Family events in Duluth, MN

Step aboard the retired freighter for a self-guided tour at the William A. Irvin Museum. Historical interpreters are stationed throughout to answer questions and guide you to each next stop. The tour typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes, and tickets are general admission, so you can arrive any time during open hours as long as you’re checked in by 4:30 PM. Please note the ship is not ADA accessible and includes multiple staircases. Parking is available in the DECC Parking lot across from the museum for an additional fee, and restrooms are located on board in the gift shop area.

Celebrate Spirit Valley with a welcoming showcase of distinctive cars, motorcycles, and impressive big rigs. Admission is free, and live music sets the tone with a performance by the Randy Lee Ensemble on a trailer stage. Visitors are encouraged to explore and support nearby businesses while enjoying the displays. Participants will be guided by show staff in yellow shirts during entry and setup. Please be patient with coordinators as they prepare the area, and follow staff directions for a smooth exit when the show wraps up. For everyone’s safety, burnout demonstrations are not allowed. Pedal bicycles are not permitted within the show area, and those using strollers should take extra care around the vehicles on display. Participation is free.

Hop aboard for a family-friendly, narrated 2-hour train excursion along the historic Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad. The ride takes you through the St. Louis River Estuary, a wildlife sanctuary where you may spot bald eagles and osprey, and you’ll get scenic views of the Duluth riverfront that you can’t easily reach by car or on foot. It’s best to arrive about a half-hour before departure so you’re ready to board.

Minnesota author and illustrator Barbara Linert will be at The Bookstore at Fitger's for a book signing featuring her children's book, Tales of a Dog Named Kitty. This collection shares real-life adventures from the perspective of a lovable dog with an unexpected name, including learning to swim, befriending a cat, getting lost, going to school, and chasing the dream of catching a squirrel. Attendees can meet the author and illustrator, purchase copies, have books personalized and signed, and hear about the true stories that inspired the book. This event is free and open to the public, welcoming families, book lovers, and readers of all ages.

This community fun day offers a lively, family-friendly experience with games and activities for all ages, tasty food and drinks, a live DJ, colorful face painting, and a cheerful ice cream social. The atmosphere is designed for making memories together and welcoming participants of every generation. Organizers are also seeking volunteers, sponsors, and vendors.

Adventure awaits as the Douglas County Drug Prevention Coalition brings Movies on the Island back for its second year at Barker’s Island Festival Park in Superior.

Visit the William A. Irvin Museum for a self-guided experience on board the retired freighter. Historical interpreters are stationed at key locations to help answer questions and guide you through. Plan to spend about 45 to 60 minutes, arriving anytime during open hours as long as you’re in by 4:30 PM. Please note the museum is not ADA accessible and includes multiple staircases. General admission tickets are nonrefundable, and there are no refunds or exchanges.

Enjoy a cup of coffee and relax by the fire while connecting with neighbors. Browse food and local crafts, and take part in a welcoming atmosphere focused on building community.

KidFest brings a full day of family activities to Memorial Park as part of Spirit Valley Days. Families will find bounce houses, games, crafts, music, face painting, and more spread throughout the park. The bounce houses are made possible by a donation from the Irving Community Club. This event is free and welcomes all ages.

Each week features a free storytime in a different neighborhood park with the Duluth Public Library, followed by youth-focused recreation activities with Parks & Recreation. Stories, songs, rhymes, and playful reading help build early literacy skills for little learners. The program is designed for children ages 0 to 5, and all ages are welcome to enjoy the story and try the recreation equipment. This week marks the final Story & Play of the summer at Fairmont Park.

Explore the William A. Irvin Museum with a self-guided tour experience, complete with historical interpreters stationed at key points to help explain the ship and direct you through each area. The visit typically lasts about 45 to 60 minutes, and tickets are general admission for entry during the open hours, with the last tour beginning at 4:30 PM. Please note the retired freighter includes multiple staircases and is not ADA accessible. Parking is available in the DECC parking lot across from the museum for an additional fee, and restrooms are located on board in the gift shop.

Enjoy rock, pop, and Americana from Indecent Proposal as part of a free, nine-week Music in the Park concert series now in its 43rd year. Every performance lasts 90 minutes and, for this season, all shows take place at Lincoln Park while improvements are underway at Chester Park. Parking at Lincoln Park is limited, so consider walking, biking, or taking the bus. When using neighborhood streets, follow the city’s alternate side parking guidelines. The Twin Ports Express food truck will be on site, and bringing a lawn chair or blanket is a good idea. The series is presented by Duluth Parks & Recreation with support from promotional sponsors My95.7 and 98.9KTCO. For weather updates or cancellations, check the organizer’s website, social media, or weather hotline.

Tour the William A. Irvin on a self-guided experience with historical interpreters stationed at key points throughout the ship. The average visit takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Admission is general admission, and you can arrive any time during open hours for your tour day, but you must be checked in by 4:30 PM. Please note the vessel is not ADA accessible and includes multiple staircases. Tickets are nonrefundable and there are no exchanges.

Head to Harrison Park for the Twin Ports Roots Market summer season. It runs weekly on Thursdays from June through October and features local vendors, community activities, seasonal produce, live music, and food access programs like Power of Produce to help support fresh food in the community.

A one hour cruise aboard the Vista Queen offers a family friendly outing designed with kids and parents in mind. Timed between nap time and dinner, it features rotating onboard activities to keep little ones engaged while adults relax and enjoy views of Duluth's harbor and Lake Superior. It fits easily into a summer day for visitors and locals, with fresh air, waterfront scenery, and plenty of chances for photos together. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase, including a full bar. Please note that the Vista Queen is not wheelchair accessible.

Join the Duluth-area walk for a family-friendly event that brings together people affected by epilepsy to raise critical funds, build community, and show support. The walk includes activities for families, local speakers, and chances to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

This summer, neighbors gather at Harrison Community Center/Club for casual game nights and friendly get-togethers. Participants are welcome to bring a favorite game and an optional snack to share. It is a relaxed way to play with familiar faces and meet new people.

Breanne Marie and The Front Porch Sinners bring a Great Lakes country sound with alt-country roots to the Music on the Ship series aboard the William A. Irvin. The performance unfolds on the freighter’s spar deck, offering a distinctive open-air setting for a family-friendly show. Admission is free, but capacity is limited to 140 people. As a historic vessel, the Irvin does not provide handicap access. Guests may bring their own chairs, but they must be in bags. Snacks and nonalcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.