Minneapolis may not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a family vacation, but our trip completely changed the way I looked at the Twin Cities.
We originally visited Minneapolis for Mother’s Day weekend, continuing a family tradition I started with Aiden when he was three years old. What started as an affordable flight deal turned into a really fun family getaway filled with museums, parks, great food, and plenty of activities for kids.
If you are searching for the best things to do in Minneapolis with kids, there is much more here than you might expect.
Between Minneapolis and neighboring Saint Paul, families can explore the Mall of America, visit interactive children’s museums, see animals at a free zoo, walk around Minnehaha Falls, learn about Minnesota’s history, explore science exhibits, go rock climbing, bowl together, and spend plenty of time outdoors.
And because Minneapolis and Saint Paul are right next to each other, I recommend thinking of this as a Twin Cities family trip rather than limiting yourself strictly to Minneapolis.
We spent three nights here and were able to fit quite a bit into our trip without feeling like we were rushing everywhere.
Here is everything you need to know about visiting Minneapolis with kids, including when to go, where to stay, how to get around, family friendly attractions, and where we ate.
Is Minneapolis Good for Families?
Yes.
Minneapolis is a particularly good family destination if your kids enjoy a combination of museums, outdoor spaces, interactive attractions, and food.
One thing I liked about our trip was the variety.
You can spend one day indoors exploring museums and the Mall of America, then spend the next day outside around Minnehaha Falls, the Mississippi River, or the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
That flexibility is particularly helpful when traveling with kids because weather and energy levels do not always cooperate with your original itinerary.
If you are looking for more destinations like this around the country, my guide to the best things to do with kids in the USA has plenty of ideas for future family trips.
Our Mother’s Day Trip to Minneapolis
Every year since Aiden was three years old, we made it a tradition to take a Mother’s Day trip.
I really enjoy traveling with my son and creating those memories together.
My husband joined us for some of our Mother’s Day adventures, including Oahu and the Big Island, as well as this trip to Minneapolis.
Minneapolis was not originally some huge bucket list destination for us.
The flight was affordable.
That was honestly a big part of the decision.
But some of our favorite family trips have happened exactly that way.
You find a good flight deal, choose a destination you might not otherwise have considered, and discover somewhere new together.
We have taken the same approach on plenty of trips, including our family adventure in New Orleans with kids and our trip to Cabo San Lucas.
If you are open to exploring the United States rather than always flying internationally, you can find some incredible family destinations. My updated guide to the best US states to visit with kids is a good place to start building your list.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Minneapolis With Kids?
The best time to visit Minneapolis with kids depends heavily on what kind of trip you want.
Minneapolis experiences very different seasons.
Winters can be extremely cold and snowy, while late spring and summer are much better suited to outdoor activities, parks, walking, and exploring the city.
We visited during Mother’s Day weekend in May, and the weather worked beautifully for our trip.
If you want to spend time around Minnehaha Falls, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, the Mississippi River, and other outdoor attractions, late spring through early fall will generally give you more flexibility.
That said, Minneapolis can still work as a winter family destination because many of its biggest attractions are indoors.
The Mall of America alone can easily fill an entire day.
There are also museums, indoor climbing facilities, bowling, theaters, restaurants, and other indoor attractions.
Families who enjoy cold weather trips might also want to read about our experience visiting Chicago with kids and Wisconsin Dells with kids.
We spent three days and three nights in Minneapolis, which worked well for our trip.
If you want a slower itinerary or plan to explore more of Saint Paul too, four or five days would give you more breathing room.
How to Get to Minneapolis With Kids
Most families flying into the Twin Cities will arrive at Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport, commonly called MSP.
We flew from Los Angeles to Minneapolis on Spirit Airlines.
At the time, our round trip tickets cost $320 for the three of us after we purchased them at the airport instead of online.
That was years ago, so I would not plan your current trip around the exact price we paid or assume the same airport ticket savings still apply.
Airline pricing and fees change constantly.
However, if you are considering Spirit, I have an entire guide about flying Spirit Airlines and avoiding unnecessary fees.
And if this will be your child’s first flight, start with my complete guide to flying with kids for the first time.
The biggest lesson from our Minneapolis flight still applies today:
Compare your options before booking.
Look at more than the ticket price.
Consider baggage fees, seat selection, transportation to and from the airport, flight times, and whether a cheaper itinerary creates an inconvenient connection.
A cheap flight is not always a cheap trip once every additional cost is included.
How to Get Around Minneapolis With Kids
We rented a car after arriving at MSP.
Having a car gave us the freedom to move between Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington, and the different attractions on our own schedule.
That worked well for us.
However, a rental car is not your only option.
Depending on where you stay and what you plan to visit, families can combine public transportation, rideshare services, walking, and a rental car.
The Twin Cities’ public transportation system connects MSP Airport, downtown Minneapolis, downtown Saint Paul, and the Mall of America.
If your itinerary mainly involves central attractions, you may not need to drive everywhere.
Families who do rent a car should remember to include hotel parking and attraction parking in their budget.
Those little expenses add up.
And if your child still needs a child restraint, make sure you understand what is appropriate for their age and size before traveling.
My guide to flying and traveling with a car seat explains the different options in much more detail.
You can also see some of the travel items we use with kids if you are trying to make moving through airports and cities easier.
Where to Stay in Minneapolis With Kids
We stayed at the Hilton Minneapolis in downtown Minneapolis.
For our trip, staying downtown made it convenient to reach restaurants and several attractions.
When choosing a family hotel today, I would focus less on the exact hotel we chose years ago and more on the location that fits your itinerary.
Downtown Minneapolis works well if you want convenient access to city attractions.
Bloomington can make more sense if the Mall of America is the main focus of your trip.
Saint Paul may be worth considering if you expect to spend significant time at places such as the Minnesota Children’s Museum, Science Museum of Minnesota, and Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.
When comparing hotels, check:
- Room size
- Parking fees
- Breakfast options
- Pool availability
- Public transportation access
- Distance from your priority attractions
- Whether the room can comfortably accommodate your entire family
Those details matter much more when traveling with children.
Best Things to Do in Minneapolis With Kids
Now for the fun part.
Some of these attractions are technically in Minneapolis, while others are in Saint Paul or Bloomington.
That is normal for a Twin Cities trip.
Instead of limiting your itinerary according to city boundaries, choose the attractions your family will actually enjoy.
1. Spend a Day at Mall of America
Location: Bloomington, Minnesota
The Mall of America is much more than somewhere to shop.
For families, it can become an entire day of entertainment.
The complex has hundreds of stores and dozens of places to eat, but kids will probably be much more interested in the attractions.
One of the biggest is Nickelodeon Universe, a seven acre indoor theme park with rides and entertainment.
Families can also visit SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, which features sharks, rays, sea turtles, jellyfish, and other marine life, including a 300 foot underwater tunnel.
There is also Crayola Experience and other family entertainment throughout the mall.
That makes Mall of America particularly useful when Minneapolis weather is not cooperating.
You can spend hours indoors without worrying about rain, snow, extreme heat, or cold.
If your kids love big entertainment destinations, you might also enjoy our guides to Las Vegas with kids and Orlando with kids.
2. Visit Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Location: 1225 Estabrook Drive, Saint Paul, Minnesota
If you are looking for a budget friendly family activity, add Como Park Zoo and Conservatory to your itinerary.
Admission remains free, although donations are encouraged.
Families can see animals and explore the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory’s gardens in the same visit.
This is especially useful when you are trying to balance expensive attractions with free activities.
Traveling with children gets expensive quickly, particularly once you multiply admission prices by several family members.
I am always looking for ways to balance those costs.
That is also why I have shared our strategies for making family travel more affordable.
3. Go Bowling at Elsie’s
Location: 729 Marshall Street NE, Minneapolis
Elsie’s is still operating and remains a fun casual option for families.
It combines a restaurant with 16 bowling lanes, including bumpers for children.
This can be a good evening activity after spending most of the day sightseeing.
One thing I recommend is checking the current open bowling schedule before going because leagues and special events can affect lane availability.
4. Explore Minnesota Children’s Museum
Location: 10 West Seventh Street, Saint Paul
If you are visiting Minneapolis with younger children, Minnesota Children’s Museum deserves a spot on your itinerary.
This is not the kind of museum where children are expected to quietly walk around staring at things behind glass.
The museum is built around hands on learning and play.
That makes it particularly useful for toddlers and elementary age children who need to move, touch, experiment, and explore.
I love attractions like this because travel can become part of a child’s education without making the experience feel like school.
That philosophy is a huge part of the way we approach worldschooling and homeschooling.
Children can learn so much simply by exploring the places they visit.
5. Take a Mississippi River Cruise
The Mississippi River is a major part of the Twin Cities landscape, and seeing the city from the water gives families a completely different perspective.
When we visited, river cruises were one of the activities available for families looking for a slower way to explore.
If you want to add a cruise to your itinerary today, check current schedules directly before building your day around one because river cruise availability is seasonal.
This can be a nice change of pace after several museums and busy attractions.
Kids do not need every activity to be high energy.
Sometimes sitting down and watching the city go by is exactly what everyone needs.
6. See Minnehaha Falls
Location: Minnehaha Regional Park, Minneapolis
Minnehaha Falls was one of those places I knew I wanted to see before we arrived.
The waterfall and surrounding park make this one of the easiest outdoor attractions to add to a Minneapolis family itinerary.
Families can walk around the park, enjoy the scenery, take photos, and spend time outside without turning the day into an intense hiking trip.
That is particularly useful when traveling with younger children.
You get the outdoor experience without committing everyone to hours on a difficult trail.
If your family enjoys nature focused trips, take a look at our best family road trip destinations for more ideas around the United States.
7. Learn About Minneapolis History at Mill City Museum
Location: 704 South Second Street, Minneapolis
Mill City Museum gives families an opportunity to learn about Minneapolis through the history of flour milling and the Mississippi River.
The museum was built within the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill.
This is another attraction I like for families because it adds history to the trip without requiring kids to sit through a traditional history lesson.
One important planning detail is that Mill City Museum is not currently open seven days a week, so check its current operating schedule before visiting.
If your family likes combining education and travel, this type of attraction fits perfectly with the idea that the world can become your child’s classroom.
8. Visit the Science Museum of Minnesota
Location: 120 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul
The Science Museum of Minnesota is another strong choice for families, especially if your children enjoy dinosaurs, experiments, the human body, nature, and hands on learning.
The museum has multiple floors of exhibits and also features its Omnitheater.
This is the kind of attraction where I would leave enough time for kids to explore rather than trying to squeeze it between several other stops.
Museums like this are exactly why I enjoy traveling with Aiden.
We homeschool, so travel gives us opportunities to connect things he learns at home with real places and experiences.
If your kids love science too, I have also put together some of our favorite science learning resources for kids.
9. See a Show at Children’s Theatre Company
Location: 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis
Children’s Theatre Company is worth checking if your family enjoys live performances.
Rather than mentioning specific productions from our original trip, I recommend checking the current season because shows change throughout the year.
The 2026 to 2027 season continues to feature productions created with young audiences and families in mind.
This can be a great indoor activity, particularly during colder months or when you want a break from museums and outdoor sightseeing.
10. Visit Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Location: 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is one of the easiest free attractions to add to your trip.
The garden is home to the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture and many other works of outdoor art.
When I researched our trip, I knew immediately that I wanted to stop here for photos.
And I was right.
It is a beautiful place to walk around, let the kids get some fresh air, have a picnic, and take family photos.
The garden is currently free and open daily year round.
That makes it an easy activity to combine with something else nearby rather than dedicating an entire day to it.
11. Go Rock Climbing at Vertical Endeavors
Location: 2540 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis
If your kids need something more active after museums and sightseeing, Vertical Endeavors offers indoor climbing in Minneapolis.
The facility has programs for children and adults with different experience levels.
This is especially useful when the weather makes outdoor activities difficult.
Before visiting, check the current requirements, available climbing options, waiver information, and age appropriate programs for your children.
12. Explore the Mississippi Riverfront
One of the things that surprised me during our trip was realizing just how connected Minneapolis is to the Mississippi River.
I had heard about the Mississippi River my entire life, but seeing it while exploring Minneapolis made the geography feel much more real.
That is another thing I love about traveling with kids.
Places they hear about in books suddenly become real.
The Minneapolis riverfront can be combined with places such as Mill City Museum and other nearby attractions.
Where to Eat in Minneapolis With Kids
Food was another highlight of our trip.
We are definitely foodies, and Minneapolis did not disappoint us.
However, restaurants change much faster than major attractions, so I would treat the restaurants below as places from our original trip, rather than promising that every menu item or experience is exactly the same today.
Revival
We had some seriously good fried chicken at Revival.
It became one of the meals we remembered from the trip.
Hi Lo Diner
Hi Lo Diner was another stop during our Minneapolis food adventure.
It had the casual kind of atmosphere that can work well when traveling with kids.
Eggy’s Diner
We also stopped at Eggy’s Diner.
Breakfast and brunch restaurants are usually some of my favorite places to try when we travel because they tend to be easier with kids than formal dining.
Pizzeria Lola
Pizzeria Lola was another memorable food stop.
We tried a Korean barbecue inspired pizza with beef short ribs, mozzarella, scallions, arugula, sesame, and soy chili vinaigrette.
It was SO GOOD.
Andale Taqueria and Mercado
We also ate at Andale Taqueria and Mercado during our trip.
If your family enjoys Mexican food, it is worth checking the current menu when planning your food stops.
Milkjam Creamery
For dessert, Milkjam Creamery is another place families can consider.
How Many Days Do You Need in Minneapolis With Kids?
For most families, I would recommend three to five days.
Three days is enough to experience several of the biggest attractions.
A simple itinerary could look like this:
Day 1: Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe, and SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium.
Day 2: Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and an evening of bowling or dinner.
Day 3: Minnesota Children’s Museum or Science Museum of Minnesota, followed by time around the Mississippi River.
If you have four or five days, you can slow things down and add Como Park Zoo, Mill City Museum, Children’s Theatre Company, rock climbing, or other attractions.
Do not feel like you have to see everything.
One lesson I have learned from years of traveling with kids is that a packed itinerary does not automatically make a better family vacation.
Sometimes one big attraction and one smaller activity are enough for a day.
Is Minneapolis Expensive for a Family Vacation?
Minneapolis can be relatively manageable if you balance paid attractions with free activities.
Your biggest expenses will probably be:
- Flights or gas
- Accommodation
- Rental car or transportation
- Parking
- Food
- Attraction tickets
But there are ways to keep costs under control.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory has free admission with donations encouraged.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is free.
Parks and riverfront areas can also give families hours of entertainment without another admission fee.
Then you can choose which paid attractions are worth spending money on for your particular family.
That is generally how we approach travel.
We do not try to make every part of a trip cheap.
Instead, we save where it makes sense so we can spend money on the experiences we actually care about.
For more ideas, read my guide to making family travel affordable.
What to Pack for Minneapolis With Kids
What you pack will depend heavily on the season.
For a late spring or summer trip, bring comfortable walking shoes, layers, sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and whatever your children normally need for a full day outside.
For colder months, you will need much warmer clothing.
If you are flying, avoid overpacking simply because you are traveling with children.
After years of family travel, I have learned that carrying too much can create as many problems as forgetting something.
My family travel essentials guide covers the items we have actually found useful.
And if Minneapolis is part of a longer drive, you may also want to look through our best family road trip destinations for ideas on turning the trip into a bigger Midwest adventure.
Wisconsin Dells, for example, can be another fun Midwest family destination, especially if your kids love water parks. You can see everything we recommend in our Wisconsin Dells with kids guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Minneapolis With Kids
Is Minneapolis worth visiting with kids?
Yes. Minneapolis and the surrounding Twin Cities area offer a good combination of children’s museums, science attractions, parks, shopping, indoor entertainment, food, and outdoor activities.
The ability to combine Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Bloomington gives families even more options.
What are the best things to do in Minneapolis with kids?
Some of the best family attractions include Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe, SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Mill City Museum, Minnesota Children’s Museum, Science Museum of Minnesota, and Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.
Are there free things to do in Minneapolis with kids?
Yes.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is free, and families can explore parks and several outdoor areas without paying admission.
Nearby Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in Saint Paul also offers free admission, although donations are encouraged.
Is Mall of America good for young kids?
Yes.
Mall of America has much more than shopping.
Nickelodeon Universe has rides and attractions, SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium offers marine exhibits, and there are several other family entertainment options.
Just remember that attraction tickets can add up quickly when visiting as a family.
Do you need a car in Minneapolis with kids?
Not necessarily.
Public transportation connects many parts of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and the light rail serves MSP Airport and Mall of America.
However, renting a car can make things easier if you plan to visit attractions spread across Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and surrounding areas.
We rented a car because we wanted that flexibility.
Is Minneapolis good for a weekend family trip?
Yes.
A three day weekend is enough to visit several major attractions without trying to see everything.
That is essentially what we did.
Families who prefer slower travel may want four or five days.
What can families do in Minneapolis when it rains?
This is one of Minneapolis’s strengths.
Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe, SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, Minnesota Children’s Museum, Science Museum of Minnesota, Mill City Museum, bowling, indoor climbing, and Children’s Theatre Company can all give families indoor options.
That means bad weather does not necessarily ruin the trip.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Minneapolis With Kids
When we originally chose Minneapolis for our Mother’s Day trip, the decision was mostly driven by finding affordable flights.
I did not have some huge Minneapolis bucket list.
But that is exactly why I am glad we went.
Travel does not always need to be about chasing the most famous destinations.
Sometimes a city surprises you.
Minneapolis gave us good food, museums, outdoor spaces, family activities, and another opportunity to explore somewhere new together.
And for Aiden, it was another state toward his goal of exploring the United States.
I had no idea before our trip just how significant the Mississippi River would feel while exploring the city.
Seeing places in person is one of the reasons I love traveling with kids.
Geography stops being something on a map.
History stops being something in a book.
The world becomes something they have actually experienced.
If you are looking for your next family trip after Minneapolis, explore our guide to the best family vacation spots in the United States, our Chicago with kids itinerary, our guide to New Orleans with kids, or these family road trip ideas around the USA.
Minneapolis may not be the first place every family thinks about for vacation.
But if your kids enjoy museums, animals, outdoor spaces, food, science, art, and a really big mall, the Twin Cities can make a surprisingly fun family getaway.
Have you visited Minneapolis or Saint Paul with kids? Let me know your family’s favorite attraction in the comments.
