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Minnesota is a fantastic destination for families looking for fun and educational activities to do with their kids. With plenty of museums, amusement parks, zoos, and other attractions, there is no shortage of things to do and see. In this article, we will explore the 10 best places to take kids in Minnesota, so you can plan your next family adventure with ease.
One of the top attractions for families in Minnesota is Nickelodeon Universe in Bloomington. With a wide variety of rides and attractions suitable for kids of all ages, there is something for everyone.
Minneapolis is another great destination for families, with a cornucopia of attractions that cater to cultural, historical, and educational interests.
The city is also home to the Mall of America, which is the largest mall in the United States and features an indoor amusement park, aquarium, and other family-friendly activities.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Minnesota has something for everyone when it comes finding the best places to take kids. From thrilling rides to educational museums, you and your kids are sure to have a great time exploring all that this state has to offer. So, pack up the car, grab the kids, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories.
Minnesota Zoo
13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for your kids, the Minnesota Zoo is a must-visit destination. Located in Apple Valley, the zoo is home to over 5,000 animals from around the world, including many rare and endangered species.
Tropics Trail
One of the most popular exhibits at the Minnesota Zoo is the Tropics Trail, which takes visitors on a journey through the rainforests of South America, Africa, and Asia. Along the way, you’ll see a variety of exotic animals, including monkeys, birds, and reptiles.
The Tropics Trail is also home to several interactive exhibits, where kids can learn about the different habitats and ecosystems found in the rainforest. Don’t miss the chance to see the giant Amazonian fish, piranhas, and the colorful butterflies that flutter around the exhibit.
Russia’s Grizzly Coast
Another must-see exhibit at the Minnesota Zoo is Russia’s Grizzly Coast, which features animals from the northern reaches of the world, including grizzly bears, sea otters, and Amur tigers. The exhibit is designed to look like a Russian coastal village, complete with traditional architecture and fishing boats.
Kids will love watching the playful sea otters splash around in their pool, while the majestic grizzly bears roam around their habitat. The Amur tigers are also a highlight of the exhibit, with their distinctive orange and black stripes.
The Minnesota Zoo is a great place to take your kids for a day of fun and learning. With a wide variety of animals and exhibits to explore, there’s something for everyone at this popular Minnesota attraction.
Nickelodeon Universe
5000 Center Ct, Bloomington, MN 55425
Nickelodeon Universe is a must-visit destination for families with kids of all ages. Located inside the Mall of America, this indoor theme park offers a wide range of rides, attractions, and entertainment options that will keep your little ones entertained for hours.
One of the best things about Nickelodeon Universe is that it caters to kids of all ages. There are plenty of rides for young children, such as Wonderpet’s Fly Boat and Blue’s Skidoo, as well as more thrilling options for older kids and adults, such as the SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge and the Avatar Airbender.
When it comes to purchasing tickets, there are a few different options. You can buy individual ride tickets, which are based on a points system and range in price depending on the ride’s thrill level and demand. Alternatively, you can purchase an unlimited ride wristband, which allows you to ride as many attractions as you want for one flat fee.
In addition to the rides, Nickelodeon Universe also offers a variety of other entertainment options, such as character meet-and-greets, live shows, and interactive experiences. One of the most popular attractions is the Nickelodeon Universe Mystery Rides, which are surprise rides that change every few months.
If you’re looking for a fun-filled day of family entertainment, Nickelodeon Universe is definitely worth a visit. With its wide range of rides and attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for your kids, the Science Museum of Minnesota is a must-visit destination. Located in downtown St. Paul, the museum offers over 370,000 square feet of space filled with interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and fascinating displays.
Omnitheater
One of the highlights of the Science Museum of Minnesota is the Omnitheater, which features a giant domed screen that surrounds the audience with stunning visuals and immersive sound. The theater shows a rotating selection of educational films on a variety of topics, including nature, science, and history. The films are suitable for all ages and are a great way to learn about the world around us.
Dinosaur and Fossil Gallery
Another popular attraction at the museum is the Dinosaur and Fossil Gallery, which features a wide range of prehistoric specimens, including full-size dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and interactive exhibits. Kids can learn about the different types of dinosaurs that roamed the earth millions of years ago and even touch real dinosaur bones.
The Science Museum of Minnesota is a fantastic destination for families with kids of all ages. With its hands-on exhibits, educational films, and fascinating displays, it’s sure to be a memorable experience for everyone.
Valleyfair
1 Valley Fair Dr, Shakopee, MN 55379
Valleyfair is a popular amusement park located in Shakopee, Minnesota. It has a lot to offer for families with kids of all ages. Here are some of the best things to do at Valleyfair with your little ones.
Rides and Attractions
Valleyfair has over 50 rides and attractions, including 8 roller coasters. While some of the rides may be too intense for younger children, there are plenty of options for kids of all ages.
- Peanuts 500: A car ride that takes kids on a fun-filled adventure with their favorite Peanuts characters.
- Flying Ace Balloon Race: A ride that takes kids up in the air for a bird’s eye view of the park.
- Kite Eating Tree: A gentle ride that takes kids on a journey through the world of Charlie Brown and his friends.
Soak City Waterpark
Valleyfair’s Soak City Waterpark is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. It features a wave pool, lazy river, and a variety of water slides. There is also a dedicated area for younger children called Splash Station. Admission to the waterpark is included with your Valleyfair ticket.
Peanuts Playhouse
The Peanuts Playhouse is a two-story interactive play area that is air-conditioned, making it a great place to take a break from the heat. Kids can blast foam balls from toy cannons, slingshots, and slides. They can also meet their favorite Peanuts characters and take photos with them.
Midway Games
No trip to Valleyfair is complete without a chance to win a prize from the Midway games area. There are a variety of games to choose from, including ring toss, basketball, and balloon darts. Prizes range from small stuffed animals to larger toys.
Valleyfair is a great place to take your little ones for a day of fun and adventure. With so much to see and do, your kids are sure to have a blast.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul, MN 55103
If you’re looking for a fun and educational day out with the kids, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is a must-visit destination in Minnesota. Located in St. Paul, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is one of the last free zoos in the United States, making it an affordable option for families.
Tropical Encounters
One of the highlights of the zoo is the Tropical Encounters exhibit. This indoor exhibit features a variety of tropical plants and animals, including sloths, monkeys, and birds. Kids will love watching the animals swing and play in their natural habitat.
Japanese Garden
Another must-see attraction at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is the Japanese Garden. This tranquil garden features a koi pond, waterfalls, and beautiful landscaping. Take a stroll through the garden and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is one of the best places to take kids in Minnesota. With a variety of animals and exhibits to explore, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And since it’s free to enter, it won’t break the bank either.
Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium
Mall of America, 120 East Broadway East Side, Level One, Bloomington, MN 55425
If you’re looking for an underwater adventure, Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium is a must-visit destination. Located in the famous Mall of America, this aquarium is the state’s largest and boasts over 10,000 sea creatures from all around the world.
One of the highlights of the aquarium is the 300-foot-long tunnel exhibit where you can come face-to-face with sharks, sea turtles, sawfish, and more. The tunnel is an immersive experience that makes you feel like you’re walking on the ocean floor.
Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium is not just about viewing marine life. There are also interactive exhibits where you can touch and learn about sea creatures. The Ray Lagoon exhibit allows you to touch and feed rays, while the Pacific Northwest Rockpool exhibit lets you touch sea stars, urchins, and anemones.
If you’re visiting with kids, the aquarium offers a variety of educational programs and activities. The Summer of Sharks program, for example, lets kids learn about these fascinating creatures and even touch a real shark egg.
Admission to Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium starts at $18.99, but you can save on select days with advance purchase. Annual memberships are also available, which allow you to enjoy a year of awesome with thousands of creatures and a sea of savings.
Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium is an exciting and educational destination that is perfect for families and anyone who loves marine life.
Minnesota Children’s Museum
10 W 7th St, St Paul, MN 55102
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for your kids, you can’t go wrong with the Minnesota Children’s Museum. With 11 unique kid-powered play spaces, this museum is designed to spark your child’s imagination and curiosity.
At the museum, your kids can explore a variety of exhibits, including the Scramble, where they can climb through a two-story play structure, and the Super Awesome Adventures exhibit, where they can pretend to be pirates, astronauts, and more. The museum also has a special exhibit area that changes regularly, so there’s always something new to discover.
One of the best things about the Minnesota Children’s Museum is that it’s designed for kids of all ages. Toddlers will love the habitot, a special area just for them, while older kids will enjoy the laser maze and the maker space, where they can create their own inventions.
The museum also offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year, including story times, art workshops, and STEM classes. Check the museum’s website for a calendar of upcoming events.
Admission to the Minnesota Children’s Museum is $14.95 per person, but the museum offers free admission on the third Sunday of every month. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, and parking is available in nearby ramps for a fee.
The Minnesota Children’s Museum is certainly one of the must-visit places for families with kids in Minnesota. With its fun and engaging exhibits, your kids will have a blast while learning and exploring.
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
1700 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425
If you’re looking for a fun-filled family vacation, Great Wolf Lodge Water Park in Bloomington, Minnesota, is a great choice. Conveniently located next to the Mall of America, this indoor water park is perfect for all ages.
The water park features a wave pool, a lazy river, a surf simulator, a kiddie area, and several four-story slides. The park also has a variety of water playgrounds, including the Cub Paw Pool and Chinook Cove.
One of the highlights of the water park is the Fort Mackenzie Spray Ground for Kids. This water tree fort provides endless fun with interactive water toys and kid-activated splash features. Kids can escape via the Totem Tower body slides to start all over again. And when the bell rings, the gigantic bucket on top tips over, drenching everyone below.
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park also offers a variety of other attractions, including MagiQuest, an exclusive interactive adventure game, arcade games, mini bowling, and events.
With so much to do, you and your family will have a blast at Great Wolf Lodge Water Park.
Edgewater Resort and Waterpark
2400 London Rd, Duluth, MN 55812
If you’re looking for a fun-filled family vacation, Edgewater Resort and Waterpark is a great choice. Located in Duluth, Minnesota, this resort offers plenty of activities for children and adults alike.
The waterpark is the main attraction at Edgewater Resort. With a lazy river, wave pool, and multiple water slides, there’s something for everyone. Younger children will enjoy the kiddie pool and play area, while older kids and adults can brave the more thrilling rides.
In addition to the waterpark, Edgewater Resort offers a variety of other activities. The resort has an arcade, mini-golf course, and a climbing wall. There’s also a fitness center and spa for adults who want to relax and unwind.
The rooms at Edgewater Resort are spacious and comfortable, with options ranging from standard rooms to suites with kitchenettes. All rooms come equipped with a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker.
One thing to note is that the resort can get crowded during peak season, so be prepared for lines and wait times. However, the staff is friendly and accommodating, and they do their best to make sure everyone has a great time.
Edgewater Resort and Waterpark is a great choice for families looking for a fun and affordable vacation in Minnesota. With plenty of activities and comfortable accommodations, it’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Bunker Beach Water Park
701 County Rd A, Coon Rapids, MN 55448
Bunker Beach Water Park is the largest outdoor water park in Minnesota, located in Bunker Hills Regional Park. It offers a variety of attractions for the whole family to enjoy.
- Six towering water slides, including the new “Verrückt” slide, which is the tallest in the park and features a 50-foot drop.
- A wave pool that simulates ocean waves, making it perfect for those who love to swim and play in the water.
- A 900-foot lazy river that allows you to relax and float on inner tubes.
- A children’s play area with smaller slides, water features, and a shallow pool.
- A sand volleyball court and a concession stand that offers food and drinks.
The park is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and admission fees vary depending on age and residency. You can also rent lockers, tubes, and cabanas for an additional fee.
Bunker Beach Water Park is a great place to spend a hot summer day with your family. It offers a wide range of activities and amenities that are sure to keep everyone entertained and refreshed.
Final Thoughts on the 10 Best Places to Take Kids in Minnesota
Minnesota is definitely one of the best places to take kids, offering a wide range of activities and attractions that cater to all ages. From amusement parks and zoos to museums and natural wonders, there’s something for everyone in this state.
If you’re looking for a fun day out with the kids, consider visiting Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, which is one of the last free zoos in the United States. It’s home to a variety of animals and plants, and is located right next to Como Town Amusement Park, the historic Cafesjian’s Carousel, and Como Park.
Another great option is Nickelodeon Universe, located in Bloomington. This amusement park offers a diverse range of rides and attractions suitable for kids of all ages, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
For a more educational experience, head to the Science Museum of Minnesota, which features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that teach kids about science and technology. Or, visit the Minnesota Children’s Museum, which is designed specifically for children and offers a variety of exhibits and programs that encourage learning through play.
If you’re looking for outdoor activities, consider visiting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which is a popular destination for camping, fishing, and canoeing. Or, check out the North Shore of Lake Superior, which features stunning views and hiking trails that are suitable for all skill levels.
Minnesota is a great destination for families with kids, offering a variety of activities and attractions that cater to all interests and ages. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out or a longer vacation, there’s something for everyone in this state.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 10 Best Places to Take Kids in Minnesota
What are some fun places to bring kids in Minnesota?
Minnesota is full of fun and exciting places to bring kids. Some of the most popular attractions include Nickelodeon Universe in Bloomington, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul, and Valleyfair in Shakopee. You can also check out the Minnesota Children’s Museum, Science Museum of Minnesota, and the Mall of America for even more family-friendly fun.
What are some family-friendly vacation spots in Minnesota?
Minnesota has plenty of family-friendly vacation spots that offer something for everyone. Some popular destinations include the North Shore of Lake Superior, Brainerd Lakes Area, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. You can also check out family resorts like Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior and Madden’s on Gull Lake for a fun and relaxing getaway.
What are some kid-friendly activities near me in Minnesota?
There are plenty of kid-friendly activities and places to take kids in Minnesota no matter where you are. You can check out local parks and playgrounds, go hiking or biking on one of Minnesota’s many trails, or visit a nearby museum or zoo. You can also check out local events and festivals for even more family-friendly fun.
What are some things to do with toddlers in Minnesota during COVID?
During COVID, it’s important to prioritize safety while still having fun with your little ones. Some great activities for toddlers during this time include outdoor activities like visiting local parks and playgrounds, going on nature walks, or having a backyard picnic. You can also check out virtual storytimes and other online activities offered by local libraries and museums.
What are some kid-friendly things to do in St. Paul, MN?
St. Paul has plenty of kid-friendly activities to offer. Some popular attractions include the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, Minnesota Children’s Museum, and the Science Museum of Minnesota. You can also check out local parks and playgrounds like Rice Park and Indian Mounds Park for outdoor fun.
Is Minnesota a good place to raise kids?
Minnesota is consistently ranked as one of the best states to raise kids in. With great schools, plenty of family-friendly activities, and a strong sense of community, Minnesota offers a high quality of life for families. Plus, with its beautiful natural landscapes and four distinct seasons, there’s always something new and exciting to explore.
