Visiting Hidden Gems in the Twin Cities: 12 Lesser-Known Places to Go with Kids
Exploring the Twin Cities with kids is always an adventure, but sometimes, the most magical moments come from discovering places off the beaten path. Minnesota parents looking to shake up their routine will discover twelve exciting hidden gems in the Twin Cities to explore with their kids in this article! From enchanting flower farms to fun animal encounters, these unique things to do with kids in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and the greater Twin Cities metro area offer endless fun and excitement for kids of all ages. Whether you’re a local seeking new experiences or a visitor eager to see a different side of the Twin Cities, these kid-friendly spots promise to delight and entertain your whole family. Get ready to uncover the best-kept secrets of the Twin Cities and make every family outing extraordinary!
Firefighters Hall & Museum, Minneapolis
Hidden gems in the Twin Cities don’t get more exciting for young kids than visiting the Firefighters Hall & Museum in Minneapolis. Open on Saturdays, the museum houses an extensive collection of historic items from Minnesota fire departments, some dating as far back as the 1860s!
Kids will love that many exhibits are hands-on and designed just for them. They can try on equipment and climb various interactive areas to their heart’s content. Plus, they can even ride on a real fire truck. Then, check out the Thief River Falls steam pumper, a 1919 Mankato aerial ladder, a 1932 Minneapolis FWD engine, and other historic firefighting apparatus and equipment. Finally, the museum also features a Minneapolis Police Museum section. If you’re searching for unique things to do in Minneapolis with kids, add this to your summer bucket list!
Hidden Falls Regional Park, Saint Paul
If your kids love exploring wooded trails, beaches, and waterfalls, Hidden Falls Regional Park offers a fun day out for all ages. This long-established park flanks the Mississippi River in Saint Paul and features beautiful outdoor spaces that beckon young explorers. Hidden Falls Regional Park is fascinating for those interested in birding, fishing, picnicking, walking, or biking.
Start your visit by walking along the river path, searching for birds and their nests. Then, as one of the most unique things to do in Saint Paul with kids, your family will love searching for the hidden waterfall (tips for finding the hidden waterfall can be found here). While hiking along, encourage kids to engage their senses. What do they see, hear, feel, and smell? Those interested in a longer trek will be pleased to learn that about 6.7 miles of paved trails are located in the park. Finally, pack a picnic to enjoy the day! There are several picnic shelters available throughout the park (some of which also include BBQ grills). Or you can also throw a blanket down for a beach picnic near the river!
Wings of the North Air Museum at Flying Cloud Airport, Eden Prarie
For an unforgettable family adventure, head to Wings of the North Air Museum at Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie. Perfect for aspiring pilots and aviation enthusiasts, this museum boasts an impressive collection of aircraft, including a full-sized replica of the Spirit of St. Louis. It is undoubtedly among the best-hidden gems in the Twin Cities for young kids.
At Wings of the North Air Museum, you and your kids can explore interactive displays, fascinating aircraft and vehicles, and an art gallery that ensures fun for all ages. Plus, a lovely gift shop is on-site, meaning you can bring something unique home. With various family-friendly events throughout the year, there’s always something new to discover, too. Finally, the museum offers free admission for one child with a paying adult. Ready to take off on your next family outing? Find directions and more information by clicking here.
Bush Lake Beach, Bloomington
Nestled in Bloomington’s Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve, Bush Lake Beach offers a perfect summer escape for families. Open from June 1 to Labor Day Weekend, this hidden gem features free admission and parking, making it one of the best family-friendly beaches in the Twin Cities. No lifeguards are on duty, and swim diapers are a must for infants.
The beach offers space to play in the sand, splash, and swim together. Beyond the sandy beach, kids can also enjoy the nearby playground and sand volleyball court. With a small concession stand, restrooms, and drinking fountains close by, everything you need for a fun day out is at your fingertips. No wonder this is one of the best things to do with kids in the Twin Cities!
The park also boasts the popular Hyland Play Area, dubbed locally as the chutes and ladders park. It’s just a short drive from the beach. Explore the park’s hiking and biking trails, disc golf course, and expansive green spaces for more adventures together. This versatile and vibrant park is ideal for your next fun family outing!
Orso Bianco Gelato, White Bear Lake
Looking for a hidden gem in the Twin Cities that is a sweet treat for kids and adults alike? Head to White Bear Lake to try the extraordinary gelato at Orso Bianco Gelato! This indulgent ice cream joint is family-owned and operated right downtown. It was the owner’s Italian roots that inspired this cozy gelato spot. In fact, Orso Bicano Gelato makes authentic Italian gelato that will have you transported to Rome in no time!
At Orso Bicano Gelato, you can enjoy fantastic flavors like chocolate, blackberry sorbet, hazelnut swirl, or Amarena cherry. Or, try the house favorite, Orso Bianco. This flavor honors their White Bear Lake home (orso bianco means white bear in Italian!). Finally, check Facebook or Instagram for the rotating flavors of the week. You won’t regret the trek to White Bear Lake to discover the flavors here!
Visit a Flower Farm
You have probably taken your kids to pick berries or apples before, but did you know there are u-pick flower farms in Minnesota, too? These lovely flower farms are a great way to enjoy a beautiful day with your children. And, Cal + Lily, located on their family’s farm, Gilchrist Orchard, in Buffalo, is one of the best-hidden gems with kids in the Twin Cities.
Cal + Lily offers u-pick flowers every Saturday on their organic farm during the flower season (which usually starts mid-July). Imagine wandering the flower fields, nestled along an apple orchard, with your children and searching for the perfect blooms to take home. Talk about a lovely way to enjoy the day with your family!
Taft Bike Park, Richfield
Discover Taft Bike Park in Richfield, one of the newest and most exciting bike parks in the Twin Cities for families! This kid-friendly park offers off-road biking fun for all ages, featuring berms, rock features, rollers, jumps, pump tracks, and wood decking. Young kids will love the tot track, while color-coded trails for beginners and intermediates ensure everyone finds their perfect ride. Each trail is one-way (clockwise) to help reduce the risk of encounters and crashes.
Beyond biking, Taft Park has plenty of other activities for the whole family. Enjoy the playground, stroll the scenic one-mile path around the lake, or play on the sports fields. In the summer, rent kayaks or paddleboards from Paddle Share to explore the lake. Plus, the park is a great spot to watch planes take off and land at MSP Airport. Indeed, Taft Park is filled with unique things to do with kids in the Twin Cities!
Normandale Japanese Garden, Bloomington
Explore one of Bloomington’s hidden treasures, the Normandale Japanese Garden—a peaceful, relaxing summer oasis with kids. Nestled on Normandale Community College’s campus, this serene and picturesque garden invites visitors of all ages to walk the garden paths and enjoy a day amongst the blooms. Open seasonally from April to November, the gardens promise a tranquil and delightful escape for the whole family.
Meander the garden walkways to discover enchanting features, including a beautiful garden wall, entry gate, serene waterfall, three islands, four bridges, and three lanterns. The garden also boasts a Bentendo, a hexagonal structure dedicated to Benten, the goddess of wealth, happiness, wisdom, and music. With over 300 plants, shrubs, and trees, this garden will surely captivate and inspire kids of all ages. Finally, kids will especially love watching the vibrant koi swim between the lagoon and the pool. You can feed the fish from May through October by purchasing koi food for just 50 cents at the entrance.
Hidden Gems Twin Cities: Three Little Burdes Pony Company, Stillwater
Give your kids a unique and FREE summer experience by introducing them to Syver or Sunflower, the charming horses of Three Little Burdes Pony Company! This nonprofit 501(c)(3) offers gentle horse introductions for all abilities at no cost. The passionate founder, Krystal, loves sharing her horses and farm life with children. Whether your child is a horse enthusiast or a bit unsure, this experience is well-suited for all!
During the visit, kids will meet and interact with Syver or Sunflower, learning about horse care through grooming, walking, and feeding them. Krystal is always encouraging and supportive and will happily answer any questions they have. Plus, she will ensure the experience is tailored to each child’s confidence and comfort level. The experience is wholly child-led.
Then, Krystal is also a very gifted photographer. Each family receives several images from their visit (also free). To set up a meeting, DM Krystal at @three_little_burdes on Instagram. She will happily help you decide whether to meet Syver in Stillwater or Sunflower in Hudson, Wisconsin. This is undoubtedly one of the best-hidden gems in the Twin Cities with kids!
Find more family fun in Stillwater here.
Picnic with Alpaca at Evergreen Oasis Farm & Market, Center City
Next on our list of hidden gems near the Twin Cities with kids is Evergreen Oasis Farm & Market! Located in Center City, it is the perfect spot for your next family picnic! Promising a delightful experience for kids and parents alike, this locally-owned farm hosts Farm Days most Saturdays from June to October. On Farm Days, grab your kids, pack a picnic, and head to the farm to dine with the alpacas!
Upon arrival, find a cozy spot on the spacious lawn, near the alpaca area or behind the barn by the fields. Remember to bring your own food and drinks, as the market only offers small kitchen items and knick-knacks. After your picnic, kids will love petting and feeding the alpacas and sheep. The friendly owners will guide you in safely meeting these gentle animals. They also love answering questions about their animals, so encourage your kids to be curious during your visit!
Finally, in addition to Farm Days, Evergreen Oasis Farm & Market offers u-pick flowers every day of the week throughout the growing season, making it a perfect spot to introduce kids to a season of blooms.
Wabasha Street Cave Tour, Saint Paul
Searching for hidden gems in Saint Paul for you and your kids? Book a tour at the Wabasha Street Caves! Located in the heart of the city, these caves are the last remaining restored Gangster Era site in the area, offering a unique blend of history, mystery, and natural beauty. Guided tours bring the caves’ rich history and lore to life, making it an educational and thrilling experience for kids and adults alike. Most Minnesotans don’t even realize there are caves you can tour smack dab in the middle of the Twin Cities – but now you do!
For a kid-friendly adventure, book the Troll Tales Tour. This tour is offered every second or third Sunday of the month, complete with a fun craft activity. Depending on your child’s interests, you might also enjoy the Historic Cave Tour, which offers the most scheduling flexibility. Or, consider the intriguing Lost Souls Tour. For older kids (12+), the Saint Paul Gangster Tour will undoubtedly be a hit! With so many options, you’ll find the right tour for your family to explore these hidden caves together.
Hidden Gems Twin Cities: RideMakerz, MOA/Bloomington
Unleash your creative side with a family trip to RideMakerz in the Mall of America in Bloomington. Here, young inventors and “customizers” can dive into the ultimate car-building adventure! At RideMakerz, kids can design a one-of-a-kind vehicle with over 649 million possible combinations. In fact, they get to build their own Ride with their choice of body styles, colors, rims, tires, lights, sounds, accessories, and decals.
Ridemakerz emphasizes the importance of play in children’s development, ensuring every detail is top-notch. As one of our favorite hidden gems in the Twin Cities with kids, this experience sparks their unique ingenuity and provides a sense of accomplishment. Young car enthusiasts will have the time of their lives, making this an excellent choice for a day of imaginative fun and learning.
Enjoy Exploring these Twin Cities’ Hidden Gems with Your Kids!
We hope this list of hidden gems in the Twin Cities for families with kids helps you plan your next extraordinary day out! From thrilling bike parks and charming flower farms to quirky museums, these off-the-beaten-path experiences will undoubtedly allow you to create fun memories together! Regardless of which activities you choose for your family, we know you will have a blast exploring the many unique things to do with kids in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and the greater Twin Cities metro area!
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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