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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