Make it an Unforgettable Labor Day Weekend in the Twin Cities!

Unique Ideas for Labor Day Weekend in the Twin Cities for Families

Get ready for an unforgettable Labor Day weekend in the Twin Cities with your kids! With a vibrant array of family-friendly activities across the state, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this September. From thrilling outdoor adventures to fun day trips, you and your family can make the most of the long weekend without traveling too far from home. Whether you’re paddling along urban lakes, attending lively festivals, or diving into interactive exhibits, the Twin Cities offers tons of unique ideas for Labor Day Weekend 2025 for families!

This guide highlights our favorite 17 ideas for all ages to ensure your Labor Day Weekend is packed with excitement and quality family time before school starts again. Let’s celebrate the end of summer with joy and adventure right here in Minnesota! Keep reading to discover our top picks for the best events and things to do with kids this Labor Day Weekend in the Twin Cities.

Attend the Great Minnesota Get-Together

2025 Dates: August 21 – Labor Day, September 1

Celebrate the end of summer at the iconic Minnesota State Fair in Saint Paul. Join your neighbors and fellow Minnesotans in celebrating this cherished tradition, which showcases the best of agriculture, entertainment, food, art, science, and industry. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best things to do with kids during Labor Day Weekend in Minneapolis!

Indulge in over 500 delicious food items (find the new food items here), including more than 80 on-a-stick delicacies, and enjoy 900 free entertainment shows. Your kids will love munching on Sweet Martha’s Cookies, cheese curds, and more while meandering the lively grounds! Meanwhile, parents can also savor various Minnesota craft brews and wines. Afterward, everyone can cheer on livestock competitions and have a blast at the Mighty Midway and Kidway (featuring a combined 50+ rides). Plus, where else can you see beautiful butter sculptures other than the Minnesota State Fair?

Of course, you can’t miss the outstanding Grandstand concerts, horse shows, the CHS Miracle of Birth Center (you might even see a calf being born!), and various other contests and demonstrations. With 1,000 vendors and nightly fireworks, the Minnesota State Fair offers endless family fun, making it the perfect Labor Day weekend destination!

Get Your Thrills at Valley Fair

Corn Fest 2025 Dates: Weekends August 16 – September 1

Treat your kids to a thrilling Labor Day Weekend at Valleyfair. This is one Minnesota destination they won’t soon forget! From the heart-pounding thrills of Corkscrew, Wild Thing, and Renegade to the delightful adventures of Planet Snoopy, Valleyfair promises endless excitement for the whole family. After racing down roller coasters together, cool off at Soak City Waterpark, where you can splash down towering slides, float along the lazy river, and enjoy pint-sized fun at Barefoot Beach.

Then, don’t miss the return of Corn Fest. This festival celebrates Minnesota’s golden crop with cornalicious treats, live music, fun games, and more. Corn Fest is included with park admission!

Whether plunging into Breakers Pipeline or relaxing in a rented cabana with a margarita, Valleyfair offers a perfect blend of thrills and relaxation. Enjoy rides, slides, and the a-maize-ing Corn Fest fun for a Labor Day weekend to remember in Shakopee! With so much to offer, Valley Fair is unsurprisingly one of the most fun ideas for families for Labor Day Weekend in the Twin Cities.

Back-to-School Shopping at the Mall of America

Labor Day Weekend is a great time to make back-to-school shopping a fun family outing at the Mall of America! With more than 500 stores spread across four levels, you’ll find everything you need. Plus, plenty to keep kids entertained, too!

For babies and toddlers, favorites like Carter’s, OshKosh B’gosh, and the Toys”R” Us Flagship offer adorable clothes and toys. Elementary-aged kids will enjoy stops at Build-A-Bear Workshop, the Crayola Store, and Games by James. Tweens and teens will find stylish options at Zara, H&M, and Under Armour to start the school year in style.

Mall of America’s family-friendly vibe means you can easily balance shopping with a break at Nickelodeon Universe or the Crayola Experience. This makes it easier for parents to check off that back-to-school list while keeping kids happy and engaged all day long.

Plan your shopping outing by reading our Complete Guide to the Mall of America in Minnesota.

Rent a Kayak and Explore a Minneapolis Lake

End your summer splashing together in one of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes! Labor Day Weekend is an excellent excuse for a fun family day of canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding! With so many fantastic lakes to choose from right in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, we’ve narrowed it down to three great spots for families with kids. At each location, Wheel Fun Rentals offers canoe, kayak, and paddle board rentals (and life jackets) for those who don’t have their own equipment.

In addition to calm waters, rental equipment, and accessible launch points, each lake offers the following family-friendly amenities to make a full day of it!

Lake Harriet in southwest Minneapolis offers a massive playground, two beaches, a fishing pier, and a 2.8-mile loop walking path. Kids can also enjoy finding the tiny elf house while you stroll.
Lake Nokomis is another excellent choice, featuring two sandy beaches, two fishing piers, a playground, and a 2.5-mile walking path. The Main Beach even offers lifeguard hours and an on-site eatery called The Painted Turtle.
Lake Bde Maka Ska is a family favorite with three beaches, two playgrounds, and a 3.2-mile loop walking/biking trail. Thomas Beach has lifeguard hours and a floating swim dock, while North Beach and 32nd Street Beach are near playgrounds.

If you are looking for fun things to do during Labor Day Weekend in Minneapolis with kids, add paddling to the list. Want to learn more about our favorite lakes in the Twin Cities? Read We Love These 8 Twin Cities Lakes – Find Out Why They’re Perfect for Kids.

Riverboat Cruise Down the Mississippi River with Padelford Riverboats

Imagine floating down the Mississippi River on a beautiful late summer’s day with your family aboard a scenic riverboat. This Labor Day weekend, embark on a memorable adventure with Padelford Riverboats, a Twin Cities tradition since 1969.

Families seeking unique ideas for Labor Day Weekend in the Twin Cities will adore the narrated 90-minute sightseeing excursion. Excursions depart daily at 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. from Harriet Island in Saint Paul. Glide along the Mississippi River and marvel at sights like the St. Paul High Bridge, Pig’s Eye Cave, and Pike Island. You may even spot bald eagles, herons, egrets, and falcons.

In addition to the Daily Sightseeing Cruises, Sunset and Captain’s Dinner Cruises are available over Labor Day Weekend. Each cruise features a fully stocked bar and snacks for purchase, ensuring a delightful experience as you take in the Mississippi River’s natural beauty.

Embark on a Train Ride with Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway

2025 Dates: Multiple excursions are available throughout the weekend. Check the calendar for more information and booking details.

All aboard for a unique Labor Day Weekend with the Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway! Operated by the Minnesota Transportation Museum, this heritage railroad offers an enchanting journey for all ages. The Osceola Marine Excursion is offered all Labor Day Weekend.

During the excursion, climb aboard a vintage train for a scenic ride through the St. Croix River Valley. Along the route, you’ll be surrounded by sandstone bluffs, waterfalls, and wildlife sightings. You can also relax in the historic train cars, grab a snack, and take in the breathtaking views. A friendly car host will also share fascinating railroad history.

The Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway promises an unforgettable family outing, making it one of the best Labor Day Weekend events for families in the Twin Cities!

Ride the Stillwater Trolley

2025 Dates: Multiple tours are available throughout the weekend. Check the calendar for more information and booking details.

For a delightful holiday weekend excursion, hop aboard the historic Stillwater Trolley in charming Stillwater. One of the most unique ideas for Labor Day Weekend in the Twin Cities, it’s perfect for families with kids of all ages. Stillwater Trolley Co. offers two engaging tours over Labor Day Weekend.

On Saturday mornings, the Storytime Trolley, in partnership with Valley Bookseller, entertains toddlers and young children with fun stories, snacks from Candyland, and a 20% discount on children’s books. Alternatively, families with older kids may prefer a dose of local history aboard the 45-minute Historic Tour (best for kids 3+). This tour showcases Stillwater’s unique charm, historic homes, and the beautiful St. Croix River while sharing fascinating tales and folklore.

Reservations are required for all tours.

Free First Sunday at the Minnesota Children’s Museum

For a fun and interactive mini-adventure with toddlers and young kids this Labor Day Weekend, head to the Minnesota Children’s Museum. This vibrant museum offers endless opportunities for babies, toddlers, and young kids to play. This summer, they even have a whimsical Game On: Adventure in Every Move exhibit. Additionally, on the first Sunday of every month, the Minnesota Children’s Museum offers free admission, making this one of the best free ideas for families during Labor Day Weekend in the Twin Cities.

During your visit, let kids’ creativity soar in art exhibits, build imaginative structures, and splash around at water tables. Kids will love the climbing area with its giant catwalk, where they can channel their inner superheroes on The Scramble. Then, the Our World exhibit lets children role-play various community roles in a pretend town, including the fire station and post office. Infants and toddlers can enjoy sensory play at Sprouts. Don’t miss outdoor play areas like Tip Top Terrace and The Backyard on sunny days.

With interactive learning and play around every corner, the Minnesota Children’s Museum promises a day full of excitement and discovery.

Attend the Minnesota Renaissance Festival

2025 Dates: August 16 – September 28th—PLUS Labor Day & Festival Friday on September 26

Huzzah! This Labor Day weekend, step back in time and join King Henry and his royal court at the 54th Annual Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee! Immerse your family in a 16th-century European village featuring 16 stages of thrilling entertainment, including live armored jousting and interactions with hundreds of memorable characters. Then, explore the Artisan Marketplace, where over 250 artisans showcase their handcrafted wares, offering a unique shopping experience. Of course, you can’t miss dining on food fit for kings and queens. Kids and adults alike will delight in turkey legs, steak on a stake, shepherd’s pie, and more iconic bites.

Plus, as one of the best Labor Day Weekend events for families in the Twin Cities, the Festival’s theme over the holiday weekend will be Woofstock. In addition to the Festival’s typical frivolities, Labor Day Weekend will celebrate our furry family members with races, treats, and more.

With endless activities and enchanting entertainment, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival promises a magical Labor Day Weekend for the whole family.

Labor Day Twin Cities Ideas: Take a Fun Day Trip

Day trips offer an exciting way to explore Minnesota destinations close to home and create unforgettable memories without trekking too far. Fortunately, Minnesota offers several fantastic family-friendly day trips! Whether you’re eager to hike through unique state parks or excited to discover charming small towns, there’s no shortage of fun adventures just a short drive from Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Pack up the family and hit the road for a fun Labor Day Weekend day trip.

Here are 4 of our favorite day trip ideas near the Twin Cities for families this Labor Day Weekend:

Outdoor adventure families can try canoeing or kayaking down the St. Croix River this Labor Day Weekend! Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rental offers several day trip options for all skill levels and all ages, disembarking from Taylors Falls (about an hour from Minneapolis).
Get a taste of Germany without leaving Minnesota by taking a quick day trip to New Ulm. This charming town boasts a rich German heritage, including attractions, restaurants, and distinctive architecture. The city feels like you’re traveling abroad, but you’ll be within 90 minutes of Minneapolis!
Located near Mankato, Minneopa State Park is one of the best state parks in Minnesota. Families will love its scenic hiking trails, double waterfall, and majestic bison herd. Plus, it’s less than 90 minutes from the Twin Cities.
Embark on a day trip to Jeffers Petroglyphs to learn about local indigenous culture and history. You can see images of bison, turtles, thunderbirds, and humans. These sacred rock carvings are located near Comfrey (less than 2.5 hours from the Twin Cities).

Discover all of our favorite day trips by reading 9 Unique Summer Family Day Trips from the Twin Cities.

Spend the Day at Como Town Before They Close for the Season

2025 Dates: Open daily through August, and weekends through September. Check the website for the daily schedule and details.

This Labor Day weekend, head to Como Town, a family-friendly amusement park next to Como Zoo in Saint Paul. Como Town offers more than 20 rides and attractions, fun concessions, and a General Store. Kids will love getting a unique view of the Minneapolis skyline from Soaring Eagle, rocking back and forth on the S.S. Swashbuckler, and zooming down the Tiger Trax roller coaster. With so many thrilling options, it’s no surprise that many families consider Como Town one of the best ideas for Labor Day Weekend in the Twin Cities!

Plus, check out the new Mythical Creatures during your visit this holiday weekend! This magical exhibit features over 60 unique animatronic beings that will thrill your kids. With their incredibly realistic movements, it’s like stepping into a vibrant, enchanted world! The Mythical Creatures experience is open daily through September 1.

Labor Day Twin Cities Ideas: Join the Fun at the Farm at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

2025 Dates: Saturdays, July 19 through September 6

Do you have an animal lover in your family? This Labor Day weekend, join the Summer Fun at the Farm at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska! On Saturday of the holiday weekend, enjoy various family-friendly activities celebrating the harvest season. Try your hand at Farm at the Arb bingo, sample cooking demos and tastings, and have a blast on the Event Lawns with kid-friendly activities that spark endless fun.

The theme for Labor Day Weekend is Corn Day, which will teach your family about this ancient crop. Hands-on activities will help you explore how corn transformed Minnesota and understand its vital role in our local lives and today’s world. During your visit, be sure to leave time to explore the Red Barn, Myers Education Center, and Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center for even more interactive fun.

Then, if you want to explore a bit more, the arboretum’s 1,200 acres of beautifully curated gardens and seasonal activities ensure a memorable day for all. Families can explore 28 specialty gardens, 150 art pieces, and kid-friendly areas, including the Green Play Yard and Under the Oak Play Yard. Talk about one of the most unique ideas for families for Labor Day Weekend in the Twin Cities!

Take Your Kids Tubing on Lake Minnetonka with Tonka Boat Rentals

Looking for unique water activities to do Labor Day Weekend near Minneapolis with kids? Head to Lake Minnetonka for a hassle-free boat day with Tonka Boat Rentals. Their high-quality, kid- and pet-friendly boats are perfect for a fun day on the lake. The best part? You’ll have a captain who will show you around and drive the boat (no experience or licenses required on your part!).

Tonka Boat Rentals offers a variety of boats and tours tailored to your needs and family size. Boats come with life jackets and tubes. All you need to bring is sunscreen, snacks, and drinks, and the courage to get out on the tube with your kids! If you book a longer tour, one or two restaurant stops can also be included. Is there anything more Minnesotan than a warm summer day on the lake?

Have a Beach Day with Your Kids

For Labor Day Weekend in the Twin Cities, a beach day is a classic way for families to soak up the last rays of summer. With many local pools already closed, Twin Cities lakes are your best bet for water fun. From kayaking and sandy beaches to playgrounds and picnic spots, Minneapolis offers plenty of family-friendly swimming options.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Lake Harriet is a top pick with two beaches, boat rentals, and a scenic loop path.
For cleaner water and peace of mind, head to the chlorinated Swim Pond at Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
Or, enjoy free admission and nearby hiking at Bush Lake Beach in Bloomington.

Whether you want lifeguards, playgrounds, or peaceful water views, these spots offer easy ways to celebrate the long weekend with kids. Discover even more beach day ideas by reading our article on the 8 Best Lakes in the Twin Cities for a Fantastic Summer Day with Kids.

Cheer on the Home Team at a Saint Paul Saints Game

Cheering on the Saint Paul Saints is one of the best things to do Labor Day Weekend in Saint Paul with kids. This minor league experience delivers big fun without the hefty price tag—tickets start at just $5!

Families love the playful atmosphere, budget-friendly concessions, and Mudonna the Pig (the team’s beloved mascot!). Kids can burn off energy in the free Play Zone before or during the game. Berm seating on the grassy hill is perfect for families who want room to spread out or move around. It’s just down from the Play Zone!

Arrive early to explore CHS Field, visit the playground, or check out public spaces around the stadium. Be sure to stop by the City of Baseball Museum, included with your ticket, where interactive exhibits bring the history of baseball to life. For a relaxed, family-friendly outing, a Saints game is a true Twin Cities tradition and a winning way to wrap up summer.

Take a Hike at a Local State Park

Take a break from the bustle and explore the great outdoors! Undoubtedly, one of the best ideas for Labor Day Weekend in the Twin Cities for families is a day trip to a nearby state park. Just 30 to 90 minutes from Minneapolis and Saint Paul, these parks offer hiking, history, and hands-on fun for all ages.

Here are a few park ideas to get you started:

Fort Snelling State Park in Saint Paul has riverfront trails with historic twists. It even has a large playground and visitor center to explore.
Afton State Park offers stunning views of the St. Croix River, sandy beaches, and family-friendly trails that wind through prairies and bluffs.
At Interstate State Park, kids can scramble over ancient glacial potholes or hop aboard a scenic boat tour.
And at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, little hikers will love the easy trek to Hidden Falls and the wooden train-themed playground.

Whether you’re picnicking, spotting wildlife, or splashing by the shore, these parks promise a memorable family adventure. Looking for more Minnesota State Parks near the Twin Cities? Read our article featuring 12 Fun Minnesota State Parks within 90 minutes of Minneapolis for Families.

Celebrate the End of Summer at a Family-Friendly Patio

Celebrate the end of summer with a family dinner on a Twin Cities patio! There’s nothing like soaking up the final bits of sunshine with good food, cold drinks, and happy little diners by your side. From tropical vibes to plane-watching patios, the Twin Cities delivers when it comes to family-friendly outdoor dining! Here are a few of our favorite ideas across the Twin Cities.

Try Hola Arepa for colorful swings and arepas in Minneapolis. Or, head to Sea Salt Eatery in Minnehaha Park for excellent seafood with a waterfall view. They have kiddie sizes of their regular menu items. Victor’s 1959 Café offers a taste of Cuba. Meanwhile, Hen House Eatery serves epic cinnamon rolls and brunch favorites downtown. In Saint Paul, Holman’s Table lets you dine while watching planes take off and land. And for unbeatable pizza on a patio? Punch Pizza has multiple metro locations with family-friendly flair. Wherever you go, it’s a delicious way to savor summer together.

Have Fun on Labor Day Weekend in the Twin Cities with Your Kids!

We hope this guide, featuring our favorite ideas for Labor Day Weekend in the Twin Cities, helps you find the perfect outing for your family! There are numerous fun events and activities for kids this Labor Day Weekend in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and the surrounding metro area, including epic outdoor adventures, historical tours, thrilling rides, and adorable farm animals. No matter what your children enjoy doing, one or two things on this list will surely pique their interest! This Labor Day Weekend, have fun attending family-friendly events across the Twin Cities with your kids. We know you will have fun and make tons of new memories to bring summer to an end and kick off a new school year together!

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.