Family Discovery Day: Summer Fun & Safety

🗓️ Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026 ⏰ Time: 4:00-7:00pm 📍 Place: MDC’s Heritage Park and Pavilion 😁 Age Range: All ages are welcome! 💸 Cost: FREE for all! 🖊️ Registration: Not necessary, just show up There are so many good ways to spend a summer in northeastern Minnesota—lounging at lakes, playing in parks, swimming in streams, trekking on trails, and more. Before you head outside and enjoy the Iron Range’s plentiful warm-weather recreational opportunities, prepare for the upcoming summer season with a free, fun safety fair! On Thursday, May 7, from 4:00-7:00pm, MDC is teaming up with a variety of community partners who specialize in safe summer fun for the whole family—including pets. During the event, you’ll be free to visit safety stations, talk with presenters, and interact with animals. Plus, our Museum, Research Center, Playground, and Play Studio will be open to explore. 🐐 Ed Nelson from Mr. Ed’s Farm will talk about summertime on his farm. Plus, he’s bringing some special furry friends along! 🐶The Mesabi Humane Society will discuss how to keep four-legged family members safe in the summer. They’re also bringing some special furry friends along with them! 🎣 MN DNR staffers from the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park will teach folks about fishing safety through interactive games and art projects. Plus, they’ll provide recent information on updates to our state parks! 🐻 Our friends from the North American Bear Center will talk about how to safely enjoy outdoor recreation in bear country, and they’ll share human-bear coexistence strategies and lots of fun facts about black bears! 🚲 The exercise experts from 30West Fitness & Rec will show folks about how to exercise safely in the heat! 🎭 And a special grandmother-granddaughter duo on MDC’s Staff will be putting on finger puppet shows about summer safety geared toward our youngest Iron Rangers! Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the Food Court. Remember: Staying well-fed and well-hydrated is an important part of staying safe in the summer heat! 🌭💧☀️