swim there twice a week - it's small with a weed line at the first set of buoys after you get past those, there aren't many.  There are fun swim platforms there.

http://www.ci.bloomington.mn.us/main_top/2_facilities/rec_facility/bush_lake_beach/bush_lake_beach.htm

Valleyfair - think 6 Flags and water park

http://www.valleyfair.com/

the City of Bloomington has outdoor water park

http://www.ci.bloomington.mn.us/main_top/2_facilities/rec_facility/bfac/bfac_facility.htm

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

http://garden.walkerart.org/index.wac

There is also waterpark of america by the mall of america.

http://www.waterparkofamerica.com/

Thanks for the ideas..keep them coming.

Anyone know anything about this water park?

Battle Creek Waterworks Family Aquatic Center

It's been quite some time since I've been there - but I remember it being more for the younger crowd.  

Bunker Park is an awesome one with a wave pool.  A lot more teens.

http://www.bunkerbeach.com/default.htm

Thanks for all the ideas! BTers are so incredibly helpful!

My Dad has radiation 11:45 every day which chops up the day.

Lake Harriett & movie today, and planning on doing the Water Park Wednesday.

How is the bike path from Hopkins to Chaska? River Bluff trail I think?

I have some health issues and is best for me to ride where it is as flat as possible to avoid hip issues. So looking for flat route. Around lakes has been good but thinking leaving from Hopkins is more time efficient.

I had no idea that trail was called River Bluff, but I know what you mean now after searching.  That trail is dead flat with one little blip where you have to cross Hwy 62.  You can actually go under, but it's rocky and you'd have to walk. I do this when running.  The trail itself is crushed limestone, if that matters. 

Same as the trail that Foggy suggested from downtown Hopkins into Lake Minnetonka.  Very few small hills, just to navigate an intersection, really flat, crushed limestone.     I think the scenery on the trail to Lake Minnetonka is better and it goes on for a bit longer I think.  Here's that one: http://www.threeriversparks.org/trails/lake-minnetonka-trail.aspx.    Kathy - this one goes right by LA Fitness where we met to swim.  It starts a block or two east, so you can park either residential or in the LAF lot.