Spring Break in Minnesota with Kids (10 Fun Ideas from Toddlers to Teens!)
Spring Break is an excellent time for families to hit the road and make some memories together. But it’s not always the easiest time to fly or leave Minnesota. If you want to get out and explore without leaving the state, we have some fantastic Minnesota vacation ideas for families! Use this guide for fun spring break adventures in Minnesota with your kids. From the charming town of Two Harbors to the lively city of Mankato, each destination on this list promises a unique blend of excitement and relaxation for all ages. We’ve split our top picks into two sections: the best resorts and the top destinations for spring break around the state. So, regardless of which type of vacation you want, we’ve mapped out the perfect ideas for you. Please keep reading to learn about our favorite spring break trips in Minnesota with kids!
Best Resorts to Book for Spring Break without Leaving Minnesota with Kids
Some of Minnesota’s best spring break trips with kids are as easy as booking your room, hitting the road, and showing up! These Minnesota hotels and resorts offer everything you need for a fun spring break with kids. Whether looking for a quick getaway or a week-long adventure, you’ll find everything you need on-site, from comfortable rooms and kid-friendly dining to thrilling water slides.
Grand View Lodge, Nisswa
We have the perfect spot if you’re wondering where to travel in Minnesota for spring break with kids that is fun for all ages without too much travel time or stress! Spend spring break making memories with your kids at Grand View Lodge. Overlooking Gull Lake in Nisswa, this resort provides a stunning backdrop for family fun during spring break. Featuring a variety of accommodation options, including a boutique hotel experience and multi-bedroom townhomes, there is a style to fit every need and budget. It is truly one of Minnesota’s best places for weekend getaways for families!
While parents can indulge at the on-site spa, there is plenty for kids to do. Families can spend their days outside in the spring, hiking, snow tubing, and sledding—or biking and playing tennis if the snow has cleared. Then, families can also splash and play together at Northpark. It features a huge indoor pool with a waterslide. There is a fitness center nearby, too. Before you book, check their seasonal events for more family fun opportunities. With so many exciting things to do, you’ll never hear “I’m bored” here! Finally, excellent on-site dining completes the stress-free spring break experience. Even the pickiest of eaters will find something they love. With so much to offer, it won’t surprise you that this is one of the best resorts in Minnesota for families. Learn more about their family packages here.
Great Wolf Lodge, Bloomington
Are you looking for spring break ideas with young kids in Minnesota? Book a spring break getaway designed just for them at Great Wolf Lodge Water Park Minneapolis / Bloomington. Located in Bloomington near the Mall of America, endless kid-friendly activities keep everyone happy and busy. Plus, multiple accommodation options, including family suites, themed rooms, and bunk bed rooms, give you the perfect spring break stay at your fingertips.
As one of Minnesota’s best spring break trips with kids, you won’t need to leave the property to fill your days. Start by splashing together at the indoor water park. With multiple water slides, a lazy river, zero-depth entry spaces, and more water activities, kids of all ages will have a blast! Once you dry off, the whole family will also enjoy the mini bowling alley and character meet-and-greets. Meanwhile, older kids can check out MagiQuest and the climbing wall. Add magic to the spring break experience by creating a new friend at the Build-A-Bear Workshop. When tummies get hungry, there are also several great on-site dining options. You’ll find everything from pizza, burgers, and ice cream to a Dunkin’ Donuts. Finally, review their deals and package options before booking your spring break stay.
Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, Alexandria
Want to make a big splash this spring break? Stay at Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center and take kids to Big Splash Indoor Waterpark! One of the best Minnesota spring break getaways for families, they offer a range of accommodation options for all family sizes and budgets. Select from standard guest rooms (including family rooms), one- to four-bedroom cottages, or townhomes that sleep 11 or more. With so many options, it’s also an excellent spot for multi-family spring break trips or traveling with grandparents!
Begin your spring break adventures by floating down the lazy river. Then, race down one of the three 4-story-tall waterslides! There are also pools and hot tubs for resort guests to use only. When you’re ready for more family fun, they offer everything from campfires and board games to outdoor activities. Weather permitting, families can go sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and ice skating.
Additionally, parents can use the fitness center and book relaxing spa services. Nearby, you’ll find plenty of other kid-friendly activities, like hiking, escape rooms, great restaurants, and more! Lake Carlos State Park is only 15 minutes away. And remember to say hi to Big Ole at Big Ole Central Park! Finally, when booking your spring break stay, Big Splash Indoor Waterpark will fall under its winter hours and will be closed Monday – Thursday. Read more about their special packages here.
Edgewater Hotel and Waterpark, Duluth
Duluth is an excellent option for spring break trips in Minnesota with kids! Book your stay at Edgewater Hotel and Waterpark to make it even better. Located along the shores of Lake Superior, this kid-friendly hotel will surely become a family favorite! Accommodation types range from standard guest rooms to multi-bedroom suites.
Once you’re settled in your room, it’s time to have fun! First, check out the on-site waterpark. You will find many watery adventures here, from waterslides and a water playground to a lazy river. When you’re not splishing and splashing, you can challenge one another to fun games at the 40-game arcade. Depending on the weather, there are other seasonal activities, too (like complimentary bike rentals and an on-site mini-golf course). A fitness center and on-site dining are also available. If you want to explore Duluth, the concierge is happy to arrange reservations and help you plan off-site adventures. For example, you can meander nearby Canal Park, go hiking, check out the Great Lakes Aquarium, and more! Finally, you can find their deals and packages here. No wonder this is one of the best weekend getaways in Minnesota for families!
Best Places to Go for Spring Break without Leaving Minnesota with Kids
If you’re still wondering where to travel in Minnesota for spring break with kids, keep reading because we have more fantastic ideas. From Mankato to Two Harbors, many Minnesota cities offer family fun during spring break (think hiking, museums, and amusement parks!). Here are a few more of our favorite spring break ideas for families in Minnesota!
Mall of America (Bloomington)
Don’t want to travel far this spring break? A day or two at the Mall of America is one of the best spring break ideas for families in Minnesota! You can even make it a staycation by booking one of the two hotels attached to the Mall: JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America or Radisson Blu Mall of America. Both offer on-site dining, pools, and other family-friendly amenities.
Families can kick off spring break by racing down thrilling rides at Nickelodeon Universe! There are fun rides for all ages, from toddlers to teens. Then, let kids feel like they are flying when you book tickets for FlyOver America. This immersive experience is sure to get everyone in vacation mode! Afterward, learn about marine life at SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium. Young kids will love the series of underwater tunnels featuring creatures like sea turtles and sharks. Make the visit memorable by booking one of their experiences, like feeding the rays or sleeping under the sea! Traveling with older kids or teens? Have a family-friendly competition at one of the two on-site mini-golf courses. Kids will also have a blast exploring the Museum of Illusions. If you’re looking for fun spring break trips in Minnesota with kids, the Mall of America certainly tops the list!
Mankato
If you’ve been thinking about where to travel in Minnesota for spring break with young kids, Mankato may be the answer! A hidden gem for outdoorsy families, Mankato also offers museums, excellent restaurants, shopping, and more. Minneopa State Park is just a quick drive from the city. All of their trails are open to hiking and snowshoeing. Keep your eyes out for the local residents while you drive through the 325-acre bison range!
If winter is still in session, families will also find a variety of snowy activities in Makato. From sledding and ice skating to hiking, outdoor adventures abound in the greater Mankato area. When you’re ready for indoor adventures, take kids to Wow! Zone Family Entertainment Center. You will find bowling, laser tag, mini-golf, and more family-friendly fun here! They also offer on-site dining. Then the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is one of the best museums in the state. Young kids will love exploring the many exhibits, from the Coughlan Quarry and engineering lab to the tree forts climbing area. Finally, you can also embark on the self-guided CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour, featuring over 30 sculptures. With so many indoor and outdoor activities, Mankato is undoubtedly one of the best weekend getaways in Minnesota for families!
Two Harbors
Located just north of Duluth, families love Two Harbors as one of Minnesota’s best spring break trips with kids! Nestled along Lake Superior, Two Harbors is a great home base for exploring the North Shore. Widely considered a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, it also puts families within close proximity to the historic Split Rock Lighthouse.
If you want to start your spring break exploration outside, Two Harbors is near several kid-friendly state parks. Spring is a great time to chase waterfalls! Find hiking, snowshoeing, and more at Gooseberry Falls State Park, Tettegouche State Park, and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. In the spring, Split Rock Lighthouse also offers the chance to go inside the fog signal building and walk around the restored keeper’s house and other buildings. You can also try your hand at curling – one of Minnesota’s favorite winter pastimes! The Two Harbors Curling Club offers open hours to come and learn during their season. Then, visit the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on Minnesota’s North Shore, the Two Harbors Light Station. In nearby Knief River, taste candy made the old-fashioned way at Great Lakes Candy Kitchen. Finally, when you’re hungry, Betty’s Pies has been a family tradition since 1957.
Saint Paul
Saint Paul is next on our list of the best Minnesota spring break getaways for families! The state’s capitol, Saint Paul, offers family-friendly attractions for all ages! In fact, from urban outdoor adventures to some of the state’s best museums, you’ll have no shortage of things to fill your itinerary.
If you’re looking for Minnesota vacation ideas in Saint Paul for families, start at one of the city’s countless museums! Head to the Minnesota Children’s Museum, the Science Museum of Minnesota, or Bell Museum with young kids. Alternatively, those with older kids and teens can visit The Minnesota History Center or the Minnesota Museum of American Art. Meanwhile, Fort Snelling and Fort Snelling State Park are great stops for all ages. You can also discover scenic hikes at Hidden Falls Regional Park and Crosby Farm Regional Park. No matter the weather, families will also enjoy Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, featuring indoor gardens and exciting creatures like orangutans, polar bears, and gorillas. (It’s free, but donations are accepted and encouraged). Lastly, top off your spring break adventures at Can Can Wonderland. Kids and adults alike will love challenging one another in a round of pinball or mini-golf in a vibrant atmosphere.
Stillwater
Stillwater is an irresistible spring break destination for families seeking a delightful riverside escape! Nestled along the scenic St. Croix River, this charming town lies just thirty minutes from Minneapolis, making it ideal for families looking to get out of the city. As one of Minnesota’s best spring break trips with kids, there are many excellent things to do and see in Stillwater!
Start your visit by learning something new and book a class at Darn Knit Anyway or Smith + Trade Mercantile—afterward, deep dive into local history with a Stillwater Ghost Walk (open to all ages). Then, if there’s still snow on the ground, Green Acres Recreation Snow Tubing is perfect for a fun day outside. Families visiting with young kids will also like Pioneer Park’s huge playground and sweeping river views. Meanwhile, those traveling with teens (ages 12+) can try their hand at axe throwing at The Lumberjack. Located downtown, it’s an excellent place to hang out with great food and experience a new activity together. Alternatively, older kids and teens will also love the escape room in town. Families can enjoy delicious meals at Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop or Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter. Lastly, complete your visit by walking across the historic lift bridge into Wisconsin.
Chisago Lakes
The Chisago Lakes area is undoubtedly one of our favorite spring break ideas with kids in Minnesota. Less than one hour from Minneapolis, its location, coupled with accessible outdoor adventures for all ages, makes it an ideal option for families looking for a low-key spring break getaway. Chisago Lakes is comprised of five communities along Highway 8, including Chisago City, Lindström, and Taylors Falls. This area also offers everything from two state parks and kid-friendly dining to walkable downtowns.
Start your spring break adventures by hiking at Interstate State Park. It is one of Minnesota’s most unique state parks. Kids will love seeing the towering rock formations and jumping in spring puddles. Then, if there’s still snow, Wild River State Park features excellent snowshoe trails! Or, if the snow is gone, their paved trails become ideal for strollers and tiny trekkers. Depending on recent temperatures, ice skating may also be available at Chuckie Lundquist Park. Alternatively, let kid’s imaginations run wild at Franconia Sculpture Park. Families can walk amongst 100 giant outdoor sculptures across 50 acres here! Some installations are even interactive. If your kids adore animals, set up a tour at Farmaste Animal Sanctuary to learn more about the local pigs, cows, and sheep that live here. This area is filled with family-friendly things to do, making it one of the best Minnesota vacation ideas for families!
Keep Exploring!
We hope you found this list featuring the best spring break trips in Minnesota with kids helpful in planning your adventures. Whether you are looking to hit the trails, splash all day in a local hotel with a water park, or race down thrilling roller coasters, there are many fun Minnesota spring break getaways for families. Have a great spring break with your kids!
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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