Guide to Free Summer Events in Inver Grove Heights

All that nice weather we've seen this year has summer on the mind of everyone, including the Inver Grove Heights Parks & Recreation Department.

The department's recently released list of 2012 free events reflects a few additions to what has been offered in years past.

Recreation Superintendent Tracy Petersen encourages area residents to "join the Inver Grove Heights Parks and Recreation Department this summer with these great, family-friendly free events." 

Day Events

Outdoor Expo at  (9 a.m. to noon), May 5

• Learn more about kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, disc golf, archery, outdoor photography or wilderness survival skills.
• If you're interested in being a vendor, contact Nick Thompson.

Pickleball Demo (ages 18+) at North Valley Park, May 19

• Check out the sport that has been taking the nation by storm;
• Experienced pickleball instructors will demonstrate the rules, strategies and general game play;
• Paddles and balls will be available for use;
• Register by Friday, May 11.    

Hike it! National Trails Day at  (10 a.m. start), June 2

• Participants will receive a free gift and snack
• Pre-registration is recommended by Friday, May 25
• Register online at www.funatthegrove.com 

Groovin' In the Park at (10:30 a.m. start)

• Bring your own blanket or chair;
• Treats sponsored by River Heights Arts Alliance;
• No registration needed;
• Rain out location is

Dates & themes  

• Tuesday, June 26 (Sticks and Tones)
• Tuesday, July 31 (Will Hale & Tadpole Parade)
• Tuesday, Aug. 21 (Wendy's Wiggle, Jiggle and Jam)

Family Discmania Days at  

• Learn the game of disc golf;
• Course, discs and instruction provided;
• Win prizes and participate in contests.
• No preregistration is required.
• Offered in partnership with a grant from PDGA

Dates & times  

• Session 1: Tuesday, June 19 (6-7:30 p.m.)
• Session 2: Saturday, July 21 (1-2:30 p.m.)
• Session 3: Tuesday, July 24 (6-7:30 p.m.)

Story Time at  (10:30 a.m. start)

• Bring your own blanket or chair;
• No registration needed;
• Rain out location is 
• Offered in cooperation with

Dates   

• Session 1: Tuesday, June 19
• Session 2: Tuesday, July 10

Get Active at Inver Glen Library (10:30 a.m. start), July 24

• Parks & Rec staff will host a games session for the whole family.
• This year's theme is "Book-a-Wockie"    

Evening Events

2012 St. Paul Farmer's Market at  (3-6:30 p.m.) Thursdays June 21-Oct. 4

• Purchase fresh and locally grown fruits, vegetables, seasoning, salsa, honey, flowers and more;

Penny carnival (ages 4-12) at  (4-6:30 p.m.), July 12

• Bounce on the moonwalk and have fun with games, prizes, and special booths ... all for between 1-5 cents;
• No registration is required; 
• Rain location: Inside VMCC

Movies in the Park 

• Bring a chair or blanket;
• All movies start at sunset;
• Come early for pre-movie festivities 

Dates, times & movies  

• Thursday, July 26 "The Muppets" (approx. 8:45 p.m.) Southern Lakes Park
• Thursday, Aug. 16 "Goonies" (approx. 8:15 p.m.) South Valley Park