12 Exciting MEA Staycation Ideas in the Twin Cities for Families
Looking for fun ways to entertain kids over the MEA break? The Twin Cities are bursting with exciting kid-friendly staycation ideas that are perfect for family fun this fall!
From interactive museums to thrilling outdoor adventures, there’s something for every family to enjoy right here in Minnesota. In fact, some of the best things to do in Minnesota happen in October! If you’re up for a scenic adventure, take a riverboat cruise down the Mississippi River with Padelford Riverboats. Need something more low-key? Consider a cozy nature center like Tamarack Nature Center. Whatever your child’s age or interests, these 12 MEA staycation ideas will help you make the most of the long weekend without the hassle or cost of travel.
Let the adventure begin! Please keep reading to discover our favorite things to do in Minnesota during MEA.
Top MEA Staycation Idea! Go to a Museum
Learning doesn’t have to stop during fall break! Checking out a museum together is undoubtedly one of the best kid-friendly staycation ideas in the Twin Cities. In fact, the metro area boasts several incredible museums—each one offers endless fun and engaging exhibits for family outings this fall.
Start with the Minnesota Children’s Museum in St. Paul, where kids can climb, build, and explore interactive exhibits like The Scramble and Our World. Next, head to the Science Museum of Minnesota. Here, curious minds can examine dinosaurs, the Mississippi River, and more through hands-on displays. Finally, visit the Bell Museum, where nature and space collide. The museum offers a great mix of wildlife dioramas and planetarium shows. These museums promise excellent adventures for kids of all ages!
But if you want to discover more incredible museums for families, read about our top picks for the 13 Must-Visit Museums in the Twin Cities!
Embark on a Colorful Fall Drive
Embark on a colorful fall drive this MEA and soak in Minnesota’s stunning autumn scenery together! With vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows painting the landscape, it’s the perfect time to take a little drive with your kids.
Take in the beauty of the Great River Road from Saint Paul to Winona. Or, wind your way from Stillwater to Taylors Falls for breathtaking river views and farmlands. Keep it local by driving along Summit Avenue in Saint Paul, where fall colors meet huge houses (some of which are decorated for the season!). Each route offers plenty of fun things to do in Minnesota during MEA.
Pack your favorite snacks, create an autumn playlist, and enjoy the crisp fall air on a scenic adventure your family will love!
Related Article: 9 of the Best Colorful Fall Road Trips in Minnesota
See What’s Happening at the Mall of America
The Mall of America is chock-full of fun things to do with kids in the Twin Cities. In fact, there’s always something exciting happening here for families! And, fall is no different; check the events calendar for specific activities during MEA.
Otherwise, start with the tried and true kid-friendly attractions! Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor amusement park, is packed with roller coasters and rides that thrill kids of all ages. Then, explore the underwater wonders at SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium. Here, your little ones can walk through mesmerizing tunnels surrounded by fish, sharks, and more. For creative fun, visit the Crayola Experience, full of vibrant, hands-on activities for young artists. Of course, with mini-golf, arcades, and the mind-bending Museum of Illusions, the Mall of America is a one-stop shop for MEA break excitement!
Finally, don’t miss popping into a few shops to stock up on fall or winter gear. Top off the day with a bite to eat at one of the 50+ restaurants.
Fall Fun at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Celebrate fall at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska during MEA staycation weekend! With 1,200 acres of gardens and seasonal activities, it’s a fantastic spot to find fun things to do this October.
With your kids, wander through over 20 gardens, including a peaceful Japanese Garden. Then, let the kids explore the Green Play Yard and Under the Oak Play Yard. Or, enjoy one of the seasonal events like Scarecrows in the Gardens and the seasonal Pumpkin Displays. Afterward, check out the AppleHouse (it’s just a short drive from the main entrance). Here, you can stock up on Minnesota-grown apples, pumpkins, and other fall treats. The apple cider mini donuts and cider slushies from North Star Donuts are divine!
While you’re there, enjoy a scenic hike on the Three-Mile Walk. Or, take a Family Fun Buggy Ride to look for autumn colors. From hands-on nature exhibits to kid-friendly trails, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum offers endless opportunities for family fun this MEA!
MEA Staycation is a Great Time to Take a Fall Hike Together
October’s temperatures are usually ideal for a family hike! Not too hot, not too cool, and no bugs. Enjoy vibrant colors this MEA with a family trek at a local state park or trail. Minnesota’s trails come alive in autumn, making it the perfect time to explore the great outdoors with your kids.
Hike along the bluffs of the Mississippi River at Frontenac State Park. Or, explore the glacial potholes at Interstate State Park. Try Theodore Wirth Regional Park in Golden Valley or Hidden Falls Trail in Saint Paul for an easy outing in the heart of the Twin Cities. The whole family will love hearing the crunch of leaves underfoot, no matter which trail you choose!
Before embarking on one of the best outdoor things to do during MEA, check the Fall Color Finder from the Minnesota DNR to know which direction to go for the best colors.
Explore a Nature Center
Exploring a nature center is a wonderful fall activity for families in the Twin Cities. We have a ton of great nature centers in the area, each boasting its own mix of trails, natural playgrounds, indoor exhibits, and more.
Tamarack Nature Center in White Bear Lake is a must-visit. The Discovery Hollow play area is a family favorite, where kids can climb rocks and explore a hobbit house. There are also hiking trails through beautiful woodlands and wetlands. At Dodge Nature Center in West St. Paul, your family can wander through prairies and forests, spotting wildlife along the way. It’s a top pick for local birdwatchers! Alternatively, Westwood Nature Center in St Louis Park features boardwalks and trails that wind through prairies, wetlands, and woodlands.
Kids will also love the educational exhibits inside the interpretive center. Looking for more recommendations? Read about our favorite 8 Best Nature Centers in the Twin Cities for Families.
Go to a Local Apple Orchard or Pumpkin Patch
If you haven’t had a chance to go to an apple orchard or pumpkin patch yet, your MEA staycation is the perfect time! Local farms are some of Minnesota’s best things to do in October, often filled with kid-friendly activities, fresh produce, and cute farm animals.
Several apple orchards are among the best things to do in Minnesota during MEA. To help you get started, consider planning a family day out to Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest in Jordan, Aamodt’s Apple Farm in Stillwater, or Pine Tree Apple Orchard in White Bear Lake. Each orchard lets you pick juicy apples, enjoy hayrides, and indulge in freshly made cider and delicious apple treats!
Find more options by reading about The 12 Best Apple Orchards in the Twin Cities, MN.
Then, for a classic pumpkin patch experience, visit Waldoch Farm in Lino Lakes, Nelson Farm in Litchfield, or Pearson Family Farm in Clear Lake. These spots offer pumpkin picking and exciting activities like corn mazes, farm animals, and seasonal snacks.
These are just a few of The 13 Best Pumpkin Patches near the Twin Cities. Finally, many apple orchards and pumpkin patches also feature scenic picnic areas. This makes it even easier to turn a simple outing into a full day of fall fun.
Spend the Weekend at Great Wolf Lodge
Looking for a place that is FILLED with kid-friendly staycation ideas in the Twin Cities? Spend a night or two at the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park Minneapolis / Bloomington! This indoor waterpark resort is packed with activities, making it the perfect family getaway without the trouble of traveling too far.
Start your experience with thrilling water slides, splash zones, and a lazy river that will keep kids entertained for hours – or even days! When you’re ready for some dry fun, check out the mini bowling alley and climbing wall. Or, try the MagiQuest adventure game.
With themed family suites and on-site dining options, including pizza and ice cream, everything you need is right at your fingertips. It’s a one-stop destination for unforgettable family fun this fall!
Tour Historic Fort Snelling + Walk Around Fort Snelling State Park
Looking for a fun way to blend local history and outdoor adventure this fall? Head to Historic Fort Snelling and Fort Snelling State Park in Saint Paul. This National Historic Landmark is an incredible spot to learn about Minnesota’s past, from military history to Indigenous culture.
Start at the Visitor Center, featuring several interactive indoor exhibits. Then, join a walk-and-talk tour to explore the fort itself. Afterward, take the family on a scenic hike through Fort Snelling State Park. We recommend Pike Island Loop, which offers a peaceful 4-mile trail near the rivers. Finally, children age four and under are free to enter the museum.
Suppose you’re looking for unique fall break ideas for your family in Minnesota. In that case, Fort Snelling is an excellent addition to your weekend plans!
Take a Vacation with Your Tastebuds at Midtown Global Market
Can’t get out of town this MEA? Take your taste buds on a tasty adventure at Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis! With over 30 vendors offering international cuisine, this vibrant market brings the world to your plate.
Try street foods from India and Nepal at Momo Dosa, or savor traditional Mexican dishes at El Taco Toro. For something unique, check out the Indigenous Food Lab, where you’ll taste authentic Native American ingredients.
Plus, don’t miss the live music on Saturday, October 19th, featuring Van Nixon, for a family-friendly cultural experience right here in the Twin Cities! If you’re looking for unique fall break ideas in Minnesota, add this to your weekend plans!
Riverboat Cruise Down the Mississippi River with Padelford Riverboats
Looking for unique things to do in Minnesota during your MEA staycation? Make the weekend extra special aboard the Padelford Riverboat and cruise down the mighty Mississippi River together! Along the way, admire the fall foliage from a new perspective.
Departing from Harriet Island in Saint Paul, enjoy a 90-minute narrated sightseeing tour. Gliding along, you’ll spot iconic landmarks like the St. Paul High Bridge, Pig’s Eye Cave, and Pike Island. The guided tour will also add interesting information about the area’s rich history.
With brilliant fall colors lining the riverbanks and the chance to see bald eagles, it’s a magical experience for all ages. Snacks and drinks are available onboard, making it a stress-free and scenic adventure!
Embark on a Train Ride with Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway
For one of the best fall things to do near the Twin Cities with kids, hop aboard the Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway for their Fall Color Tour or the Pumpkin Express! This family-friendly train ride offers unbeatable views of the stunning autumn colors in the St. Croix River Valley.
The Fall Color Tour takes you through vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows landscapes. Sway along the tracks and enjoy the best of the season’s views together. Choose the Pumpkin Express, which brings you to Dresser for added fun. Disembark and let kids pick out their own pumpkins. Afterward, enjoy games, hayrides, and treats together.
Whether you’re there for the scenery or the festive fun, this is one of the best ways to celebrate fall with your family over MEA.
Related Article: Enjoy Fall Sightseeing on These Minnesota Train Rides + Boat Tours
Have Fun this MEA with Your Kids!
As you plan MEA staycation weekend, make the most of your family’s fall break with these fun things to do with kids in the Twin Cities! From scenic fall train rides and apple orchards to exploring local nature centers, there’s no shortage of great fall break ideas in Minnesota. So, grab your calendar and start planning—there’s something for everyone to enjoy this fall. Have fun exploring more of Minnesota with your kids this MEA!
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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