15 Exciting Summer Road Trips from the Twin Cities for Families (all within 9 hours)
Is there anything more fun than loading up the car and heading off on a new adventure with your kids? We don’t think so! Looking for the best Minnesota family road trips this summer? From scenic lake towns and thrilling amusement parks to waterfalls, beaches, and charming small towns, these family-friendly destinations are all within a day’s drive and packed with unforgettable adventures for kids and parents alike. That’s why we’ve rounded up 15 Exciting Summer Road Trips from Minneapolis for Families. Let’s hit the road!
Family road trips are packed with nostalgic moments for parents and new memories for everyone. From quick weekend escapes to bucket-list national park adventures, these family-friendly road trips from Minneapolis offer unforgettable experiences for everyone in your family. Every destination on our list is between 3.5 and 9 hours away, making them doable for long weekends, summer vacations, or spontaneous family getaways.
This time, we’re heading beyond Minnesota for a truly epic adventure, with destinations across 9 different states. Think nearby favorites like Fargo and Sioux Falls. Plus, bigger road trip adventures to St. Louis, Medora, and Kansas City. Along the way, you’ll find everything from scenic hikes and national parks to hands-on museums, quirky roadside attractions, historic landmarks, and kid-approved activities the whole family will love. Get in and let’s go! Here are our top picks for the best summer road trips from Minneapolis with kids.
Best Minnesota Family Road Trips for Summer Adventures
Milwaukee, WI
About 5 hours from the Twin Cities
Looking for a fun family road trip that mixes big-city attractions with kid-friendly fun near Minneapolis? Don’t sleep on this Wisconsin city! Milwaukee is such an underrated Midwest getaway for families. Located on Lake Michigan, this vibrant city is packed with hands-on museums, outdoor adventures, and unique attractions for all ages.
Kids will love places like the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Discovery World, and the Milwaukee County Zoo. Then, don’t miss the stunning Milwaukee Art Museum. It’s a favorite for parents and kids alike. After your museum visits, stroll along the Riverwalk or enjoy a summer afternoon at Bradford Beach. With endless summer festivals, great food, and tons to do downtown, Milwaukee makes one of the best weekend getaways from Minneapolis with kids.
Families can even turn the journey into part of the adventure by taking the Borealis train from Saint Paul Union Depot to Milwaukee (Amtrak). While it can be less stressful than a long drive with kids, you still get to see the countryside as you go! It feels like a road trip, without the gas stops and bathroom breaks. There is plenty of space to move around, play games, snack, and enjoy the views. It’s an especially fun option for families looking to make their Midwest getaway feel a little more unique.
Planning the Perfect Minnesota Family Road Trip
Okoboji, IA
About 3 hours from the Twin Cities
Okoboji delivers classic lake vacation vibes with plenty of fun to keep the whole family busy. Just three hours from the Twin Cities, this Iowa getaway is packed with nostalgic summer fun. Think sandy beaches, family boat rides, and endless outdoor adventures.
Start your visit by splashing the day away at Arnolds Park Amusement Park. They also have a great beachfront, kid-friendly boat tours, and a maritime museum. Or find a local beach to lie out a large towel, use your new sand toys, and enjoy time on the water. Of course, you can also explore local nature trails and parks. There are endless activities on and off the water here!
For families who want an easy, activity-packed stay, Bridges Bay Resort is a favorite. Kids will love the indoor waterpark, lazy river, arcade, and outdoor pool. Meanwhile, parents will appreciate the spacious accommodations and on-site dining. Between lakeside adventures, mini golf, boating, hiking, and classic summer treats, Okoboji is undoubtedly one of the best summer road trips from Minneapolis with kids.
Omaha, NE
About 5.5 hours from the Twin Cities
Omaha is such an underrated destination for family road trips in the Midwest. Thanks to its walkable downtown, kid-friendly attractions, and great food scene, this vibrant city is one of the best weekend getaways for families from Minneapolis.
Families can spend time exploring downtown Omaha’s parks, public art, and restaurants. Skate Ribbon at Heartland of America Park offers roller skate rentals (youth and adult) with a lively atmosphere. Nearby, the Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront offers space to play, with slides and a small pond. Of course, you must walk or bike along the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. You can even stand in two states at once here (Nebraska and Iowa)!
Then, one of the biggest highlights for families is the incredible zoo. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is worth the drive alone from the Twin Cities! You also can’t miss ziplining at TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest. Kids will love soaring through the trees! Afterward, hike and play at the adjacent Fontenelle Forest. Plus, there are plenty of more museums and kid-friendly attractions nearby to fill a long weekend.
Must-Visit Family Destinations on Minnesota Road Trips
Kansas City, MO
About 6.5 hours from the Twin Cities
Kansas City is packed with summer fun for families. With fountains, barbecue, sports, museums, and outdoor attractions, this city makes for one of the best summer road trips for families from Minneapolis. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or an epic Midwest adventure, there’s more than enough to keep everyone entertained in this top pick in Missouri.
Families can spend their days exploring hands-on attractions like Science City and The Regnier Family Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City. Of course, kids will adore cooling off at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. There are more than 1,700 animals here, including elephants, alligators, and pelicans! Don’t skip the city’s famous barbecue spots (like Jack Stack BBQ) or a stop for chocolate treats at Chip’s Chocolate Factory.
One unique stop families shouldn’t miss in Kansas City is the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. This museum is such a powerful and engaging experience (for both kids and adults), especially for sports-loving families. The unique museums, vibrant downtown, beautiful fountains, and warm summer evenings make Kansas City feel like the ultimate Midwest summer getaway for many families with kids.
Fargo, ND
About 3.5 hours from the Twin Cities
For one of the best (and shortest) summer road trips from Minneapolis with kids, Fargo is the spot to be! Fargo is a fun, underrated surprise just over the border in North Dakota. This compact, easy-to-navigate city has a great mix of kid-friendly attractions, colorful murals, and a surprisingly strong food scene.
Families can explore downtown Fargo’s murals, local shops, and walkable streets. There is even a self-guided mural tour so that you can find them all! All of the murals make great family photo ops. Everything in downtown Fargo feels close together and easy to enjoy at a slower pace with kids. While downtown, don’t miss lunch at Beer & Fish Company or Rhombus Guys! Downtown also hosts the Saturday Red River Market. You’ll find everything from fresh produce and flowers to prepared foods and smoothies.
Kids will also love the hands-on stops around the city, from animal encounters to interactive museums and plenty of space to roam between activities without long drives. One can’t-miss experience is a visit to the Red River Zoo. It’s home to unique cold-climate animals, such as red pandas and wolves. Pair that with a stop at the Fargo Air Museum or the Minnesota State University Moorhead Oceanarium for an unexpected mix of interactive experiences. With so much to see and do, Fargo is a surprisingly fun and easy weekend getaway from Minneapolis with kids.
Chicago, IL
About 6 hours from the Twin Cities
As far as epic Midwest road trips go, it’s hard to beat the nonstop energy and iconic attractions for families in Chicago. About 6.5 hours from the Twin Cities, this lively city is packed with kid-friendly museums, lakefront fun, incredible food, and unforgettable skyline views. Families can drive or make the journey part of the adventure by taking the Borealis train from Saint Paul straight into downtown Chicago. Either way, you’ll see some of the most scenic parts of Minnesota along the way!
Spend your days exploring favorites like the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and Lincoln Park Zoo. Kids will have such a hard time choosing their favorite stop! Of course, who can resist the summer rides at Navy Pier? You’ll catch some of the best views in Chicago atop the Centennial Wheel. Then, don’t miss wandering through Millennium Park. And, topping it all off with some deep-dish pizza (Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria or Gino’s East are both irresistible!).
One experience families absolutely shouldn’t miss is the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise. Seeing the city’s massive skyscrapers from the water is such a memorable way to experience Chicago. And, it gives kids a whole new perspective on the city’s famous skyline. No matter what makes your Chicago itinerary, this is one of the kid-friendliest destinations in the Midwest!
Door County, WI
About 5.5 hours from the Twin Cities
Few weekend getaways from Minneapolis are more nostalgic than a trip to Door County with your kids. Driving up the peninsula instantly feels like summer. Stretching along Lake Michigan, this Wisconsin peninsula is packed with charming small towns, shoreline views, and cherry orchards. Door County is the Cherry Capital of the world. Families visiting from mid-July through mid-August can even pick their own cherries at many local farms!
Door County is an easy-paced getaway where kids can explore, swim, and soak up the outdoors. Throughout the weekend, explore towns like Fish Creek, Ephraim, and Sturgeon Bay. No matter where your home base is, families can spend their days hopping between beaches, lighthouses (like Cana Island Lighthouse), and waterfront parks. We also recommend exploring the Ridges Sanctuary Family Discovery Trail. It offers a cozy indoor nature center and beautiful trails (including one that leads to a lighthouse and the beach!). There are plenty of spots for hiking, kayaking, ice cream, and casual harbor walks.
One experience you can’t miss is taking a ferry to Washington Island and exploring Schoolhouse Beach. This beach is popular for its smooth limestone rocks (instead of sand). Afterward, don’t miss lunch at Jackson Harbor Soup. It’s one of those uniquely Door County spots that feels totally different from anywhere else in the Midwest. And it makes the trip extra memorable for kids. As you can see, Door County is a classic Midwest road trip for families!
St. Louis, MO
About 8.5 hours from the Twin Cities
St. Louis is a classic Midwest destination. When thinking about kid-friendly road trips from Minneapolis, St. Louis is a dynamite choice. The city is packed with big landmarks and even bigger family moments. Known as the “Gateway to the West,” this riverfront city boasts history, outdoor fun, and hands-on attractions for everyone in your family.
Families can explore the incredible Saint Louis Zoo, which features black rhinoceros, gorillas, and king cobras. The zoo also offers a fun carousel and zooline railroad! The interactive St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station offers even more animal encounters. If you prefer hands-on exhibits, don’t miss The Magic House (St. Louis Children’s Museum). Add in baseball, sculpture parks, and riverfront walks, and there’s no shortage of things to fill a long weekend in St. Louis with kids.
But it’s Gateway Arch National Park that makes St. Louis one of the best summer trips from Minneapolis. From riding the tram to the top of the 630-foot Arch to exploring the museum below, it’s an unforgettable experience that brings American history to life. After your visit, you can also walk along the Mississippi Riverfront. Or, get on the river with Gateway Arch Riverboats. With so much to offer, it’s easy to see why Midwest families adore visiting St. Louis with kids!
Bayfield + the Apostle Islands, WI
Under 4 hours from the Twin Cities
For family road trips near Minneapolis, Bayfield and the Apostle Islands feel like a true Northwoods escape on the shores of Lake Superior. This charming harbor town is the gateway to a chain of wild, scenic islands. Here, families can hike, swim, and explore. All while experiencing one of the most beautiful stretches of freshwater coastline in the Midwest.
Start in downtown Bayfield, where Victorian charm meets lake views and local shops. Not to mention, easy access to outdoor adventure. Families can learn local history at the Bayfield Maritime Museum. Time it right and you can also enjoy seasonal berry picking at nearby farms (this area is famous for its blueberries!).
The unforgettable highlight is exploring the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. From Apostle Island Cruises past historic lighthouses to sea caves carved into sandstone cliffs, it’s pure Lake Superior magic. Mainland Sea Caves is one of the biggest highlights for families! Undoubtedly, kayaking or cruising through the islands is a bucket-list experience that makes this one of the most memorable Midwest getaways with kids.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
About 6.5 hours from the Twin Cities
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is an unforgettable mix of rugged shoreline, waterfalls, and Great Lake adventures. About a 6.5-hour drive, this region feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the Twin Cities. Expect wild nature, charming small towns, and plenty of space for kids to roam. It’s one of those weekend getaways from Minneapolis that feels both adventurous and totally doable with kids.
Center your trip in Marquette or Munising. Both cities offer proximity to outdoor fun for all ages (think waterfalls, lakeshore, and plenty of playgrounds). Choose Munising for a closer look at Pictured Rocks. Alternatively, Marquette has a more urban vibe with tons of hotels and restaurants. Either way, you’re close to everything in the UP!
In Marquette, families can hike and picnic at Presque Isle Park. Watch for wildlife along the way. Then, visit the hands-on Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum. Over in Munising, it’s all about chasing waterfalls, beach time, and scenic boat tours. You can’t miss Munising Falls and Miners Falls! Make your days in Munising even more memorable with a Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tour. No matter what you do, just make sure you refuel at Miners Pasty Kitchen. Trying a local pasty is a MUST in the UP.
The absolute must-do is exploring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. From hiking along dramatic cliffs to kayaking past the towering sandstone formation, it’s one of the most unique and breathtaking natural experiences in the Midwest. Finally, cap off your experience at nearby Sand Point Beach. This local beach is a perfect spot to cool off in Lake Superior (the water is still a bit chilly). With so much time hiking, kayaking, and eating pasties, it’s no wonder that Michigan’s UP is one of the best summer road trips from Minneapolis with kids.
Medora, ND
About 8 hours from the Twin Cities
Medora is one of the most unforgettable summer adventures you can take. About 8.5 hours from the Twin Cities, this small town on the edge of Theodore Roosevelt National Park delivers wide-open North Dakota badlands, Wild West charm, and nonstop family fun. Medora feels totally different from anywhere else in the Midwest, making it one of our favorite kid-friendly road trips from Minneapolis.
Spend your days exploring the Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s scenic drives. You’re bound to see bison, wild ponies, and prairie dogs along the way! Plus, the park also offers plenty of easy hikes and an indoor visitor center with small exhibits. Encourage kids to participate in the Jr. Ranger Program, too!
Back in town, kids will love the lazy river and zipline at Point to Point Park. This unique park was designed just for families! It even offers a huge wooden playground for kids of all ages. Looking for even more to do? Don’t miss the mini golf or jumping pillow. Point to Point Park makes it easy to fill a full day without rushing. Families also like popping into the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, shopping downtown, or trying a guided hike with Joe Wiegand.
The must-do experience is the iconic Medora Musical. With live horses, singing, dancing, and fireworks set against the badlands, it’s a one-of-a-kind summer show that turns a simple night into a core memory for the whole family. Top it all off with the Pitchfork Steak Fondue, and you’ve got yourself one heck of a family summer vacation!
Rapid City, SD (the Black Hills)
About 8.5 hours from the Twin Cities
Rapid City is the perfect basecamp for exploring South Dakota’s Black Hills with kids (a bucket list road trip for many Midwest families!). This easygoing city sits right on the edge of some of the Midwest’s most dramatic landscapes. It’s an ideal hub for dinosaur adventures, national park hikes, and more.
Families can start with quirky local favorites like Dinosaur Park. Mammoth Site (in nearby Hot Springs) is another must for kids who love unique experiences. This active dig site works to uncover Ice Age fossils! Then head to nearby attractions such as Reptile Gardens or Bear Country U.S.A. for close-up wildlife encounters. Reptile Gardens is the world’s largest reptile zoo! Leave time to add in the historic 1880 Train. This scenic ride through the Black Hills will blow your mind! The otherworldly scenery is worth every minute of the drive from the Twin Cities. Every day in the Black Hills brings something new and fun for kids and adults alike.
The can’t-miss experience is exploring Badlands National Park (about an hour from Rapid City). With its layered rock formations, easy boardwalk trails, and abundant wildlife, it feels worlds away from the skyscrapers of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Drive the scenic loop. Hike short trails (like the Fossil Exhibit Trail). And, watch a sunset over the jagged cliffs. All of this and more make this one of the most unforgettable stops in the entire Midwest.
Springfield, IL
About 7.5 hours from the Twin Cities
For one of the best summer trips from Minneapolis, Springfield offers American history, hands-on learning, and easy family fun. As the Illinois state capital and home of Abraham Lincoln, this city turns history into something kids can actually see, walk through, and experience. It’s an easy add to a longer Midwest route or a great standalone weekend getaway. Springfield is also a unique stop along the famous Route 66!
Families can explore the powerful Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. It chronicles Lincoln’s early years and presidency. Then, tour the historic Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Ready to ditch the history lessons and have some fun? Let kids burn energy at Knight’s Action Park. This unique waterpark even features 2 drive-in movie screens! Add in the even more museums, scenic parks, and nearby nature areas, and there’s a nice balance of education and outdoor play here for families with kids of all ages.
The absolute must-do in Springfield is walking through Lincoln’s actual home at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Standing in the rooms where Lincoln lived with his family makes history feel real in a way kids don’t forget. Especially when it’s paired with costumed guides and stories that bring “Honest Abe” to life. This is one of the most unforgettable (and educational) Midwest road trips with school-aged kids.
Wichita, KS
About 9 hours from the Twin Cities
Wichita is one of those fun Midwest getaways that deserves way more hype than it gets! Wichita is packed with hands-on attractions, outdoor play, and big family energy. This easy-to-explore city in south-central Kansas makes a great long-weekend destination. During your visit, kids can go from dinosaurs to epic zoos to brand new splash parks all in one trip.
Families can’t miss the incredible Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Here, kids can enjoy close-up animal encounters (think feeding the giraffes and swimming with the penguins!). Animal-loving families can continue their exploration at the Sedgwick County Zoo (it’s one of the largest zoos in the country). Yes, there are two zoos in Wichita! Or, spend time at the Kansas Aviation Museum. Here, kids can climb into cockpits and explore interactive flight displays. Add in splash pads, playgrounds, and kayaking along the river, and there’s no shortage of things to do in Wichita with kids.
There are two can’t-miss experiences in Wichita. First, watch the sunset at the Keeper of the Plains. As the sun goes down, fire pots light up along the river, creating a glowing circle around the iconic statue. It’s simple, powerful, and a uniquely Wichita experience. Finally, Exploration Place is a must-visit with kids. Kansas’ premier science center, Exploration Place, also boasts newly expanded outdoor space created just for curious kids. It includes space to climb, play, and roam to their hearts’ content. Think towering bison and colorful sunflower gardens. Inside, dive into the center of a tornado, castle, and Kansas in miniature. Families looking for kid-friendly road trips from Minneapolis will find that the drive is completely worth it after visiting this science museum!
Sioux Falls, SD
Under 4 hours from the Twin Cities
For easy family road trips near Minneapolis, Sioux Falls is one of those surprisingly fun (and close) Midwest stops that pack in way more than you’d expect. As the largest city in South Dakota, it boasts outdoor adventures, animal encounters, and hands-on attractions, making it an easy, family-friendly weekend getaway just a few hours from the Twin Cities.
Families can start their visit with a stroll downtown to see the SculptureWalk. It features over 50 unique sculptures lining the streets! Then, cool off at Wild Water West water park. It’s the state’s largest water park. Not your jam? Head over to the Great Plains Zoo or the Butterfly House & Aquarium instead. The Butterfly House is home to 800+ butterflies that flutter freely within the enclosure! Kids will also love the Kirby Science Discovery Center, where three floors of interactive exhibits make learning feel more like play. There’s a great mix of indoor and outdoor fun in Sioux Falls, making it a new family favorite.
The must-see experience is Falls Park. Here, waterfalls cascade over pink quartzite rock right in the heart of the city. Families can walk the trails, climb the observation tower for sweeping views, and watch the water rush through the park. It’s an unexpected natural landmark that gives Sioux Falls its name and its wow factor. No wonder this is one of the best summer road trips from Minneapolis with kids!
Have Fun Planning Fun Summer Road Trips with Your Kids!
Have fun planning unforgettable road trips from Minneapolis with your kids this summer! Whether you’re hoping for a quick weekend getaway or mapping out much bigger Midwest road trips with your kids, this list has everything you need to get started. We’ve included everything from lakeside getaways and national parks to big-city adventures. No matter what your family loves to do, there’s no shortage of kid-friendly road trips from Minneapolis to explore this summer. So pack the snacks, queue up the playlist, and hit the road. These summer adventures are all about making it easy to explore more, stress less, and create memories your kids will talk about long after the trip is over. Happy trails!
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.
