Things To Do With Kids in Richfield, MN

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.

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.

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 Savage Tap offers a unique family entertainment experience that goes beyond typical dining. This casual outdoor venue combines food trucks, lawn games, and the exciting thrill of axe throwing in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where parents can unwind while kids stay entertained.

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.

FlyOver America at Mall of America offers families an unforgettable virtual flight adventure across iconic American landscapes without leaving Minnesota. This thrilling flight simulation ride combines a massive spherical screen with moving seats, wind effects, and gentle mist to make kids feel like they're truly soaring over mountains, coastlines, and cityscapes,no passport required!

Purgatory Creek Park Pavilion offers families an incredible outdoor adventure with over 5 miles of trails perfect for exploring with kids of all ages. The paved paths are stroller-friendly, while adventurous families can tackle mountain biking trails together, and the scenic creek provides endless opportunities for spotting turtles, frogs, and birds along the way.

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.