Things To Do With Kids in Minneapolis, MN
From museum magic to park adventures, discover awesome family fun in Minneapolis with kids today, all at prices you'll love!
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Unleash Little Minds through Exciting Kids Activities in Minneapolis
Fun-Filled Family Activities in Minneapolis
Planning a fun outing with your kids? There’s no shortage of exciting and enriching family activities in Minneapolis that work for kids of all ages. Whether you're looking to spend the day outdoors or beat the cold with an indoor adventure, this city offers plenty of options to keep little ones engaged while parents enjoy a stress-free experience.
Explore the Best Museums and Educational Spots
Minneapolis has some outstanding kid-friendly museums that make learning feel like playtime. Here are a few favorites:
- Minnesota Children’s Museum: With hands-on exhibits focused on creativity, movement, and exploration, this interactive space captivates toddlers to tweens.
- Science Museum of Minnesota: Located just across the river in St. Paul, the museum features dinosaur skeletons, hands-on experiments, and an IMAX theater.
- Bell Museum: This natural history museum on the University of Minnesota campus includes immersive exhibits and a state-of-the-art planetarium.
Outdoor Parks, Zoos, and Nature Activities
When the weather cooperates, Minneapolis shines with its abundant green space and outdoor attractions. Families can enjoy memorable afternoons at spots like:
- Como Park Zoo & Conservatory: Home to lions, giraffes, and polar bears, this free zoo also includes lush botanical gardens for a tranquil stroll.
- Minnehaha Regional Park: Explore the iconic waterfall, rent bikes, or enjoy a family picnic near the playground and wading pool.
- Theodore Wirth Regional Park: Known as Minneapolis’s version of Central Park, it offers trails, lake access, and seasonal activities like cross-country skiing.
Indoor Playgrounds and Tours for Active Families
For cold or rainy days, there are plenty of indoor options that still keep kids moving and intrigued:
- Can Can Wonderland: An indoor mini-golf course and arcade with artist-designed obstacles, this is one of the most unique things to do in Minneapolis with kids.
- Urban Air Adventure Park: Perfect for burning energy, this destination features trampolines, ropes courses, and climbing walls.
- Minneapolis Institute of Art: Surprisingly kid-friendly, the museum often hosts family days with interactive art activities and gallery hunts.
Other great family things to do in Minneapolis today include kid-friendly food tours, lake cruises, and puppet theaters like Open Eye Figure Theatre. With so many options provided by local businesses and cultural institutions, parents can easily plan a weekend that mixes fun, learning, and time together. Whether you're deep-diving into a hands-on science exhibit or enjoying a sunny day at one of the city’s many lakes, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Minneapolis with kids that everyone will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Indoor activities include the Minneapolis Children's Museum, Sea Life Aquarium, Crayola Experience Mall of America, and the Minnesota Science Museum, to name a few. Each place offers a variety of fun and educational activities that can keep children entertained for hours.
Absolutely! For outdoor kids activities, you could consider the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, Minnehaha Falls, Adventure Peak at Edinborough Park, and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Don't forget to check on their opening hours before visiting.
The Baby and Me storytime at various public libraries, toddler time at the local trampoline parks, and toddler Tuesdays at Mall of America are some of the popular options. Please remember to call ahead and inquire about age restrictions and availability.
Surely! The American Swedish Institute offers a variety of child-friendly workshops and events. Kids can also enjoy and learn at The Works Museum, which offers a hands-on engineering experience. The Minnesota Children’s Museum in St. Paul also provides rich play environments that encourage learning.
There are many beautiful parks such as the Minnehaha Regional Park or the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, which are great for picnics, short hikes or nature spotting. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory and the Butterfly Garden at the Minnesota Zoo are also good options for nature-oriented child-friendly activities.