The Best of Blaine, Minnesota, for Families: Where to Eat, Stay, and Play
Blaine, Minnesota, is a fantastic, family-friendly city near Minneapolis filled with fun things to do for kids of all ages. Home to the National Sports Center, Blaine is a top draw for families excited to cheer on their favorite teams—whether professional or filled with their favorite kid players! The city shines from winter hockey tournaments to summer soccer events. When you’re ready to explore more of the city together, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do in Blaine with kids—from kid-friendly eats and hiking trails to dynamic indoor experiences.
This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Blaine with kids, including where to eat, kid-friendly hotels, and fun things to do near the National Sports Center and across the city. Enjoy Blaine’s best spots to eat, stay, and play!
Where to Stay in Blaine with Your Kids & Family
For families looking for convenient, kid-friendly hotels in Blaine, Minnesota, two top options offer comfort and great locations within the city.
Best Western Plus Blaine at the National Sports Center is ideal for families attending sports events just steps from the athletic facilities. The hotel features spacious rooms and an indoor pool. Plus, a complimentary breakfast—perfect for fueling up before a big game or heading out on your day’s adventure.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Minneapolis North/Blaine is another excellent choice, offering clean, modern rooms. They also have family-friendly amenities like an indoor pool and a fitness center.
Both hotels are conveniently located near family-friendly dining and activities, making it easy to explore Blaine with kids. Whether you’re here for a tournament or a family getaway, these Blaine hotels will make your stay enjoyable and hassle-free.
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Where to Eat in Blaine with Your Family & Kids
If you’re wondering where to eat in Blaine for families, several local spots are perfect for a kid-friendly meal together. Each location on this list makes it easy to find a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy by serving up kid-friendly favorites alongside top-notch service. Here are a few of our favorite places to eat in Blaine with kids!
- Invictus Brewing Company offers a relaxed atmosphere with a menu of crowd-pleasers, including brick oven pizza and burgers.
- Family-owned Ole Piper Inn is a classic kid-friendly option with a menu filled with comfort foods. They serve everything from breakfast to dinner. Less than 5 minutes away, this is also one of the best restaurants near the National Sports Center.
- Clive’s Roadhouse Blaine serves hearty American dishes and has a casual vibe that’s great for kids. The menu includes delicious options like pan-fried walleye, fresh burgers, and fried chicken. They also have a dedicated kids’ menu.
- For a classic diner experience, head to Carol’s for homemade favorites made from scratch and friendly service.
- Northtown Food Hall offers diverse dining options in a lively setting, with something to please everyone. In fact, they feature everything from Mexican and African dishes to fried chicken and crepes.
Fun Indoor Things to Do in Blaine, MN with Kids
When the weather calls for indoor fun, Blaine has plenty of exciting things to do with kids. From bowling and arcade games to trampoline parks, families have several great options to enjoy quality time together. These top eight spots offer family-friendly activities right in Blaine, with many located just minutes from the National Sports Center. No matter the forecast, Blaine makes it easy to keep the fun going!
The Fun Lab
Address: 10650 Baltimore St NE Suite 300, Blaine, MN 55449
For exciting family activities and things to do in Blaine, The Fun Lab is a must-visit destination with kids of all ages (just minutes from the National Sports Center!). This enormous facility offers free entrance (you pay per activity) and ample parking, making it easy to create adventures based on your interests and skills.
Inside, you’ll find a variety of attractions for all ages, including Ballocity, an interactive soft climbing structure where kids can run, climb, and slide across three stories of play. Then, test your skills in the Mission Impossible Laser Maze, enjoy the thrills of Spin Zone bumper cars, or dive into the world’s first mixed-reality playground at Valo Arena. This arena combines physical movement with video games—all without any gear!
When it’s time to refuel, The Food Lab serves delicious brick oven pizzas, gourmet burgers, and more. They even have a dedicated kids’ menu.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Address: 198 Northtown Dr, Blaine, MN 55434
If your kids need to burn off some extra energy, Sky Zone Trampoline Park is the ideal spot! This park boasts wall-to-wall trampolines where children can jump, flip, and glide through the air. There are options for every age group, including dedicated toddler sessions and open jump times.
For those seeking a little friendly competition, try your hand at Ultimate Dodgeball, where participants bounce and dodge balls mid-leap. You can also explore the Foam Zone, which is perfect for practicing flips and landing safely in a pit filled with foam blocks.
If you’re on the hunt for engaging indoor things to do in Blaine with kids, Sky Zone is a fantastic choice for energetic play, no matter the weather!
Watch Curling from Moe’s at the Ice House
Address: 9250 Lincoln St NE, Blaine, MN 55434
For a unique family outing in Blaine, head to Moe’s Ice House, a sports bar between Fogerty Arena and the Four Seasons Curling Club. Moe’s offers a sports-focused menu featuring sharables, pizzas, and handhelds, along with a welcoming atmosphere. While you enjoy your meal, watch the excitement of live curling matches from the rink-view dining room!
For those looking to try curling, the Four Seasons Curling Club hosts “Learn to Curl” sessions for ages 12+ and other events, making it a fun and accessible activity for all skill levels.
Whether you’re a spectator or ready to hit the ice, Moe’s Ice House and the attached arenas deliver a memorable experience for the whole family!
Bowlero Blaine
Address: 11351 Ulysses St NE, Blaine, MN 55434
For fun indoor things to do in Blaine with kids, Bowlero Blaine is the perfect destination! It’s even located less than 10 minutes from the National Sports Center. This entertainment hotspot features 38 premium bowling lanes that cater to all ages and skill levels. Beyond bowling, enjoy an action-packed arcade and engage in laser tag or billiards.
After a few rounds, grab something yummy to eat at the on-site sports bar. Here, you’ll find a delicious menu to satisfy everyone’s cravings, including a dedicated kids’ menu.
Finally, don’t forget to reserve your lanes online to ensure a spot for your family’s fun-filled day!
Blaine Conquer Ninja Gym
Address: 1467 101st Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55449
For action-packed family activities in Blaine, check out Conquer Ninja Gym, where kids (ages 5 and up) and adults can tackle ninja warrior obstacles just like on TV! This premier training facility is packed with full-size and smaller-scale obstacles, offering a thrilling workout and a chance to improve agility and strength.
During Open Gym sessions, participants go through a quick orientation before diving into a range of obstacles at their own pace. Trainers with backgrounds in obstacle course racing (including some who’ve competed on American Ninja Warrior!) are there to guide and inspire.
Pre-register to secure your spot, or drop in if space allows for a fun, high-energy family adventure!
Blainbrook Entertainment Center
Address: 12000 Central Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55434
Blainbrook Entertainment Center is a top choice for family fun with activities to entertain everyone. As one of the best things to do in Blaine with kids, this dynamic venue boasts bowling lanes, an expansive arcade filled with over 40 pinball machines, pool tables, darts, and immersive virtual reality games.
Arcade lovers will appreciate the easy-to-use game cards, which are perfect for reloading and saving points for future visits. For pinball enthusiasts, Blainbrook even hosts an all-ages pinball league. After racking up arcade points, head over to the bowling lanes.
Between games, enjoy a meal at their full-service restaurant. It serves a variety of options like appetizers, pizzas, burgers, and handhelds. Plus, there’s a dedicated kids’ menu.
Little Playdate Indoor Play Area
Address: 1250 126th Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55434
Little Playdate Indoor Play Area is a self-serve play space designed for toddlers and young kids to enjoy safe, unstructured fun. Open every day of the year, this cozy, unsupervised playroom offers a range of play options, including slides, climbing structures, soft play areas, and a gated space for crawlers.
Parents can relax on comfortable leather couches while keeping an eye on their little ones. You’ll also have access to a vending machine and coffee station on-site. Admission tickets are required for children over 6 months, and all children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop
Address: 1625 County Hwy 10, Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
Treat your kids to one of the tastiest things to do near Blaine! Step into the enchanting world of Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, where the delight of candy and bottled soda awaits! This huge destination for sweets boasts one of the region’s most extensive assortments of candy and craft sodas. In fact, Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop is celebrated for its commitment to helping you rediscover your favorite childhood treats!
With an impressive range of nostalgic classics, international delights, and over 250 different candy bars, there’s an indulging option (or two!) for everyone in the family. After exploring the aisles and shelves, treat yourselves to hand-scooped ice cream at the vintage soda fountain.
With its quirky gifts and retro toys, Grandpa Joe’s is also the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and goodies for your loved ones.
Fun Outdoor Things to Do in Blaine with Your Family & Kids
For families craving fresh air, Blaine has plenty of fun outdoor activities for kids, too. With spacious parks, scenic trails, and playgrounds, there’s something for kids of all ages to enjoy. Whether your family loves walking, biking, or simply enjoying a day outside, Blaine’s outdoor activities make it easy to spend time outside together.
Blaine Wetland Sanctuary
Address: 11980 Lexington Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55449
Blaine Wetland Sanctuary offers a unique outdoor experience for families with kids of all ages. In fact, the sanctuary boasts over 500 acres of wetland and upland habitats. Blaine Wetland Sanctuary has three mapped trails, including a short paved loop and a longer path stretching nearly a mile.
A kid-friendly boardwalk trail begins at Lexington Avenue North, winding through lush wetland areas and connecting to East Lake Park. Along the way, interpretive signs and a viewing platform provide opportunities to learn about native plants and wildlife.
This scenic spot is popular with walkers, hikers, and bikers. No wonder the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary is one of the best things to do with kids in the area!
Aquatore Park & Playground
Address: 9191 Lincoln St NE, Blaine, MN 55434
One of the best outdoor things to do in Blaine with kids, Aquatore Park is a go-to spot for families. This spacious park features a large playground, shaded picnic areas with grills, and paved trails, ideal for walking or biking.
For sports enthusiasts, there are baseball diamonds, basketball courts, and a football field, with a hockey rink available in the winter. Kids love the open play areas, and parents appreciate the ample shade from mature trees.
Aquatore Park also includes a dog park, convenient parking, and seasonal restrooms, making it a well-rounded destination for family outings in Blaine.
Lexington Athletic Complex
Address: 4286 121st Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55449
Lexington Athletic Complex offers several family-friendly outdoor activities for all ages. If you want a whimsical playground that will inspire your kids to run, jump, and play, make it this one! The massive playground includes a toddler-sized, farm-themed area, plus a zipline, slides, climbing structures, swings, and a merry-go-round.
The Lexington Athletic Complex also features baseball and softball diamonds, tennis and pickleball courts, basketball courts, and multi-use fields, plus a hockey rink for winter fun.
The park also offers picnic shelters, tables, and paved trails for a full day of outdoor recreation. With convenient parking and year-round amenities, it’s a top spot for family activities in Blaine.
Pioneer Park
Address: 2491 125th Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55449
If you’re looking for outdoor things to do near the National Sports Center, Pioneer Park is just a short drive away (less than 10 minutes). This charming wooded retreat in Blaine is perfect for a quick nature escape. Featuring large trees and restored wetlands, this 100-acre park has a mix of paved and natural trails that wind through the area.
The paved trails are generally stroller-friendly, making them ideal for young kids. Along the route, benches provide convenient rest stops for little trekkers, too. With steady neighborhood traffic—runners, bikers, and dog walkers—it’s a lively place to visit all year round. Keep an eye out for deer in the woods and ducks in the high-water areas, too. Finally, picnic shelters and tables are also available near the entrance.
Have Fun Exploring Blaine, Minnesota, with Your Family & Kids!
Blaine is packed with family activities and things to do with kids, making it an ideal destination for both local and visiting families. Whether you’re here for sports events at the National Sports Center or simply exploring the area, you’ll find plenty of kid-friendly places to eat, comfortable hotels, and exciting things to do nearby. From outdoor adventures to fun indoor options, Blaine has something for every family, whatever the season.
So gather the crew and get ready to experience all the fantastic things to do near the National Sports Center and beyond in Blaine!
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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