Things to Do in Coon Rapids

For most of the year, the outer concourses of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome fill with the aromas of hot dogs and grilled onions to feed hungry fans during Vikings and Twins games. But from November through April, the smooth concrete floors of those same concourses become the skating surface for the Rollerblade RollerDome. Skaters have taken over the Metrodome every winter for decades, including in 1993, when Jonathan Seutter set a Guinness World Record there by skating 271 miles in 24 hours. The half-mile concrete loops provide the ideal conditions for speed skaters and beginners alike. On the upper level, experienced skaters get a cardio workout with separate alleys for speed skating and leisurely coasting. On the lower level, kids and novices can take their time while skating along to music spun by onsite DJs and really hip spiders.

Bunker Beach now features six towering waterslides, a 900’ lazy river, leisure pool with climbing wall, a zero-entry pool with a water play structure, a creative sand play area, and as always, Minnesota’s largest outdoor wave pool! Large open areas for sunning and relaxing are scattered throughout the water park.

The Twin Cities Originals are a coalition of locally owned and operated restaurants with a shared mission of preserving and promoting the distinctive experience of dining at individually owned eateries. This year’s event will give you unlimited access to the gourmet goodies of 20 local restaurants. As you graze among Woolley’s Steakhouse, Great Waters Brewing Co., and Azia Restaurant, you’ll get bottomless beer and wine tastings throughout the event to wash down the wonderful wares. You’ll also witness first-hand the “Restaurant Olympics,” where local celebrity judges will rank area bartenders and chefs as they go head-to-head in a Chairman Kaga-free battle for culinary domination. TCO will also play host to a wine raffle ($10 per ticket) that will award two thirsty people 30 bottles of wine. So take a stand against chain restaurants and support local, independently owned restaurateurs, or gift a Groupon to a food-obsessed friend and treat them to a fun night on two towns.

Although it’s known for comedies such as the two-man, 24-character A Tuna Christmas, Actors Theater of Minnesota also places a significant emphasis on education and corporate training. At The Creative Institute, the ensemble trains students how to work theatrical media such as improv and writing into their everyday problem-solving skills.

Focusing on helping disadvantaged individuals in urban communities since 1879, Pillsbury United Communities is a nonprofit organization with multiple locations, including four neighborhood centers and a professional live theater. With the help of 200 staff members, PUC promotes proactive childhood, teen, and adult development while addressing the concerns of more than 35,000 people each year. Attendees of the Home Field Advantage All-Star Game event will be able to nosh on tasty ballpark fare that includes hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and more while perusing the scenic confines of brand-new Target Field. Additionally, participants will get to view the 2010 All-Star Game in a memorable locale while helping support PUC’s mission. During the game, take the opportunity to meet some of PUC's own "All-Stars" and learn more about the organization's future plans and goals. Enjoy an evening of world-class baseballing while helping to improve local communities with today’s side deal.