Family-Friendly Activities in Twin Cities You Must Try

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The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul in Minnesota are one of my family’s favorite places to visit with plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors, visit fun kid-friendly museums that promote hands-on learning and eat at fantastic restaurants.

Although they are distinct cities with different personalities and attractions, their close proximity and ease of travel between them means that we can get a two-for-one experience when visiting the area.

Here’s what my family likes to do, where we stay and where we eat when we visit.

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Pick a Lake for Boating

Kids kayaking on a lake with green treed shoreline and moored sailboats in the background. — Father and daughter in a kayak on the lake. Photo credit: Jamie Davis Smith.

As the land of 10,000 lakes, pick one Minnesota lake for an afternoon of boating. We like Lake Bde Maka Ska in the heart of Minneapolis.

Why Go: Centrally located with “slow” boating for all interests: kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding or pedal boating. We used Wheel Fun Rentals to rent a kayak for an hour, which was perfect for us.
Best For: Kids 5 and older.
What’s Special: A beautiful lake in the middle of the city with plenty of water sports.
What you need to know: Plenty of street parking is available near the lake. Life vests are mandatory and are included in the price of rentals. Prices start at $15 but vary based on the type of boat you rent and the length of time on the water.
Tip: The best time to go is during the spring or summer. Wear something you don’t mind getting wet in case you are splashed.

Hike or Bike the Mississippi

The Mississippi River with the St. Paul skyline behind it. A father and two sons are near the river. There is a gate with a open door leading to the river. — A father and two sons are walking near the Mississippi River. Photo credit: Jamie Davis Smith

After spending some time on the water, my family likes to walk along the Mighty Mississippi River that winds its way through the Twin Cities. However, some families prefer to bike or hike.

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There are many trails along the Mississippi. Every family can find one that works for them, whether they prefer a gentle stroll or a challenging bike ride. We usually take a stroll along an accessible route because my daughter uses a wheelchair, but there are great options for all activity levels.

Explore Science

A father and daughter sit at a console at the Science Museum of Minnesota. They are reading about the exhibit. A screen above them explains their mission. — Father and daughter at the Science Museum of Minnesota. Photo credit: Jamie Davis Smith.

Budding scientists will love exploring the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Why Go: Full of family-friendly, hands-on exhibits, dinosaur fossils, and experiences that teach about space, sports, light, and more. It’s a great way to learn about the Mississippi River and its ecosystem while having fun.
Best For: Budding scientists.
What’s Special: Engaging exhibits that make learning enjoyable for all ages.
What you need to know: There is an on-site parking garage available at the museum. Admission starts at $25.00. The museum is open from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and stays open until 8:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. If you have a science museum membership at your local science museum, you may get reciprocal admission at the Science Museum of Minnesota.
Tip: Go to the Museum before you bike or hike the Mississippi – your kids will apply what they learned while you’re enjoying the river.

Learn through Play

An overhead shot shows a big silver funnel goes into a blue container. There is a slide with a toddler attempting to climb up, but they are being stopped by a parent. Padded yellow and orange steps lead to the slide. — An overhead view of an exhibit at the Minnesota Children’s Museum. Photo credit: Bruce Silcox / Minnesota Children’s Museum

Little ones will love exploring the enormous Minnesota Children’s Museum. At the museum, kids learn through play. Children can visit a pretend town complete with a fire station, post office, farmer’s market and vet clinic. Then, they can head to the art studio or an “underwater” adventure on a shipwrecked boat.

Why Go: Fun, engaging exhibits perfect for toddlers through elementary-aged children.
Best For: Young children who like to explore.
What’s Special: Hands-on exhibits designed to teach and entertain.
What you need to know: There is an on-site parking garage available at the museum. Admission starts at $17.95 for tickets purchased online. The museum is open from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm on Fridays, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm on Saturdays, and 9:00 am – 5:00 pm on Sundays. If you have a children’s museum membership at your local children’s museum, you may get reciprocal admission at the Minnesota Children’s Museum.
Tip: Keep your eye out for special events at the museum.

See Conservation Come to Life

A child with blond hair feeds a giraffe a piece of lettuce. — Children feeding a giraffe at the Como Park Zoo. Photo credit: Como Park Zoo and Conservatory and Visit Saint Paul.

Hear the lions roar at the Como Park Zoo. After visiting the Great Cats, zebras, monkeys, puffins and polar bears, take a ride on one of the zoo’s pint-sized amusement park rides. Be sure to check out the extensive gardens and conservatory on the same grounds as the zoo for a close-up look at local flora and fauna.

Why Go: A huge number of animals, plants, and flowers.
Best For: Anyone who loves animals or beautiful gardens.
What’s Special: A large zoo and conservatory in the city.
What you need to know: There is on-site parking available. Admission is free, but donations of $4.00 per person are appreciated. The zoo and conservatory are open from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm from May 1 through Labor Day and 10:00 am – 4:00 pm from Labor Day to April 30.
Tip: Kids will love the small selection of carnival rides at the zoo.

Get Amused

A red, white and blue amusement park attraction against a clear blue sky. People are sitting in seats and swining high in the air on either side. — Red, white, and blue attraction at Valleyfair Amusement Park. Photo credit: Valleyfair and Meet Minneapolis.

The massive Valleyfair amusement park is just outside of the Twin Cities. Valleyfair has it all, from wild roller coasters to mild rides for the youngest visitors. If you are visiting during the summer, check out the adjacent Soak City water park to cool down. Splash in the park’s wave pool, zoom down water slides or lounge in the lazy river.

Why Go: Thrilling roller coasters and family-friendly rides good for all ages.
Best For: Families looking for a good time.
What’s Special: Valleyfair has a huge variety of rides from world-class roller coasters to gentle attractions for younger kids at Planet Snoopy.
What you need to know: There is on-site parking. Hours vary by day and season.
Tip: During the summer, visit Valleyfair’s water park, Soak City. Also, look for special events like Valleyscare around Halloween.

Play Some Games

Family playing mini-golf. Father is with a girl in a wheelchair, a girl is putting, and two boys are standing by waiting their turn. — Family playing mini-golf. Photo credit: Jamie Davis Smith

CanCan Wonderland is a fun, retro arcade. It’s a great place to introduce your kids to some of your favorites or challenge them to an epic pinball tournament. Pay once and play as many games as you can all day long. There are also some bonus activities available for an extra fee, including indoor mini-golf, front-seat karaoke in an antique muscle car, and a rage room full of household items ready to be smashed. It’s also a great place to grab one of the Twin Cities’ iconic malts.

Why Go: A one-of-a-kind arcade and imaginative mini-golf course.
Best For: Anyone who loves old-fashioned video games and mini-golf.
What’s Special: Retro arcade games and a mini-golf course designed by local artists.
What you need to know: There is on-site parking. Admission to play unlimited games starts at $10.00. Mini-golf is $15 per player. CanCan Wonderland is closed on Mondays, open Tuesday – Thursday from 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am – 1:00 am, and Sunday from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm.
Tip: Try the malts from the on-site bar and cafe.

Get Hands On with Sculpture

Sculpture of a giant spoon with a cherry on top by a small lake. A family of five is in front of the sculpture, a father with two boys and two girls. One of the girls is in a wheelchair. — Spoonbridge and Cherry in the Sculpture Garden with a family of five in the foreground.. Photo credit: Jamie Davis Smith.

Head to the Walker Art Gallery to explore a family-friendly outdoor sculpture garden. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden has over 60 sculptures spread out over 11 acres. Many are larger than life. Favorites include a giant spoon with a cherry on top and a big blue rooster.

Why Go: A fun, quirky sculpture garden with larger-than-life works of art.
Best For: Art aficionados and families who want to be delighted by creativity.
What’s Special: Unique, family-friendly sculptures that make great photo ops.
What you need to know: There is on-site parking. Admission is free. The sculpture garden is open from 6:00 am to midnight daily.
Tip: Use the garden’s self-guided tour to get more out of your visit.

Where to Eat

Two boys playing corn hole. One boy is wearing black. The other, younger boy is in a grey sweatshirt holding a red bucket. — My sons playing their version of cornhull in the outdoor space of Surly Beer Garden. Photo credit: Jamie Davis Smith.

Surly Brewing Company

Surly Brewing Company has a family-friendly menu, including tacos, pizza, salads, and burgers. Beer brewed on-site is always a hit with the grown-ups. However, what really makes Surly Brewing Company stand out is its massive outdoor space filled with lawn games, firepits, and picnic benches. This restaurant is more than just a place to grab a bite to eat.

Brim

Steps from Lake Bde Maka Ska, Brim has something for everyone. Brim features a diverse menu, including a range of gluten-free and vegetarian items, smoothies, and a kids’ menu that aims to please. And, of course, there is plenty of coffee ready to fill your cup to the brim.

Where to Stay

A boy in a red shirt and jeans walks in the lobby of the Hotel Emery. The floor is marble and there are marble columns. Plants are in wooden planters are abundant. — The lobby of the Hotel Emery is full of marble and plants. Photo credit: Jamie Davis Smith.

Hotel Emery retains the charm of the stately bank that once operated out of the historic building. The hotel, in the heart of downtown Minneapolis and close to a pedestrian-friendly path along the Mississippi River, is the perfect base from which to explore the Twin Cities.

The hotel is very family-friendly, complete with a pint-sized check-in desk for the youngest guests, rooms with pull-out sofas that are great for families, a billiards table in the lobby, an expansive lobby with plenty of places for lounging and a tasty on-site cafe with kid-approved treats.