Things To Do With Kids in Golden Valley, MN

Silverwood Park is a hidden gem where nature meets art along the stunning Silver Lake shoreline. With miles of family-friendly trails, unique outdoor art installations that spark curiosity, creative play spaces, and summer beach access, this nature preserve offers something for every member of the family. The onsite café makes it easy to spend the entire day exploring without leaving the park.

The Children's Theatre Company is one of the nation's premier professional theaters dedicated entirely to young audiences, bringing beloved stories to life with Broadway-quality productions, innovative staging, and age-appropriate storytelling. With an impressive 4.8-star rating from over 1,400 families, this Minneapolis gem offers everything from classic fairy tales to contemporary stories, ensuring kids experience the magic of live theater at its finest.

Westwood Hills Nature Center offers 63 acres of outdoor exploration perfect for getting kids connected with nature right in the heart of St. Louis Park. With miles of easy hiking trails, live animal exhibits, hands-on nature displays, and excellent educational programming, it's an ideal spot for families to spend a morning or afternoon discovering local wildlife and ecosystems without venturing far from the Twin Cities metro.

The Minnesota State Fair is one of the nation's largest and most beloved state fairs, offering an incredible mix of agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, live entertainment, and legendary fair food. While the main 12-day fair happens each August, the fairgrounds host family-friendly events year-round including craft shows, educational programs, and seasonal celebrations that give families reasons to visit in every season.

Centennial Lakes Park is Edina's crown jewel for family fun, offering a stunning 24-acre oasis where kids can paddle boat across scenic lakes, putt through mini golf courses, and splash in fountains during summer. With paved walking paths perfect for strollers, winter ice skating, and beautifully landscaped grounds, this versatile park delivers year-round entertainment that keeps families coming back season after season.

Minnehaha Falls offers families a stunning 53-foot waterfall as the centerpiece of a beautiful urban park perfect for outdoor adventures. Kids will love exploring the paved trails that lead to different waterfall viewpoints, playing in the open green spaces, and discovering the historic refectory and statue of Minnehaha and Hiawatha that bring the Longfellow poem to life.

Brookview Park is a Golden Valley gem that truly delivers year-round family fun. With multiple playgrounds for different age groups, expansive open spaces for running around, and popular sledding hills that draw families from across the metro area in winter, this park has something for every season and every energy level.

The Hopkins Center for the Arts brings culture and creativity to families through engaging theater productions, hands-on art classes, and seasonal camps in a welcoming historic building. Located in the heart of downtown Hopkins, this community arts hub offers year-round programming designed to spark imagination and introduce children to the performing and visual arts in an accessible, family-friendly atmosphere.

Kordiak Park is a hidden gem in St. Anthony that offers families a peaceful retreat from busier playgrounds. With its well-maintained playground equipment, open green space for running and playing, and relaxed neighborhood atmosphere, it's perfect for parents looking for a low-key outdoor outing where kids can burn energy without the overwhelming crowds of larger parks.

Brookview Golden Valley is a year-round family recreation hub that truly delivers on variety. With an indoor pool, ice skating rink, snow tubing hills in winter, and a golf course plus outdoor activities in summer, this facility ensures families have engaging options no matter the season or weather.

Step back in time at this charming historic train depot that brings local railroad history to life for young train enthusiasts. The Wayzata Depot Museum features kid-friendly exhibits about Lake Minnetonka's transportation heritage, vintage artifacts, and engaging displays that make history tangible for curious minds. It's a compact, manageable museum perfect for introducing children to local history without overwhelming them.

St. Anthony Village Community Center is a versatile hub for family fun throughout the year, offering everything from youth sports leagues and swimming programs to special events and fitness classes. With an impressive 4.8-star rating from local families, this well-loved facility provides structured activities and drop-in opportunities that keep kids active and engaged no matter the season.