Why Stillwater is the Ultimate Family Destination – 17 Exciting Things to Do!
Stillwater is widely hailed as the Birthplace of Minnesota. In fact, in 1848, the first territorial convention (which began the process of establishing Minnesota as a state) was held downtown on the corner of Myrtle and Main Street! Nestled along the St. Croix River, Stillwater continues to be one of the best destinations and day trips for families in Minnesota. This charming town boasts picturesque river views, unique tours, fun places to eat, and more! If you’re headed to Stillwater with kids, start your day by strolling along the scenic pedestrian bridge that connects Minnesota and Wisconsin. Or, the iconic Teddy Bear Park is more your style. And who can resist a scoop or two from Nelson’s Ice Cream? Indeed, no matter the season, there are countless family-friendly things to do in Stillwater. Keep reading to learn all about visiting Stillwater with kids.
Planning a Family Trip? Check Out These 17 Exciting Activities in Stillwater!
Stillwater, MN Best Parks & Playgrounds with Kids
If you’re planning a day out in Stillwater with toddlers or young kids, you’re probably wondering about the best parks and playgrounds in the area. There are three excellent outdoor spaces for families, including one of the best playgrounds in the Twin Cities!
Teddy Bear Park
Looking for fun things to do in Stillwater with toddlers and young kids? Put Teddy Bear Park at the top of your list. It’s one of the best playgrounds in the Twin Cities! Specially designed for littles, parents love that this playground is fenced with only one entrance. Most of the park is designed with rubber footing. Plus, there is a small sand pit for digging. While kids play, parents can lounge at one of the nearby benches, knowing this is a safe place for them to explore!
When you arrive, your family will be welcomed by a HUGE stone teddy bear. Kids will adore searching for all the teddy bears within the park. Each one is as big as they are (or bigger!)! Afterward, they can explore the extensive train and boat play areas. Let them imagine they are captaining the vessels while you watch for pirates. Then, kids can also dig in the sand, race down the slides, and climb across an expansive spider web net.
Plus, there are plenty of places to eat a snack or lunch here, too! Check the calendar for the amphitheater program schedule. Indoor bathrooms are located on-site (they include changing tables). Finally, this playground is open seasonally, from mid-April through mid-October (check the website for details).
Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park is located just above downtown Stillwater. It offers a picturesque view of the St. Croix River and the surrounding area—perfect for your morning coffee or a picnic! As if that wasn’t enough, Pioneer Park also features a sweeping lawn for playing together, a huge playground, a band shelter, and more.
Wood chip surfacing is used under the playground equipment. Kids will love the unique play features, from crank boats and swings to thrilling slides and monkey bars. There are plenty of places for kids to show off their feats of strength and climbing abilities. It’s an excellent option for older kids who still enjoy playgrounds! There is also a dedicated toddler area with a cute little toy house, a few smaller slides, and other features.
Finally, plenty of benches surround the park for soaking in those river views or observing your children play. Picnic tables are also available for snacks and lunch (including areas with grills). There are indoor restrooms. The playground is seasonally open from April to October. Pioneer Park is an excellent addition to any family itinerary when visiting Stillwater with young kids!
Lowell Park
While you’re downtown, be sure to stroll along Lowell Park. One of the best free things to do in downtown Stillwater with kids, this waterfront park is a beautiful place to soak in the history, charm, and beauty of the city and the river.
The large open grassy areas are perfect for letting kids run around, laying out a blanket for a picnic, or just enjoying some fresh air together. There are plenty of benches across the park to sit for a spell and enjoy the beautiful weather. While hanging out in the park, your family can enjoy watching boats and other watercraft maneuvering along the river. Kids will adore pointing out the massive vessels and waving to people! If you want to take a longer stroll, you can head to the Stillwater Lift Bridge, whose entrance is located in the park.
When kids need a break from shopping or meandering downtown, Lowell Park is the best spot to add a kid-friendly touch to the things you do in downtown Stillwater. Finally, indoor restrooms are also available in the park.
Stillwater Fun Tours & Things to Do with Kids
You’re in luck if you want to discover fun tours and things to do with kids in Stillwater! Stillwater boasts plenty of kid-friendly things to do for all ages, from ghost tours and local farms to epic hot-air balloon rides. Here are a few of our favorite places to enjoy Stillwater with kids.
Stillwater Lift Bridge
One of the most historic and well-known sites in Stillwater, the Stillwater Lift Bridge has crossed the St. Croix River since 1931! In 2017, the lift bridge closed to all vehicle traffic. Now, it is used for pedestrians and bicycles to cross the river. It also connects the Loop Trail from Minnesota to Wisconsin. If you want to impress your kids with a unique experience, walking from Minnesota to Wisconsin will surely do the trick!
Still in operation as an actual lift bridge, the Stillwater Lift Bridge follows a regular schedule from May to October to allow large boats and watercraft to pass underneath. If you choose not to walk across the bridge, kids will still enjoy watching the bridge in action as boats pass through. The Stillwater Lift Bridge is undoubtedly one of the best free things to do in Stillwater with kids!
Stillwater Minnesota with Kids: Get on the Water with Stillwater River Boats
If you want to get on the water, Stillwater River Boats is a great way to explore the St. Croix River with kids. Cruising down the river is a fantastic option for sunny summer days. Or, a fabulous crisp autumn day searching for colorful leaves along the shore!
Embark on a family-friendly river adventure with one of the many public tour options aboard an authentic paddlewheel boat offered by Stillwater River Boats. All tours include a lovely lunch or dinner (beverages are extra) and provide temperature-controlled spaces. The menu varies daily, but you can select your cruise based on the meal (if preferred). They serve everything from chicken and BBQ pulled pork to beef pot roast and cod.
Please note that reservations are required.
Stillwater Trolley Co.
One of the most kid-friendly tours and things to do in Stillwater is aboard the historic Stillwater Trolley. Offering three tours that appeal to families, Stillwater Trolley Co. is a great way for kids of all ages to explore and learn about the local area. Reservations are required for all of the tours. The three tours include:
- Storytime Trolley runs every Saturday morning from June – October. In partnership with Valley Bookseller, it’s open to all ages and features fun children’s stories. Tickets also include a snack from Candyland and 20% off a children’s book at Valley Bookseller when your adventure is over.
- Historic Tours are 45-minute tours offered from late spring through early fall. Best for kids ages 3+, these tours showcase the unique charm and beauty of Stillwater and the St. Croix River. Aboard the trolley, you will learn about the history and folklore of Stillwater while seeing some of the city’s most historic homes and buildings.
- Rivertown Terror Tour is a seasonal tour that happens in October. Best for families with kids 13+, this tour highlights the stories of historic villains and convicts from this area, not to mention a few ghosts from the past. Teens and adults will enjoy the process of solving a crime or two aboard the historic trolley!
Visit a Farm
Visiting a local farm is one of the best ways to explore Stillwater with kids. These farms allow families to get in touch with nature, support local businesses, and have fun together. From spring planting to fall harvesting, a Stillwater farm is perfect for a family outing. Here are a few fun options to consider:
- Blueberry Fields of Stillwater is a u-pick blueberry farm in Stillwater that has been a family favorite for years. They offer certified organic blueberries. Treat kids to a special day out to enjoy the sun and the fun of picking blueberries together. Blueberries ripen in mid to late July (and continue into August).
- Aamodt’s Apple Farm is a family-owned orchard near Stillwater with a goat farm, wagon rides, and pick-your-own apples. It is best experienced during the fall apple harvest. Depending on when you visit, there are also food stalls with prepared foods (like brats, popcorn, etc.), hard cider for adults 21+, and an indoor market with more food options, baked goods, gifts, and more.
- Country Sun Farm & Greenhouses offers family fun from spring until Christmas. During the early planting season, families can meander through large greenhouses, looking for new blooms. In the fall, family fun comes alive with everything from hay rides and pumpkins to a corn maze and petting zoo. Finally, during the holiday season, families can meander rows of evergreens and other Christmas items.
The Zephyr Theatre
Theater-loving kids will adore seeing a production at The Zephyr Theatre. It features concerts, adult and children’s theatre productions, and classes in downtown Stillwater. They even offer training and school programs to inspire a love of theater and the arts in young kids and teens. The theater is dedicated to creating a gathering place for the community and youth to discover their full potential in the arts; the Zephyr Theatre offers regular productions that are sure to appeal to all ages. See updates about their 2024 lineup here.
Stillwater Balloons
See Stillwater with kids from a unique perspective aboard a hot air balloon ride! Soaring to new heights with kids is possible with Stillwater Balloons. Offering standard and private flights, this unique experience will surely thrill you and your kids.
While on a standard tour, your family can experience the beauty of St. Croix River Valley from above. The experience lasts about 3 hours (1 hour in the air). The hour-long flight offers breathtaking views like no other. Afterward, there is a post-flight celebration. They offer hot air balloon rides all year long and for all ages.
Please note, however, that every flight is weather-dependent. Their website provides in-depth information about possible cancellations and what to watch for.
Stillwater Ghost Walks
Families searching for ghoulishly fun walking tours will love this option from Stillwater Ghost Walks. With this tour, you’re in for a hauntingly good time as you learn about local history and lore – starting with a now-closed prison that was in operation during the late 1800s. Along the way, you will encounter and learn about real ghost stories, paranormal experiences, recent investigations, Native American legends, and more. The walking route is described as easy to moderate and takes approximately 90 minutes—advanced reservations are required.
While this tour is open to all ages, it’s likely best enjoyed by older kids and teens, particularly those interested in history or ghost stories. They recommend not bringing strollers. This is still one of the most unique things to do in Stillwater with kids!
Stillwater Minnesota with Kids: Kari’s Create & Paint Studio
Those needing an indoor activity while exploring Stillwater with kids will love Kari’s Create & Paint Studio! They allow walk-ins anytime for pottery, clay, and canvas painting. Alternatively, you can book one of their creative parties. You can also sign up for a class, workshop, or special event!
Walk-ins can select from 300+ items on the shelves for creative, fun, and imaginative expression by painting on pottery. There is something for everyone, including home goods, unique figurines, mugs, plates, and more! Kids will adore finding the right colors and designs to elevate their creations. Alternatively, canvas painting is also available. Select from one of the many templates, including step-by-step instructions for creating beautiful pictures together.
Finally, classes, workshops, and events happen regularly. They include everything from pottery wheel classes to kids-centered workshops.
Axe Throwing at The Lumberjack
Those traveling to Stillwater with tweens and teens are in for an epic experience when booking an axe-throwing session at The Lumberjack. Axe-throwing is available to those ages 12+. If you have younger kids in tow, they are allowed in the restaurant but not in the throwing areas at any point.
When you arrive, a seasoned axe coach will teach you and your kids how to throw an axe safely and comfortably. After a few throws, they will also help you learn how to toss better and more accurately. This way, you can challenge everyone to hit the bull’s eye! The coaches are all fun and knowledgeable. In addition to axe throwing, board games, shuffleboard, and outdoor lawn games are also available.
Plus, the bar and restaurant offer everything you need to make it an evening of fun for the whole family. They even offer fun lunchbox-style charcuterie boards featuring locally-made meats, cheeses, and more. Undoubtedly, axe throwing at The Lumberjack is among the best things to do with older kids and teens in Stillwater.
Washington County Heritage Center
Washington County Heritage Center is undoubtedly amongst the most kid-friendly things to do in Stillwater! This museum is home to several collections featuring the robust history of Stillwater and the St. Croix Valley. Kids of all ages will enjoy the compelling and hands-on exhibits. Start by learning about the rugged lives of local loggers. There is even a recreation bunkhouse you can explore together! Then, learn about fashion history, from hoop skirts to miniskirts. Interactive features also include books and games for all ages.
In addition to the Washington County Heritage Center, families can also add the nearby Warden’s House Museum and the Hay Lake School & Erickson Log Home to their itineraries (both are seasonally open May – October). The Warden’s House Museum was built in 1853. It served as the residence of the Minnesota Territorial Prison warden and his family. Wardens resided in the home until 1914. Then, the Hay Lake School and Erickson Log Home highlighted local history from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s.
Unique Sweet Treats & Places to Eat in Stillwater with Kids
Now that you’ve explored some of the best things to do in Stillwater with kids, you’ve likely worked up a big appetite! End your fun family day in Stillwater with something yummy at one of these fun places to eat with kids, including two excellent places to indulge in a sweet treat.
Tremblay’s Sweet Shop
You can’t leave Stillwater with kids without popping into Tremblay’s Sweet Shop! Located on Main Street, this whimsical sweets shop is the perfect place to indulge in locally made confections. While you peruse the many fudge and candy options, friendly staff members can point out unique options and offer helpful suggestions. Select from tasty options like fudge, turtles, dipped chocolates, brittles, and hard candies. In particular, children will adore the seasonal creations (think dipped Oreo spiders at Halloween!). Finally, a wide selection of packaged candies, like Pez, are also available.
Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter
If you’re looking for fun places to eat in Stillwater with kids, you can’t miss Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter. Just 10 minutes from downtown, this lodge-like restaurant is nestled in a pine forest and offers a menu filled with German classics. Featuring pine paneling, deer-antler chandeliers, Bavarian cuckoo clocks, and a collection of ornate beer steins, the ambiance is decidedly fun for all ages. Additionally, the restaurant is surrounded by scenic walking and biking paths.
While your kids munch on yummy entrees from a dedicated kids’ menu, parents can enjoy delectable German fare like a variety of wurts, schnitzel, spaetzle, fish, pork, and more. Finally, reservations are strongly recommended. You can make them by calling the restaurant. Indoor and seasonal outdoor seating are available.
Nelson’s Ice Cream
When you need a break from exploring the many fun things to do in Stillwater with kids, Nelson’s Ice Cream is a great spot to indulge in something sweet and share fun memories about the day. With roots in the 1920s, Nelson’s Ice Cream has served the community with some of the best ice cream in Minnesota for generations.
Family-owned and operated, this iconic ice cream spot is a neighborhood favorite for its friendly service and epic ice cream scoops. Select from whimsical flavors like black licorice, lemon bar, bubble gum, and more. Nelson’s Ice Cream is open seasonally during the summer months. Undoubtedly, the outdoor patio is one of the best places to enjoy a warm, sunny day in Stillwater.
Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop
Nothing says fun family day out quite like a juicy burger and banana split! And that’s precisely what you’ll find at Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop. This family-friendly diner with a retro style and seasonal outdoor patio serves up some of the state’s best burgers, malts, and banana splits. With a fantastic location on Main Street, Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop is one of the most fun places to eat in Stillwater with kids. In addition to their indoor dining room and outdoor porch, they have a walk-up ice cream window.
The dedicated kids menu (ages 12 and under) features yummy diner classics like cheeseburgers and other kid favorites like chicken nuggets, grilled cheese, and mini corn dogs. All kid’s meals are served with a side, a small drink, and a cookie. Or, upgrade the meal to include some ice cream! Meanwhile, teens and parents can delight in menu items like made-to-order flat-top burgers and handhelds (including one named for Leo!). Top it all off with a creamy malt or shake. Finally, gluten-free menu items are also available.
Make Unforgettable Memories: With These 17 Exciting Family Activities in Stillwater!
This family guide to Stillwater with kids has everything you need to know about adventuring together in this robust riverside town in Minnesota. From kid-friendly tours and whimsical playgrounds to fun places to eat, Stillwater is ideal for your next Minnesota day trip with kids. We hope this guide has given you an idea to keep exploring together. Have fun in Stillwater 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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We hope you found lots of fun things to do in Stillwater Minnesota with kids!
