Family Activities in Minneapolis, MN — 2026 Guide
Minneapolis and its twin St. Paul deliver outstanding family experiences from the Mall of America to incredible parks and lakes. The Twin Cities embrace all four seasons with creative indoor attractions and beautiful outdoor spaces.
Get personalized ideas — text Emmie at (877) 703-6643Indoor Activities
Mall of America
More than 520 stores, Nickelodeon Universe indoor amusement park, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Crayola Experience, and dozens of dining options.
60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
Visit websiteMinnesota Children's Museum
Interactive exhibits designed for children ages 6 months to 10 years with climbing structures and imaginative play.
10 W 7th St, St. Paul, MN 55102
Visit websiteScience Museum of Minnesota
Hands-on science exhibits, an Omnitheater, and traveling exhibitions in downtown St. Paul.
120 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55102
The Bakken Museum
Interactive exhibits about electricity and magnetism where kids make movies and test experiments on the shore of Bde Maka Ska.
3537 Zenith Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55416
Can Can Wonderland
An artist-designed indoor mini golf course and arcade with creative, one-of-a-kind obstacles.
755 Prior Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55104
Outdoor Activities
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Lions, giraffes, polar bears, and lush botanical gardens. Admission is free (donations accepted).
1225 Estabrook Dr, St. Paul, MN 55103
Visit websiteMinnehaha Regional Park
Explore the iconic 53-foot waterfall, rent bikes, and enjoy playgrounds, wading pools, and picnic areas.
4801 S Minnehaha Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Chain of Lakes
Swim, paddleboard, kayak, or bike around Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, and Lake of the Isles.
Walker Art Center Sculpture Garden
Free outdoor sculpture garden with the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, plus Skyline Mini Golf with city views.
725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Bell Museum
Minnesota's natural history museum with wildlife dioramas, Touch and See Lab, and MacMillan Planetarium.
2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St. Paul, MN 55113
Free Things to Do
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Free zoo and botanical garden with lions, giraffes, and polar bears.
Minnehaha Falls
Free access to the iconic waterfall, trails, and park.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Free art museum with Family Day events on the second Sunday of every month.
2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Walker Sculpture Garden
Free outdoor sculpture park with 40+ artworks.
Rainy Day Plan
Mall of America
Nickelodeon Universe, SEA LIFE, and hundreds of stores under one roof.
Science Museum of Minnesota
Interactive science exhibits and Omnitheater.
Can Can Wonderland
Indoor artist-designed mini golf and arcade.
Minnesota Children's Museum
Interactive play for young children.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring
- •Minnehaha Falls at peak flow from snowmelt
- •Como Park blooms
- •Farmers markets reopen
Summer
- •Lake swimming and paddleboarding
- •Minnesota State Fair (late August)
- •Free outdoor concerts
Fall
- •Fall foliage along the Chain of Lakes
- •Apple picking at nearby orchards
- •Corn mazes
Winter
- •Indoor play at Mall of America
- •Ice skating on frozen lakes
- •Holiday lights at Como Park
Nearby Day Trips
Valleyfair
25 miles south
Minnesota's largest amusement park with roller coasters, a water park, and family rides.
Stillwater
25 miles east
A charming river town with boat rides, antique shops, and scenic bluffs along the St. Croix.
Duluth & North Shore
150 miles north
Lake Superior beaches, Gooseberry Falls, the Great Lakes Aquarium, and the iconic Lift Bridge.
Local Parent Tips
Minneapolis winters are brutal (often below zero). Indoor attractions and the skyway system downtown are lifesavers.
The Minnesota State Fair in late August is one of the best family events in the entire Midwest.
Como Park Zoo is free and excellent. It rivals many paid zoos in quality.
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