10 Fantastic Winter Day Trip Ideas Near the Twin Cities for Families (All Less Than 2 Hours)
Are you looking for a short winter trip that won’t break the bank or require hours and hours of driving? We’ve got you covered with these 10 fantastic winter day trip ideas from the Twin Cities for families (all within two hours of the metro area!). There are many incredible things to do with kids in/near the Twin Cities this winter. Whether you’re craving snowy outdoor adventures or cozy indoor activities, these Minnesota destinations offer something for every family. From winter hikes and snow tubing hills to charming small-town adventures, these winter day trips near Minneapolis and Saint Paul with kids will help you make the most of the season.
Bundle up, pack some snacks, and hit the road for a memorable winter day trip with your family!
Downtown Saint Paul
Looking for a winter day trip in Minnesota that is close to home? Head to downtown Saint Paul for a fun-filled family outing! Start at Rice Park, where you can admire twinkling lights and search for iconic Charlie Brown characters. Then, warm up at the historic George Latimer Central Library, where kids can enjoy storytime or cozy up with a good book. Across Rice Park, the Landmark Center is another great stop for families. This historic building hosts several free museums and things to do.
Plus, Union Depot’s grand architecture is a must-see, and it often hosts seasonal events the whole family will love. This is also where you’ll find Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store. Saint Paul also has tons of kid-friendly museums to explore, like the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Minnesota Children’s Museum. Cap off your adventure with a hearty lunch at Cosetta Italian Market—kids will love the pizza, and parents can indulge in delicious pasta and gelato.
Looking for more ideas? Read our Family Guide to Visiting Downtown St Paul With Kids: 16+ Exciting Things to Do.
Stillwater
For a fun family day trip from the Twin Cities this winter, head to Stillwater. Nestled along the St. Croix River, this charming river town is packed with things to do near Minneapolis with kids. Enjoy sweeping river views at Pioneer Park, complete with a winter playground for kids. This is a great place to stretch your legs or enjoy a hot cup of coffee from a local shop!
Afterward, head downtown to walk across the historic Stillwater Lift Bridge, now a pedestrian and bike path connecting Minnesota to Wisconsin—your kids will love the chance to cross states! Downtown Stillwater is also filled with boutique shops, restaurants, and more to explore. For indoor fun, swing by Kari’s Create & Paint Studio for pottery or canvas painting. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Tremblay’s Sweet Shop with handmade fudge and chocolates.
Remember to pack your ice skates! Riverside Skating Rink at Water Street Inn is a beautiful outdoor rink with a view of the historic lift bridge. In the winter, Stillwater also hosts the World Championship Snow Sculpting Contest and Winterfest. Both events feature ice sculptures, local vendors, and other family-friendly activities. With free parking from November to April, Stillwater is an easy, budget-friendly outing for all ages!
Northfield
For an enchanting winter day trip with kids near Minneapolis and Saint Paul, drive down to Northfield (just 45 minutes south of Minneapolis). This charming town combines cozy small-town vibes with a lively college scene, making it a perfect spot for family adventures.
Kick off your day with hot cocoa and pastry at Little Joy Coffee before exploring the many boutique shops downtown. Check out Content Books and The Measuring Cup for unique finds. While downtown, you can also enjoy winter views of the Cannon River.
Bundle up and head to the nearby Nerstrand Big Woods State Park for outdoor fun this winter. Here, you’ll find several snowy hikes and visit the train-themed wooden playground. If your family loves winter sports, try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at Carleton College’s Cowling Arboretum or St. Olaf’s natural lands. Remember to pack a sled for some epic hill runs at both colleges, too! With plenty of activities and cozy spots to warm up, Northfield is a winter wonderland for families with kids!
Rochester
Rochester offers a mix of outdoor fun and cozy indoor activities for the whole family. Start your adventure at Quarry Hill Nature Center, where you can rent cross-country skis or snowshoes and explore over eight miles of scenic trails. It’s a perfect spot to soak up the sparkling winter landscape without leaving the city! If ice skating is more your style, the Rochester Recreation Center offers indoor open skate sessions, or you can bundle up and glide around one of the city’s outdoor rinks—some even have warming houses and evening lights.
When you’re ready to warm up, head indoors to one of the many kid-friendly things to do in Rochester, including Spark, Children’s Museum, and the Charles E. Gagnon Museum & Sculpture Garden. Alternatively, burn off any excess energy at Air Intensity, an indoor trampoline park!
For a thrilling experience near Rochester, head to Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch for snow tubing or sleigh rides. They provide tubes, a towrope for easy uphill rides, and a cozy warming house. With plenty of snowy adventures, Rochester makes for a fantastic family day trip from the Twin Cities this winter!
Winter Day Trip: Mankato
Mankato, less than 90 minutes from the Twin Cities metro, offers a winter wonderland filled with fun things to do for all ages! Kick off your adventure with outdoor ice skating—choose from 11 local parks, including Thomas Park. Alternatively, Spring Lake Park and Sibley Park’s sledding hills offer a thrilling ride for all ages. For a unique winter experience, try snowshoeing through Minneopa State Park’s scenic trails. Plus, the drive-through bison range is open year-round; just check the website for seasonal hours before planning your day trip.
There are plenty of indoor activities in Mankato, too. Suppose the weather is too cool to explore outside. In that case, the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota will surely be a hit with young explorers. It’s one of the best children’s museums in the state! Meanwhile, Wow! Zone Family Entertainment Center offers bowling, mini-golf, and more (perfect for older kids and teens!).
Looking for EPIC winter day trips in Minnesota with kids of all ages? Plan a family day out around visiting Mount Kato Ski Area for snow tubing or downhill skiing. The ski hill features 19 runs and a 240-foot vertical drop. Beginners and seasoned skiers alike can enjoy the slopes, plus three terrain parks loaded with thrilling features for both skiers and snowboarders. Snow tubing is a must-try, too. With specially designed tubes and handle tows, it is easy to zip back up the hill for more fun all day long. When kids get chilly or tummies get hungry, warm up at the cozy lodge with hot cocoa and snacks. Looking for more ski ideas in Minnesota? Discover our Top Spots for Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding in Minnesota.
Red Wing
Just an hour from Minneapolis, Red Wing transforms into a snow-kissed landscape offering family-friendly fun with a stunning Mississippi River backdrop. Not to mention some of the best things to do near Minneapolis with kids this winter (including museums, hikes, and more!). Start your day with goodies at the iconic Hanisch Bakery and Coffee Shop. While downtown, enjoy an enchanting stroll along downtown streets, browsing the many shops found here. For indoor fun, consider adding a museum to your day trip itinerary, too. There are a few to choose from: the All Americans Ski Jumping Hall of Fame and Museum (located on the mezzanine level of the St James Hotel) and the Red Wing Shoes Museum (tucked into the store).
Barn Bluff is a rewarding brisk hike featuring panoramic views of the snow-dusted river valley. It’s an excellent spot for a new perspective on Red Wing. Alternatively, nearby Frontenac State Park is a must-visit for snowshoeing and winter hiking with kids. You can rent snowshoes at the park (when the visitor center is open) and explore serene trails overlooking the frozen beauty of Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River.
For eagle enthusiasts, winter is the prime time to spot these majestic birds along the Mississippi Flyway. Head to Bay Point Park, Levee Park, or Colvill Park to see bald eagles soaring above. Bay Point Park and Colvill Park also offer winter playgrounds and walking paths. If you’re up for an extended adventure with kids, take a scenic drive to the National Eagle Center in Wabasha for an up-close look at these incredible birds. Red Wing’s cozy charm and outdoor activities make it a fun winter day trip from Minneapolis for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy Minnesota’s winter magic.
Taylors Falls
Taylors Falls, under an hour from Minneapolis, is a fantastic cold-weather escape for all ages! Start your morning at Coffee Talk, where you can grab a warm drink before exploring the area. Taylors Falls is a fantastic winter day trip from the Twin Cities for families looking to spend most of the day outside skiing, hiking, or snow tubing.
Spend the day on the slopes at Wild Mountain. With a 300-foot vertical drop and 26 runs, Wild Mountain features terrains for all skill levels. Need to learn how to ski? No problem! Wild Mountain offers ski and snowboard lessons for all ages (4+), including a parent-child program. Alternatively, head to the snow tubing park for a day of fun in the snow together. It’s the largest in the area! The snow tubing park features a conveyor belt for a leisurely ride back up the hill, ensuring endless fun without the climb.
For families who prefer exploring untouched nature, try snowshoeing or winter hiking at Interstate State Park. Kids will marvel at the icy glacial potholes and stunning St. Croix River views here. Alternatively, bring your own snowmobiles and enjoy local snowmobile trails maintained by the Wild River Snowmobile Club. There are 120 miles of groomed paths perfect for an adventurous ride! Wrap up your day with a cozy lunch at Juneberry Cafe or Schoony’s Malt Shop. Taylors Falls has everything you and your kids need for a memorable winter day trip in the great outdoors!
Winter Day Trip: Austin
Looking for unique winter day trips in Minnesota with kids? Head to Austin, known as SPAMTOWN USA! Just 90 minutes south of the Twin Cities, winter here offers a blend of outdoor fun and quirky indoor attractions perfect for families with kids of all ages. Start with a visit to the SPAM® Museum—an interactive stop that’s as fun as it is educational. Kids will love learning about one of Minnesota’s most distinctive foods! Add the Hormel Historic Home to your itinerary for a bit of local history to learn about the Hormel family’s early life in Austin. For more indoor fun, visit the Austin ArtWorks Center, featuring a small gallery and a calendar filled with kid-friendly art events and classes. And don’t miss popping into Sweet Reads Books and Candy!
Want to play outside in the snow? The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center has winter trails that are perfect for a day of winter hiking. Or, try snowshoeing along the park’s scenic trails. A winter scavenger hunt for kids to use at the nature center is available here. Austin’s 28 city parks also offer playgrounds and plenty of open space for sledding and playing. If your family enjoys exploring state parks together, Lake Louise State Park is only 30 minutes from Austin.
End your day with a cozy family dinner at one of Austin’s many restaurants, including the Old Mill Restaurant, Kenny’s Oak Grill, and Piggy Blue’s Bar-B-Que. Austin’s blend of fun, history, and outdoor adventure makes it a perfect winter getaway for families in Minnesota.
Plan a Fun Day of Snow Tubing Together
Snow tubing is the perfect winter activity in Minnesota for families looking for thrills and fun on the slopes without the hassle of learning to ski or snowboard. It’s simple—just hop onto a tube and zoom down a snowy hill! Our recommendations below offer lifts to bring you back up the hill. This way, you can keep the fun of going down without any uphill struggle.
As one of the best active family day trips from the Twin Cities this winter, snow tubing offers outdoor excitement for all ages. With special lanes designed for speed and safety, it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors together. Snow tubing is easy to learn, making it ideal for younger kids (though, watch for height and age restrictions before booking) while providing enough of a rush for teens and adults.
One of the best things to do near Minneapolis and Saint Paul this winter is there are several places to go snow tubing with kids! Here are three great options with rentals and dedicated slopes within 90 minutes of the Twin Cities metro:
- Buck Hill in Burnsville
- Wild Mountain in Taylors Falls
- Mount Kato in Mankato
- Elm Creek Park in Maple Grove
Related Article: A Guide to Snow Tubing for Minnesota Parents
Visit a Wintery State Park
Winter is one of Minnesota’s most underrated seasons for exploring state parks with kids. While the cold may initially seem intimidating, the reward of being in nature together is well worth it. Many state parks near Minneapolis offer easy winter hiking trails for kids to navigate, along with additional activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Some even provide winter sports equipment rentals when visitor centers are open. Plus, many parks have warming houses where you can take a break and thaw out before heading home or hitting the trails again. Pack some hot cocoa, bundle up in warm layers, and head out for a wintery adventure that’s perfect for the whole family!
Minnesota State Parks make some of the best winter day trips near Minneapolis and Saint Paul with kids; here are a few we recommend (all within 90 minutes). They all include a warming house and dedicated winter hiking/snowshoe and cross-country skiing trails. A few also offer dedicated skate-skiing trails.
- Fort Snelling State Park, Saint Paul
- Wild River State Park, Center City
- Lake Maria State Park, Monticello
- William O’Brien State Park, Marine on St. Croix
Looking for more ideas? Discover our top picks for the 7 Best Minnesota State Parks for Families this Winter.
Enjoy Exploring Family Day Trips from the Twin Cities This Winter!
Winter in Minnesota offers endless opportunities for family day trips from the Twin Cities. Whether exploring snowy state parks, speeding down snow tubing hills, or enjoying the charm of a small town dusted in snow, there’s no shortage of fun things to do near Minneapolis and Saint Paul with kids this winter. These winter day trips in Minnesota are the perfect way to get outside, make memories, and embrace the chilly season together.
So, gather the family, bundle up, and set off on your next winter adventure using our guide to 10 Fantastic Winter Day Trip Ideas Near the Twin Cities for Families!
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.
Header Image: Credit Robert Ferdinandt / Visit Saint Paul
