50 Fun Things to Do in Duluth with Kids — Duluth Kids Activities

50 Things to do in Duluth, Minnesota with Kids

Are you planning a spring or summer trip to Duluth, Minnesota, with your kids? Then you’re in the right spot! We created this Family Guide to Visiting Duluth this Summer with Kids just for you. Duluth is such a cool city! Not only is Duluth the gateway to the North Shore, but its location on Lake Superior means breathtaking views from almost every direction. Families also love Duluth for its mild summer weather. July is the warmest month, and the average high is only 76.3°F! Keep reading because this family guide is full of all our favorite things about Duluth! We’ve highlighted everything from the best things to do in Duluth with kids, including some free family activities, to the best places to eat and stay. Undoubtedly, this guide will become your go-to resource for all things Duluth this spring and summer with kids.

Tips for Visiting Duluth with Kids

Before embarking on your epic family trip to Duluth with kids, there are a few tips and things that you should know first. From packing tips to the best time of year to visit Duluth with kids, keep reading to learn more.

Best Time of Year to Visit Duluth with Kids

Wondering about the best time to visit Duluth with kids? Well, that depends on what you want to do when you get there! For example, July is not the best time to go skiing, and December isn’t a great time to explore one of the city’s many beaches. With that said, summer is generally considered the best time for a family trip to Duluth.

From May to September, the city comes alive with festivals, seasonal favorites (like cruises on Lake Superior), and patio dining. Families also flock to Duluth for its mild summer temperatures. Did you know that the average high in July is only 76.3°F?

If you are planning a summer getaway to Duluth with kids, keep reading. This guide is all about the best of summer in Duluth! It will help you plan your itinerary with fun summer things to do, great restaurants, and much more.

Exciting Things to Do in Duluth with Kids

There are so many exciting things to do in Duluth with kids! From exploring the iconic Canal Park area to encountering marine life at the Great Lakes Aquarium, here are some of the must-do activities in Duluth for families to start your summer itinerary.

Hang Out in Canal Park & Along Lake Superior

Undoubtedly, Canal Park boasts some of the best things to do in Duluth with kids! This iconic part of the city runs along the shores of Lake Superior, from downtown to Park Point. It also serves as Duluth’s port.

While exploring the area, be sure to head to the lighthouse. This will give you the best vantage point to watch large ships enter the port. Kids will adore watching them pass under the Aerial Lift Bridge. This working lift bridge raises and lowers as ships pass through and serves as one of the most famous structures in Duluth. Afterward, walk along The Duluth Lakewalk to enjoy the scenic waterfront views. You can even stop to skip a few rocks into the water along the way. These are just a few of the free family activities in Duluth!

Here are a few more fun things you can do in Canal Park with kids (plus many more mentioned throughout this guide):

Horse-drawn carriage rides through Canal Park.
See a sports game, concert, or another event at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC).
Play games together at Adventure Zone Canal Park, including laser tag, mini-golf, and an arcade.
Embark on an adventurous climb at Vertical Endeavors, an indoor climbing gym.
Go shopping! Canal Park has tons of cute shops, boutiques, and more.

Great Lakes Aquarium

Treat kids to a fantastic day of learning and hands-on fun at the Great Lakes Aquarium. One of the best things to do in Duluth with kids of all ages is the Great Lakes Aquarium, which offers 15 beautifully curated exhibits. It is home to North America’s largest sturgeon touch pool (and several other marine touch pools). The aquarium also showcases many creatures and habitats within the local Great Lakes Basin region. Not to mention other engaging freshwater ecosystems, like the Amazon River. Other family-favorite exhibits include Otter Cove and Raptor Ridge!

Plus, an exceptional location adjacent to Canal Park means you can experience the two floors of live animal displays, hands-on interactive exhibits, and picturesque water views! Please note that on-site parking is available for a fee. Finally, children two and under are free; limited income access ticket pricing is available.

Duluth Kids Activities: Lake Superior Zoo

Do you have an animal lover in your family? Then, you can check out the Lake Superior Zoo. Located in West Duluth, this zoo features 300 critters and 140 species across the grounds. While you meander through the exhibits, challenge kids to find a new favorite creature! You can encounter animals from across the globe, including Egyptian fruit bats, cougars, African lions, ring-tailed lemurs, red pandas, and more. Then, feed the animal experiences and other tours are also available for families interested in a more up-close-and-personal experience. A playground and zoo train ride are also available for fun throughout the day.

Additionally, the on-site cafe means you can spend all day exploring together without worrying about packing lunch or snacks. Free parking is available on-site, too. Finally, children two and under are free, and income-based rates are available. With so much to offer, the Lake Superior Zoo is one of Duluth’s best things to do with toddlers and young kids!

Browse, Eat, and Stay in the Iconic Fitger’s Building

Perhaps one of the most historic buildings in Duluth, Fitger’s is a one-stop shop for dining, shopping, and staying in Duluth with kids. The complex features 15 locally-owned shops, three excellent restaurants, two lively nightclubs, a microbrewery, and a full-service salon and day spa. Need we say more? If you need help figuring out where to start looking for dining or shopping with kids in Duluth, start here. Of course, if you want to stay on-site, Fitger’s Inn is one of the best hotels in Duluth for families!

Then, here are a few more family-friendly highlights located in Fitger’s (find all of the shops and restaurants by clicking here):

Do you have a craving for Mexican food? Mexico Lindo offers some of the best in the city. In addition to great food, they have a lovely patio overlooking Lake Superior.
Parents needing a spa day will love the options at Fitger’s Salon and Spa, including massages, manicures, pedicures, and more.
For gourmet foods, spices, coffee, and tea souvenirs, grab what you need at The Market at Fitger’s.
Indulge in some yummy ice cream as an afternoon treat at Crank and Dasher.

Best Parks + Outdoor Adventures in Duluth with Kids

Are you looking for some of the best free family activities in Duluth? Look no further than some of these beautiful outdoor spaces, including parks and playgrounds across the city. This section also highlights a few more fun outdoor adventures in Duluth with kids, including alpine slides, mountain biking, and nearby Minnesota State Parks. Keep reading to learn more!

Go to the Beach

Those who encounter warm sunny days in Duluth this summer must spend an afternoon or two at the beach! There are two fantastic beaches in Duluth for families.

Park Point Beach: Located on Park Point (past the Aerial Lift Bridge, at the end of Minnesota Avenue), Park Point Beach is a beautiful summer destination for swimming! Families love Park Point Beach for its golden sands, gentle waves, accessible parking lot, and seasonal lifeguards. Additionally, the beach offers public restrooms and picnic table areas (including BBQ grills). You can find lifeguard hours and other updates here.
Brighton Beach Park: Located at the far east end of Duluth, Kitchi Gammi Park offers public access to Lake Superior on Brighton Beach. You can take Duluth’s Lakewalk from Canal Park to Brighton Beach if you’re up for a trek. The beach features a sandy/rocky shoreline, picnic tables (with BBQ grills), a swing set, and more. Because the coastline can be rocky, swim shoes are recommended.

On sunny summer afternoons, lazy beach days are certainly one of the best things to do with kids of all ages in Duluth! Pack a cooler with lunch, drinks, and snacks to make it a full day of fun in the sun together. Just take your trash and belongings with you when you go.

Spend the Day at a Park

Are you searching for some free family activities in Duluth? The city showcases several beautiful parks and playgrounds for all ages. Whether you want to play, hike, take a picnic, or enjoy a sunny day outside together, head to one of these local parks:

Chester Park: Located on top of the hill near the University of Minnesota Duluth, Chester Park is a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike. During the summer, families love the large playground, picnic areas, and miles of hiking trails (many pass Chester Creek). Summer visitors can also hike up the park’s hill, near the ski runs, for unparalleled views of Lake Superior and the surrounding area. Finally, there is a large parking lot and restrooms on-site, too.
Leif Erikson Park: For a low-key park experience with lovely waterfront views, head to Leif Erikson Park. It offers a beautiful green space along Lake Superior. The park is also home to Duluth’s Rose Garden and a historic amphitheater. Then, paved walking and biking trails are available in the park, too. Plus, limited beach access can also be found in the park.
Enger Park: Nestled on top of the hill in Duluth’s West End, Enger Park features one of the city’s most iconic overlooks. The park’s notable and historic Enger Tower was built in 1939. It’s an excellent spot for a family picture! Enger Park is also a popular place for hiking and birding in the summer. A lovely picnic area with BBQ grills is available for those interested in packing a lunch! Finally, the park also features a large parking lot and public restrooms.
Lester Park: Tucked in a quiet neighborhood on the east end of Duluth (near Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve), Lester Park is a scenic spot for mountain biking, hiking, and birding. There are 9+ miles of hiking and mountain biking trails (between Amity Creek and Lester River)! A playground with picnic tables and BBQ grills is also available within the park, and parking is also widely available.

Duluth Kids Activities: Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory

Perhaps one of the most unique things to do in Duluth with kids, Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory will quickly become a family favorite. The park boasts 4 miles of hiking trails (which tend to be rocky and uneven), and families can also enjoy several scenic overlooks.

Summer visitors can trek along lovely hiking trails and try their hand at birding, but this park shines in the fall. The park is along the path of one of the largest bird migrations in the United States, generally from mid-August through November. The “big days,” when thousands of hawks fly overhead, typically occur in mid-September. This migration corridor attracts bald and golden eagles, rough-legged hawks, red-tailed hawks, and other bird species. If you visit during migration days, local naturalists are available to help your kids identify birds. And, of course, answer any questions they have about the birds and their migration.

Please note that there are no buildings here. Everything is outdoors. As such, we recommend dressing for the weather when visiting.

Hartley Nature Center

Families will love this hidden gem in Duluth! Located in the Woodland neighborhood, Hartley Nature Center is a beautiful 660-acre wilderness refuge. The park offers excellent trails for hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing. The many trails are ideal for birding and wildlife spotting. Whether you are looking for a quick walk to a scenic pond or something more intensive, there are several trail options for all skill levels and abilities. There is even a section of the Superior Hiking Trail that winds through Harley Nature Center! There is also a pond, with a canoe dock, and an area for fishing within the park. Not to mention several areas for family picnics. Finally, inside the nature center are interactive exhibits that kids will love.

Spirit Mountain

Spirit Mountain offers family fun all year long! While many people know that Spirit Mountain offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter, did you know that they also provide an alpine slide and mountain biking trails in the summer? If you’re traveling to Duluth with older kids and teens, Spirit Mountain undoubtedly provides some of the best summer activities for thrill-seeking families!

At the Adventure Park, families can select from various things to do together. Start at the zip line, where you can ride single or double! The double zip line takes riders along a path on a bench-style seat. Then, race through the forest and down the mountain on the alpine slide. Riders can travel alone or in pairs. While on board, you have complete control of your speed (up to 26mph). Along the way, you can soak in stunning city views below. In addition, families will also find disc golf, putt-putt golf, a jumping pillow, a scenic chairlift, hiking trails, and more!

If mountain biking is more your style, there are 24 trails, ranging from easy to expert. Spirit Mountain has some of the Midwest’s best downhill lift access trails!

Duluth Kids Activities: Nearby State Parks

If you’re up for more hiking and okay with a bit of a drive, there are two Minnesota State Parks near Duluth. Both offer kid-friendly hiking trails and other family-friendly activities.

Jay Cooke State Park is about 20 minutes south of Duluth. It’s an excellent location for a roadside stop between the Twin Cities and Duluth. The park is known for its iconic green swinging bridge over the St. Louis River. Beyond the bridge, several other historical markers and sites are located throughout the park. If you’re looking for family-friendly trails, try Easy Ridge Trail, an easy 1.9-mile loop trail, or Silver Creek Trail, an easy 3.4-mile loop trail.
Gooseberry Falls State Park is 45 minutes north of Duluth, near Two Harbors. With 750K+ visitors annually, it is Minnesota’s most visited state park! It’s easy to see why, as the park features several easy trails, five rushing waterfalls, and a great location along the North Shore! The best waterfalls are a short walk from the parking lot, making this state park a low-effort, high-impact option. Kid-friendly trails include Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop, an easy 3.0-mile loop trail, and Gitchi Gummi Trail, an easy 2.2-mile loop trail.

Best Kid-Friendly Museums + Tours in Duluth

Some of the best things to do in Duluth are these kid-friendly museums and tours! From learning about trains and local maritime history to exploring charming lakefront mansions, these museums and tours can make for a perfect outing with kids of all ages.

Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center

Families looking for unique, local things to do in Duluth with kids will love the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center. Located in Canal Park, this free experience is operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. And it’s one of Duluth’s best museums for families with kids! Wander into the museum to explore exhibits featuring the history of the Great Lakes region and the many ships that pass through the Duluth port. The exhibits are updated frequently so that you can return again and again for unique displays and information.

William A. Irvin Museum

Take your kids aboard a historic ship, which now serves as one of the best museums in Duluth for families! Located in Canal Park, the SS William A. Irvin was once a large lake freighter that sailed as a bulk freighter on the Great Lakes (as part of U.S. Steel’s lake fleet). During the summer months, families can climb aboard this pristine Great Lakes vessel to learn about the ship’s history and other fascinating local maritime history and facts. Finally, children ten and under are free (per paid adult ticket).

Vista Fleet Boat Tours

Are your kids itching to get ON the water? We recommend booking a tour with Vista Fleet. They offer a variety of kid-friendly tours throughout the summer, from narrated sightseeing tours to dining tours and those designed specifically for families (including a Family Fun Cruise). Kids will delight in cruising next to 1,000-foot lake freighters and oceangoing vessels! Meanwhile, adults will enjoy seeing the lighthouses, ships, and Lake Superior from a new vantage point.

Most tours are open to all ages, but some tours may include specified age requirements for a special event. Pay attention to cruise details when booking. High chairs and booster seats can also be requested before the cruise date. With so much to offer, no wonder so many families call Vista Fleet one of the best things to do in Duluth with kids!

Duluth Kids Activities: Glensheen Mansion

Nestled along the shores of Lake Superior, the historic Congdon Estate is a 20,000-square-foot mansion. Now operated by the University of Minnesota Duluth, Glensheen Mansion is a historic house museum with stunning gardens and grounds. Offering history, beautiful architecture, Lake Superior views, and more, Glensheen Mansion is one of Duluth’s best museums with kids!

Visitors have three self-guided tour options, including one for the grounds only. Grounds Admission is the best option if your family prefers to stay outside and explore the gardens. Alternatively, select from the Classic and Full Mansion Tour if you want to go inside the house. We recommend the Classic Tour with young kids, while history enthusiasts and teens may prefer the Full Mansion Tour. They do not offer any guided tours, but the self-guided tours feature informative displays in each room. Plus, there is an app you can use for more information. It is free to download and includes an audio tour component.

Then, check the website for upcoming events and special exhibits. Please note that while strollers are allowed on the grounds and some outbuildings, they are not permitted inside the mansion. Finally, each admission option includes free entrance for specific age groups.

Lake Superior Railroad Museum

Housed in the restored Union Depot (downtown Duluth), the Lake Superior Railroad Museum is a fantastic indoor activity for families. The museum focuses on railroading in the Lake Superior region, and it is one of the best things to do for toddlers and young kids in Duluth! Plus, the cost of admission includes the other exhibiting organizations held within the historic Union Depot!

The museum showcases an impressive collection of historic railroad equipment on the grounds. From beautifully restored locomotives to rolling stock, the collection will surely delight train enthusiasts, young and old alike. Then, there are interactive exhibits covering a wide range of information related to the on-site trains and local history. Train excursions can also be added to the experience for families who want to climb aboard! Several trains depart the Union Depot daily during the summer and fall months. Excursions trek through downtown Duluth, Canal Park, and along the shores of Lake Superior. They are a fantastic way to soak in the views and treat your kids to a unique experience.

Parking is available on nearby ramps or metered street parking. Finally, this is one of the most affordable museums in Duluth, with ticket prices ranging from $7.00 to $14.00. Plus, children age two and under are free.

Where to Eat in Duluth with Kids

Wondering where to eat in Duluth with kids? This list has you covered from breakfast to dessert! Whether you need a morning coffee or a mid-afternoon ice cream treat, consult this list for the best family restaurants when planning your summer itinerary in Duluth with kids. Finally, we’ve also noted when a restaurant offers a dedicated kids’ menu.

Breakfast + Coffee in Duluth with Kids

Kick off your day of exploring Duluth with kids at one of these coffee shops or breakfast joints!

Dovetail Cafe & Market: This cozy spot for coffee near Lincoln Park. The menu includes light breakfast and lunch options.
Kitchen & Bar at Duluth Coffee Company: Neighborhood joint featuring a lovely menu focused on farm-to-table food and great coffee.
The Social House: is a great spot with a great location in Canal Park. It features an extensive breakfast and lunch menu and a kids’ menu.
Uncle Loui’s Cafe: Beloved by the community since 1993, this vibrant breakfast and lunch spot offers homestyle American fare like huge pancakes, omelets, and burgers. Weekends get busy, but it’s worth the wait!
Yellow Bike Coffee Fitgers: This coffee shop has excellent coffee and a small bakery case, perfect for a light breakfast on the run.
Positively 3rd Street Bakery: This colorful bakery offers a range of scratch-made morning treats for all ages.

Lunch + Dinner in Duluth with Kids

Lunch and dinner in Duluth for families is made easy with this great list of restaurants.

Canal Park Brewing Company is a microbrewery featuring artisanal beers and area-sourced pub food. It also has a kids’ menu.
Grandma’s Saloon & Grill: A favorite amongst locals and travelers alike since 1976, this is an excellent spot for food in Canal Park. They have a kids’ menu.
Vitta Pizza: This Canal Park restaurant offers a great menu of wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizzas. It also has a lovely summer patio and a kids’ menu.
At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe: Showcasing a farm-to-table menu with international accents, craft cocktails, and more in a quaint setting. They have a kids’ menu.
Sir Benedicts Tavern on the Lake: A classic English-style eatery for great sandwiches and pub grub. They also have a patio during the summer and have live music throughout the year. They have a kids’ menu.
Fitger’s Brewhouse: Craft-style pub grub with house-brewed beers in a festive atmosphere for the whole family. They have a kids’ menu.
Hungry Hippie Tacos: Located in Duluth’s up-and-coming Lincoln Park Craft District, this restaurant serves its iconic fry bread tacos and other local favorites. They have a huge summer patio.
Tavern on the Hill: This restaurant has a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. It has a huge dining room and outdoor patio (which can accommodate large groups). The extensive menu features Greek wood-fired pizza and much more. There is also a kids’ menu.
Pizza Lucé Duluth is a local pizza chain offering a casual setting on Superior Street. Their extensive menu features fun pizza, pasta, and sub options, plus beer and wine.

Duluth Kids Activities: Sweet Treats in Duluth

Here’s where to indulge in a sweet treat with kids after spending the day adventuring in Duluth together.

The PortLand Malt Shoppe: Beloved for generations, it’s an iconic family-favorite stop for old-school window-serve ice cream, sundaes, and floats. Open sesaonlly.
Love Creamery Canal Park: Duluth’s original handcrafted artisan ice cream spot! Families will love its flavorful ice cream (vegan options, too!). They offer two locations in Canal Park or the Lincoln Park Craft District.
The King of Creams: Locally owned and located in the Hillside neighborhood, this shop has some of the best ice cream in Duluth. It also offers a lovely menu of sandwiches.
Grandma’s Ice Cream Boxcar: Features a stellar location in the heart of Canal Park with easy-to-order treats and small bites.
Duluth Candy Co.: Great stop in downtown Duluth for candy, popcorn, and more!

Where to Stay in Duluth with Kids

Some of the best hotels in Duluth are perfect for a family getaway with kids! If you’re wondering where to stay in Duluth with kids, let this list guide you in your selection. We are sure you’ll find the perfect home base for your family trip and exploration across the city.

Best Hotels in Canal Park with Kids

Want to be right in the middle of all the action? Then, Canal Park is the best place to book your stay. Here are our favorite kid-friendly hotels in Canal Park.

Canal Park Lodge: free parking, free breakfast, indoor pool, on-site dining
Pier B Resort Hotel: free parking, indoor pool, on-site dining
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Duluth Waterfront: free parking, free airport shuttle, free breakfast, indoor pool
Lift Bridge Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection: free parking, free breakfast, indoor pool
Hampton Inn Duluth Canal Park: free parking, free airport shuttle, free breakfast, indoor pool
The Inn on Lake Superior: free parking, complimentary breakfast, indoor + outdoor pools, sauna, summer bike rentals, nightly bonfire + s’mores,

More Hotels in Duluth to Consider for Families

Many of the best hotels in Duluth are outside of Canal Park. If you’re looking for more options across the city, from budget-friendly or quieter stays to options with an indoor waterpark, here are a few more hotels in Duluth to consider for your upcoming family trip.

Fitger’s Inn: free parking, free shuttle service, on-site dining, spa
Edgewater Hotel and Waterpark: free parking, indoor pool + seasonal outdoor pool, indoor waterpark (wristband not included with stay), on-site dining, free summer bicycle use, free summer outdoor miniature golf, summer firepit, arcade
Holiday Inn & Suites Duluth-Downtown, an IHG Hotel: free parking, indoor pool, on-site dining
Sheraton Duluth Hotel: indoor pool, on-site dining
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Duluth North: free parking, free airport shuttle, free breakfast, indoor pool

Keep Exploring Duluth with Kids

Duluth, Minnesota, is an exciting destination with kids! With a fantastic location at the start of the North Shore and along the shores of Lake Superior, the city boasts thrilling activities for all ages this summer, from hiking and beaches to museums. If you are looking for fun things to do in Duluth with kids this summer, we hope this article has helped you outline your itinerary. Not to mention, answered your questions on where to eat and stay in Duluth with kids! Enjoy Duluth with your kids!

Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.