Family events in Bismarck, ND

Bismarck Airport will be at the Dakota Zoo with activities that include meeting animals, discovering more about the airport, and opportunities to win prizes. Complimentary ice cream is available to the first 500 children. Regular zoo admission is required.

Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week with a family-friendly splash day hosted by the Milkyways community. Children can enjoy splash pad play and kid-centered activities, while everyone can grab snacks, take part in giveaways, and get complimentary photos with parents and little ones. Support is available through a latch and weight check clinic, and there will be a few unexpected treats as well. The event also honors Makenna for earning IBCLC certification, adding another lactation professional to support Milkyways families. All are welcome, and attendees can bring the kids, a friend, and any breastfeeding questions.

Enjoy a free PG-rated screening of Hoppers beneath the stars at Lions Park, part of Bismarck Parks and Recreation District’s summer series that brings one outdoor movie each month from June through September. Screenings begin about half an hour after sunset. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket, and feel free to bring non-alcoholic beverages and snacks to enjoy during the show. July, August, and September screenings are sponsored by Essentia Health.

Kirkwood Mall and BLC present a two day card show featuring an interactive mix of sports cards and trading card games. Collectors can browse, buy, sell, and trade with more than 40 confirmed vendors, creating a lively marketplace at Kirkwood Mall. A limited number of vendor tables remain.

Now in its third edition, Bundle Up Your Baby Bump in Bismarck welcomes new and expecting parents to the gym at St. Mary’s Academy for a free opportunity to pick up baby essentials. Items available are lightly used and donated by local community members, offering a budget-friendly way to prepare for a growing family. The event is supported by Goebel Pediatric Dentistry.

Celebrate a decade of Volkswagen enthusiasm at the 10th Annual VW Show, a family friendly celebration of classic and modern VWs. Enjoy food and refreshments, door prizes, and plenty to see with dozens of Volkswagens on display. Owners of any Volkswagen can register a vehicle for $10 to participate, while spectators are welcome to admire the collection. A portion of proceeds benefits the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation.

BisMarket is spotlighting community involvement with Kids Market #3, where 15 kids will host their own booths and share goods they have made alongside regular market vendors. Transitions Yoga will lead free yoga in the park, with donations supporting Ministry on the Margins, Furry Friends Rockin’ Rescue, and the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition. A dedicated kids yoga session adds a playful experience designed for children and their parents. Live music will feature performances by Kris Kitko and Sweet Liver.

Dakota Pro Musica is hosting a special parent-and-infant singing class designed to help babies and caregivers enjoy music from the very start. The session will feature breathing techniques, lullabies, rhythms, and rhymes, with an emphasis on how a parent’s voice supports bonding, relaxation, and love. Parents will also leave with simple songs and strategies they can use to bring music into everyday routines. Free and open to all parents with infants and toddlers, with media invited.

Clark the Lark marks a decade with a birthday celebration at Elk Ridge Park. The event features inflatables and games along with pizza and cake, made possible by support from Knutson Realty. Admission is free.

Get ready for a full day of high-flying monster truck action at Dacotah Speedway. This event features two shows, plus extra motorsports fun like freestyle motocross and kids powerwheel races. The matinee runs in the afternoon, with gates opening early for a pre-show meet and greet pit party, and the evening show follows with its own gates opening and pit party time. Bring the whole family for nonstop excitement in a rain-or-shine lineup.

Support bumble bee conservation at Dakota Zoo while exploring the Great Plains Bumble Bee Atlas. Take part in interactive community science activities that help conservation efforts. This event is free and open to all ages, and friends are welcome.

A community benefit is being held to support Nelson and the family following a recent cancer diagnosis. The gathering includes a donation-based spaghetti dinner, an auction with silent bidding, and a selection of homemade baked goods for purchase. Proceeds will help the family during this challenging time.

Tom O’Leary in Bismarck presents an Adult Junior golf tournament featuring a modified alternate-shot format. Entry requires a completed registration form with a $40 fee, plus $10 for each additional child when the same parent plans to play more than once. Start time and starting hole details will be shared ahead of play. For questions or more information, contact John Loomis at 701-220-5970.

Participate in a monarch conservation event at Dakota Zoo that focuses on caring for monarch caterpillars and introduces the Monarch Watch program. Get involved in practical community science activities suitable for all ages. The experience is free, and friends are welcome.

The Annual Ice Cream Social brings a sweet celebration to the Former Governors Mansion State Historic Site in Bismarck. The gathering is free and welcoming to all ages. This year it is part of ND250, commemorating the United States' 250th birthday.

At Harmon Lake, this group ride serves as the season’s final outing, with the possibility of an extra session later on. Riders will be organized by age and ability before setting out on the trail, and waivers will be available to sign ahead of time. Afterward, participants can gather for a hot dog roast to celebrate a summer of riding. Parents are encouraged to take part and should either ride along or remain available in the parking lot. This is not a drop-off event. Helmets must be worn.

Long fermented sourdough takes center stage with fresh loaves, focaccia, and cookies available. In addition to the baked goods, the event features activities for children, live music, and a variety of vendors to explore, with food and drinks available for purchase.

A summer night market in Downtown Bismarck comes to life through a partnership with Trestle and local organizations, creating a welcoming community gathering that celebrates local makers and small businesses. Families can expect bounce houses for kids, yard games and interactive activities, and comfortable places to sit and connect. Live music, beer and wine stations, and a thoughtfully selected lineup of local vendors and food set the tone for an evening focused on hometown talent and flavors. The street is closed to form a walkable market space where friends, families, and neighbors can relax, explore, and enjoy time together.

This weekly Sunday afternoon social on the Trestle Patio in downtown Bismarck features live music, outdoor games, inflatables, food trucks, local vendors, giveaways, and chilled beverages. It is free and open to the public, with no tickets required. The series is supported by Global Neighbors and Mighty Missouri Coffee Company.

This weeklong school-age summer camp at Theo Art School invites kids to explore the Mammal Mountain ecosystem inspired by Zootopia. Campers will take part in hands-on art projects and creative activities centered on mountain wildlife, creating things like bear paintings, mountain goat sculptures, fox crafts, and woodland scenes using a variety of art materials and techniques. The camp runs daily with full-day options, plus half-day choices for families who want a shorter schedule.

Delve into the work of notable modern-era artists while creating original pieces across a variety of mediums. This weeklong art camp offers a full-day format with an option to attend for half days. Participants should bring a water bottle and a packed lunch. Tuition is $300 for the full-day week or $150 for the half-day week. Pre-registration is available.

This kids’ camp workshop focuses on imaginative play and creative expression. Children will get hands-on with paint and make their own personalized projects. Participants can choose a theme from the available options, and each theme includes four unique DIY activities to create. Pizza will be provided for lunch, making it a fun way to celebrate the last week of summer vacation.

Little animal fans can spend a week exploring the wonders of the animal world through creative projects and playful learning. Designed for preschoolers ages 3 to 5, this mini art camp blends hands-on artmaking with sensory activities, story time, and imaginative play. Each day highlights different creatures, from beloved pets and farm animals to bright birds, ocean dwellers, and tiny insects, with opportunities to discover how animals live, move, and relate to their surroundings. The experience nurtures curiosity, kindness, and a love of nature while building fine motor skills and encouraging self-expression through art. Weekly pricing is $75 for members and $80 for nonmembers.

Participants can cruise Main Street Mandan or head out on the open road. After the ride, there will be a freewill donation supper and a gun and sporting goods raffle that benefits The Bee-lievers.

Explore the North Dakota State Capitol grounds on a guided outdoor walk that shares the stories behind the buildings, the Capitol monuments, and the arboretum trail. The route is about a mile and the experience lasts roughly an hour, offering a comfortable pace. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are welcome. Attendees meet at the Capitol’s south visitor entrance, and visitor parking is located to the east.

Enjoy a family-friendly cultural learning experience exploring Taiwan through stories, games, and snacks. This event is part of the Summer 2026 Kids Culture Series, presented by the North Dakota Asian-American Arts and Cultural Initiative in partnership with the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library and Bismarck Library Foundation, Inc. Bring your family and friends for a fun, educational time.

This youth-focused series highlights global traditions, offering interactive explorations of India, South Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Mongolia through stories, crafts, and movement. Presented by the North Dakota Asian-American Arts and Cultural Initiative, the program takes place at the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library in the Children's Library Story Room. It is free and open to all children and their families, and no registration is required. NDAAACI is a nonprofit that showcases and celebrates Asian and Asian American arts, culture, and heritage throughout North Dakota. Members of the media are invited to attend.

Catch Sketch as part of a summer movie series at Riverstone Church. Space is limited, so reserve a spot in advance.

Presented by Dakota West Arts Council in partnership with Bismarck Parks and Recreation District, this weekly summer series brings musical activities and guest performers to the stage in Custer Park, all guided by music educator Kris Kitko. This session features Northern Plains Dance's Summer Youth Ensemble. Admission is free and everyone is welcome, including families with children of all ages. Bring lunch along and pack a blanket or lawn chairs for comfortable seating. If the weather turns bad, the program will relocate to the Capital Ice Complex.

Youthworks’ Street Outreach Team will set up an information table at the library, sharing resources and services for youth and the wider community. The outreach program connects with young people who have run away, are experiencing homelessness, or are at risk, and it offers immediate guidance along with health and wellness supplies.

Come stomp it out at Line Dance Lessons, where dancers of all skill levels are welcome. No partner is needed, just show up and learn. The session runs from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a $5 per dancer fee. Kids 12 and under can join for free.

Encourage imaginative play and creativity at a kids camp workshop where children dive into hands-on art, mixing paint and crafting personalized pieces. Participants choose a theme from the available options, and each theme features four unique DIY projects to make and enjoy. Pizza is provided for lunch, and the experience offers a cheerful way to celebrate the last week of summer vacation.

Perfect for connecting with friends or family, this hands-on DIY workshop lets each participant select a wood project from the gallery and create a custom sign. All materials are included and step-by-step instruction is provided, with a range of paint and wood stain colors to choose from. Make something for your home or prepare a gift. Pre-registration is required. Board & Brush Bismarck is a BYOB establishment.

Dakota West Arts Council presents the Summer Songs Concert Series at General Sibley Park and Campground in partnership with Bismarck Parks and Recreation District. This free event welcomes all ages and spotlights Avantide, a four-piece alternative rock band from Bismarck that draws on influences such as The Black Keys, Pavement, and Spoon, shaping tuneful hooks, memorable lyrics, and tight interplay. The concert is planned for the park’s amphitheater, with a move to shelter 1 if weather is poor.