10 Things to do in Minneapolis with Kids!

Minneapolis is one of the best cities in the Midwest for family adventures. It’s a place where kids can learn, play, and explore in ways that feel simple and fun. From hands‑on museums to outdoor parks, waterfalls, and family‑friendly attractions, Minneapolis offers activities that keep children engaged while giving parents a chance to enjoy the city too. In this guide, we’ll share a detailed look at 10 best things to do in Minneapolis with kids, explain each spot in detail, what to expect, and how to make the most of your trip.

1. Twin City Model Railroad Museum

Opened in 1934, Twin City Model Railroad Museum is spread across more than 11,000 square feet, filled with detailed train layouts, including a large O‑scale display that shows scenes from the Twin Cities, along with smaller setups and toy trains. Kids especially love the interactive areas where they can press buttons to make trains move, lights flash, or sounds play, turning the visit into a hands‑on adventure. One of the most popular seasonal events is Night Trains, held during the winter months, when the room lights are dimmed and the model buildings, streetlamps, and trains glow beautifully across the displays.

2. SEA LIFE at Mall of America

The SEA LIFE at Mall of America opened as one of the largest indoor aquariums in the Midwest and has become a favorite stop for families. Inside, visitors can see more than 10,000 sea creatures from around the world, and one of the highlights is the 300‑foot tunnel, where sharks swim overhead and around you, creating an unforgettable experience. The aquarium is divided into 11 themed zones, such as Shark Cove, Rainforest Adventure, and Sturgeon Lake. Families who want to learn more can join the Behind‑the‑Scenes tour, which explains how the animals are cared for and how the tanks are maintained.

3. Minnesota Zoo

Covering 485 acres, Minnesota Zoo is home to more than 500 species from around the world, with animals living across the world. Families can explore major areas like the Northern Trail, where animals from colder regions are found, the Tropics Trail, which highlights rainforest wildlife, and Discovery Bay, where marine life is displayed. Special exhibits such as the Red Panda Forest are favorites for kids, and seasonal events like Farm Babies in spring bring families back year after year. Visitors can walk through the zoo, watch animals being fed, and talk with zookeeper s who share simple facts about the animals.

4. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is one of the most family‑friendly places in Saint Paul, and the best part is that admission is free for everyone. Families can spend the day exploring the zoo, where animals like giraffes, gorillas, polar bears, and sea lions live. Kids especially enjoy the Tropical Encounters area, which feels like walking through a rainforest with plants, fish, and animals all around, while Marjorie McNeely Conservatory adds another layer of beauty. Visitors can join programs such as animal feedings, zookeeper talks, and garden tours, which explain plants and animals in simple ways that children can understand.

5. Minnesota Children’s Museum

Opened in 1981, Minnesota Children’s Museum has grown into one of the most popular places for families in the Twin Cities. It features 11 different play areas designed to help kids explore, imagine, and solve problems in fun ways. One of the highlights is The Scramble, a four‑story climbing structure with a spiral slide that keeps children active and excited. Another favorite is Forces at Play, where kids can launch ping pong balls and experiment with bubbles, learning science through play. In Our World, children step into a pretend town with a fire station, post office, and other spaces where they can role‑play as workers.

6. Nickelodeon Universe

The Nickelodeon Universe is a huge indoor amusement park located inside the Mall of America, covering 7 acres packed with rides, games, and family fun. Families can meet favorite characters from Nickelodeon shows like SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which makes the experience even more special for kids. Popular rides include the Avatar Airbender, BrainSurge, and the Fairly Odd Coaster, with clear height requirements posted. The park also has food stands, seating areas, and Nickelodeon‑themed gift shops, making it easy for families to spend the whole day here.

7. Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary

Started in 1907, Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary is known as the oldest public wildflower garden in U.S. It covers 15 acres inside the larger Theodore Wirth Regional Park, and is home to more than 600 native plant species and over 130 kinds of birds that either live there or visit during migration. It is divided into three main areas — a wetland, a woodland, and an upland prairie — each showing a different side of Minnesota’s natural landscape. A small visitor shelter called the Martha Crone Shelter offers maps, nature books, and displays that explain the plants and wildlife found in the garden.

8. Minnesota State Fair

Since 1859, Minnesota State Fair is a large yearly event held in Falcon Heights, and takes place every year for 12 days from late August until Labor Day. Close to two million people attend this event to enjoy food, rides, music, and family activities. The fairgrounds are filled with barns, stages, and open areas where visitors can see animals, handmade crafts, and art made by locals. Food is one of the biggest attractions, while daily parades, free shows, and live music keep the fair lively. Known as “The Great Minnesota Get‑Together,” the fair brings people from towns, cities, and farms across the state into one big celebration.

9. Valleyfair

Opened in 1976, Valleyfair has grown into one of the biggest family attractions in Minnesota. Covering about 90 acres, it offers more than 75 rides and activities, including eight roller coasters such as Wild Thing and Steel Venom. Families with younger kids often spend time at Planet Snoopy, which has gentle rides and meet‑and‑greet opportunities with Peanuts characters. The park also includes Soak City, a water park with wave pools, slides, and places to relax during hot summer days. Throughout the season, Valleyfair hosts food festivals, live shows, and themed weekends that keep the experience fresh.

10. Edinborough Park

The Edinborough Park is an indoor public park, covering about one acre and is best known for having one of the largest indoor play structures in the country, with slides, tunnels, and climbing areas that keep kids busy for hours. The park also includes a junior Olympic‑size swimming pool, a running track, and a fitness space, giving options for both play and exercise. Inside, there is a 250 seat amphitheater that hosts performances and events throughout the year. What makes Edinborough Park even more special is the garden‑like feel created by more than 6,000 plants, trees, and flowers spread throughout the space.

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