14 Unique Twin Cities Summer Adventures
Summer in the Twin Cities offers a vibrant array of fun activities perfect for creating unforgettable memories with your kids! From exploring urban caves and soaking up the sun on a Minneapolis beach to racing around epic bike tracks, the Twin Cities are brimming with unique experiences that cater to all ages and interests. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, educational outings, or good old-fashioned family fun, there’s something special for every family to enjoy this summer. Keep reading to dive into our parent-tested, kid-approved list of 14 Unique Twin Cities Summer Adventures with Your Kids.
Wabasha Street Cave Tour
If you haven’t taken your family to the Wabasha Street Caves yet, put it at the top of your list of summer things to do in the Twin Cities with your kids! Located in the heart of Saint Paul, these caves boast the only remaining restored Gangster Era site in the Twin Cities. Guided tours share the caves’ history, lore, and natural wonders.
Want to make it as kid-friendly as possible? Book the Troll Tales Tour, a unique kid-friendly tour of the caves offered every second or third Sunday of the month. It even includes a unique craft for kids! Alternatively, depending on your child’s interests and sensitivities, the Historic Cave Tour (offers the most tour date/time options) or the Lost Souls Tour may also work well for your family. If you have older children, those 12+ may find the dedicated Saint Paul Gangster Tour fascinating! You can find all the tour times and book here.
Saint Paul Saints Game
Attending a Saint Paul Saints Game provides top-notch entertainment for the whole family without breaking the bank. These minor league baseball tickets, alongside reasonably priced concessions, start as low as $5.00/seat. In addition to traditional stadium seating, berm seats are also available, which may allow for more flexibility with small children (berm seats are on a grassy hill above the bullpen). Plus, those cheering on the home team with kids in tow will undoubtedly appreciate the many experiences offered to help keep kids engaged throughout the game. From the beloved mascot (Mudonna the Pig) to the dedicated Play Zone, kids and adults alike will call this a summer win!
If you hope to introduce young kids to baseball this summer, Saints games are much less crowded than their major league alternative. Arrive early and enjoy extra time on the playground or exploring the public stadium spaces. In addition to the free playground, there are many additional paid activities for kids. Afterward, check out the City of Baseball Museum. Admission is free with your Saints game tickets. The museum has several family-friendly exhibits, including some interactive ones. Indeed, families searching for fun summer activities in the Twin Cities can’t pass up the chance to enjoy America’s favorite pastime together!
Twin Cities Summer Adventures: Ride a Streetcar at the Minnesota Streetcar Museum
Did you know that streetcars used to be a significant form of public transportation in the Twin Cities? Treat your kids to a thrilling ride on a trolley this summer while learning about these fascinating modes of transportation at the Minnesota Streetcar Museum. The museum is in Minneapolis, boasting the most extensive collection of Minnesota streetcars worldwide!
Afterward, you can ride one of the two separate demonstration railways affiliated with the Minnesota Streetcar Museum. The Como-Harriet Streetcar Line takes riders between the Twin City Rapid Transit Company, Lake Harriet, and Bde Maka Ska in the Linden Hills neighborhood. Meanwhile, the Excelsior Streetcar Line is located in Excelsior. The track traverses through the south side of Excelsior. Finally, they even offer a Kids Club for young trolley enthusiasts! Undoubtedly, this is one of the most unique summer things to do with kids in the Twin Cities.
Ride a Train at the Minnesota Transportation Museum
All aboard! The Minnesota Transportation Museum in Saint Paul is an excellent addition to your summer bucket list with toddlers and young kids. If your kids love trains, this museum will thrill and inspire them! Start your visit at the Jackson Street Roundhouse. Here, you and your kids can explore 50 historic train cars! Some are even housed inside, where you can go aboard and walk through historic dining and sleeping cars. Kids will delight in exploring these historic train cars! Between the train cars, informational displays share more about local train history, including the lives and legacies of their porters. Then, watch model trains race along the tracks together. Or, get hands-on at one of the train tables.
On Saturdays, admission includes a quick ride in a REAL train car over 100 years old! The ride is about 10-15 minutes long and is an excellent opportunity for young kids to feel the rhythmic sway of riding on a historic train. Finally, as one of the top fun things to do in the Twin Cities with kids, there is even a special tot time on Wednesday mornings for young train enthusiasts.
Go to the Beach
Add these excellent lakes and beaches to your list if you’re looking for fun summer things to do with kids in the Twin Cities. Nothing says summer quite like splashing in the water together! Luckily for families in the Twin Cities, there are several fantastic options. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Elm Creek Swimming Pond: In Maple Grove, Elm Creek Swimming Pond features filtered, chlorinated water (which many families love!), a sand beach, concessions, bathroom/changing facilities, and more. A pass is required for ages one year and older.
- Lake Nokomis: Nestled in a quiet neighborhood in Minneapolis, Lake Nokomis is beloved for its beautiful outdoor spaces and kid-friendly amenities. Lake Nokomis has two sandy beaches, fishing piers, playgrounds, sports fields, and a 2.5-mile walking path around the lake. Main Beach offers lifeguard hours.
- Crystal Beach: While no lifeguard is on duty, Crystal Beach in Burnsville is a favorite among parents for its sandy beach and swimming area, canoe and paddle board rentals, picnic areas, and more.
- Shady Oak Beach: This popular swimming hole in Minnetonka/Hopkins offers plenty of shady places for your family to play, relax, and swim. On hot summer days, the fenced water-front playground and beautiful stretch of beach are an ideal retreat from the heat. There is a lifeguard on duty.
- Bush Lake Beach: A beautiful place for a fun summer outing with kids, Bush Lake Beach is located in Bloomington’s Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve. Admission and parking are free; however, no lifeguards are on duty here. There is also a small playground on the beach.
Pick Berries Together at a Local Farm
The greater Twin Cities area features over 60 U-pick or pick-your-own farms, offering fresh berries and other produce ripe for the picking! In Minnesota, strawberry season typically kicks off in early to mid-June, with raspberries and blueberries following suit in July and August. Picking and eating these cherished fruits will surely delight kids and adults alike.
Families love berry picking together! Not only is it a great way to spend quality time outdoors, away from screens and distractions, but seasonal activities like this create unique family traditions and cherished memories. Additionally, berry picking offers a hands-on learning experience for children, teaching them about nature, agriculture, and where their food comes from. Afterward, the delicious fruits of your labor can be enjoyed fresh or used in various recipes. Talk about fun farm-to-table experiences for all ages! This is one of the most fun summer activities for kids in the Twin Cities.
You can find the closest U-Pick Farm to your family by reading our article: Pick your own at over 60 U-pick or pick-your-own farms in the greater Twin Cities area.
Get an Ice Cream Cone from Minnesota’s Oldest Ice Cream Parlour
Beat the summer heat with a frozen scoop (or two) from Minnesota’s oldest ice cream parlor! Selma’s Ice Cream Parlor has been serving tasty creations in Afton since 1913. Plus, there is no shortage of fantastic flavors to choose from here!
Those in the mood for something more traditional can select from classic flavors like mint chip, old-fashioned vanilla, and strawberry. Meanwhile, if you want to relish something more unique or unusual, order flavors like black licorice, blackberry lemon bar, or Fat Elvis. Plus, they even feature local Midwest flavors like Door County Cherry! Whatever you’re craving this summer, find it at Selma’s Ice Cream Parlor! No wonder this is one of the most unique summer things to do with kids in the Twin Cities.
See a Drive-In Movie Together at the Elko Drive-In Theater
Did you grow up seeing drive-in movies as a family? Introduce your kids to this nostalgic experience at the Elko Drive-In Theater this summer! A drive-in theater’s relaxed atmosphere allows families to enjoy movies in the comfort of their own vehicle, providing a cozy and laid-back environment. Kids can wear pajamas, bring blankets and snacks from home, and move around more freely than in a traditional theater. Plus, the novelty of watching a movie under the stars adds a sense of adventure and excitement!
Elko Drive-In Theater offers showtimes throughout the summer after the final race event at the Speedway. While there is a fully stocked concession stand, you can bring snacks and food. Many families even bring their own small grills and outdoor games! Bring lawn chairs to sit and enjoy the weather while you wait for the sun to go down and the show to begin. Tickets are less expensive than traditional movie theaters; children three and under are free.
Next, find more drive-in movie theaters by reading our article: Six drive-in movie theaters in Minnesota!
Twin Cities Summer Adventures: Play a Round of Mini Golf at Lilli Putt
Inspire a little friendly competition this summer at Lilli Putt! Located in Coon Rapids, this longstanding family-friendly experience offers a mini-golf course, go-karts, bumper boats, and more. These fun and interactive activities are suitable for all ages, allowing everyone from young children to grandparents to participate and enjoy time together.
Start your day at the mini-golf course. The playful and whimsical course design adds an element of adventure and challenge, making it entertaining for kids and adults alike! Alternatively, Friday and Saturday nights offer Glow Golf after dusk for added fun. Then, add other activities as you have time. As one of the best summer things to do in the Twin Cities with kids, you can also select from thrilling options like bumper boats, gemstone mining, go-karts, a jump pad, and more! Lilli Putt has even added a new attraction this year: Escape Rooms. There are several Escape Room themes, including a haunted mansion. The Escape Rooms are open to ages 8+. Finally, a Snack Shack is available on-site when tummies get hungry. They serve everything from ice cream and mini doughnuts to hot dogs.
Rent a Paddle Boat at Centennial Lakes Park
Families looking for fun summer activities on the water in the Twin Cities this summer will adore renting a paddle boat at Centennial Lakes Park. Nestled in the heart of Edina, Centennial Lakes Park offers a quiet, serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Families can climb aboard swan boats to explore the lake, play lawn games, and stroll along the Edina Promenade.
Families interested in getting on the water have two watercraft rental options this summer. First, you can rent a sturdy four-person paddle boat and enjoy a leisurely paddle along Centennial Lakes’ waterways. Alternatively, renting one of the swan boats adds a unique twist to the experience! Either way, you can enjoy exploring three small lakes connected by a channel that runs under bridges. If the weather is nice, you can add lawn bowling or a beautiful walk along The Promenade. This includes 0.75 miles of pedestrian and bicycle pathways with views of the lakes, art installations, and gardens.
Explore the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Together
Let kids roam free this summer at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Overseen by the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a 1,200-acre public garden in Chaska. It is beloved by families for its beautifully curated gardens, seasonal activities, and relaxing walking paths. When you arrive, grab a map to help you explore the grounds. The arboretum has 28 specialty gardens and more than 150 permanent works of art.
Children of all ages can also get hands-on in many ways at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. In addition to exploring the many gardens, families should stop at the Andersen Horticultural Library, where they will find many children’s books. Then, take advantage of the interactive exhibits to learn more about our state’s best pollinators at the Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center. The Red Barn, Harrison Sculpture Garden, and the Bog Walk on the Green Heron Trail may interest kids. Plus, save some time to play at the Green Play Yard (infants-age 5), or the Under the Oak Play Yard for older kids. You can even pack a picnic for the day; there are many designated picnic areas across the arboretum (as well as an on-site cafe). As one of the best summer things to do in the Twin Cities with kids, tickets are free for ages 15 and younger.
Race Around the Taft Bike Park
Located in Richfield, Taft Bike Park is one of the newest kid-friendly bike parks in the Twin Cities! Here, you will discover off-road bike features for all ages! This includes berms, rock features, rollers, jumps, pump tracks, and wood decking. There is even a tot track for young kids. Trails are color-coded for intermediate and beginner bikers, which will assist your family in finding the right track for each skill level. Then, each trail is one way (clockwise) to reduce the risk of crashes and injury.
In addition, Taft Park features several other family activities, including a playground, a one-mile walking path around the lake, sports fields, and picnic areas. Summer also means families can rent kayaks or paddleboards (through Paddle Share) to explore the lake. Finally, Taft Park is also an excellent place to watch planes take off and land at MSP Airport. Talk about a one-stop shop for summer fun in the Twin Cities!
Catch a Puppet Wagon
Parents looking for fun things to do in the Twin Cities with toddlers and young kids can’t miss enjoying a show at a Puppet Wagon this summer! Several cities and parks offer Puppet Wagon shows in the Twin Cities metro area this summer. Each Puppet Wagon hosts 15-20-minute themed shows featuring family-friendly stories and, often, some classic tales, too. Kids will delight in the silly puppets and stories, which will surely elicit endless giggles and smiles! Plus, most are held in city parks, so you can play and have a picnic afterward.
Here are a few Puppet Wagon locations in the Twin Cities this summer:
Twin Cities Summer Adventures: Embark on a Fun Day Trip
Day trips are another great way to explore Minnesota and have fun with your kids this summer. Luckily, there are many excellent family day trip options near Minneapolis and Saint Paul! From delicious pizza barns and unique state parks to charming small towns, there are endless options for family fun on the road this summer.
Here are 5 of our favorite day trip ideas near the Twin Cities for families this summer:
- If your family loves outdoor adventure, try canoeing down the St. Croix River this summer! Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rental offers several day trip options for all skill levels and all ages, disembarking from Taylors Falls (about an hour from Minneapolis).
- Foodie families can take a tasty road trip to Northfield! Red Barn Farm is about an hour away and is beloved for its fresh ingredients, farm animals, and scenic views. Undoubtedly, this pizza farm will be a hit for all ages! Reservations are required.
- Want to get a taste of Germany without leaving Minnesota? New Ulm boasts German heritage attractions, restaurants, and architecture. The city feels like you’re traveling abroad, but you’ll be within 90 minutes of Minneapolis!
- Near Mankato, Minneopa State Park is one of Minnesota’s best state parks for kids. Families will love its scenic hiking trails, double waterfall, and majestic bison herd. Plus, it’s less than 90 minutes from the Twin Cities.
- Visit the Jeffers Petroglyphs to learn about local indigenous culture and history. These sacred rock carvings are near Comfrey (less than 2.5 hours from the Twin Cities). You can see images of bison, turtles, thunderbirds, and humans.
Keep Exploring the Twin Cities this Summer with Your Kids
Now that you know a few more unique twin cities summer adventures with your kids, it’s time to get out there! Summer is one of the best times to explore Minnesota with your kids. From trying new ice cream spots, hitting the beach, and picking berries together this summer, fun adventures and new memories are just around the corner.
You can even create a summer bucket list for your family filled with the fun summer activities in the Twin Cities on this list! Have fun exploring the Twin Cities this summer 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.
Looking for more ideas? We found these unique places to visit in Twin Cities for Summer Adventures with kids-
- Japanese Gardens at Normandale Community College
- Worlds Biggest Candy Store
- Minnesota History Museum
- The Mess Hall
- St Croix Railroad
- Waldoch Farm
- Pavek Museum
- Airplane Viewing Area
- Big Stone Mini Golf
- Sand Bottom Pool at Lake Minniwashta Regional Park
- James J Hill Mansion
- Rose Garden at Lake Harriet
- Franconia Sculpture Garden
- Fawn Doe Rosa
- St Croix Railroad
- Waldoch Farm
- Pavek Museum
- Foshay Tower and Observation Deck
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