We found nine unique family day trips from Minneapolis with kids. Check out the summer family fun in Minnesota!
Sunny summer days are meant for exploring together! When the weather warms up and school is out for the summer, Minnesotans love hitting the open road and exploring our great state. Luckily, there are many great options for family day trips across Minnesota! If you’re looking specifically for day trips from the Twin Cities with kids, you’re in the right spot. This guide features nine epic day trips from Minneapolis with kids – all within 2.5 hours! From delicious pizza barns and massive candy stores to learning about local wildlife, family fun with these Minnesota day trips never stops this summer. Ready to go? Pack up your kids, and let’s hit the road. Please keep reading to discover our top picks for Unique Summer Family Day Trips from Minneapolis with Kids!
1. Canoe or Kayak Down the St. Croix River
If your family loves a little adventure, canoeing down the St. Croix River is a must this summer! Located in Taylors Falls (about an hour from Minneapolis), Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rental offers several day trip options for all skill levels and all ages. Ranging from 3 to 7 hours, these self-guided excursions take you down the St. Croix River, where you can enjoy its scenic beauty, swim, and fish together.
If you are relatively new to canoeing with kids, the One-Way Trip to Osceola is a great option! This 3-ish hour journey takes you down the St. Croix River from Interstate State Park to Osceola. You can select from a canoe, kayak, or tandem kayak for the journey. Life jackets are also provided. Once you’re in the water, make your way downriver to Osceola. Along the way, you can stop as many times as you want. Several beaches, sandbars, and islands are perfect for a quick swim or a picnic. Be sure to pack a cooler with snacks and refreshments for your journey. Watch for turtles, fish, and eagles along the way! Once you arrive in Osceola, a shuttle bus will bring you back to Interstate State Park. If you’re looking for unique day trips from Minneapolis with kids infused with nature, add this to your summer bucket list!
2. Family Day Trips: Enjoy a Pizza or Two at Red Barn Farm
Foodie families can take a little road trip to Northfield for some of the best pizza around! Known for its farm-fresh ingredients, horses and chickens, and beautiful views, Red Barn Farm is an excellent option for family fun in Minnesota this summer. About an hour from Minneapolis, this pizza farm will be a hit for all ages.
From May to October, Red Barn Farm opens its doors for Pizza Night every Wednesday and the third Sunday of every month. Once you arrive, find a spot on the open lawn or in the barn for your meal. It is best to bring any blankets or camping tables/chairs you need. Then, order your pizza at the barn window. Several fantastic pizzas are on the menu, including Gluten-Free and vegetarian options. Most also feature fresh ingredients from the farm! You can bring additional food and drinks (including wine and beer for those 21+). Then you will also need to bring napkins, utensils, and any other eating essentials you may need. Undoubtedly, kids will love roaming the public green spaces, checking out the animals, and munching delicious pizza.
A Few Notes: Reservations are required but can be made here. They only accept cash or checks, so plan accordingly. Finally, everything you bring must be taken home, including garbage or leftover pizza. We recommend bringing a trash bag to help carry any trash home.
3. Interstate State Park + The Drive-In Restaurant
Families flock to Taylors Falls in the summer, and it’s easy to see why! Only an hour from Minneapolis, this area has fun, family-friendly activities. And, few things are more iconic to Taylors Falls than hiking at Interstate State Park and refueling at The Drive-In Restaurant afterward. Undoubtedly, parents looking for fun day trips from Minneapolis will love this kid-friendly combo!
Start your day at Interstate State Park. One of Minnesota’s most extraordinary state parks, Interstate State Park is beloved for its glacial potholes and views of the St. Croix River. It is also part of the first interstate state park system in the United States, as Wisconsin has a twin state park on the other side of the river. When you’re ready to hike, the Glacial Pothole and Ice Age Trail will take you along massive rocks overlooking the river. It’s an excellent place for families to climb around and explore. Then, the Summit Rock, River Bluff, and Echo Canyon Loop are another excellent trail for families. In addition to hiking trails, families can also visit the cozy on-site interpretive center.
Afterward, grab a bite to eat at The Drive-In Restaurant. This iconic carhop-style diner has been a family tradition for generations. The menu features classic American fare like burgers, grilled sandwiches, corn dogs, and more. They also have a dedicated kids’ menu. Finally, make sure to slurp down one of their famous malts or mugs of root beer!
4. Indulge in Something Sweet at Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store
Families driving down Highway 169 can’t miss the MASSIVE yellow barn near Jordan! About 40 minutes from Minneapolis, Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store (also known as Jim’s Apple Farm) features one of the Midwest’s most extensive collections of candies, sodas, cotton candy, and popcorn. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, this is one of the most unique day trips from Minneapolis with kids!
When you arrive at Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store, you will be in awe of the multiple rooms stockpiled high with sweet treats and yummy eats. You’ll find everything from Laffy Taffy and Pez to some of the world’s finest chocolates. Talk about a real-life Candy Land! Some rooms have themed areas dedicated to Harry Potter, superheroes, and other American culture classics. There is even an animatronic band and a fortune-telling machine! Take your time browsing the whimsical collection of candies and soda. You may even recognize some nostalgic options from your childhood. Let kids pick out a treat or two before heading home with sugar-sweet smiles and memories. Indeed, there is something at Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store to satisfy every craving!
5. Get a Taste of Germany in New Ulm
Want to get a taste of Germany without leaving Minnesota? Then, New Ulm offers families one of the best day trips from Minneapolis! Boasting distinct German heritage and architecture, New Ulm feels like you’re traveling abroad, but you’ll be within 90 minutes of Minneapolis!
Start your visit to the “Most German Town in America” at Backerei & Coffee Shop. Kids and parents alike will devour their rotating menu of donuts and pastries, including a few with a German flare! Afterward, walk downtown to meet Hermann the Germann and see the 45-foot glockenspiel. This unique clock features 37 bells that ring alongside rotating figurines. During the summer months, plan to be in front of the clock at noon, 1, 3, 5, and 6 p.m. to see it perform. German Park is another great stop with kids. The park boasts a beautiful fountain and a great playground.
Continue your German-inspired tour at Kaiserhoff for lunch. They serve yummy German-inspired menu items like bratwurst, smoked pork chops, and four kinds of schnitzel! Then, Schell’s Brewery is another popular stop in New Ulm. Finally, you will also find two beautiful state parks near New Ulm. Flandrau State Park is in the immediate area, and Minneopa State Park is just 30 minutes away.
6. Family Day Trip: See the Bison at Minneopa State Park
Less than 90 minutes from Minneapolis (near Mankato), Minneopa State Park is one of the best state parks in Minnesota for families. Prized for its beautiful hiking trails, double waterfall, and impressive bison herd, Minneopa State Park is one of the most unique day trips from Minneapolis with outdoor-loving kids of all ages. It is also Minnesota’s third oldest state park!
Begin your day in search of the bison herd. Since they have a range of 325 acres, they can be tricky to find. But once you see them, kids will be in awe of these massive creatures. Tips for finding the bison herd can be found here. Then, stop at the Seppmann Mill. Your family can learn about this historic grist (flour) mill here. A scenic overlook is also nearby, with a view of the Minnesota River Valley.
Afterward, move your car to the area near the park office/ranger station. You can embark on a kid-friendly hike to see some waterfalls from here. The double falls are sure to impress everyone in your family. Minneopa is a Dakota word for “water falling twice” – hence the park’s name! Finally, be sure to pack a lunch to enjoy everything the park offers during your day trip.
7. Learn about the Jeffers Petroglyphs
Family day trips in Minnesota don’t get much more interesting than the Jeffers Petroglyphs. These sacred rock carvings are located near Comfrey, Minnesota, less than 2.5 hours from Minneapolis. Overseen by the Minnesota Historical Society, this site features more than 5,000 ancient petroglyphs. It is a great place to learn about the stories of Native American ancestors spanning more than 7,000 years.
The ancient rock carvings, or petroglyphs, are beautifully set amid the prairie grasses of Southern Minnesota. During your visit, you can see images of bison, turtles, thunderbirds, and humans – all left to tell the story of the indigenous tribes of this area. Start in the Visitor Center. Here, your family can explore several interactive exhibits about Native American culture and prairie ecology. The hands-on activities set an excellent foundation for your visit.
Then, embark on a tour of the petroglyphs. You can join one of the guided tours or do a self-guided version. If you choose a self-guided tour, check out a booklet at the Visitor Center to guide your exploration. Meanwhile, guided tours can be scheduled when you arrive. There are several tour times throughout the day. Either way, you can see the petroglyphs dotting the landscape. If you have more time, meander the scenic hiking trails through the native prairie together. Indeed, if you are searching for unique day trips from the Twin Cities with kids, add Jeffers Petroglyphs to your summer agenda!
8. Family Day Trips: Explore Niagara Cave
Located in Harmony, Minnesota, Niagara Cave is a limestone cave boasting a guided underground tour just under 2.5 hours from Minneapolis. This family-owned and operated cave tour showcases 450 million-year-old fossils and beautiful, delicate, and massive cave formations! The one-hour tour takes visitors of all ages along stream-sculpted passages to explore its unique underground features.
During the tour, you will embark on a one-mile hike underground, traveling nearly 200 feet below the surface. Along the way, you will see many rock formations, an underground stream and waterfall, and a unique wedding chapel. Rest easy, however, because you won’t see any bats! A light jacket or sweatshirt is recommended since Niagara Cave is always about 48 degrees F. Nothing says family fun during a Minnesota summer quite like cooling down in a cave together! Afterward, challenge kids to a friendly competition at the 18 Hole Miniature Golf course. Or, pan for gemstones. Finally, a small playground, concessions, and a picnic area are also on-site.
A Note About Accessibility: Due to the 550 stairs on the tour, wheelchairs and strollers cannot be used. Instead, those with infants are encouraged to use front-style carriers (back-facing carriers are not permitted). The gift shop, gemstone mining, and mini golf course are wheelchair accessible, however.
9. Learn About Owls at the International Owl Center
Animal-loving families can’t miss the chance to learn about owls at the International Owl Center. It is located in Houston, Minnesota, just under 2.5 hours from Minneapolis. As one of the most unique day trips from Minneapolis with kids, you will surely enjoy spending the day learning about these nocturnal birds together.
The International Owl Center has several interpretive displays and exhibits to help visitors learn about owls and their place in Minnesota. Kids will delight in touching owl feathers and learning to identify various owls by their calls! You’ll also have the opportunity to meet one or two of the Center’s nine feathered ambassadors during one of the daily talks. Outside, there is a large nature playground inspired by these fascinating creatures. Additionally, several special programs are scheduled throughout the year. Afterward, wander around downtown Houston in search of the 12 public owl sculptures! Challenge kids to find them all and choose their favorite.
If you want to plan a weekend getaway around learning about birds, add the National Eagle Center to your itinerary, too! It’s located in Wabasha, Minnesota.
Keep Exploring Minnesota with Kids!
Now that you know all about these unique family day trips from Minneapolis with kids, it’s time to start exploring together! Whether you are looking for an outdoor adventure, want to indulge in a sweet treat, or are interested in exploring a European-style town, these family day trips in Minnesota will keep you adventuring and making memories together. There are so many fun options for day trips within 2.5 hours from the Twin Cities with kids. Have fun exploring Minnesota 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.
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