Day 1

Breakfast (option #1): Hell’s Kitchen

Located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, this beautiful underground, chef-owned restaurant is known for its “damn good food: unique but not fancy, interesting but not fussy.” Don’t get confused, this restaurant has been slinging hash years before Gordon Ramsay’s show of the same name. With a weekend brunch, a build-your-own bloody mary and mimosa bar and stack of other menus that are to-die-for, no one in the family will be left unsatisfied. Right now they're only open for takeout, so grab some breakfast and bring it back to the hotel room!

Breakfast (option #2): Key's Cafe & Bakery

Just down the street from Hell's Kitchen, you'll find Key's Cafe, a Minneapolis staple when it comes to breakfast and brunch. This family-owned cafe prides themselves on making as much as they can in-house, and you can taste the difference in quality. You'll find giant plates of pancakes, eggs any way you like, and their famous cinnamon and caramel rolls.

Mid-morning: Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Free and open from 6am to midnight every day, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden allows you to stroll around the grounds and view works from the Walker Art Center's renowned collections of modern and contemporary art. This urban park is home to more than 40 outdoor sculptures, including the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry. What better way to start the day?

Lunch: Day Block Brewing

Located just a few blocks from a Metro Transit Light Rail stop, this family friendly brew pub offers everyone's favorite duo - craft beer and pizza. Not to mention cocktails and other delicious bites such as salads, sandwiches and snacks for those looking for something a little smaller. Time it right on most weekends and you'll catch live music from local artists!

Afternoon: Interactive Games at the Mall of America

What better way to spend an afternoon than some immersive teamwork with the family! Hop off the light rail at the Mall of America (MOA) and head on over to The Escape Game, an interactive experience designed to engage your problem-solving skills in a fun and unique way. The Escape Game Minneapolis features four far-out game themes. Choose from Mission: Mars, Gold Rush, Prison Break, and The Heist. If trivia is more your speed, check out the Great Big Game Show to experience the thrills of a live game show - complete with lights, music and a host. Play The Original game for fan-favorite mini games, or choose Trivia Showdown to buzz in the correct answers to delightful trivia questions, Got some time before dinner? Check out everything else the mall has to offer. From the LEGO Store, Nickelodeon Universe and SEA Life Minnesota to the M&M's Store, and Crayola Experience, MOA has plenty in store for everyone.

Dinner: The Rainforest Café, MOA

A wild place to eat! This rainforest-themed restaurant offers American fare and cocktails amid jungle flora and animatronic animals. The perfect place for the family, adults will wind down with delicious food and drink while kids revel in the outdoor décor and enjoy the company of realistic jungle beats. Check out their detailed menu along with the kids menu before arriving!

Day 2

Breakfast: Hen House Eatery

Enjoy breakfast made with the freshest locally-sourced ingredients all day at the Hen House Eatery. Open until 2pm on weekends, this eatery prides themselves on their good eats, sweet treats, gluten-free options and locally grown fixings. Also located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, getting to and from with ease is a perk.

Mid-morning: Mill City Museum

Built into the ruins of Gold Medal Flour, what was once the world’s largest flour mill, Mill City Museum is located along the historic Mississippi Riverfront. Visitors of all ages can learn about the connected histories of Minneapolis, the river and the flour industry.

Mid-morning: Stone Arch Bridge

Take a walk along the Stone Arch Bridge in downtown. One of the most iconic landmarks in Minneapolis, the Stone Arch Bridge is a former railroad bridge that crosses the Mississippi River and connects you to some of the most beautiful parts of the city. This bridge is unique in that it is the only arched bridge made of stone on the entire length of the Mississippi River! Who knew? Enjoy the city skyline above, rushing river below and the beauty of fresh air.

*Note: The downtown Minneapolis side of the Stone Arch Bridge will be closed to begin preparation work for the restoration and repairs that will occur spring through fall 2025. Access under the Portland Ave. portion of the bridge will also be closed. Pedestrians and bicyclists can still walk or bike to the middle of the bridge. For alternate views of downtown Minneapolis and to cross the river, take a walk along the 3rd Ave. Bridge.

Lunch: Red Cow North Loop

Just a 15-minute walk from the Mill City Museum, Red Cow North Loop has everything you need to fill the family after a morning of fun. From delicious appetizers, unique burgers to mouth-watering salads and so much more, it’ll be near impossible to make a choice! The restaurant offers gluten-free, vegetarian and other dietary-restrictive options.

Afternoon: REM5 VR Lab

Just a short drive from downtown, REM5 is a Virtual Reality Lab with offerings for the whole family. Strap on the headset and get immersed in a whole new world. Play games, explore the world through Google Earth, become a professional sports player, or take a deep dive to the bottom of the ocean.

Afternoon/Evening: Attend a professional sports game or a theater performance

With six professional sports teams in Minnesota, you’re bound to find a game coinciding with your visit! Our five major sports facilities are all located in near proximity, if not right next to, the Metro Transit light rail, making for an easy commute to the game. Depending on the time of year, check the schedules of the MN Vikings, MN Twins, MN United, MN Wild, MN Timberwolves and 4-time WNBA champions, the MN Lynx.

Not feeling a sports game or just bad luck that there are no home games that weekend? Check out Children's Theatre Company for some out of this world performances! Perfect for the kids and like a walk down memory lane for adults, CTC performances are engaging and, most importantly, fun!

Dinner: Midtown Global Market

With 18 restaurants and specialty food vendors, it's easy to find something for the whole family at Midtown Global Market. The common dining area in the middle allows everyone to pick whichever food they like, but still eat together. Choose from pizza, tacos, rice bowls, tortas, and more.