The beautiful twin cities are filled with kid-friendly activities that you and your kids will absolutely love! Whether you prefer soaking up the sun outdoors or exploring inside, here are a list of some of our favorites for an unforgettable day:
If you love the indoors…take a trip to the Mall of America, one of the largest indoor malls in the country! From amazing shopping, delicious restaurants, a giant Lego store, amusement park and incredible Sea Life aquarium – the kids always have endless fun!
The kids love wandering through the amazing 300-foot ocean tunnel with sharks and other sea creatures swimming above and beside you, interacting with the creatures at the touchpools and learning about protecting our environment. As one of the largest underground aquariums in the world, there are over 10,000 sea creatures from Dwarf Seahorses, Octopus to Sandtiger Sharks!
The Sea Life aquarium is definitely a site to see for all ages.
Nickelodeon Universe is another great kid-friendly spot in the Mall of America with exciting rollercoasters, a log ride, bumper cars, swings etc. that never fails to satisfy the kids. There are plenty of rides and attractions to keep them entertained and enjoying themselves while parents can participate in the fun or sit and relax nearby.
The Lego Imagination Center is a six thousand square foot store of Lego models and has more Legos than your mind could possibly imagine. From Sabretooth tigers to giant robots, the kids love seeing the huge Lego displays! This is a great spot to bond with the kids as they have nice tables to build Lego creations.
The Minnesota Children’s Museum is another family-friendly favorite around the city, boasting a variety of changing exhibits and interactive, educational activities from creating artwork to learning about hydraulic energy – the kids are content playing here for hours. Even more, don’t forget to indulge in a delicious lunch here while overlooking the beautiful Mississippi River!
Another indoor gem is the historic Jackson Street Roundhouse where the kids love to experience a train ride and take a tour through history with their vintage steam engines, restored train cars and other entertaining exhibits like the train conductor simulator. It’s a wonderful activity for both parents and kids alike!
If you love the outdoors…head to the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory for a fun-filled day outside! For free (or a small donation) the kids absolutely love seeing the animals from gorillas to giraffes, mini golfing at the amusement park and roaming through the botanical gardens. It’s a great spot to pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic with the family.
Lake Calhoun is another fantastic kid-friendly outdoor day activity where the kids love to spend the day fishing, kayaking and playing on the beach. The North Beach and 32nd Street beaches both have nearby playgrounds and are a popular spot for families to enjoy the day outdoors.