What are the best things to do with kids in Minneapolis, MN?

Some of the top-rated family activities in Minneapolis, MN include Valley Square Commons, Southside Athletic, Augsburg Park, Fredrick-Miller Spring, Louisville Swamp. We have 164 curated activities with ratings, age recommendations, and parent tips.

What are free things to do with kids in Minneapolis, MN?

There are 92 free things to do with kids in Minneapolis, MN, including Minnehaha Falls, Tamarack Nature Center, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 40th Street Park, Wirth Beach House, and more.

What are indoor activities for kids in Minneapolis, MN?

Minneapolis, MN offers a variety of indoor activities for kids including museums, indoor play areas, and entertainment centers. Browse our full guide for details.

Family Activities Guide

Things To Do With Kids in Minneapolis, MN

Discover 164 family-friendly activities, venues, and restaurants in Minneapolis.

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Apple Valley(11)Burnsville(12)Chanhassen(10)Eagan(10)Eden Prairie(12)Edina(10)Golden Valley(10)Hopkins(9)Lakeville(12)Minnetonka(10)Richfield(10)Shakopee(10)St. Anthony(9)St. Louis Park(9)Wayzata(9)

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Southside Athletic gym in Burnsville, MN

⚽ Sports

Photo: Southside Athletic

Southside Athletic

★5.0(131)$$13 mi · Burnsville

Southside Athletic is a family paradise where kids can swim, slide, climb, and skate all under one roof. This premier recreation center offers something for every age and energy level, from splashing in the indoor pools to conquering the climbing wall or gliding around the ice rink. With 24/7 access and consistently stellar reviews from families, it's a go-to destination for both active play and structured classes year-round.

🕑 2-4 hours

Fredrick-Miller Spring point of interest in Eden Prairie, MN

🌿 Nature

Photo: tj III

Fredrick-Miller Spring

★4.9(321)Free15 mi · Eden Prairie

Fredrick-Miller Spring offers families a peaceful escape into nature right in Eden Prairie. Kids can explore interpretive trails winding through authentic prairie landscapes, discover educational signage that turns a walk into a learning adventure, and observe wildlife around the natural spring. It's an ideal spot for introducing children to native Minnesota ecosystems without venturing far from the city.

🕑 45 minutes to 1.5 hours

University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum garden in Chanhassen, MN

🎨 Museum

Photo: University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

★4.8(6,580)$19 mi · Chanhassen

The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum offers families an expansive outdoor adventure across 1,200 acres of beautifully maintained gardens, woodlands, and prairies. With miles of kid-friendly hiking trails, interactive nature discovery areas, and year-round seasonal activities from summer concerts to winter snowshoeing, it's an ideal destination for families wanting to explore nature without traveling far from the Twin Cities.

🕑 3-5 hours

🎨 Museum

Photo: Visit Saint Paul

Minnesota History Center

★4.8(2,962)$

The Minnesota History Center brings the North Star State's past to life through hands-on exhibits that let kids touch, play, and explore rather than just look. From trying on vintage clothing to climbing into a real grain elevator, children actively engage with history through interactive displays that make learning feel like play. With its impressive 4.8-star rating and reputation for outstanding family programming, this museum strikes the perfect balance between educational and entertaining.

🕑 3-4 hours

🌳 Park

Photo: Silverwood Park

Silverwood Park

★4.8(2,208)Free5 mi · St. Anthony

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.

🕑 2-4 hours

Children's Theatre Company summer camp organizer in Minneapolis, MN

🎭 Theater

Photo: Children's Theatre Company

Children's Theatre Company

★4.8(1,404)$$

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.

🕑 1.5-2.5 hours total (including arrival time and the show itself)

🌿 Nature

Photo: Pete Seidl

Carver Park Reserve

★4.8(1,024)Free22 mi · Chanhassen

Carver Park Reserve is a sprawling 3,700-acre natural playground that offers families year-round outdoor adventures just minutes from Chanhassen. The Lowry Nature Center serves as the perfect home base for exploring miles of trails, spotting wildlife, and participating in hands-on environmental programs that turn curious kids into junior naturalists.

🕑 3-5 hours for a full visit including the Nature Center and trails; 1-2 hours if just exploring the Nature Center

🌿 Nature

Photo: Westwood Hills Nature Center

Westwood Hills Nature Center

★4.8(936)Free6 mi · St. Louis Park

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.

🕑 2-3 hours

Whitetail Woods Regional Park park in Lakeville, MN

🌿 Nature

Photo: Alyssa Shimon

Whitetail Woods Regional Park

★4.8(934)Free21 mi · Lakeville

Whitetail Woods Regional Park is a natural playground spanning over 1,000 acres where families can explore miles of scenic trails, spot wildlife like deer and birds, and enjoy wide-open spaces for running and playing. With activities year-round,from summer hiking and picnicking to winter cross-country skiing,this Lakeville gem offers an easy escape into nature without the long drive.

🕑 2-4 hours

🌳 Park

Photo: Sam Butler

Shoreview Commons Park

★4.8(738)Free10 mi · Wayzata

Shoreview Commons Park is a beloved neighborhood gem in Wayzata that delivers everything families need for a perfect outdoor day. With well-maintained playground equipment, spacious green areas for running and playing, and beautiful lake access, it's an ideal spot for families looking to combine active play with scenic relaxation and waterfront fun.

🕑 2-3 hours

📚 Library

Photo: Chanhassen Library

Chanhassen Library - Carver County Library

★4.8(100)Free16 mi · Chanhassen

The Chanhassen Library is a family favorite with an impressive 4.8-star rating, offering much more than just books. This modern community hub delivers excellent children's programming including regular storytimes, engaging summer reading challenges, and educational activities designed to spark young minds while giving parents a welcoming space to explore literacy and learning together.

🕑 1-2 hours for browsing and storytime; 30-45 minutes for quick book pickups

🌳 Park

Photo: Carey Nadeau

Riley Creek Conservation Area

★4.8(86)Free16 mi · Eden Prairie

Riley Creek Conservation Area is a spacious Eden Prairie gem that offers something for every member of the family. With multiple playgrounds catering to different age groups, expansive open fields perfect for kite flying or pickup games, and well-maintained walking trails winding through natural areas, this park delivers hours of outdoor fun without the crowds of larger metro parks.

🕑 2-4 hours