Make it the Best Year Yet with These 25 Family-Friendly Twin Cities Attractions
Estimated reading time: 16 minutes
Ready to make this your family’s most fun-filled year yet? This Twin Cities family bucket list is packed with unforgettable adventures, from classic favorites to hidden gems you’ll want to visit again and again. Whether you’re looking for free things to do in the Twin Cities with kids, outdoor excitement, or indoor escapes for rainy days, we’ve rounded up 25 of the best Twin Cities family activities to help you explore, play, and connect all year long.
Let’s make some memories with our kids—in true Minnesota fashion!
Rent a Swan Boat at Centennial Park, Edina
7499 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435
Glide across the water in a whimsical swan or duck boat at Centennial Lakes Park in Edina—one of the best summer things to do with kids in the Twin Cities! This charming park features a 10-acre lake, perfect for a peaceful paddle surrounded by beautiful landscaping. Kids will love steering their swan boat while parents soak up the summer vibes. After your paddle, enjoy mini golf, walking paths, and a stop at the concession stand. It’s a classic Twin Cities summer outing the whole family will adore!
Pack a Family Picnic to Enjoy at Boom Island Park, Minneapolis
724 Sibley St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Pack a picnic and head to Boom Island Park for stunning skyline views and riverside fun. It’s the perfect addition to any Twin Cities family bucket list for 2025. This scenic spot offers plenty of green space, walking trails along the Mississippi River, and a playground. It’s one of Minneapolis’s most relaxing yet fun things to do with kids, especially on a sunny afternoon. Don’t forget a frisbee or bubbles for bonus fun!
Spend a Summer Day at the Splash Pad at Madison’s Place Playground, Woodbury
4125 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125
Cool off this summer at Madison’s Place Playground in Woodbury—one of the best summer destination playgrounds and things to do in the Twin Cities with kids! This inclusive playground features sun-shaded play spaces, swings, sensory-friendly equipment, and ramps for wheelchair access. The pièce de résistance for summer visitors? Adjacent to the playground is a free splash pad with two platforms: a larger area with dumping buckets, nozzles, and flower showers, and a smaller section designed for younger children. Open daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day, it’s the perfect spot for families seeking fun and accessible outdoor water activities.
Discover more splash pads to visit this summer, Twin Cities Guide to Splash Pads.
Look for Butterflies at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, Minneapolis
1 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Wander the trails at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, where kids can spot butterflies fluttering among native blooms. It’s a must for any Twin Cities family bucket list in 2025 (especially if you are looking for hidden gems!). The oldest public wildflower garden in the U.S. offers free admission and features over 600 plant species and 130 bird species. With its diverse habitats, including woodland, wetland, and prairie, it’s one of the best free things to do in Minneapolis with kids who love to explore.
Go Swimming at the Swim Pond at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Lake Elmo
1515 Keats Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Spend a sunny day at the Swim Pond in Lake Elmo Park Reserve. The pond is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This (manufactured) chlorinated pond offers a clean and safe swimming experience for all ages. It even has lifeguards on duty daily. Beyond swimming, the park features fantastic play areas, scenic picnic spots, and miles of trails. A daily vehicle permit is required, but it’s waived on the first Tuesday of each month, making it a budget-friendly outing. No wonder this is one of the top Twin Cities family activities for summer 2025!
Looking for more swimming lakes in the Twin Cities? Please read our top picks for the 8 Best Lakes in the Twin Cities for a Fantastic Summer Day with Kids.
Grab Ice Cream at Selma’s Ice Cream Parlor, Afton
3419 St Croix Trail S, Afton, MN 55001
Treat your family to a sweet adventure at Selma’s Ice Cream Parlor in Afton. As Minnesota’s oldest ice cream shop, they’ve been delighting visitors since 1913. Selma’s offers over 30 premium flavors, nostalgic candies, and a cozy atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. It’s a beloved summer destination for a tasty treat, and a must-visit on your Twin Cities family bucket list in 2025. As you savor a heavenly cone on the shaded patio, you’ll quickly understand why grabbing a treat here is one of the best summer things to do with kids in the Twin Cities!
Want to try more flavors across the Twin Cities? Read about these 12 Yummy Ice Cream Spots to Try with Your Kids in the Twin Cities.
Meet with Friends for Coffee & Play Date at The Little Village, Cottage Grove
7750 Harkness Ave S #101, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Looking for a cozy spot to meet friends for coffee while your kids play? The Little Village in Cottage Grove is an indoor play café designed for children ages 0–6and their caregivers. This imaginative space features a safe, whimsical play area and a café serving gourmet Dogwood Coffee, chai tea, and healthy snacks. With open play sessions, daily art projects in the Creative Lab, and rotating classes and workshops, it’s a perfect addition to your Twin Cities family bucket list (especially with toddlers and young kids!). Don’t forget your socks—it’s a shoe-free zone!
Practice Your Jumps at Taft Bike Park
6005 16th Ave S, Richfield, MN 55423
Let your kids unleash their energy at Taft Bike Park in Richfield. It’s one of our favorite Twin Cities family activities, and a standout among free things to do in the area with kids. This off-road bike park features a variety of elements, including berms, rock features, rollers, jumps, and pump tracks, with a smaller pump track designed specifically for young riders. Whether your child is a beginner or an aspiring BMX pro, the park offers a safe and exciting environment for all skill levels.
Cheer on the Home Team at a Saint Paul Saints Game, Saint Paul
360 N Broadway St, St Paul, MN 55101
Cheer on the home team at a Saint Paul Saints game. It is an exciting addition to your Twin Cities family bucket list and a great way to introduce kids to baseball! Known for their fun, family-friendly atmosphere, the Saints offer affordable tickets, great food, and lively entertainment between innings. Kids will love the animated mascot and interactive games on the field. With a stadium right by the river, it’s a perfect summer outing for all ages. Grab your gloves and get ready for some unforgettable baseball fun!
Spot Wildlife at a Local Nature Center
Various Twin Cities Locations
Explore the great outdoors together by spotting wildlife like birds and turtles at one of the many local nature centers around the Twin Cities. These centers offer plenty of free things to do in the Twin Cities with kids, providing trails, ponds, and educational programs that bring nature to life. Choose from local favorites like Richardson Nature Center (Bloomington), Kroening Nature Center(Minneapolis), or Wargo Nature Center (Lino Lakes). Along the way, kids can learn about native animals while enjoying the fresh air. It’s a fantastic way to spark curiosity and enjoy a nature-themed family outing. Don’t forget your binoculars!
Enjoy a Kid-Friendly Play at Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins
1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
Add a dose of theatrical magic to your Twin Cities family bucket list for 2025 with a visit to Stages Theatre Company in Hopkins. As one of Minnesota’s leading theaters for young audiences, Stages offers a vibrant lineup of kid-friendly shows like Tell Me Your Dreams(August), Charlotte’s Web(September and October), and Elf the Musical Jr.(November and December)—just to name a few! With productions designed for toddlers to tweens, there’s something for every age and interest. Families will also appreciate sensory-friendly performances, ASL interpretation, and pay-what-you-can ticket options. It’s an inspiring, inclusive way to spark your kids’ love of the arts.
Grab a Treat & Some Fresh Flowers from the Mill City Farmers Market
Start a summer Saturday morning with a tasty treat and fresh flowers while exploring the Mill City Farmers Market. Held every Saturday, May to September, this vibrant market features over 115 rotating vendors offering local produce, handmade goods, and delicious bites. Families can enjoy kid-friendly fun like the Power of Produce program, cooking demos, and storytime with the Guthrie. With views of the Mississippi River and nearby attractions like Mill Ruins Park and the Mill City Museum, it’s a perfect weekend outing. Talk about one of the best Twin Cities family summer activities!
Looking for other Twin Cities farmers market ideas? Use our Ultimate Guide to Kid-Friendly Twin Cities Farmers Markets!
Spend the Day at the Minnesota children’s Museum, Saint Paul
10 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102
Spend an exciting day together at the Minnesota Children’s Museum, a top destination for fun things to do with toddlers and young kids in Saint Paul. With three floors of interactive exhibits, children can explore a four-story climber, engage in water play, and immerse themselves in a vibrant pretend town. The museum’s design encourages hands-on learning and imaginative play, making it ideal for families seeking educational entertainment. It’s a must-visit spot on your Twin Cities family bucket list.
Play Pinball, Mini Golf, and More at The Burrow
Oakdale: 7053 10th St N, Oakdale, MN 55128
Victoria: 7999 Victoria Dr, Victoria, MN 55386
Add some friendly competition to your Twin Cities family bucket list in 2025 by visiting The Burrow, with two locations in Oakdale and Victoria. It’s an entertainment hub for all ages! Each venue offers a variety of activities, including indoor mini golf, classic and modern arcade games, pinball machines, axe throwing (ages 11+), and more. Both spots also offer delicious food and drinks, making them ideal destinations for a full day of family entertainment. Whether you’re aiming for a hole-in-one or challenging each other to a pinball showdown, The Burrow promises a memorable experience for everyone in your crew.
Treat Your Kids to a Full Day of Fun at the Mall of America, Bloomington
60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
Surprise your kids with a full day of fun at the Mall of America, the ultimate destination for family entertainment in the Twin Cities. Explore Nickelodeon Universe, featuring rides for all ages, from the SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge to PAW Patrol Adventure Bay. Dive into SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium’s ocean tunnel, home to thousands of sea creatures. Or, unleash creativity at the Crayola Experience. With endless attractions, dining options, and shopping, it’s a must-visit for families seeking endless family-friendly experiences, rain or shine.
Plan your family day out using our Complete Guide to the Mall of America in Minnesota with Kids.
Enjoy Appetizers and a Round (or 2) of Bowling at Town Hall Lanes, Minneapolis
5019 S 34th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Treat your kids to a fun-filled afternoon at Town Hall Lanes, a standout spot for fun things to do with kids in Minneapolis. This modern 10-lane bowling alley offers a family-friendly atmosphere and affordable prices with well-maintained lanes and a variety of games. Families can even indulge in favorites from the scratch-made menu like house-made tater tots, cheese curds, and wings. Enjoy them alley-side with tables right at your lane. They also offer automatic bumpers for young bowlers. Whether you’re aiming for strikes or enjoying delicious appetizers, Town Hall Lanes promises a memorable experience for all ages.
Have a Family Pizza Night at a Local Pizza Farm
Various Twin Cities Locations
Imagine savoring wood-fired pizza made from fresh, seasonal ingredients while live music plays in the background on a sunny summer day. That’s precisely what’s in store for your next family pizza night! Though there aren’t any pizza farms right inside the Twin Cities metro, several family-friendly pizza farms are just a short drive away. Consider tasty destinations like Red Barn Farm in Northfield or Alpha and Omega Pizza Farm in Princeton (under an hour from Minneapolis).
Here are our favorite picks for the top 4 Tasty Pizza Farms Near Minneapolis for Families!
Ride the Pumpkin Express on the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway, Osceola
114 Depot Rd, Osceola, WI 54020
All aboard the Pumpkin Express! This delightful 90-minute round-trip train ride from Osceola, Wisconsin, to Dresser offers a perfect fall outing for Twin Cities families. Kids 15 and under receive a complimentary pumpkin from the patch. Everyone can enjoy fall-themed festivities like live music, games, a bouncy house, hayrides, and a small flea market. You can also explore the historic 1884 Dresser Depot and enjoy treats from local food vendors. This charming autumn event is a must-do for your Twin Cities family in 2025!
Pick Apples at a Local Farm and Bake With Them When You Get Home
Various Twin Cities Locations
Pick crisp, juicy apples at a local farm this fall. There are tons of farms to choose from around the Twin Cities! After your harvest, head home to bake delicious pies, muffins, or applesauce, turning your outing into a tasty family tradition. Many farms offer kid-friendly activities like hayrides, petting zoos, and pumpkin patches to enjoy before you pick. It’s a perfect way to connect with nature, savor the season, and create sweet memories with your little ones. Not to mention, one of the best fall things to do in the Twin Cities with kids!
Looking for ideas on where to go? Please read about our top picks for the 12 Best Apple Orchards in the Twin Cities.
Have a Ghoulishly Good Time at ValleyScare & Tricks and Treats, Shakopee
1 Valley Fair Dr, Shakopee, MN 55379
Get ready for a ghoulishly good time at Valleyfair this fall, with two exciting seasonal events perfect for families. First, enjoy Tricks and Treats with your toddlers and young kids. This family-friendly daytime event features a trick-or-treat trail, Halloween games, costume contests, and festive rides. For thrill-seekers, ValleyScare offers haunted mazes, scare zones, and spooky rides on select nights in September and October. Whether you’re looking for fun treats or spine-tingling thrills, Valleyfair’s Halloween celebrations have something for every Minnesota family.
Get Cozy & Read Together at George Latimer Central Library, Saint Paul
90 W 4th St, St Paul, MN 55102
Get cozy with your little ones and a good story (or two!) at George Latimer Central Library, an enjoyable historic and literary visit on any Twin Cities family bucket list in 2025. Statues of beloved characters, like Ramona Quimby, will greet you and your kids as you enter the dedicated children’s area. Enjoy storytime sessions, fun kids’ programs, and a welcoming space perfect for reading together. You can also explore books, puzzles, and other kid-friendly activities that spark your child’s imagination and love for learning. It’s a fun place to explore with kids in Saint Paul, rain, snow, or shine.
Looking for more libraries to explore together this year? Check out these 11 Cozy Twin Cities Libraries with Indoor Play & Learning Areas for Kids.
See How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis
2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Experience the magic of the holiday season with Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis. This festive musical usually runs from early November to early January. The show beautifully captures the Grinch’s journey from a holiday-hating grouch to a beloved member of the Whoville community. With a runtime of approximately two hours (including a 20-minute intermission), it’s a delightful experience for audiences of all ages in a theater experience designed for families.
Enjoy European-style Holiday Markets & Shop Locally this December
Various Twin Cities Markets & Locations
Add some sparkle to your Twin Cities family bucket list in 2025 with a visit to a festive European-style holiday market this December! In the past, families have loved the Minneapolis Christkindl Market, the European Christmas Market at the Union Depot in Saint Paul, and Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt. These magical markets are packed with local vendors selling handcrafted gifts, twinkling ornaments, and mouthwatering seasonal treats. Munch on raclette or pierogies, sip hot cocoa, and soak in the cozy holiday vibes as you stroll the glowing stalls. Many markets offer kid-friendly fun, too, like cookie decorating, live music, and Santa visits.
Experience a Holiday Tea Service at The Mad Hatter House of Curiosities and Tea Parlour, Anoka
1632 S Ferry St, Anoka, MN 55303
Delight in holiday delicacies with a festive tea service at The Mad Hatter House of Curiosities and Tea Parlour in Anoka. This enchanting tea house transforms each December, offering traditional tea times and a magical Christmas Tea experience. Kids will love the special children’s tea featuring fruit, finger sandwiches, scones, and a sweet treat, all served with raspberry lemonade in their own teapot. The cozy, quirky, family-friendly atmosphere makes it a standout among Twin Cities family bucket list ideas in 2025. Be sure to make a reservation (this delightful experience can book up fast!).
Take a Twirl on the Central Park Ice Skating Loop, Maple Grove
12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Skate into winter at the Central Park Ice Skating Loop in Maple Grove—a must-do on your Twin Cities family bucket list in 2025. This 810-foot refrigerated loop offers a scenic and smooth skating experience, perfect for families with kids of all ages. Open daily (typically starting in November and weather permitting), the loop provides free admission, with skate rentals available in sizes ranging from youth to adult. After a twirl, warm up at the indoor pavilion, which boasts a cozy fireplace, snack bar, and restrooms. Whether you’re a seasoned skating family or just starting to teach your kids, this charming spot is one of the best winter activities for families in the Twin Cities.
Have Fun Exploring Minnesota with Your Kids This Year!
From scenic parks and splash pads to holiday magic and hidden gems, this ultimate Twin Cities family bucket list for 2025 is packed with the best things to do across the metro area with kids. Whether you’re exploring fun things to do with kids in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, or beyond, something is exciting for every season, interest, and age. Many of these experiences are low-cost or no-cost, making it easy to find free things to do in the Twin Cities with your kids, too. So grab your calendar, rally the family, and start checking off your favorite adventures!
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. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
