10 Minneapolis Adventures Every Family Should Experience
Looking for family adventures farther than the living room couch and different from the weekly family dinner at the same old restaurant? No matter the season, we’ve got the perfect experience for you! For families of any size, with kids of all ages, try something new on your next outing.
Enjoy free admission to the Walker Art Center’s galleries every first Saturday of the month from 10am – 3pm. Along with free admission, Free First Saturdays also feature engaging performances, games, arts and crafts and kid’s films. Before or after your fun indoors, take a stroll through the fall foliage and charming works of art at the newly renovated Minneapolis Sculpture Garden right next door! Family friendly food options are available inside the museum, but all are welcome to bring a snack from home to munch on.
Bring some food to grill at one of Minnehaha’s various picnic locations, walk along the regional park’s beautiful trails, splash your feet in the water along the shoreline and don’t forget to check out the sparkling Minnehaha waterfall – frozen or full of life, the falls are exquisite in all seasons. If you didn’t bring a snack, grab a bite at the Sea Salt Eatery, open through October. You can even bring your dog to Minnehaha’s off-leash dog park and no longer worry about leaving the four-legged family member behind on your day out!
Pamper your family to a day filled with history and fun activities! The Mill City Museum is built into the ruins of what was once Gold Medal Flour, the world’s largest flour mill, located on the historic Mississippi Riverfront. Visitors of all ages can learn about the interwoven histories of Minneapolis, the river and the flour industry that shaped our city into the beautiful metropolis it is today! Before the end of your visit, make sure to check out the view from the 9th floor Observation Deck, with unforgettable views of St. Anthony Falls and the Mississippi River.
Learn about innovations in science, technology, and the humanities at the Bakken Museum. Explore electricity, learn about the creation of Frankenstein, get creative in the Architecture Studio, or learn about the history of plant-based medicine.
Rain or shine, Nickelodeon Universe is here for your family. Located inside the Mall of America, everyone in the family will find something to smile about! From roller coasters and thrill rides to family and kids rides, there will never be a shortage of fun. Before you leave don’t forget to stop at the SEA Life Minnesota, Crayola Experience, The Escape Game, the Great Big Game Show or the LEGO store to buy a memento for the kids!
With an indoor water park kept at a warm 84 degrees year-round (Yes, even during the Minnesota winters!), your pack can enjoy a world of fun — all under one roof. The Great Wolf Lodge is known for its water slides, lazy river and wave pools. Beyond the water park, the resort features themed suites, an interactive MagiQuest game, a variety of dining options, and daily entertainment including story time and character appearances.
Animals, gardens, gifts, art and amusement galore! Families will never be at a loss for what to do next at the Como Zoo. Wind around the zoo and spot your favorite animals, then take a walk through the conservatory to admire the beautiful gardens, exotic plants and breathtaking displays thriving inside and out – a nice refresher in the winter seasons. Garden Safari Gifts is bound to have the perfect souvenir for the kids (or you!) while Como Town, the zoo’s small amusement park, is calling the little one’s names! Grab some grub inside the zoo or at the Zobata Café next to the gift shop.
REM5 VR Lab is the ultimate interactive, hands-on activity that's actually fun for the whole family. And it's not just for gamers! You can explore the world through Google Earth, have a table tennis competition, start a snowball fight, become a virtual quarterback, and more.
This fine art museum accepts donations but is free to the public and hosts various events that museum goers can attend. For non-members, special exhibitions, classes, talks and events may require a ticket and reservations can be made ahead of time. Stroll from culture to culture as you and the family dive into the beautiful artwork of years gone by. With a wide variety of art hosted at the museum, the kids will find something to love no matter their taste.
With three floors of fun, there's no better way to spend a day than at the Minnesota Children's Museum. Kids are encouraged to learn by exploring, creating, and playing in their own way. Solve problems, help animals, get immersed into a pretend town, find your way through a maze, or express yourself through art.
