Things To Do With Kids in St. Louis Park, MN

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bassett Creek Park offers families a peaceful retreat with the perfect blend of nature exploration and playground fun. The scenic walking paths along the creek provide excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife and teaching kids about local ecosystems, while the playground equipment keeps younger children entertained for hours. Its natural setting makes it ideal for families looking to unplug and enjoy outdoor time together.

SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium offers an immersive underwater adventure in the heart of Bloomington's Mall of America complex. Kids can walk through a spectacular 300-foot ocean tunnel with sharks swimming overhead, get hands-on at interactive touch pools with sea stars and anemones, and meet thousands of fascinating sea creatures from seahorses to stingrays. The indoor setting makes it a perfect year-round destination regardless of Minnesota's weather.

Cooks of Crocus Hill transforms mealtime into memories with hands-on parent-child cooking classes that teach real culinary skills in a fun, supportive environment. Kids don aprons and work alongside parents to create delicious dishes from scratch, learning everything from basic knife skills to complete meal preparation while building confidence in the kitchen.

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.

Ridgedale Center is a premier indoor destination in Minnetonka that goes beyond typical mall shopping, offering families a climate-controlled space packed with entertainment options. With dedicated play areas, a movie theater, seasonal events, and numerous family-friendly dining choices all under one roof, it's an ideal spot when Minnesota weather keeps you indoors or when you need a full day of varied activities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Donaldson Park is a beloved Richfield neighborhood gem that delivers classic outdoor fun for the whole family. With its well-kept playground equipment, open athletic fields for impromptu games, and shaded picnic shelters, it's the perfect spot for everything from toddler playdates to family gatherings. The paved walking paths make it stroller-friendly, while the spacious layout gives kids plenty of room to run and explore.

Augsburg Park is a beloved Richfield neighborhood gem that delivers exactly what families need for an active outdoor day. With its well-maintained playground, open athletic fields, basketball courts, and shaded picnic areas, this park offers the perfect mix of structured play and open space for kids to run free.

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.

Mississippi River Park offers families a peaceful escape with scenic, stroller-friendly trails perfect for biking, walking, or scooting alongside the mighty Mississippi. The easy, well-maintained paths make it ideal for young cyclists learning to ride and toddlers who want to explore nature without challenging terrain, all while taking in stunning river views that provide endless opportunities for spotting boats, birds, and wildlife.

Richfield Dual Language School offers a modern playground that's open to neighborhood families when school isn't in session. This convenient community resource features up-to-date play equipment perfect for burning off energy after school hours, on weekends, and during summer break.

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.

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.

Parkers Lake Community Playfield is a versatile lakeside destination that offers something for every member of the family. With a well-equipped playground, open sports fields for active play, fishing access for budding anglers, and scenic walking trails that wind around the lake, this park makes it easy to spend an entire afternoon outdoors without anyone getting bored.

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.

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.

The Big Woods Preserve offers families an accessible nature escape right in Wayzata, with easy boardwalk paths perfect for strollers and little legs, plus scenic lake views that make even short walks feel like an adventure. Kids love spotting turtles and fish from the fishing pier, while parents appreciate the well-maintained trails that wind through native woodlands without requiring serious hiking gear.

Eden Prairie Library is a modern, welcoming space that goes beyond books with its extensive children's section designed to spark young imaginations. With regular storytimes, engaging summer reading programs, and family-friendly technology resources including tablets and educational games, it's a fantastic free destination for learning and entertainment rain or shine.

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.

This neighborhood Dairy Queen in St. Anthony offers a quick and easy treat stop for families craving ice cream or a casual meal. While it provides the classic DQ menu of Blizzards, soft-serve cones, and kid-friendly burgers and chicken strips, the lower rating suggests service or quality may be inconsistent, so manage expectations accordingly.

Wayzata Boulevard offers families a beautifully paved, multi-use trail that winds through charming neighborhoods and stunning Lake Minnetonka lakefront areas. This safe, well-maintained route is perfect for teaching little ones to ride bikes, enjoying family walks with strollers, or letting older kids practice their rollerblading skills while taking in gorgeous water views.

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.

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.

The Eden Prairie Historical Society Museum offers children a hands-on glimpse into pioneer life with authentic artifacts, period clothing they can try on, and interactive exhibits that bring local history to life. This small but engaging museum makes history accessible for young learners through special educational programs and kid-friendly displays that showcase what life was like for early Minnesota settlers.

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!

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.

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.

Nickelodeon Universe is America's largest indoor theme park, spanning seven acres within Mall of America. With 27 rides ranging from thrilling roller coasters to gentle kiddie rides, all themed around SpongeBob, PAW Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and other Nickelodeon favorites, it offers year-round climate-controlled fun regardless of Minnesota's weather.

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.

The Eden Prairie Community Center is a one-stop destination for family fun, offering indoor pools with exciting water slides, spacious gymnasiums, and diverse programming that keeps kids active year-round. With its impressive 4.6-star rating from nearly 800 reviews, this multi-purpose facility delivers everything from open swim sessions to specialized classes, making it a favorite among local families and visitors alike.

Silver Lake Village Shopping Center is a convenient neighborhood shopping hub in St. Anthony that makes running errands with kids easier thanks to its family-friendly dining options and variety of local businesses. While primarily a practical stop rather than a destination activity, it's a solid choice for families who want to grab a bite, pick up essentials, or support small businesses without venturing far from home.

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.

Round Lake Park is Eden Prairie's go-to family beach destination, combining a lifeguard-supervised sandy swimming area with excellent playground equipment and a fishing dock. With picnic shelters for birthday parties and lunch breaks, plus consistently high ratings from local families, this neighborhood gem offers everything you need for a full day of summer fun without the crowds of larger lake beaches.

Eden Prairie Outdoor Center is a year-round family destination that truly has it all. With a sandy beach on Staring Lake, playground equipment, fishing opportunities, paddle boat rentals in summer, and excellent sledding hills in winter, this park keeps kids entertained no matter the season. The well-maintained trails are perfect for family walks, and the variety of activities means siblings of different ages can all find something they enjoy.

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.

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.

Willow Lane Park is a welcoming neighborhood gem in St. Anthony that delivers all the essentials for active family fun. With well-maintained playground structures for different ages, basketball courts for budding athletes, and plenty of open green space for tag, frisbee, or picnics, it's the perfect spot for burning energy without the crowds of larger regional parks.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is a beloved Twin Cities gem offering free admission to see polar bears, giraffes, lions, and more in well-designed habitats. The stunning Marjorie McNeely Conservatory features tropical gardens and seasonal flower shows, while the authentic Japanese garden provides a peaceful escape,all without the hefty price tag of most major zoos.