27 Twin Cities Adventures Every Preteen Will Brag About
The Twin Cities area is full of opportunities for families searching for energetic and memorable adventures. Whether you’re catching a thrill indoors or soaking up the sun outside, there’s no shortage of ways to keep your tweens and young teens entertained. From adrenaline-fueled days at arcades and trampoline parks to quiet afternoons with nature, you’ll find options for every type of explorer. Below you’ll find a long list of unique places and activities, with both free and paid options, chosen for their great mix of excitement, fun, and family-friendliness.
Urban Air Adventure Park
Zip lines, trampolines, climbing walls, and more—all indoors. Urban Air keeps kids moving, challenging themselves, and burning energy for hours. No matter the weather, this spot is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Reservations are recommended during weekends and school breaks.
Vertical Endeavors Climbing Gym
Rock climbing makes a perfect group activity for tweens who love a mix of challenge and fun. With staff-ready for new climbers and walls ranging from easy to tough, Vertical Endeavors is an excellent introduction to indoor climbing.
Grand Slam Family Fun Center
Arcades, laser tag, batting cages, and mini-golf means there’s something for everyone. Grand Slam offers wristband deals for endless play, making it a great value for families looking for an all-day adventure.
Bowling at Bryant Lake Bowl
Combine bowling with classic food and a fun, vintage atmosphere. Bryant Lake Bowl is a popular choice for group outings, birthdays, or just a rainy afternoon.
Mall of America: Nickelodeon Universe
Seven acres of rides inside the country’s largest mall. From roller coasters to mini golf, Nickelodeon Universe is a can’t-miss spot for thrill-seekers and cartoon lovers alike. Entry requires a wristband; plan to stay for several hours.
Adventure at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Walk through lush gardens, visit animal habitats, and ride the old-fashioned carousel. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory remains one of the best free activities in the cities, with a donation suggested at the entrance.
Mill Ruins Park
Explore history at your feet with open ruins, interactive plaques, and scenic river views. Mill Ruins Park is especially fun for active kids who love to roam and explore at their own pace.
Minneapolis Bouldering Project
Casual climbers and experienced kids both love this huge bouldering gym. No ropes, just mats, making it ideal for quick visits and flexible schedules.
Ride Go-Karts at ProKART Indoor Racing
Race head-to-head on a real track. ProKART Indoor Racing offers both standard and junior karts, letting kids experience a real sense of speed and competition.
Play Laser Tag at Zero Gravity
With multilevel arenas and sci-fi themes, Zero Gravity gives teens a rush in a safe, high-energy setting. Don’t miss the arcades and wall-to-wall trampolines on site.
Minnehaha Regional Park
Famous for its waterfall, bike trails, and open green space, Minnehaha Park is perfect for a day outside—bring a soccer ball or frisbee and picnic near the falls.
Roller Skating at Skateville
Retro vibes with neon lights and classic music make Skateville a fun hangout spot. Public sessions are affordable, and rentals are available for all shoe sizes.
The Bakken Museum
Science, electricity, and interactive exhibits keep curious minds engaged for hours at the Bakken Museum. Look out for special weekend workshops and outdoor gardens in summer.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Snap photos at the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, then take a walk through the city’s famous outdoor art garden. It’s free, open year-round, and a fun way to enjoy art outside.
Paddleboarding or Canoeing at Bde Maka Ska
Rent a paddleboard or canoe and hit the water. Rentals are available by the hour, and the lake is calm enough for beginners. Bring snacks and sunscreen for a relaxing day outdoors.
Splatball Paintball
Great for small groups and parties, Splatball offers low-impact paintball experiences in a safe, indoor arena. They provide all the gear—just bring your sense of adventure.
Walker Art Center Teen Nights
The Walker hosts teen-only art nights filled with hands-on projects, live music, and plenty of snacks. It’s a welcoming way for creative teens to meet others and try new things.
Edinborough Park Indoor Playground
This huge indoor park has climbing walls, slides, and obstacles to keep kids active no matter the weather. It’s best for the younger side of the 10-15 range.
Escape Rooms: Escape MSP
These themed rooms challenge families to solve puzzles and beat the clock together. Choose from several storylines and difficulty levels, making it an adaptable adventure for different ages.
Science Museum of Minnesota
Hands-on exhibits, an Omnitheater, and live science demonstrations make the Science Museum a favorite for curious minds. The dinosaur gallery is always a hit.
Swimming and Waterslides at Great Wolf Lodge
Book a waterpark day pass and dive into slides, lazy rivers, and pools. Great Wolf Lodge is especially fun during colder months when outdoor swimming isn’t an option.
Minnesota Zoo’s Tropics Trail
Wander through indoor rainforest paths filled with monkeys and colorful birds. The Tropics Trail is part of the Minnesota Zoo’s year-round, all-weather fun.
Minnehaha Off-Leash Dog Park
Bring your furry friend and let the kids run wild in this large, scenic park along the river. Even without a pet, it’s a fun place to watch dogs play and hike the river paths.
Arcade Gaming at Starcade in St Paul
Starcade is a retro-style arcade packed with classic and modern games, perfect for hanging out with friends. Preteens and teens can play everything from multiplayer video games and Korean’s latest in a fun, safe setting. Best part is, one price get’s you all the game for the entire day.
Geocaching in the Twin Cities
Join the world’s biggest treasure hunt using a GPS or phone app. The Twin Cities are packed with hidden caches, turning any walk in the park into a real-life adventure.
Outdoor Movie Night at Various Parks
Bring blankets, snacks, and your favorite people. Several local parks host free outdoor movie nights during summer—just check the city schedule and catch a film under the stars.
Ride the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway
Take in the city’s best views by bike or scooter. This 50-mile loop connects parks, lakes, and historic sites for a flexible, self-paced adventure.
Plan Your Next Family Adventure in the Twin Cities
The best adventures create memories that last. Save this list for the next time you need a fun day out with your 10 to 15-year-old, whether the forecast promises sunshine or rain. There’s no shortage of things to do, from high-flying trampoline parks to free outdoor strolls.
