{"id":18617,"date":"2023-03-23T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-23T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/?p=18617"},"modified":"2024-02-23T09:12:22","modified_gmt":"2024-02-23T15:12:22","slug":"family-friendly-things-to-do-in-minnesota","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/family-friendly-things-to-do-in-minnesota\/","title":{"rendered":"36 Family Friendly Things to do in Minnesota in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Welcome to the Land of 10,000 Lakes and endless family-friendly things to do in Minnesota! Whether you\u2019re a family of nature lovers or culture enthusiasts, Minnesota has something for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minnesota is famous for its beautiful nature, including lakes, rivers, hills, and forests. The state is a great place for families who enjoy nature, with bald eagles, black bears, and moose among its attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But that\u2019s not all! Minnesota also has a lot of great history, a vibrant music scene, world-class museums, and a thriving arts community. You can enjoy various family-friendly activities, from the iconic Mall of America<\/a> to historic landmarks along the Mississippi River<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is Minnesota a great destination for families?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So why is Minnesota such a great destination for family fun? For starters, the state is incredibly welcoming to families of all ages. You\u2019ll feel right at home as you explore all that Minnesota has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, there are endless opportunities for hiking and biking, fishing, and boating. If the weather is bad, you can go indoors to visit the museums and attractions in Minnesota.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pack your bags and bring the whole family to Minnesota. You’ll make unforgettable memories with the natural beauty and cultural richness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top Outdoor Family-Friendly Things to Do in Minnesota<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Minnesota is a great destination for families who love outdoor activities. When you come to Minnesota, you have to spend some time in the best features. Here are some of the top outdoor activities in Minnesota that are perfect for families:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Minnesota has many state parks and nature reserves that offer hiking trails for all levels. Some popular hiking spots include Gooseberry Falls State Park<\/a>, Tettegouche State Park<\/a>, and Itasca State Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Biking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Minnesota has over 4,000 miles of paved bike trails. The longest is the famous Paul Bunyan State Trail. Families can also enjoy scenic bike rides on the Root River State Trail<\/a>, which is a personal favorite for its flat ride, as well as the Mesabi Trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fishing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Minnesota is known for its abundant lakes and fishing opportunities. Families can go fishing for walleye, bass, and other species in many lakes across the state. Some popular fishing spots include Lake Mille Lacs<\/a>, Lake Vermilion<\/a>, and Lake of the Woods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Camping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Minnesota has many state parks<\/a> and private campgrounds that offer camping options for families. Families can camp in tents, RVs, or cabins. Plus there is a campfire, nature walks, and stargazing either solo or with the park’s nature programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canoeing and Kayaking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Minnesota has many lakes and rivers that are perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Families can rent canoes or kayaks to paddle through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness<\/a>, the Mississippi River, or other waterways in the state. There are tons of rental opportunities if you don\u2019t have your equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swimming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Minnesota has many lakes with beaches and swimming areas, including Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet in Minneapolis, Lake Nokomis, and Lake Superior\u2019s Park Point Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock Climbing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Families can go rock climbing at popular spots like Blue Mounds State Park<\/a> or Interstate State Park<\/a>. Many companies offer guided rock climbing tours for families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziplining<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Several Zipline companies operate in Minnesota, including North Shore Adventure Park<\/a>, Brainerd Zipline Tour<\/a> and Sand Creek Adventures<\/a>. Families can zip through the trees and enjoy the beautiful views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waterfalling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Minnesota has some great waterfalls around the state. What most people don\u2019t realize is just how many are in the Twin Cities. Like Minnehaha Falls<\/a> and Vermillion Falls<\/a>. You can also find them all along the North Shore, in Grand Marais<\/a>, Duluth<\/a>, and Two Harbors<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wildlife Watching<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Minnesota is home to tons of wildlife, including moose, deer, bears, and wolves. Families can go wildlife watching at state parks, nature reserves, and wildlife refuges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most moose and bears are only found north of the Cities, but Bald Eagles are common around the rivers. Consider going to the Vince Shute Wildlife Center<\/a>, Wolf Center in Ely<\/a> or the National Eagle Center<\/a> in Wabasha. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Geocaching<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Families can have fun with geocaching, a GPS-based activity where they search for hidden containers called “caches” that have small trinkets and treasures. Minnesota has many geocaching opportunities in state parks and other public areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"North<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Indoor Play Areas and Cultural Attractions in Minnesota<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Minnesota has a wide variety of indoor play areas, museums, zoos<\/a>, and theaters that are perfect for families. Here are some great options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Edinborough Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This indoor play area<\/a> in Edina features a giant indoor playground, a swimming pool, and a skating rink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minnesota Childrens Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Children’s Museum<\/a> in St. Paul has fun exhibits for kids 6 months to 10 years old. Kids can learn about art, science, and culture while playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Science Museum of Minnesota<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Scenic Museum<\/a> in St. Paul features interactive exhibits on science and technology, including a giant T. Rex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minnesota Zoo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley<\/a> is home to over 5,300 animals from around the world, including bears, and sharks. The zoo has educational programs about animal behavior and conservation and exhibits about Minnesota’s native wildlife, like the Minnesota Trail exhibit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Como Zoo<\/a> is a free zoo and conservatory located in St. Paul. It has many different animals and plants, including a Japanese garden and a butterfly exhibit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chanhassen Dinner Theater<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This theater in Chanhassen <\/a>offers family-friendly shows and dinner packages, perfect for a night out with the family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bakken Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This museum in Minneapolis features exhibits on electricity, magnetism, and other scientific topics, with interactive exhibits for kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mall of America<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This mall in Bloomington<\/a> has more than 500 stores, including an indoor amusement park called Nickelodeon Universe<\/a>, SeaLife Aquarium<\/a>, and various other attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Works Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This museum in Bloomington <\/a>features hands-on exhibits on engineering, technology, and design, perfect for kids who love to tinker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This theater in St. Paul hosts a variety of family-friendly performances, including musicals, dance shows, and concerts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minneapolis Institute of Art<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Also known as the MIA<\/a>, the museum has so many great works of art, plus it is free<\/strong>. It’s definitely worth checking out in Minneapolis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bell Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This museum is fabulous with its natural history displays of things found in Minnesota, including prehistoric creatures. They also have a planetarium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Educational Experiences in Minnesota<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Minnesota offers many educational experiences for families, including historic sites and landmarks, nature centers, and more. Here are some great options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Split Rock Lighthouse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This historic lighthouse<\/a> is on the North Shore of Lake Superior. They offer tours and educational programs on the history of the lighthouse. It’s a landmark everyone needs to experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fort Snelling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fort Snelling<\/a> historic site in St. Paul has a reconstructed 1820s military fort and offers educational programs on its history and its role in Minnesota\u2019s development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mill City Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mill City Museum in Minneapolis <\/a>tells the story of the flour milling industry that made Minneapolis famous. They have educational programs about the history of flour milling and its role in developing the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minnesota Historical Society<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This organization runs many old sites and museums in the state, such as the James J. Hill House in St. Paul, the Oliver H. Kelley Farm in Elk River, and the Historic Forestville in Preston.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This nature center in Chaska<\/a> features over 1,200 acres of gardens, tree collections, and natural areas, and offers educational programs on horticulture, conservation, and ecology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

International Wolf Center<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This nature center in Ely <\/a>features live gray wolves, educational exhibits, and programs on wolf biology and behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Great Lakes Aquarium<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The downtown Duluth <\/a>aquarium focuses on the animals and ecosystems of the Great Lakes. It also offers educational programs on freshwater ecosystems. It\u2019s right next to Canal Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vince Shute Bear Sanctuary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary <\/a>in Orr features live black bears. Open during evening hours, get up close and personal with wild black bears in Minnesota. It\u2019s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This nature center in Lanesboro offers educational programs on ecology, conservation, and outdoor skills, and features a variety of outdoor activities, including rock climbing, canoeing, and hiking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Bear<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Family-Friendly Places to Stay in Minnesota<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many hotel options for families in Minnesota, depending on your budget and preferred location. Here are a couple of options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Great Wolf Lodge Minnesota<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Located in Bloomington, The Great Wolf Lodge<\/a> features a massive indoor water park. Your kids will be talking about it for years! Inside is a variety of dining options, and spacious family suites that can accommodate up to eight guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hotel also offers a range of activities for kids, including a ropes course, a mini-golf course, and an arcade. And with programs like nighttime dance parties and morning yoga, you\u2019ll have a great time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Radisson Blu Mall of America<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The hotel is in Bloomington<\/a> and connected to the Mall of America. It has stylish rooms and suites, perfect for families with lots of space. The hotel also has a fitness center, a restaurant, and a heated indoor pool. The hotel\u2019s location makes it easy to explore the mall and other nearby attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Located in Alexandria, this family-friendly resort<\/a> offers a range of activities for kids, including a massive indoor water park, a mini-golf course, and a game room. The resort also has several dining options, a golf course, and a full-service spa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grand View Lodge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Located in Nisswa, this family-friendly resort<\/a> is set on a beautiful lake and offers a range of activities for kids, including swimming, boating, fishing, and biking. The resort also has several dining options, a spa, and a golf course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Located in Tofte, this resort offers spacious suites and town homes<\/a> with stunning views of Lake Superior. The resort also has a heated indoor pool, a spa, and several dining options. The location of the resort makes it easy to explore the North Shore of Lake Superior and nearby state parks.<\/p>\n\n\n