Things To Do With Kids in Shakopee, MN

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.

Eden Prairie Center offers more than just shopping,it's a family destination with a dedicated kids' play area, diverse dining options, and year-round community events that keep children entertained. The mall's spacious layout and variety of stores make it easy to combine errands with family fun, especially on hot summer days or cold Minnesota winters when indoor activities are essential.

Purgatory Park is a hidden gem in Minnetonka that offers families the perfect blend of natural exploration and traditional playground fun. Kids can splash in the creek, spot turtles and birds along the scenic trails, then burn off energy on the playground equipment,all while parents enjoy the peaceful wooded setting and well-maintained paths.

A Hopkins institution since 1938, Maynards offers classic American comfort food in a relaxed, no-fuss atmosphere that welcomes families with open arms. The longstanding restaurant features a dedicated kids' menu and the kind of welcoming vibe where parents can relax while children enjoy familiar favorites in the heart of historic downtown Hopkins.

Lone Lake Park is a gem for families seeking a peaceful outdoor escape in Minnetonka. This well-maintained neighborhood park offers something for everyone,little ones can burn energy at the playground while older kids try their luck at the fishing pier, and the scenic walking trails around the lake make it easy to enjoy nature with strollers or bikes in tow.

Shady Oak Beach is a family favorite summer destination offering a refreshing swim area on beautiful Shady Oak Lake combined with playground fun and shaded picnic spots. With over 550 positive reviews and a 4.5-star rating, parents love this beach for its convenient amenities and safe swimming environment that keeps kids entertained for hours without breaking the bank.

Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail offers families a beautifully maintained paved path perfect for introducing kids to biking adventures or enjoying a leisurely stroller walk. The scenic creek views and gentle terrain make it ideal for all skill levels, from toddlers just learning to balance to older kids ready to log some serious miles on their bikes.

Valley Park is a beloved Hopkins gem that offers families the perfect blend of active play and nature exploration. With well-maintained playground equipment, winding trails through scenic natural areas, and plenty of open space for running around, it's an ideal spot for burning energy while enjoying the outdoors. The park's peaceful setting and variety of amenities make it a go-to destination for local families seeking quality outdoor time.

Wooden Hill Brewing is a refreshingly family-friendly neighborhood brewery where parents can enjoy craft beers while kids are genuinely welcomed and entertained. With a dedicated kids menu, board games to keep little ones busy, and a spacious patio for warmer days, this Edina spot strikes the perfect balance between adult relaxation and family dining.

Central Park in Hopkins is a fantastic all-in-one destination that keeps families entertained for hours. With its popular splash pad for cooling off on hot days, multiple playground areas for different age groups, and scenic walking paths perfect for stroller walks or bike rides, this well-maintained park offers something for everyone in the family.

Williston Fitness Center is a welcoming community hub that goes beyond typical gym offerings with excellent family-focused amenities. Parents love the designated family swim times in the pool, youth sports programs, and open basketball courts where kids can burn energy year-round, while the indoor track provides a perfect rainy-day activity option for active families.

Hopkins Pavilion is a versatile community recreation center that keeps families active year-round with indoor ice skating, open gym time, and engaging youth programs. With its welcoming atmosphere and wide variety of activities all under one roof, it's a go-to destination for Hopkins families looking to burn energy on cold Minnesota days or enjoy affordable recreation any time of year.

Gray's Bay is a fantastic lakeside destination where families can spend an entire day enjoying Lake Minnetonka's beauty. With a sandy beach for swimming, playground equipment, paved walking trails, and a spacious lawn area perfect for picnics, this waterfront park offers the quintessential Minnesota summer experience that keeps kids entertained for hours.

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.

The Minnetonka Community Center is a one-stop destination for family fun year-round, featuring indoor swimming pools that are perfect for all skill levels, gymnastics programs, and a rotating calendar of youth activities. With its excellent 4.7-star rating, this full-service facility offers everything from open swim times to structured classes, making it ideal whether you're looking for a casual drop-in visit or regular programming for your kids.

Minnetonka Ice Arena is a welcoming year-round ice skating facility that's perfect for families looking to hit the ice together. Whether your kids are taking their first wobbly steps on skates during open skate sessions or ready to dive into structured lessons and hockey programs, this well-maintained arena offers something for every skill level in a friendly, supportive environment.

The Edina Art Center is a welcoming community art hub where families can create together through hands-on workshops, pottery classes, and seasonal programs. With its highly-rated family workshops and dedicated children's summer camps, it's the perfect spot for budding artists to explore painting, ceramics, sculpture, and mixed media in a supportive, creative environment.

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.

Burnes Park is a quintessential neighborhood gem in Hopkins that delivers everything active families need for an afternoon of outdoor fun. With its well-maintained playground equipment, multiple sports courts and fields, and generous open spaces for running around, this park offers the perfect mix of structured play and free exploration that keeps kids entertained for hours.

Minnehaha Creek Headwaters Park offers families a beautiful, easy-to-navigate paved trail system that's perfect for little legs on bikes or toddlers in strollers. The scenic route follows the peaceful creek through wooded areas and open spaces, giving kids plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, explore nature, and burn off energy in a safe, car-free environment.

Edinborough Park is an indoor wonderland that saves the day when Minnesota weather won't cooperate. This spacious community center features a stunning one-acre indoor park complete with a playground, splash pad, and amphitheater under a beautiful glass roof, plus seasonal amenities like an outdoor pool and fitness facilities,making it a year-round destination for active families.

Big Willow Park is a lakeside gem that offers families the perfect blend of water fun and outdoor adventure. With direct Lake Minnetonka beach access, multiple playgrounds, and scenic trails, this expansive park provides everything you need for a full day of family entertainment in one beautiful location.

Minnetonka Center for the Arts offers hands-on creative experiences that spark imagination and artistic expression in children of all ages. With youth art classes, family workshops, and rotating exhibitions featuring local and student artwork, it's a welcoming community space where kids can explore everything from painting and pottery to sculpture and mixed media.

Meadowbrook Golf Course offers an excellent introduction to golf for young players in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. With dedicated junior programs and practice facilities, this Golden Valley course welcomes beginners and helps kids build confidence while learning proper technique in a supportive environment that doesn't intimidate first-time golfers.

Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club in Prior Lake offers an authentic equestrian experience that introduces children to the world of horseback riding in a safe, professional environment. With programs ranging from beginner lessons to trail rides and engaging summer camps, families can explore horseback riding together regardless of experience level, making it perfect for budding animal lovers and adventurous kids alike.

Cottageville Park is a welcoming Hopkins neighborhood gem that offers everything families need for a classic park day. With well-maintained playground structures for multiple age groups, open sports fields perfect for pickup games, and shaded walking paths for stroller-pushing parents, this 4.6-star park provides a comfortable outdoor escape without traveling far from the western suburbs.

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.

The Minnehaha Creek Greenway offers families a beautiful, paved multi-use trail that winds alongside the tranquil Minnehaha Creek through Edina. It's an ideal spot for easy family bike rides, nature walks, or letting kids practice their rollerblading skills in a safe, scenic environment away from traffic. The gentle terrain and peaceful creek views make this trail accessible for even young riders with training wheels.

Wayzata Beach offers families a perfect slice of Minnesota lake life with its sandy shores on beautiful Lake Minnetonka. Kids can splash in the designated swimming area, play on the playground equipment, and enjoy picnic lunches while parents soak in the scenic waterfront views that make this one of the Twin Cities' most beloved beach destinations.

The Works Museum is an engineer's dream playground where kids become hands-on inventors and problem-solvers. This interactive museum lets children dive deep into the world of mechanical engineering by building with real pulleys, gears, levers, and other engineering components. Unlike traditional museums, everything here is designed to be touched, manipulated, and experimented with, making it perfect for curious minds who love to figure out how things work.

Giannis Steakhouse & Seafood offers families a relaxed lakeside dining experience with stunning Lake Minnetonka views that keep kids entertained while you enjoy quality steak and seafood. The dedicated kids menu and outdoor seating options make this a comfortable choice for families who want a nice meal out without the stress of overly formal dining.

CōV Wayzata offers a rare combination of upscale-casual dining and outdoor fun right on Lake Minnetonka. While parents enjoy fresh seafood and craft cocktails on the waterfront patio, kids can play beach volleyball, watch boats cruise through the marina, and order from a dedicated kids menu that keeps even picky eaters happy.