15 Fun Things to Do in Minneapolis with Kids
This little city, also known as The Mini Apple, will be your next trip destination.
Minneapolis is a paradise for family-friendly excursions that will take you on a pleasant journey packed with remembrances and worthwhile encounters.
For the best learning experience, explore mind-boggling puzzles and attractions, admire the stunning scenery, or visit the vibrant historical museums.
Are you eager to see this city’s splendor yet concerned that you could miss out? No issue—we’re here to assist!
We highlighted the must-see attractions and interesting locations on our list of the top and most enjoyable things to do in Minneapolis with kids.
Your ideal holiday is only a step away!
- The Escape Game — Mall of America
By embarking on a perplexing journey to the Escape Game, you may kick off your adventure with a distinctive twist.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Chain locks, ticking clocks, and maybe hidden passages? To bring the whole family to safety, investigate the riddles behind the escape room’s theme and narrative.
You’ll all be trapped in a room to locate every piece of evidence placed inside and escape in 60 minutes to win the game. This exciting little pastime is one of the top family-friendly things to do in Minneapolis.
Recommended Ages
We wholeheartedly advise somewhat older children (ages 7 and above) to take this fascinating excursion to the Escape Game.
- Hitching Company — North Loop
Let the Hitching Company tour all the breathtaking sites Minneapolis offers while pulling a horse-drawn carriage.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The ideal approach to having a fantastic vacation in Minneapolis with kids is to go slower, listen to the sound of the horses’ feet, and feel comfortable with a knowledgeable tour guide as you traverse the city streets.
This is the ideal excursion for you, whether you want a calm ride, an in-depth historical tour with narration, or simply just the chance to interact with and form a close bond with a horse.
Bringing a young child on a trip and concerned you’ll miss out? This is the ideal chance to spend quality time with your whole family while enjoying the city without sacrificing convenience.
Recommended Ages
We heartily suggest that children of all ages take a trip with the Hitching Company throughout the city.
- Great Wolf Lodge Water Park — East Bloomington
One of the top kid-friendly destinations in Minneapolis for families wishing to have an amazing weekend trip is the Great Wolf Lodge, Water Park.
Why We Recommend This Activity
With the whole clan, take advantage of the many water features, swimming pools, and play areas that this water park offers.
This water park has a lot to offer and guarantees a wonderful holiday, from various exhilarating rides and attractions like the heart-pounding slide named The Plunge and gushing artificial waterfalls to more peaceful parts of the resort.
The attractions and slides at the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park have varying intensity levels, making it enjoyable for both kids and teenagers.
Recommended Ages
Families with children five years old and older are encouraged to visit the Great Wolf Lodge, Water Park.
- Paradise Charter Cruises — Lake Minnetonka
Paradise Charter Cruises and Minneapolis Queen provide Lake Minnetonka cruises over its stunning waterways.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Since 1985, Paradise Charter Cruises has given a wide range of individuals a fascinating tour and front-row view of events on Lake Minnetonka, highlighting the uncomplicated beauty and tranquility the waters offer.
Let the water be your captain as you go on a leisurely and tranquil voyage across the water, enjoying wonderful cuisine, entertainment, and music that will serenade you the whole way.
Smooth sailing with the whole family seems like the ideal retreat if you’re seeking unusual family activities in Minneapolis.
Recommended Ages
Families with children 5 and older are strongly encouraged to take a breathtaking tour of Lake Minnetonka with Paradise Charter Cruises.
- Nickelodeon Universe — Mall of America
Unquestionably one of the most well-known and hilarious family activities in Minneapolis for young children is the Nickelodeon Universe.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Take the kids on a memorable journey by taking them on rides themed after their favorite cartoon characters, with various alternatives to pick from.
Give the kids the opportunity to interact with their favorite TV program characters up and personal inside the Nickelodeon Universe with its 27 rides and attractions.
Recommended Ages
Families with children ages 3 to 11 are encouraged to visit this theme park.
- Lake Harriet Bandshell Park — Linden Hills
When it comes to free family activities in Minneapolis, Lake Harriet Bandshell Park is a great choice.
Why We Recommend This Activity
This park, close to the lake, has a beachfront that’s great for families seeking a short swim or for individuals looking for a chance to go boating and fishing.
Tour the whole of Lake Harriet Bandshell Park to get the full experience. The park has gorgeous buildings holding concerts, plays, and other exciting activities for visitors and residents.
Recommended Ages
Kids of all ages are welcome to visit Lake Harriet Bandshell Park.
- Minnesota Zoo — South St. Paul
Want to get a close-up look at beautiful and unusual animals? The main attraction in town is the Minnesota Zoo.
Why We Recommend This Activity
This zoo, which boasts and houses more than 400 kinds of animals, has a wide range of interactive displays for a true wilderness experience.
The most knowledgeable guides will also be at your service, providing fascinating insights and interesting tidbits about the many unique attractions within the zoo.
You will get all the knowledge you need about animal protection and the value of biodiversity while exploring the zoo’s grounds.
Recommended Ages
Families with children 5 and older are encouraged to visit the Minnesota Zoo. Families with children 5 and older are encouraged to visit the Minnesota Zoo.
- Minnesota Children’s Museum — Downtown St. Paul
A refuge for young children’s adventure, inventiveness, and amusement is the Minnesota Children’s Museum.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Enjoy three levels of engaging, imaginative, and thought-provoking exhibitions for kids to explore and enjoy!
Take an excellent journey to this museum for hours of fun and exploration as you encourage your kids’ creativity via the many kid-friendly attractions and activities for a uniquely immersive experience.
Unquestionably, visiting this museum is one of the top family activities in Minneapolis for interacting with young minds and getting the younger ones out and about.
Recommended Ages
Traveling families with children between the ages of 2 and 11 should take them to the Minnesota Children’s Museum.
- Amazing Mirror Maze — Mall of America
See if you can navigate the Amazing Mirror Maze at the Mall of America, which has mind-bending, eye-catching, and huh-inducing mazes.
Why We Recommend This Activity
This mystical and surreal labyrinth is a must-try for families seeking a unique experience in the city with enormous potential for family fun.
Find countless reflections of yourself in every nook and cranny! Run into dead ends, surprises around every corner, and maybe endless loops.
Try navigating the maze to see if you can become the master.
Recommended Ages
For families with children ages 3 and above, we highly suggest this amazing and enjoyable journey through the Amazing Mirror Maze.
- Children’s Theatre Company — Minneapolis Institute of Art
Within the walls of the Children’s Theatre Company, glimmering accents, flashing lights, stunning interior décor, and an unforgettable experience are all waiting for you.
Why We Recommend This Activity
This location is ideal if your family appreciates seeing live concerts in a lovely setting with talented local performers and, best of all, kids!
Prepare to be astounded by the Children’s Theatre Company’s astounding and spectacular plays, which include outstanding actors and actresses and a seamless merger of art and artist in works guaranteed to touch your heart.
Recommended Ages
Families with children ages 5 and above are strongly encouraged to visit this beautiful location.
- Bell Museum — University of Minnesota
The Bell Museum, formerly known as the James Ford Bell Museum of Natural History, offers a view of Minneapolis’ extensive biodiversity and rich history.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Exploring and learning about the many connections and insights to nature and the cosmos via kid-friendly interactive exhibitions, artifacts, and dioramas will pique your interest and sense of wonder.
A vast scientific collection with over a million specimens representing every county in Minnesota and many places worldwide is housed inside the museum and will truly transport you around the globe.
Recommended Ages
Families with children 3 and older must visit the Bell Museum.
- Minnesota History Center — Downtown St. Paul
The Minnesota History Center, which serves as both a museum and a library, can be the ideal destination if you want a meaningful vacation packed with informative tours and a historical diversion.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The Minnesota History Center will satiate your curiosity about everything there is to know about Minnesota’s history, people, and places via various outstanding exhibitions, thought-provoking lectures, and live performances.
Explore Minnesota’s history in-depth with the help of a comprehensive collection of real and interesting historical artifacts, hands-on exhibitions, and multimedia presentations.
Recommended Ages
Families with children of all ages are invited and are free to visit the Minnesota History Center.
- Crayola Experience — Mall of America
The Crayola Experience at the Mall of America is the most enjoyable time I’ve ever had making a mess.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The only tools the small ones need in the “cut, color, and paste” play area are imagination and ingenuity.
Along with 26 engaging hands-on kid activities, the area includes a playground with a crayon theme where you can inspire your children’s inner painters to create the most incredible artwork for a one-of-a-kind keepsake!
Recommended Ages
Children between the ages of 2 and 10 will enjoy The Crayola Experience.
- Minnehaha Regional Park — Hiawatha
The Minnehaha Regional Park offers inexpensive family entertainment, and today is the ideal day to visit!
Why We Recommend This Activity
Take the entire clan to the Minnehaha Regional Park for a tranquil break from the city and dive into the breathtaking scenery, unearthly vistas, and cool refreshing air.
You’re sure to have a nice time since the park is decorated with various public art, lush and plentiful trees, and various gardens.
We heartily advise seeing the Minnehaha Falls for a breathtaking spectacle that will leave you speechless at the power of nature at work.
Recommended Ages
Little ones of all ages are welcome in the Minnehaha Regional Park.
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden — Walker Art Center
One of the best family-friendly activities in Minneapolis is a trip to the 11-acre Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
Why We Recommend This Activity
This free park is the best location for taking the ideal family pictures because of its assortment of outlandish installations, artistic sculptures, and spectacular items.
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, with its urban park setting and outstanding pieces from the Walker Art Center’s famous collections of modern and contemporary art, evokes the atmosphere of an art museum without walled-in restrictions.
Recommended Ages
Families with children of all ages are welcome in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
