Looking for your next family adventure? Minneapolis is bursting with kid-friendly attractions, from hands-on museums and whimsical bookstores to outdoor waterfalls and world-class shopping. Whether your kids love exploring nature, riding roller coasters, or discovering quirky local gems, this guide highlights the very best things to do in Minneapolis with kids.
The Best Things to do in Minneapolis with Kids
Walk Across the Stone Arch Bridge
Take a walk across the iconic Stone Arch Bridge, the only stone arch bridge spanning the Mississippi River. Once a railroad bridge, it’s now a pedestrian-friendly path that families, runners, and bikers all enjoy.
Spanning 2100 feet, the stroll is short and sweet – perfect for those little legs – and the views are well worth it. On one side, you’ll see the Minneapolis skyline, and on the other, the power of St. Anthony Falls roaring below.
2. Explore Mill Ruins Park
Since you’re already at the Stone Arch Bridge, it’s an easy detour to Mill Ruins Park. Walk along the paths to see the remains of Minneapolis’ once-booming flour mills and the mighty Mississippi up close.
It’s a fun way for kids to get a peek into the city’s history while exploring outdoors. Plus, the park offers a fantastic view of the Stone Arch Bridge from a whole new angle, and a great spot for family photos!
3. Chase Waterfalls at Minnehaha Falls
A 53-foot waterfall right in the middle of Minneapolis? Yes, please! Minnehaha Falls is one of the city’s most iconic sights and an absolute must-see for families. Head towards the right for a close-up view from the top, but for the full experience, head down the staircase to the base to feel the power of the falls and hear the roar of the water.
After soaking in the views and taking the obligatory photos follow the creekside trail for a bit, crossing stone bridges and discovering little sandy spots perfect for dipping toes in.
Minnehaha Falls is one of our favorite places to enjoy fall colors in Minnesota.
4. Visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
When in Minneapolis, there is nothing more iconic that the Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture at Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Make sure to scope out the rest of the grounds with more than 60 sculptures spread across 11 acres.
We loved strolling through the paths and finding quirky pieces, while enjoying the mix of art and city views. Best of all, it is free and stroller friendly!
5. Discover the Minneapolis Institute of Art
With more than 100,000 pieces spanning 5,000 years, the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is the kind of place you could get lost in for days and the best part? Admission is completely free!
One of our favorite stops was the Asian art galleries, where we found ourselves lingering longer than expected. Upstairs, we made a quick loop and were excited to spot works by famous artists like Van Gogh and Georgia O’Keeffe. We may have ran out of time, but that just means we have the perfect excuse to plan another visit.
6. Play and Experiment at The Bakken Museum
The Bakken Museum is not your ordinary science museum! Set in a gorgeous historic mansion, our family had a blast making music, creating stop-motion movies, and even trying out some of Ben Franklin’s experiments (yes, electric shocks included!).
The interactive exhibits kept us all engaged, and the LEGO minifigure scavenger hunt was a favorite. Such a fun way to explore the house while keeping kids on the lookout. One of the highlights was Frankenstein’s Laboratory, an immersive theater show that brings Mary Shelley’s story to life– though it may be a little too spooky for younger kids.
7. Step Into Storytime at Wild Rumpus Bookstore
Through the tiny purple door awaits one of the most whimsical bookstores in America- Wild Rumpus. Book lovers of all ages will be in heaven – I know I was!
But Wild Rumpus is more than just books. It’s the little things like the glowing fish tank hidden in the bathroom mirror (just flip off the lights). And don’t forget to say hello to their friendly animals including their two cats, chinchillas, birds, and even a gecko.
While here stop by Pinwheels and Play Toys, a toy store filled from the top to bottom. Creatives will absolutely adore Heartfelt, a craft store where you can also craft your heart out.
8. Try a Jucy Lucy Burger
No trip to Minneapolis is complete without trying a Jucy Lucy, a classic burger with gooey, melted cheese stuffed right inside the patty. And you have to start where it all began – Matt’s Bar and Grill.
They proudly claim to be the home of the original, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. Let the burger cool for a moment, then take a bite. The cheese comes oozing out for the ultimate Jucy Lucy experience! Pair it with a side of fries for the full treat.
Trekaroo Tip: Matt’s is cash only, and lines can stretch out the door. The best bet? Go right when they open or on a weekday.
9. Shop ‘Til You Drop at Mall of America
If shopping is your thing, Mall of America is pure paradise. With more than 520 stores, 50 restaurants, and even a full theme park, you could easily spend days exploring.
With four levels of shopping, it helps to have a game plan. For a unique experience, don’t miss making your own LEGO minifigure complete with a Mall of America shirt. Feeling nostalgic? Stop by the Toys “R” Us!
While my husband and kids had their shopping stops mapped out, I had my eye on the food. We sipped on boba from Niko Niko (love their Muffy collab!), indulged in Japanese cream puffs from Beard Papa’s, stocked up on Asian treats at Ebisu, and dug into Korean fried chicken at Bonchon.
Pro tip: Grab the coupon book – it saved us a ton!
10. Have Fun on the Rides at Nickelodeon Universe
Did you know the Mall of America has its very own amusement park? Nickelodeon Universe is the largest indoor amusement park in the country and packed with rides for all ages.
Whether you love screaming your heart out on thrilling rides or enjoying classics like the carousel and Ferris wheel, there’s something for everyone.
Our family isn’t big on roller coasters, but they had a blast on the Pepsi Orange Streak, a fun ride that zips around the park without being too scary and no big dips!
11. Watch Sharks Swim Above You at SEA LIFE Minnesota
SEA LIFE Minnesota is home to more than 10,000 creatures swimming in 1.3 million gallons of water at Mall of America.
My family’s favorite experience was the 300-foot tunnel where fish, sharks, and turtles glide right over your head! For a hands-on experience, don’t miss the interactive touch pools, where kids can feel starfish and rays up close.
12. Visit the Minnesota Children’s Museum
If you’ve got little ones with big imaginations, head across the river to the Minnesota Children’s Museum in St. Paul. With three floors of interactive exhibits, kids can climb, build, splash, and pretend their way through hours of fun.
Favorites include the giant climbing structure, a maker space for budding inventors, and an indoor water play area (bring an extra shirt for the little ones!).
13. Spark Curiousity at the Science Museum of Minnesota
The Science Museum of Minnesota, also in St. Paul, has plenty of hands-on exhibits and larger-than-life experiences to keep your family entertained.
Kids can dig into dinosaur fossils, step inside a tornado simulator, or explore the mysteries of the human body. Don’t miss the Omnitheater, a giant domed screen where you can watch immersive nature and science films.
14. Learn About Space and Nature at the Bell Museum and Planetarium
For families with future astronauts or animal lovers, the Bell Museum on the University of Minnesota campus is a great place to spend a few hours. The Touch and See Lab lets kids handle real fossils and animal specimens, while the planetarium wows with daily space shows.
Exhibits mix natural history with Minnesota landscapes, so families can learn about everything from woolly mammoths to starry skies. Make sure to book a time to enjoy a show at the Planetarium!
15. Spend the Day at a Local Zoo
The Minneapolis area has two great zoos for families to explore. At the Minnesota Zoo, you can wander the Tropics Trail to see monkeys and sloths, or head outdoors to spot tigers, bears, and moose. Seasonal attractions like the Farm Babies event in spring and outdoor bird shows in summer are always hits with kids. Thankfully, there are plenty of indoor attractions to make the most of a winter visit as well.
For a budget-friendly outing, head to the Como Zoo & Conservatory, where admission is free! Families can see giraffes, lions, and polar bears, then step into the lush glass conservatory filled with tropical plants and blooming flowers year-round. There are rides outside the zoo, like the carousel and kiddie train, which make this outing even more fun for younger kids.
Suggested Lodging in Minneapolis for Families
Our stay at the Westin Edina Galleria was just what our family needed. The location made it super easy to get to all the main attractions in Minneapolis and Bloomington.
Our connecting rooms were spacious and comfortable with huge bathrooms featuring both a shower and tub. If you’re traveling with kids, I recommend upgrading to Club Access. It was so convenient having breakfast ready in the morning, plus snacks, drinks, and even desserts in the evening. It made our stay feel extra special (and stress-free!).
The hotel also has a heated pool and hot tub, which were a big hit with our kids and the perfect way to unwind after a full day of sightseeing.
Since 2018, I’ve been a proud contributor to Trekaroo, sharing insights and tips to make family travel easier and more enjoyable. As a family of five, we’re always on the go—whether discovering the latest Chicagoland attractions or embarking on new family-friendly adventures.
In addition to Trekaroo, I love sharing our experiences on my blog, O the Places We Go, where I break down all the details: the highlights, what we loved (and didn’t), must-know tips, and everything you need to plan your next trip.
Beyond blogging, I collaborate with local and national outlets such as Naturally McHenry County, Chicago Parent Magazine, and Travel Wisconsin, helping families discover incredible places to visit.
I currently live in the suburbs of Chicago with my husband, two sons, and daughter. When we’re not traveling (or planning our next itinerary), you’ll find me always on the lookout for my new favorite coffee shop, thrift shopping, trying new foods, crafting with my daughter, or getting lost in a good book.
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