Traveling with a kid does not mean that you’re stuck eating at Chucky Cheese the whole time (is this place even still open?) or on the flipside, ending up frustrated trying to do your “normal” activities pre-kid when (let me just keep it real with you) that’s probably not going to work!
Instead, try to do activities that both kids and parents can enjoy! Enter 4 fun and kid-friendly things to do in Minneapolis!
4 Fun and Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Minneapolis
1. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
Hours: 10-6pm Fee: Free, Donations accepted
This place is my #1 recommendation! You can start with the pretty gardens outside to casually stroll through. I can’t speak for all kids, but at least I know my kid likes to sit in his stroller and look around while us parents do all the work pushing him around! 😉
Then when you head inside, you get to walk through many beautiful greenhouses along with seeing some snakes and fish. Both toddler and adults found it fun!
Then once you’ve seen all that the inside has to offer, you can head outside the back to the zoo! I love that they’re connected because you get to see a lot without packing and unpacking the car…now that’s a parent’s dream!
I didn’t take as many photos here, as we were busy walking around, but Will kept trying to reach out to the giraffes and it was so cute!
The zoo is full of exotic animals and definitely gives off a carnival feel. I can only imagine that older kids would love it even more!
2. Midtown Global Market
920 E Lake St Office-G10, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Midtown Global Market is an internationally themed indoor public market selling food, crafts, services, and clothes!
It’s fun and interesting for parents, but it makes a great place to eat with kids for many reasons.
1. You have a wide variety of options…perfect for those picky eaters!
2. It’s loud, so if your kid is screaming not everyone is looking at you. Just ask me how I know that…haha.
3. You pick what you want to eat and sit down cafeteria style. This means you have no one waiting on you just in case your kid is throwing a tantrum and you need to make a mad dash! Ask me how I know that one too haha.
4. There’s a kid center for your kiddo to play if he or she is just feeling too restless and doesn’t want you to finish your meal 😉
3. Stone Arch Bridge
100 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
The stone arch bridge used to be a railroad and it’s a classic thing to do in Minneapolis! There’s a park right next to it and usually, a lot of festivals happen in this downtown area. It’s the place to be! But since it’s outside, it’s kid-friendly too!
4. Walk around downtown
I know this activity seems vague, haha, but you’re already in the downtown area if you saw the stone arch bridge and if you keep exploring then you can find some other cool and new spots!
Minneapolis is huge and I know there are tons more you could do. This is just the starting point to get those gears grinding on ideas to do so you can have a successful and fun family vacation for both the kiddos and parents!
Great suggestions! I actually visited Minneapolis a couple of years ago and had a blast bike riding around the city. I even got to ride next to the water, near the Stone Arch bridge.
I haven’t gone biking yet, but that would be fun!
My daughter is starting school in Wisconsin so I have to get over to minneapolis soon. I give you credit traveling with a young child can be difficult.
It’s difficult, but fun in a different way. Good luck to your daughter for starting school!
Thanks for the info! I always wanted to visit ever since watching the Mary Tyler Moore show on TV years ago!
Oh cool! I’ve only seen a little bit of that show!
I love when people share the places that are kid friendly. When I travel there are so few articles that showcase this. I will have to mark these for our next trip to the area.
It is a bit harder to find things that work for both kids and parents. Glad you liked this!
These look like super fun things to do! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Heather!
Aaahhh…this is nice of you. I have never been to Minneapolis but sure, why not take some tips and info with me?
Could store this info away for the future!
I love all these picks! The area looks absolutely gorgeous and I’ve never been to Minnesota!
There’s a lot to do in Minnesota!
Your family is so cute! Sounds like a fun, family trip:) My kids would love the zoo!! Big animal lovers:) I would like the market:)
The zoo is so much fun! I love markets too!
I don’t have any kiddos, so this doesn’t really apply to me all that much, but these ideas all sound like SO much fun for the family – and I’m glad you’ve enjoyed some fun with your little one and hubby too!
Thank you! It was fun!
All of these look so fun! I haven’t been yet so I am adding to my list of places to explore!
I think you’d have fun!
Thanks for the list of things to do in Minneapolis. I have been to US but not on this city yet. I hope I can visit next year when I come back.
There’s so much to do there! Especially for a foodie!
I love to travel with my children. I don’t like to keep them in their bubbles when we travel either, I like them to try new things since that’s what travel is all about.
Totally agree. I’m the same way!
What a super fun list of activities. I’ve always said that when I have kids, I don’t want to limit them, I want to expand their experiences!
I totally agree with that!!
You’re such a cute mama! Love these family photos and these are some great recommendations!
Aww thanks so much, Lavenda!
Woo Woo! Minneapolis! There is so much to do there. I’m from the Twin Cities and I feel like there is still so much I haven’t seen, lol!
I would feel the same way! The options are endless!
I love these kind of posts. I’m always looking for fun things to do with the kids.
So glad you like it! 🙂
Could you please make a post about what exercises you do, and what foods you eat? Really need some Summer #fitspiration
Great idea and thanks for the feedback! I’ll remember this 🙂
These are some really cute pictures! I love your outfit and your family’s outfit too.
Aw thanks so much!
I’ve always wanted to visit Minneapolis mainly because it was the home of Prince! I would take my now grown kids to see his compound and then make our way down this list to fine things to do there!
Seeing his compound would be really interesting! Great idea!
I’ve never been to Minneapolis but it does seem like there’s so much to do! I’d love to go to that Conservatory – being around plants is my fave!
I love a good conservatory too!
So many fun things to do!! We’ve never been but sounds like a must! These photos are so pretty too!
Thank you! We really like Minneapolis even if it’s a little bit of a drive!
Your post reminded me when my boys were toddlers. Wow what a great way of spending some quality time with a small toddler in a park with so many beautiful blooms. Great way to introduce travel and natural beauties to children.
It’s a goal of ours to have our kid grow up exploring the world around him…even if it’s just in the same town!
Minneapolis is such a fabulous city that I wouldn’t mind visiting again and again. I love your photos and outfit. A+
There’s just SO much to do!