Fun Experience Gifts for Kids: Minnesota Family Memberships Worth Investing In This Year
As a Minnesota parent, there’s nothing better than making memories and exploring our great state with your kids—and family memberships are a budget-friendly way to do just that all year long! Invest in something your kids love instead of stressing over one-time tickets or rushing through a single visit. Whether they’re into science, animals, or outdoor adventures, a family membership to a favorite Minnesota attraction or museum gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Spend an hour or a whole day—no pressure, just endless fun together. It’s the perfect way to turn exciting experiences into lasting traditions while keeping your wallet happy. Wondering where to get a family membership in the Twin Cities or a little further afield?
Keep reading to discover our top picks for the best family memberships in Minnesota, all of which make great experience gifts for kids of all ages.
Rates are accurate at the time of publishing but are subject to change. Please check individual websites for updated pricing before making your selection.
Kid-Friendly Museums in the Twin Cities with Family Memberships
A family membership to a kid-friendly museum is a fantastic investment in both learning and fun. Whether your kids love hands-on exhibits or exploring new worlds, museums like the Science Museum of Minnesota or the Minnesota Children’s Museum offer endless opportunities to spark their curiosity.
You can visit whenever you like with a membership—perfect for short trips or a rainy day escape. The best part? You’ll never feel rushed to see everything in one go. You can dive deeper into different exhibits on each visit, making every trip a new adventure.
Plus, museum memberships often include advance camp registration and other perks. Here are some of the best family museum memberships in Minnesota:
- The Works Museum, Bloomington
- The Bell Museum of Natural History, Minneapolis
- The Science Museum of Minnesota, Saint Paul
- Minnesota Children’s Museum, Saint Paul
- The Bakken Museum, Minneapolis
- Walker Art Center, Minneapolis
Read more about our favorite museums for families with kids here: 13 Must-Visit Museums in the Twin Cities.
Indoor Play Parks in the Twin Cities with Family Memberships
Looking for a great experience gift in the Twin Cities for kids? Indoor play parks are the perfect solution for burning off energy during those long Minnesota winters, and a family membership makes it even better! Places like Edinborough Park in Edina or Good Times Park offer year-round access to massive indoor playgrounds that kids love.
With climbing structures, slides, and interactive play areas, your little ones can explore in a safe, weather-proof environment for hours. A membership means you can stop by whenever you need a fun indoor activity without worrying about the cost each time. It’s a great way to keep your kids active, entertained, and happy, no matter the season!
Here are a few of our favorite indoor play parks with family memberships in Minnesota:
- Edinborough Park, Edina
- Good Times Park, Eagan
- Playground Plaza, Maple Grove
- Backyard Indoor Playground, Golden Valley
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park, multiple locations
Learn more about these indoor play parks and more by reading our Big List of Twin Cities Indoor Playgrounds.
Minnesota Amusement Parks with Family Memberships
Minnesota’s amusement parks offer year-round thrills for the whole family, and a membership is the ticket to endless fun! Parks like Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America and Valleyfair in Shakopee provide exciting rides, attractions, and entertainment for kids of all ages.
Family membership means unlimited access to roller coasters, water slides, and more, so you can enjoy spontaneous weekend outings or full days of adventure. Whether your family loves the adrenaline rush of rides or just wants to soak up the fun atmosphere, a membership makes it easy to visit again and again—creating lasting memories without breaking the bank! A family membership to an amusement park is also one of the best experience gifts in the Twin Cities for kids.
Here are three to consider:
- Como Town, St Paul
- Valley Fair, Shakopee
- Nickelodeon Universe, Bloomington
Family Memberships in Minnesota for Animal Lovers
Minnesota offers incredible family memberships for families with animal lovers that bring you up close with wildlife all year long! A family membership to places like the Minnesota Zoo or Como Park Zoo & Conservatory unlocks endless opportunities to explore animal habitats, attend special events, and even get behind-the-scenes experiences.
From watching penguins waddle to spotting tigers on the prowl, your kids will love every visit. Memberships often include perks like discounted tickets to zoo programs, camps, and events. It’s the perfect way to nurture your family’s love for animals and give your kids one of the best experience gifts in Minnesota!
- Hemker Park and Zoo, Freeport
- SEA LIFE, Bloomington
- Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley
We love these fun Minnesota family memberships for your next animal adventure!
Ski Season Passes for Families Near the Twin Cities
For families who love hitting the slopes, ski season passes near the Twin Cities offer an unbeatable way to enjoy winter fun together! With passes to local favorites like Afton Alps, Buck Hill, or Wild Mountain, your family can make the most of the snowy season.
These passes give you unlimited access to skiing, snowboarding, and even tubing, making weekend trips or after-school outings this winter a breeze. Season passes often come with perks like discounted rentals and lessons, so it’s easy to get everyone involved, from beginners to seasoned pros.
Here are a few local ski hills to consider this winter!
- Afton Alps, Hastings
- Buck Hill, Burnsville
- Wild Mountain, Taylors Falls
Related Article: Minnesota 4th Graders Ski for Free
Vertical Endeavors, Multiple Locations
Take family fun to new heights with a membership to Vertical Endeavors! This cutting-edge climbing facility offers action-packed experiences for all ages and skill levels, making it an excellent spot for active families. A membership is undoubtedly one of the best experience gifts in the Twin Cities for energetic kids!
With locations in Bloomington, Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and beyond, Vertical Endeavors features over 200 routes, two bouldering areas, and climbing walls that soar up to 60 feet. A family membership gives you unlimited access to these climbing adventures and exclusive discounts on gear, camps, and climbing programs for kids and adults. It’s a fantastic way to stay active, try something new, and build confidence together—no prior experience is needed!
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska
Let your kids explore and learn year-round with a family membership to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum! This 1,200-acre public garden in Chaska, overseen by the University of Minnesota, is a family favorite for its beautifully curated gardens, seasonal activities, and peaceful walking paths.
With a membership, you get unlimited access to explore 28 specialty gardens, over 150 works of art, and countless interactive exhibits. Kids can learn hands-on at the Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center, enjoy story time at the Andersen Horticultural Library, and play at the Green Play Yard or Under the Oak Play Yard. Membership also includes free admission for the whole family, free parking, exclusive discounts on special events and programs, and more. It’s the perfect way to enjoy outdoor fun and learning in every season!
As one of the best family memberships in Minnesota, family memberships start at $160.
Kidcreate Studio, Eden Prairie & Woodbury
If you’re wondering where to get a family membership in the Twin Cities for artistic kids, a Kidcreate Studio membership is the perfect gift for young art lovers and their families! With locations in Eden Prairie and Woodbury, Kidcreate specializes in children’s art classes, camps, and art-themed birthday parties, offering a creative space where kids can explore their artistic side.
A Lifetime Family Membership comes with exclusive perks, including 10% off in-studio classes, camps, and retail products and free studio time when enrolled in a weekly class or camp. Members also enjoy access to special appreciation classes, members-only sales, and even chances to win free art parties. It’s a fantastic way for kids to unleash their creativity while parents enjoy savings and unique benefits. Whether your child is interested in weekly classes, homeschool programs, or fun seasonal camps, a Kidcreate membership opens the door to endless artistic adventures!
Family memberships start at $150. All family memberships are lifetime access!
Crayola Experience, Bloomington
For creative indoor fun for toddlers and young kids, the Crayola Experience at Mall of America is one of the best family memberships in Minnesota! This colorful wonderland features over 20 hands-on attractions where kids can color, explore, and play to their heart’s content.
With a family membership, you unlock unlimited access to exciting activities like melting crayons into fun shapes, creating spiral drip art, and even naming and wrapping your very own crayons! Perfect for rainy days or spontaneous outings, membership provides endless playful opportunities and often includes exclusive discounts on birthday parties and special events.
Annual memberships start at $44.99/person.
Children’s Theatre Company
The Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis is a fantastic experience for families who love the magic of live performances! Or for introducing kids to the theater. The Children’s Theatre Company offers engaging performances that spark imagination and creativity, making it a perfect outing for kids of all ages. You can learn more about the upcoming season and performances by clicking here. Creating a subscribe and save package allows you to access a diverse lineup of world-class productions designed specifically for young audiences. Talk about one of the best experience gifts for theatrical kids in the Twin Cities!
While not an annual membership per se, the Children’s Theatre Company offers a ‘subscribe and save‘ program. This allows you to create your own package based on the performances you and your family want to see this season. Cost varies by package and family size.
Keep reading to find more fun Minnesota Family Memberships!
Season Tickets to the St. Paul Saints
Looking for the ultimate experience gift in Minnesota for families? Season tickets to the St. Paul Saints Game offer a fantastic way for families to enjoy summer baseball without breaking the bank! Attending a Saints game is an affordable outing filled with top-notch entertainment for kids of all ages.
With a mix of traditional stadium seating and flexible berm seats on a grassy hill, families can choose what works best for them. Kids will love the engaging experiences, from cheering on the beloved mascot, Mudonna the Pig, to exploring the dedicated Play Zone. Plus, arrive early for extra time at the playground. And don’t miss the City of Baseball Museum, where admission is free with your game tickets. Enjoy America’s favorite pastime together and create lasting family memories with Saints season tickets!
Season ticket information for the upcoming season can be found here. Prices have not been set for the 2026 season.
Minnesota Historical Society, locations across the state
A family membership to the Minnesota Historical Society is one of the best deals around! In fact, it’s one of the best experience gifts in the Twin Cities for travel and history-loving kids. With access to the interactive Minnesota History Center and 26 historic sites across Minnesota, you’ll have endless opportunities for adventure and learning this year.
Families can visit fascinating places like the Mill City Museum, Fort Snelling, Jeffers Petroglyphs, and Split Rock Lighthouse—all included in your membership. The Minnesota Historical Society also hosts various events and exhibits, including outdoor concerts and unique experiences like the Gale Family Library.
With a membership, you can also take advantage of the Time Travelers program, which offers free or discounted admission to more than 400 historical sites nationwide.
The annual household membership starts at just $105, making it a budget-friendly option for family memberships in Minnesota.
Minnesota State Parks, locations across the state
A Minnesota State Parks annual permit is a fantastic investment for families eager to explore the great outdoors! This permit grants access to 75 state parks and recreation areas across the state. With endless activities at each state park, like hiking, camping, fishing, and geocaching, there’s something for everyone in the family.
Use your pass to explore parks like Interstate Park in Taylors Falls, where you can marvel at stunning views along the St. Croix River. Or, head to Father Hennepin State Park on Lake Mille Lacs, offering a huge sandy beach for summer adventures! Several parks are conveniently located within an hour of the Twin Cities, including Fort Snelling, Afton, and William O’Brien State Parks. Or, use your Minnesota State Park pass to inspire family vacations to places like the North Shore!
As one of the best family memberships in Minnesota, the park pass is just $35 per vehicle.
Keep Having Fun in Minnesota with Kids!
Choosing one of the best family memberships in Minnesota is a fantastic way to create lasting memories while enjoying quality time together. From art studios to amusement parks and historical sites, there are plenty of options for where to get a family membership in the Twin Cities and beyond. These memberships offer incredible value and encourage families to explore, learn, and have fun without the stress of one-time admission fees. So, if you’re looking for experience gifts in Minnesota for kids, consider these memberships as thoughtful presents that keep giving all year!
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.
