Things to Do in Minneapolis with Kids This Weekend

Minneapolis is one of the Midwest’s most family-friendly cities, packed with world-class museums, sprawling parks, kid-approved restaurants, and cultural experiences that make every weekend feel like an adventure. Whether you’re a local looking for fresh ideas or a family visiting for the first time, the Twin Cities area has something exciting around every corner. From hands-on science labs to outdoor splash pads and creative arts spaces, here is a guide to help you make the most of your weekend with the little ones in tow.

Explore the Minnesota Children’s Museum in Downtown St. Paul

Just a short drive from Minneapolis, the Minnesota Children’s Museum is a must-visit destination for families with young children. The museum is thoughtfully designed for kids aged six months to ten years, offering immersive exhibits that encourage curiosity, creativity, and active learning. Children can explore a world-inspired play environment, dig into a construction zone, or splash around in a water play area. The museum rotates exhibits regularly, so there is always something new to discover even if you have visited before. Parking is convenient, and the museum is easy to navigate with strollers. It is the kind of place where kids are so engaged they lose track of time, and parents often find themselves just as captivated.

Spend a Morning at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

One of the best-kept secrets of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area is the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, which is free to enter with a suggested donation. Kids can come face-to-face with giraffes, polar bears, gorillas, lions, and a stunning tropical conservatory filled with exotic plants and butterflies. The Como Town amusement area adjacent to the zoo offers rides perfect for toddlers and younger children, while the splash pad is a summer favorite. The zoo is compact enough to explore in a half-day without overwhelming smaller kids, and the lush grounds make for a perfect picnic setting. On a crisp fall or winter weekend, the conservatory’s warm tropical interior is a magical escape.

Discover the Science Behind Everything at the Science Museum of Minnesota

If your kids are curious about how the world works, the Science Museum of Minnesota along the St. Paul riverfront will keep them busy for hours. The museum features massive hands-on exhibits covering everything from human biology and earth science to technology and dinosaurs. The highlight for many families is the Omnitheater, which features a domed IMAX screen that puts viewers inside stunning nature documentaries and space explorations. The dinosaur exhibit alone is worth the trip, featuring real fossil specimens and interactive paleontology stations. The museum is easily accessible by public transit and offers special programming on weekends, including science demonstrations, workshops, and family-friendly films.

Head Outdoors to Minnehaha Falls and Regional Park

Minneapolis is renowned for its stunning park system, and Minnehaha Falls Regional Park is one of its crown jewels. The 53-foot waterfall is awe-inspiring for kids and adults alike, and the surrounding trails make for a wonderful morning hike. In warmer months, families can wade in the creek below the falls, enjoy a picnic on the expansive lawns, or stop for a meal at the historic Sea Salt Eatery, which is known for its fish tacos and outdoor seating. During winter, the frozen falls transform into an icy sculpture that draws visitors from across the region. The park connects to a broader trail system along the Mississippi River, perfect for families who love to bike or walk together.

Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art for Free Family Fun

Many families overlook art museums when planning a day out with kids, but the Minneapolis Institute of Art — affectionately known as Mia — makes art accessible, engaging, and genuinely fun for young visitors. General admission is always free, and the museum regularly offers Family Sundays and hands-on art-making workshops designed for children. The collection spans over 5,000 years of human creativity, featuring everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary photography. Kids are especially drawn to the arms and armor gallery, the decorative arts rooms, and the rotating special exhibitions. Staff and volunteers throughout the museum are trained to engage young visitors with questions and storytelling that bring each gallery to life.

Catch a Show at the Children’s Theatre Company

Widely regarded as one of the premier children’s theater companies in the entire country, the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis produces world-class productions specifically designed for young audiences. The theater stages beloved stories brought to life with stunning costumes, imaginative sets, and performances that rival Broadway in quality. Introducing kids to live theater at a young age sparks a love of storytelling, creativity, and the performing arts that can last a lifetime. The CTC offers productions across a range of age groups, from sensory-friendly shows for the very young to productions tailored for tweens and teens. Tickets can sell out quickly on weekends, so booking in advance is recommended.

Ride the Rails at the Minnesota Transportation Museum

Train enthusiasts of all ages will love a visit to the Minnesota Transportation Museum, where the star attraction is a ride on a vintage steam or diesel train through the scenic Minnesota River Valley. Operating seasonally from the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway and other sites, these excursion trains give kids a tangible, thrilling connection to transportation history. The museum also maintains trolley and streetcar collections that offer rides along restored tracks. For families who want to linger, the grounds feature static displays, restoration workshops, and knowledgeable volunteers who delight in sharing stories with curious young visitors. It is a truly one-of-a-kind experience that is deeply rooted in the region’s heritage.

Let the Kids Loose at the Mall of America

No guide to family fun in Minneapolis would be complete without mentioning the Mall of America in nearby Bloomington. Far more than a shopping destination, the mall is home to Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor theme park with over 30 rides and attractions including roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and a log chute. The Sea Life Aquarium within the mall offers an immersive underwater walk-through tunnel and up-close encounters with sharks, rays, and thousands of other marine species. FlyOver America, a flight simulation ride, takes families on a breathtaking aerial journey across the country’s most iconic landscapes. Rain or shine, the Mall of America guarantees a full day of family entertainment without ever stepping outside.

Halo Healing Therapies Co. — North Loop Minneapolis: A Day Spa for Parents Who Need to Recharge

After a weekend packed with activities, parents deserve a little time to recharge too. Halo Healing Therapies Co., located in the vibrant North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis, is a thoughtfully curated day spa offering restorative treatments designed to melt away stress and restore balance. Whether you are looking for a deeply relaxing massage, a rejuvenating facial, or energy healing services, this Minneapolis day spa provides a serene sanctuary in the heart of the city.

Halo Healing Therapies Co. has earned a reputation as one of the best day spa Minneapolis has to offer, blending holistic wellness practices with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels a world away from the bustle of a family-filled weekend. Services at this best day spa Minneapolis locals love include reiki, sound healing, cupping, and a range of bodywork therapies tailored to individual needs. The North Loop location is easily accessible from most parts of the city and offers convenient parking. Treat yourself to some well-earned self-care and let the expert practitioners at Halo Healing Therapies Co. help you find your calm before the next family adventure begins.

Location: North Loop, Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis is a city that truly has it all when it comes to family-friendly weekends. From outdoor wonders and interactive museums to world-class performing arts and beloved neighborhood attractions, there is no shortage of ways to create lasting memories with your kids. And when the day winds down and the little ones are tucked in, do not forget that the city’s best wellness destinations are waiting to help you restore and renew for the adventures ahead.

Halo Healing Therapies Co. – North Loop Minneapolis

514 N 3rd St Suite 205, Minneapolis, MN 55401, United States

(612) 251–6495 https://halohealingtherapies.com/

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