FAMILY FAVORITES WINNERS
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AMUSEMENT PARKS
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DESTINATION PLAYGROUNDS
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FAVORITES
PARENT AWARDS 2025 ART STUDIOS uPAGE 23
25 THINGS TO DO IN 2025
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300 PLUS LOCAL ATTRACTIONS FREE FAMILY FUN uPAGE 33
ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS & ZOOS uPAGE 19
SPLASH PADS
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ANINTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE!
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Party I 83 6 15 18
IN THIS ISSUE: Family Favorites: 4Entertainment I 6 4Retailers I 10 4Food and Drink I 11 4Services I 12 25 Things to Do in 2025 Categories Listed: 4Amusement Parks I 18 4Animal Encounters & Zoos I 19 4Arcades I 21 4Art Studios I 23 4Bowling Alleys I 25 4Coffee Shops with Play Areas I 27 4Destination Playgrounds I 28 4Family Entertainment Centers I 30 4Free Family Fun I 33 4Indoor Playgrounds I 35 4Libraries with Play Areas I 41 4Mini Golf I 45 4Museums I 46 4Outdoor Adventures I 51 4Skating Rinks & Skate Parks I 59 4Splash Pads I 61 4Theaters & Music Venues I 65 4Water Parks I 70 Guides:
Education I 75
Mom, Dad & Baby I 80
Thank you to our premier sponsor Minnesota Children’s Museum.
Explore Minnesota’s landscape through world-renowned wildlife dioramas, travel to the edges of the universe in the Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium, get hands-on access to natural history specimens in the Touch & See Lab, and so much more! Plan your visit today at bellmuseum.umn.edu Make mammoth-sized memories at
o Rent a swan boat at Centennial LAKES Park
o PACK A FAMILY PICNIC to enjoy at Boom Island Park
By: Antonia Grant
o SPEND A SUMMER DAY AT THE SPLASH PAD AT MADISON’S PLACE PLAYGROUND
o Look for butterflies at the Eloise Butler Wild flower Garden and Bird Sanctuary.
o PRACTICE YOUR jumps at the Taft Bike Park
o Have a FAMILY PIZZA NIGHT at a local pizza farm
o SPEND THE DAY AT THE Minnesota Children’s Museum
o GRAB AN ICE CREAM AT SELMA’S ICE CREAM PARLOR (MINNESOTA’S OLDEST ICE CREAM PARLOR!)
o SEE HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS AT THE CHILDREN’S THEATRE COMPANY at Centennial Park
o Play pinball, mini golf, and more AT THE BURROW IN OAKDALE OR VICTORIA
o RIDE THE PUMPKIN EXPRESS ON THE OSCEOLA & ST. CROIX VALLEY RAILWAY
at Centennial Park
o MEET WITH FRIENDS FOR COFFEE AND A PLAY DATE AT THE LITTLE VILLAGE
o GO SWIMMING AT THE SWIM POND AT ELM CREEK PARK RESERVE
o Enjoy APPETIZERS AND A ROUND (OR TWO!) OF BOWLING at Town Hall Lanes
o PICK APPLES AT A LOCAL FARM AND BAKE WITH THEM WHEN YOU GET HOME
o Enjoy a kid-friendly play at Stages Theatre Company
o CHEER ON THE HOME TEAM AT A SAINT PAUL SAINTS GAME
o TREAT YOUR KIDS TO A FULL DAY OF FUN AT THE MALL OF AMERICA
o SPOT WILDLIFE LIKE BIRDS AND TURTLES AT A LOCAL NATURE CENTER
o HAVE A ghoulishly GOOD TIME AT VALLEYSCARE AND TRICKS AND TREATS AT VALLEYFAIR
o ENJOY EUROPEAN-STYLE HOLIDAY MARKETS AND SHOP LOCALLY THIS DECEMBER
o GRAB A TREAT AND SOME FRESH FLOWERS FROM YOUR LOCAL FARMERS MARKET
o TAKE A TWIRL ON THE ICE SKATING LOOP AT CENTRAL PARK OF MAPLE GROVE
o Get cozy and read together at George Latimer Central Library
o EXPERIENCE A HOLIDAY TEA SERVICE AT THE MAD HATTER TEA HOUSE
Located inside the Mall of America, this destination includes more than 25 rides and activities, featuring popular Nickelodeon characters, shops, entertainment stages, and dining. Toddlers and their parents can enjoy free entertainment and activities from 10 a.m. to noon once a month at Toddler Tuesdays.
Bloomington • nickelodeonuniverse.com
With more than 75 rides and attractions, Valleyfair is the Twin Cities’ amusement park where families come to play the Minnesota way! The thrilling rides at Valleyfair are designed for one thing—absolute FUN! Rides come in different shapes and sizes, from roller coasters to swings. By the end of the day, adults and children alike will have a new favorite thrill ride! Don’t forget to pack your swimsuits and cool off at Soak City Waterpark, featuring thousands of gallons of awesome splish-splashin’ family fun! Shakopee • valleyfair.com
This 4-acre outdoor amusement park, adjacent to the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, is designed for children ages 2 to 12 and features more than 15 kiddie rides, Hodge Podge Park in spring and summer, and more.
St. Paul • comotown.com
Paul Bunyan Land
An amusement park, museum, and campground all in one! It’s even home to the largest talking animated man in America, Paul Bunyan, who greets your youngsters by name. Amusement park-style rides for all ages include a merry-go-round, Ferris wheel, mini Himalaya, space shuttle, and more.
Brainerd • paulbunyanland.com
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
One of the last free zoos in the U.S., Como Park Zoo is open 365 days a year and is home to many animals and plants. Additional features include Cafesjian’s historic carousel and the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. A donation is optional but highly encouraged.
St. Paul • comozooconservatory.org
Here, families can meet owls (and even see them fly), explore displays and a gift shop, and attend special events and festivals throughout the year. A few blocks away, you can visit a natural play area with buried fossils, a hand-operated water pump and sluice gate, stone tunnels and caves, pedestal pipes, a willow forest, and more! Houston • internationalowlcenter.org
Learn about the world of wolves at the Center’s flagship facility in Ely. The facility features triangular observation windows designed to represent wolf eyes and ears. The windows look into a 1.25-acre wolf enclosure and a den site that’s home to a resident wolf pack. The center also features a museum, daily educational programs, an indoor toddler play area, and a gift shop. Ely • wolf.org
Meet wolves, bears, foxes, bobcats, coyotes, lynx, and raptors in a living classroom designed for student groups and other visitors. The Wildlife Science Center is home to Minnesota’s largest wolf pack! Stacy • wildlifesciencecenter.org
Minnesota Zoo
View a wide variety of animals indoors and out, including penguins, bison, otters, tapirs, bears, birds, leopards, tigers, fruit bats, and lemurs. Plus, many marine animals in the 1 million-gallon Discovery Bay exhibit, including sharks, rays, fish, and more. In February, check out the annual Tropical Beach Party with a super-sized indoor sandbox on the Tropics Trail. Each April, families can also visit the Farm Babies exhibit at the Wells Fargo Family Farm. Apple Valley • mnzoo.org
More than 10,000 sea creatures live beneath the Mall of America in several interactive exhibits, including a 300-foot-long underwater glass tunnel. As you walk through, you’ll be surrounded by stingrays, sharks, sea turtles, and more. Bloomington • visitsealife.com/minnesota
Sustainable Safari
Located within Maplewood and Burnsville Malls, this is a family-owned animal adventure that works to educate the public through safe animal encounters. Maplewood & Burnsville sustainablesafari.net
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Learn all about hawks, falcons, owls, eagles, and other raptors at this University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine facility, which rehabilitates more than 700 sick and injured raptors each year. Pre-registration for tours is strongly encouraged.
St. Paul • raptor.umn.edu
The 43-acre property at Safari North Wildlife Park features more than 150 species from six continents. The park also offers an amusement park with rides for all ages, fresh-squeezed lemonade, mini doughnuts, and funnel cakes.
Brainerd • safarinorth.com
Nestled in a sugar maple floodplain forest, this 14,000-square-foot building features quiet reading and observation rooms, large classrooms, a wildlife viewing area, an open-air deck, coffee service, and an after-hours restroom. For a list of local nature centers, visit mnparent.com/nature. Dayton • tinyurl.com/eastmannature
Snake Discovery offers fun and educational reptile programs at area schools, birthday parties, scouts, and libraries. You can also learn about reptiles on their kid-friendly YouTube channel!
Maplewood • snakediscovery.com
Located just 90 miles north of the Twin Cities Metro (and only a skip away from the Alexandria Lakes area), Hemker Park & Zoo is one of Minnesota’s premier zoo experiences—both for animals and people of all ages. Freeport • hemkerzoo.com
Amphibian Discovery Zoo
More commonly known as the RAD Zoo, this rad destination in Owatonna features one of the world’s largest reptile and amphibian displays, including snakes, turtles, lizards, crocodiles, toads, frogs, and salamanders. Visitors can see more than 150 kinds of animals from all over the world, including Big Al, a 12-foot-long alligator, and Bella, a 14-foot-long python. Owatonna • theradzoo.com
This North Shore aquarium inspires people to explore their connection with Lake Superior and the waters of the Great Lakes in a choose-your-ownadventure kind of place. Experience two floors of live animal displays, hands-on interactive exhibits, and stunning overlooks of the Duluth-Superior waterfront.
Duluth • glaquarium.org
The Burrow
Discover a wide selection of arcade games at both locations. From virtual reality, single and multiplayer games, and a wide selection of pinball games, this is an excellent spot for a fun family day out! Pickleball, axe-throwing (age 11+), mini-golf, excellent food and drinks, and family-friendly shenanigans are the hallmarks of this venue. Activities vary by location.
Oakdale & Victoria • theburrowmn.com
Dave and Busters
With hundreds of games to play, the whole family will be entertained. This arcade and restaurant is filled with classics like Pac-Man and skee-ball. Plus, you’ll find a new favorite game every time you go since new games are added regularly.
Maple Grove & Edina • daveandbusters.com
LITT Pinball Bar
Locally owned and operated by people passionate about pinball, LITT offers a relaxed atmosphere for top-quality pinball machines and family-friendly food.
Minneapolis • littpinballbar.com
Blainbrook Entertainment Center
Blaine’s pinball hotspot with over 40 games! Here, you’ll find games for all ages. Everything from the classic pinball machines to the latest virtual reality games, pool tables, and darts— they have them all! Blainbrook Entertainment Center also features game cards that you can save and reload!!
Blaine • blainbrookbowl.com
Can Can Wonderland
Step right up to an experience unlike any other. This vintage arcade game and pinball spot is full of surprises around every corner…literally. They also offer indoor mini-golf featuring huge art installations, alongside a nostalgic food and drink menu. You truly have to see it to believe it.
St. Paul • cancanwonderland.com
Urban Air has some of the coolest games around. Attractions here are designed for every level of adventurer. Full life-sized, ride-on, and immersive games are all part of the arcade experience. Don’t forget to try the climbing walls, ropes course, and Slam Dunk Zone. Before you leave, cash out at the prize counter!
3 Twin Cities Locations • urbanair.com
This arcade has the largest collection of classic arcade games in Minnesota. It features over 150 machines from the 1970s to the 1990s, all free to play. The cost to get in is $15 per day—what a steal! The current lineup is available on the arcade’s website. St Paul • starcade.us
Looking for 22,500 square feet of awesomeness? The Fun Lab boasts amazing attractions not found anywhere else, including one-of-a-kind birthday experiences and fantastic food—all under one roof!
Blaine • thefunlabcenter.com
The Art Academy
Kids and adults are invited to learn drawing, painting, origami, sculpture, and more in private or group lessons, which emphasize technical skills as well as the creative process.
St. Paul • theartacademy.net
ARTrageous Adventures
ARTrageous is a full-service art studio offering creative programming for all ages. Its mission is to “unleash your creative power by connecting with yourself, your community, and the diversity of the world!”
ARTrageous offers a variety of themed camps and events, such as Flower Power and Cosmic Creations. It is here to inspire your artistic adventure!
Minneapolis & Mankato artrageousadventures.com
Color Me Mine
Kids can unleash their inner artist by painting a variety of ceramics, from mugs to figurines. Parents can join in the fun, too! After painting, the studio glazes and fires your child’s masterpiece (ready for pick-up in about a week). It’s an easy, no-mess way to enjoy an art project with the whole family. Eagan, Maple Grove & Woodbury colormemine.com
These local studios specialize in children’s art classes, camps, and art-themed birthday parties for ages 18 months to 12 years. Here, kids can create fridge-worthy masterpieces, while learning art concepts and experimenting with different materials.
Eden Prairie & Woodbury kidcreatestudio.com
Kidz Art
Take classes or attend camps, workshops, and other programs that teach everything from art appreciation to easy-to-learn drawing skills. Programs at Kidz Art have an emphasis on creative thinking and problem solving.
Twin Cities • nwmpls.kidzart.com
Northern Clay Center
This clay center offers fun ways to keep the kids in your life engaged in ceramics. They offer summer camps, an after-school clay club, a weekly Teen Boot Camp, one-day workshops for families, and take-home camp kits.
MInneapolis • northernclaycenter.org
Rum River Art Center
This art center aims to recognize the individual potential of students and artists by exploring multiple art mediums alongside their creativity, talents, passions, and spirit while igniting prospects for innovative and affordable artistic expression.
Anoka • rumriverart.com
The Mess Hall
Mess Hall is the place for hands-on messy art experiences, where your creative dreams come true! Their specialty is messy art (you know, the kind of art you don’t want to do at home!). Check out their fun art experiences for birthday parties, offering themes like signature, neon, or other one-of-a-kind kids’ art programs.
Hopkins • messhallmn.com
We offer art classes, workshops, playdates, birthday parties and camps where kids are encouraged to explore a wide range of materials and techniques including sculpture, printmaking, collage, drawing, and painting. We love to get messy!
Minneapolis • tinkerandnudge.com
Six Twin Cities locations, including Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, and St. Paul. Features premium bowling lanes, online reservations, arcades, laser tag, and billiards. On-site dining includes a kids’ menu. Great for fun family outings across the metro! Twin Cities • bowlero.com
Eagan bowling alley with 32 lanes, a pro shop, and the Incred-A-Bowl music and light show. Features pool tables, darts, and arcade games. On-site dining at Fitz’s Bar and Grill includes a kids’ menu. Eagan • cedarvalelanes.com
It’s a cozy 10-lane bowling alley in Minneapolis’ Nokomis neighborhood. The alley features automatic bumpers, a full-service pub, and craft beers from Town Hall Brewery. The menu is family-friendly, with a kids’ section. You can eat alleyside for uninterrupted play. Minneapolis • thlanes.com
This is a vintage 1950s-style 8-lane bowling alley in Uptown Minneapolis. There are no leagues, ensuring open play all week. This funky spot features bumpers, affordable pricing, and a full restaurant with vegan and vegetarian options. It is also home to a theater for live performances! Minneapolis • bryantlakebowl.com
A retro-modern bowling alley in South Minneapolis with 30 lanes, bumpers, and cosmic bowling nights. Families can enjoy a full menu with a dedicated kids’ section. In summer, outdoor sand volleyball and block parties add to the fun. Becomes 21+ after 10 PM.
Minneapolis • memorylanes.com
Saint Paul bowling alley with 24 lanes, bumpers, ramps, and kid-friendly ball sizes—it’s designed to make bowling fun for all ages and abilities. They even offer adaptive bowling programs for inclusive fun for all. On-site dining at Pub 300 features a full menu and a Small Appetites section. They also have an arcade for added entertainment. Online reservations available. St. Paul • tripleshift.com/sun-ray-lanes
Bowling alley in St. Louis Park with 20 lanes, an arcade, and on-site dining. Offers open bowling daily, plus weekly events like bingo. The family-friendly menu includes options for kids and seniors.
St. Louis Park • parktavern.net
Hopkins bowling alley with 24 lanes, automatic scoring, bumpers, and cosmic bowling. Features an arcade with classic and modern games for all ages. On-site dining offers gourmet burgers, prime rib, and kid-friendly options. Participates in the summer “Kids Bowl Free” program! Hopkins • tuttlesbowling.com
This bowling alley has 34 lanes, automatic scoring, bumpers, ramps, and Galaxy Bowling (with vibrant lights and surround sound!). They also offer laser tag, arcade games, and VIP suites for parties. Features a “Kids Bowl Free” program in the summer. Dining options include a full menu and a Small Appetites section. Accessible facilities and adaptive programs ensure a
This family-owned bowling alley in Apple Valley has 24 modern lanes, bumpers, and ramps available. The summer “Kids Bowl Free” program is offered to kids 15 and under. On-site dining at Back Alley Tavern with a kids’ menu. Also features arcade games, live music, and outdoor sand volleyball. Apple Valley bogartsentertainmentcenter.com
Edina venue offering bowling, bocce, and Italian-American dining. It features wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and a kids’ menu with seasonal gelato. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available. Reservations are recommended for bowling or bocce. This is a fun, family-friendly spot with
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Rebe’s Play Cafe
Saint Paul coffee shop with a spacious playroom for kids ages 0-8. Enjoy delicious coffee, snacks, and treats while your children freely explore the play area. Hosts language classes and family events. A welcoming spot for parents to relax or work while kids have fun. St. Paul • rebesplaycafe.com
Sovereign Grounds
This coffee shop features a spacious (and newly renovated) playroom for toddlers and young kids. Parents can relax with house-made coffee, tea, and delicious baked goods while their children enjoy the play area. This community hub in Minneapolis offers affordable snacks and a welcoming environment for all families. Minneapolis • sovereigngrounds.com
Community Grounds
Columbia Heights coffee shop with a spacious play area for kids (located in a backroom). Enjoy Corner Coffee beans, Mrs. Kelly’s Tea, Heights Bakery pastries, and customizable breakfast sandwiches. A relaxed atmosphere with affordable prices makes it a perfect spot for parents and little ones to enjoy a casual outing.
Columbia Heights facebook.com/CommunityGroundsMN
Corner Coffee Camden
Minneapolis café has a cozy, family-friendly vibe. Enjoy carefully sourced coffee, sandwiches, and freshly baked goods while your kids play in the backroom with a mock barista setup, books, and a playhouse. Perfect for a relaxed outing with little ones. Minneapolis • corner.coffee.com
Black Sheep Coffee Café
This family-friendly café offers house-roasted coffee, organic sandwiches, and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. It also features toys for kids and comfy armchairs (ideal for nursing moms), making it perfect for a relaxing outing together. Enjoy local art and a laid-back vibe at this family-owned gem! South St. Paul • blacksheepcoffee.com
Owl’s Nest Cafe
A lovely café in downtown Jordan offering coffee, bakery items, and food. Enjoy vintage vibes in a historic building, shop at the Blossom children’s boutique, and explore the free Nest Play area with Montessori-inspired toys. Fun for families with kids of all ages!
Jordan • owlsnestcafe.com
The Little Village
Add a touch of whimsy to your family outing at The Little Village in Cottage Grove! This indoor playground for kids ages 0-6 offers a vibrant play space with art supplies and daily projects. Parents and older kids can relax in the café, enjoying coffee, ice cream, and healthy snacks.
Cottage Grove • thelittlevillagemn.com
MiniSota Play Café
MiniSota Play Café offers a fun, imaginative play area for kids with a café for parents to enjoy coffee. Kids can explore mini-worlds like a grocery store and hospital, while adults relax with a drink. A cover charge for kids applies, with socks required for entry. Maple Grove • minisotaplaycafe.com
Whimsically decorated playground equipment for all ages featuring teddy bears, trains, climbing webs, and log slides help this beloved local gem live up to its name. Stillwater • tinyurl.com/mn-teddybearpark
This fantastic destination park is like something out of The Lorax! The playground includes artificial turf leading up to slides, traditional swing sets, a 50-foot zip line, and a forest area with climbing activities. A signature element is the treehouse tower, which is more than 20 feet tall and has super-long slides.
Shoreview tinyurl.com/shoreviewcommonspark
This brightly colored playground has five play areas to explore. Each area has unique features, including two zip lines, a dino dig, saucer swings, a 4-story play structure with slides, and climbing nets. The swim pond is located nearby, making this a full day of fun all summer. Maple Grove • tinyurl.com/elmcreek-park
This award-winning creative play area has something for the entire family, young and old. The playgrounds offer platforms, hexagonal climbers, and slides up to 50 feet long. There is also a section designed just for children to climb, swing, hang, and slide to your heart’s content! Find scenic walking paths, a pond, concessions, and more nearby, too.
Bloomington • tinyurl.com/hyland-park
The park is located within Clifton E. French Regional Park and is a great way to spend the day! It offers huge towers, 47 climbable nets, six slides, music activities, and a water mister. The park is next to the visitor center. Nearby, discover walkable trails, bridges, and a short path to the Medicine Lake swimming area.
Plymouth • tinyurl.com/frenchreg-park
This popular Maple Grove park features a playground with a 120-foot-long climbing wall, a 24-foot tower, a labyrinth, an interactive fountain, a great lawn, trails, and more.
Maple Grove • tinyurl.com/centralparkmn
Madison’s Place Playground
The 16,000-square-foot inclusive outdoor playground offers sun-shade covered play decks, swings, sensory play equipment, and ramps for wheelchair access. Madison’s Place serves as a regional gathering place for children of all ages and abilities to foster friendships, experience the excitement of climbing on a playground, and spend time outdoors. Summer visitors will also love the splash pad nearby.
Woodbury • woodburymn.gov
This charming 57-acre park provides a quiet getaway in West St. Paul. It features a large playground overlooking Thompson Lake and miles of wooded trails connecting the River to River Greenway. This trail system links Thompson County Park to Kaposia Park in South St. Paul and the Mississippi River Greenway.
St Paul • co.dakota.mn.us/park
Woodbridge Park
This 23,000-square-foot inclusive playground is a fantastic destination for all ages, skills, and abilities. The nature-based playground is thoughtfully designed to integrate with the existing amenities at Woodridge Park Cottage Grove • cottagegrovemn.gov
This castle-themed park encourages kids to pretend they’re knights in shining armor. Afterward, check out Westview Acres Park, which offers challenges for big kids and special features for toddlers.
Farmington • tinyurl.com/rambling-mn
West St. Paul • Mendota Heights • Cottage Grove
Free trails open every day, sunrise to sunset!
See all you can do: DodgeNatureCenter.org/Visit Naturalist-led programs, school-age camps, nature preschool, and more! PLUS:
Ninjas United
Ninjas United offers obstacle courses for kids of all abilities and ages 6+, promoting confidence and growth through fun challenges. Enjoy Open Gym sessions with no membership required, where participants can progress at their own pace and tackle various obstacles in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Maple Grove • ninjasunited.com
The new Slick City Action Park is bringing year-round thrills to Maple Grove! This 43,000-square-foot indoor park features 14 patented dry slides, air courts for basketball and dodgeball, a zipline, a trapeze, and a five-level soft play area. Locally owned, it’s the first of three planned Twin Cities locations. Maple Grove slickcity.com/mn-maple-grove
Smash Park
A fun-filled spot for families, Smash Park offers a variety of indoor and outdoor games, including classic arcade games, pickleball, duckpin bowling, cornhole, and giant Jenga. With a large menu, including a kids’ menu, it’s perfect for family outings. Check for 21+ hours. Roseville • smashpark.com
With two locations, WhirlyBall offers a thrilling experience for families with tweens and teens, featuring bumper cars, arcade games, laser tag, and Escape Rooms. Enjoy food and drinks while competing in action-packed games like WhirlyBall, a mix of basketball, hockey, and lacrosse. Each location offers its own mix of activities. Maple Grove & Bloomington whirlyballtwincities.com
The Fair on 4
Located in the Mall of America, The Fair on 4 offers year-round fun with fair-inspired foods like corn dogs, cheese curds, and Blue Horse Pizza. Families with tweens and teens can also enjoy activities like go-karts, axe throwing (ages 11+), and other games. Becomes 18+ after 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bloomington • thefairon4.com
Zero Gravity Adventure Park in Mounds View offers high-energy fun for all ages, including an open jump, dodgeball, a foam pit, and an arcade. Test your skills on the Aerial Ninja Obstacle Course or jump into a heart-pumping trampoline arena. Plus, enjoy 3,000 square feet of intergalactic-themed laser tag action! Mounds View • zerogravitymn.com
This local favorite in Coon Rapids offers a fun-filled experience with mini golf, bumper cars, arcade games, and a ninja course. Enjoy the Roman Colosseum-themed Play Zone, 360-degree VR gaming, batting cages, and more. You can also order yummy bites from the diverse menu while you play—perfect for all ages. Coon Rapids • grandslamcoonrapids.com
Nowhere Entertainment
Nowhere Entertainment offers unforgettable experiences, from thrilling escape rooms and a spooky year-round haunted house (a low-scare option is available) to mini golf and an exciting arcade. Enjoy family-friendly fun with unique themes like a pirate adventure or a glowing circus. Don’t forget to grab a bite at the concession stand, which offers pizza, hot dogs, snacks, and more!
Inver Grove Heights nowhereentertainmentcenter.com
Can Can Wonderland
Enjoy indoor mini golf and a boardwalk-style arcade at this whimsical, slightly edgy venue—Minnesota’s first arts-based public benefit corporation. Stick around for the unique restaurant and bar experience!
St. Paul • cancanwonderland.com
Dave and Busters
With hundreds of games to play, the whole family will be entertained. This arcade and restaurant is filled with classics like Pac-Man and skee-ball. Plus, you’ll find a new favorite game every time you go since new games are added regularly.
Maple Grove & Edina • daveandbusters.com
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Bound around on numerous interconnected trampolines, play trampoline dodgeball, take on an obstacle course, enjoy a toddler-only zone, and jump into pits filled with foam blocks.
Twin Cities • skyzone.com/locations
The Burrow
Located in both Oakdale and Victoria, The Burrow is a great spot for gaming and gathering with your family. Each location offers its own list of activities, including a mix of mini golf, mini bowling, arcades, virtual reality, ropes courses, great food, and more. Enjoy indoor mini golf year-round in Victoria, or head to Oakdale for seasonal outdoor mini golf!
Oakdale & Victoria • theburrowmn.com
Blaine’s pinball hotspot with over 40 games! Here, you’ll find games for all ages. Everything from the classic pinball machines to the latest virtual reality games, pool tables, and darts—they have them all! Blainbrook Entertainment Center also features game cards that you can save and reload!!
Blaine • blainbrookbowl.com
This adventure park includes trampolines, an indoor zip line, a ropes course, climbing walls, a warrior-style obstacle course, battle-beam foam pit, play structure, go-karts, arcade, concession, and more.
3 Twin Cities Locations • urbanair.com
Six Twin Cities locations, including Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, and St. Paul. Features premium bowling lanes, arcades, laser tag, and billiards. On-site dining includes a kids’ menu.
Twin Cities • bowlero.com
This family-friendly entertainment center offers a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy, including 34 bowling lanes, laser tag, arcade games, and VIP party suites. With accessible facilities, adaptive programs, and a “Kids Bowl Free” summer program, it’s the perfect spot for year-round fun, food, and togetherness for all ages.
Oakdale • tripleshift.com/pinz
Toddler Tuesdays at MOA
Toddlers and their parents can enjoy free entertainment, including special character appearances, story times, crafts, and more. Plus, great deals at various locations around the Mall of America, including free kids meals offered on select Tuesdays just for toddlers!
Bloomington • mallofamerica.com
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts (Mia) offers free admission for all ages to explore its galleries and exhibits every day. On the second Sunday of every month, visitors can also enjoy free storytelling, gallery hunts, performances, and family art projects. Minneapolis • artsmia.org
Free Family Events in the Park:
Eden Prairie
Pack a picnic basket, a blanket, and a lawn chair and enjoy free concerts, movies, arts, and other attractions at Staring Lake Amphitheatre and throughout the City of Eden Prairie all summer long.
Eden Prairie • tinyurl.com/cityofEP
Free First Saturdays at the Walker Art Center
Gallery admission is free on the first Saturday of each month, which features family-friendly live performances, films, gallery adventures, and hands-on artmaking with an emphasis on ages 6 to 12. Admission is always free to the adjacent 10-acre Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Bonus: Free admission is also available every Thursday night from 5-9 p.m. Minneapolis • walkerart.org
Midtown Global Market
This popular indoor international bazaar features a farmers market, a global food court, and arts-and-crafts booths year-round. Regular family events feature music and free activities for all. Minneapolis • midtownglobalmarket.org
Music & Movies in the Parks:
Attend free outdoor concerts at several picturesque venues in Minneapolis, including Nicollet Island Park, Father Hennepin Bluffs Park, Minnehaha Bandstand, Bryant Square Park and Lake Harriet Bandshell, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Concerts feature everything from swing, folk, and rock to bluegrass, classical, and more as part of Minneapolis’ summer series.
tinyurl.com/mplsmusicintheparks
This music museum, located on the second floor of the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul, inspires, educates, entertains, and interactivates visitors as they navigate the galleries. Visitors can hear and play instruments from around the globe, either hands-on or through innovative technology. St Paul • schubert.org
Open Eye Figure Theater performs puppet shows in backyards, front yards, parks, and driveways, bringing communities together with original, family-friendly theater. Since 2003, the Driveway Tour has reached more than 50,000 people in more than 600 neighborhoods. All Driveway Tour performances are free and open to the public.
Twin Cities • openeyetheatre.org
Saturday Vibes at Our Local Libraries!
See something new every Saturday (magicians, puppets, wild animals, storytellers, and more) at the George Latimer Central Library. Other St. Paul library locations also host numerous summer reading programs and activities for all ages. Also, check Hennepin, Dakota, and Ramsey counties’ library systems for free events for families at library locations across the Twin Cities.
St. Paul • sppl.org
St. Paul’s historic community hub in the heart of downtown offers a variety of free, all-ages activities on select Sundays throughout the year, including multicultural music and dance performances. Plus, an Urban Expedition series that helps children learn about cultures from around the globe. Most events are free to the public.
St. Paul • landmarkcenter.org
Explore the American Swedish Institute galleries and discover the historic Turnblad Mansion with free museum admission every Thursday from 3-8 p.m. Plus, the Family Gallery encourages the youngest visitors to play, touch, read, and learn. The Family Gallery exhibition rotates annually. Minneapolis • asimn.org/visit
Admission is free on select Sundays at the St. Paul location of the Minnesota Children’s Museum. Ticket reservations for this event sell out quickly. Mark your calendar and reserve your free tickets. St. Paul • mcm.org
& Movies in the Parks: St. Paul
St. Paul’s outdoor summer concert and film series will feature family-friendly events at parks around St. Paul, including Mears Park, Rice Park, and Como Park & Como Lakeside Pavilion. Most performances are free or all. St. Paul • stpaul.gov/musicintheparks
Forgotten Star Brewing is housed in a historic World War II manufacturing facility, the spacious taproom boasts a charming ambiance and has even received the “Best Taproom in the World” award from the Craft Beer Marketing Awards. Whether you’re hosting a baby shower in the taproom or stopping by for Story Time and other family events, this brewery truly has something for everyone! Fridley • forgottenstarbrewing.com
Numerous slides, tunnels, and a 30-foot-tall play structure are at the heart of this hugely popular 1-acre indoor park, which also boasts a special area reserved for toddlers. There’s also an amphitheater, snack bar, pool, and fitness center on site.
Edina • edinboroughpark.com
Check out numerous space-themed climbing structures at this Eagan Community Center attraction, which caters to ages 18 months to 12 years. Eagan • cityofeagan.com/blast
This multi-level, 3,000-square-foot indoor play area is in Golden Valley’s Brookview community center. Play spaces include a main area designed for ages 2–12, plus a separate spot for ages 2–5. Brookview also offers lawn bowling, golf, a park, tennis courts, and disc golf. There is also a family-friendly bar and grill on-site. Golden Valley • brookviewbackyard.com
Leap into a ball pit, scale a climbing wall, zoom down a quadruple-wave slide, and explore a foam forest. The Eaglets Aerie, for ages 3 and younger, has its own colorful ball pit, a challenging climbing structure, a walk-on piano player, and other attractions geared toward young toddlers. New Brighton tinyurl.com/eaglesnest-mn
Activities for all ages are available at this climate-controlled, 18,000-square-foot facility, including a large playground area for older children, a separate area for ages 5 and younger, a kangaroo jumper, a basketball court, a turf field, and large building blocks from Imagination Playground. Plus, there is a cafeteria with vending machines. Open 365 days a year. Mounds View & Plymouth inneractiveplayground.com
This 25,000-square-foot, family-owned indoor playground includes play structures, a basketball court, a turf field, a 38-foot inflatable jumper, and a buildatorium construction zone. Day passes and memberships are available. Open daily with family-friendly hours. Woodbury & Eagan goodtimespark.com
Maple Maze Indoor Playground
Explore a playhouse, tunnels, a rock wall, hopping pogo sticks, and a swirling slide for ages 12 and younger. Plus, a toddler area for ages 3 and younger.
Maple Grove • tinyurl.com/maplemaze-mn
Turf Tots
Kids ages 5 and under are invited for play time at the Hopkins Pavilion, home to a seasonal turf field filled with sports balls, crawl tunnels, bouncy houses, hula hoops, and more. In the fall and winter, the pavilion is an ice arena.
Hopkins • hopkinsmn.com/213/Turf-Tots
Minneapolis Bouldering Project
This 40,000-square-foot climbing gym caters to all ages and skill levels. It offers after-school clubs, camps, parent’s night out, birthday parties, and special climbing areas for kids, as well as a yoga studio, fitness studio, and more.
Minneapolis Minneapolisboulderingproject.com
Playground Plaza
This self-serve membership-based facility is open 365 days a year. It features a large play structure, a jumping pillow, an artificial turf field, building blocks from Imagination Playground, a cafe, and party rooms. Maple Grove • playgroundplaza.com
Pump It Up
Bounce, slide, climb, and play on giant inflatable play structures during open gyms and parties. Kids can also turn out the lights for a glow-in-the-dark party.
Eden Prairie • pumpitupparty.com
www.maeclairetravelco.com
A creative play space designed for young children to explore while parents relax nearby with coffee. With unique play areas and engaging activities, it’s the perfect spot to meet friends and connect with other parents—all while enjoying a delicious Dogwood Coffee or a charcuterie board, with your little ones always in sight!
Cottage Grove • thelittlevillagemn.com
The Kids Ultimate Backyard Experience
(K.U.B.E.) Indoor Playground is an accessible play area designed to bring the outdoors, indoors. With an array of ramps, slides, climbing towers, playhouses, and other structures, the indoor playground is a great space for kids ages 2-12 to play. The K.U.B.E. also features a 28-foot-tall tower with netting and a spiral slide, activity spinners, a basket swing, a rock climbing wall, and several interactive gaming areas.
Plymouth tinyurl.com/plymouthcommunitycenter
Learn proper climbing techniques at these popular indoor rock-climbing facilities, featuring equipment for all levels of experience for ages 6 and older. Camp programs are available throughout the year.
Twin Cities & Duluth • verticalendeavors.com
This indoor play area at the Williston Fitness Center caters to ages 12 and younger. The play area offers tubes, slides, and a maze that will keep the kids entertained. You can also find a pool and splash pad within the building.
Minnetonka tinyurl.com/mn-WillistonTreehouse
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
This adventure park includes trampolines, an indoor zip line, a ropes course, climbing walls, a warrior-style obstacle course, battle-beam foam pit, play structure, go-karts, arcade, concession, and more.
3 Twin Cities Locations • urbanair.com
Zone Trampoline Park
Bound around on numerous interconnected trampolines, play trampoline dodgeball, take on an obstacle course, enjoy a toddler-only zone, and jump into pits filled with foam blocks.
Twin Cities • skyzone.com/locations
Adventure Indoor Playground
Let the kids get their wiggles out in this two-story, jungle-themed playground with a five-level spiral slide, a waterfall slide, tunnels, tubes and ropes, plus a toddler structure for ages 3 and younger.
Shoreview • shoreviewcommunitycenter.com
MiniSota Play Cafe
Parents can sip coffee from the café while kids dive into “Minnesota in miniature,” featuring the City of Mini Grove—complete with a grocery store, café, hair salon, post office, jail, hospital, and music studio. Designed for imaginative play, the space also includes Infant Grove Heights, a dedicated area for little ones who aren’t walking yet. Maple Grove • minisotaplaycafe.com
Avery’s Adventure
This 3,500-square-foot playspace is designed for children aged 0-10 and features soft climbing structures, slides, a ninja-style obstacle course, trampolines, and a foam pit. Admission is managed via their dedicated app, which provides door access and waiver agreements. Elk River • averysadventures.com
Zero Gravity Trampoline
Park & Laser Tag
Shoot hoops, flip into a foam pit and play dodgeball, all on trampolines. You’ll also find laser tag, an arcade, a climbing wall, an indoor playground, and a tot spot for kids 42 inches tall and under.
Mounds View • zerogravitymn.com
Peekabooboo Play Cafe
This one-of-a-kind play cafe is filled with so many exciting things to do, like relaxing in their unique sensory room, letting your child’s imagination run wild in the playhouses, enjoying the indoor playground structure, and even diving into a fun ball pit. Albertville • peekabooboosplaycafe.com
Avery’s Adventures
This one-of-a-kind indoor playground inspires creativity and imagination in children of all ages. Avery’s Adventures provides families with a safe and stimulating environment where children can explore, learn, and grow.
Elk River • averysadventures.com
Rebe’s Play Cafe
This cozy café serves up delicious coffee, snacks, and treats alongside a spacious, free-play area designed for kids from birth to 8 years old. With no barriers to play, little ones can explore while you enjoy a latte, catch up with a friend, or get some work done. They also offer language classes and special events. Donations are welcome!
St Paul • rebesplaycafe.com
Little North Playland
Explore a 2-story jungle gym, interactive ball wall, rotating merry-go-round, infant area, trampoline, rock wall, track with cars, and multiple village houses filled with imaginary play! This is a great indoor place for kids to burn off some energy just north of the Twin Cities.
Isanti • littlenorthplayland.com
Please share! Once you are done reading, please share it with your friends, family and/or co-workers! Thank you.
The Play Group
A beautifully designed space for babies, toddlers, and their grownups, offering enrichment classes, open play, parties, special events, and more. Choose from an unlimited class membership, pay-per-class, or class packs—a calm, soothing environment with toys and playthings tailored to babies and toddlers.
St. Louis Park • theplaygroupmn.com
Kid’s Empire
An indoor playground offering 15,000+ square feet of family entertainment for all ages. Featuring a three-story play structure with slides, tunnels, soccer turf, and more. Plenty of seating for parents, with 2 free adult entries per child. Get ready to PLAY BIG! Bloomington • kidsempire.com
Play Date
The newest indoor play space in Carver County, specializing in gross motor play for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Offering high-quality playscapes, creative activities, and a safe, fun environment for children and caregivers. Available for weekly play dates and birthday parties.
Chaska • playdatemn.com
Highland Park Library
This recently remodeled library features a children’s area with a new indoor play space, a storytime room, and a cozy reading garden. Located within the Highland Park Community Center, it also connects to an outdoor playground. Perfect for family visits, with children’s specialists and a curated book collection.
St. Paul • sppl.org
George Latimer Central Library
This kid-friendly library features Early Literacy Toys and a mini veterinary clinic for creative play. Statues of beloved characters greet kids, and the library offers a rich book collection, a Youth Services wing, and engaging storytimes. It’s a great family outing near Rice Park in downtown Saint Paul.
St. Paul • sppl.org
Roseville Library
The largest library in Ramsey County, they offer dedicated spaces for different age groups. Older kids enjoy reading spots, Wii stations, and a LiteBrite wall. Meanwhile, toddlers have interactive play areas. The fenced children’s reading garden is perfect for outdoor exploration, making it a top family destination.
Roseville • rclreads.org
Maplewood Library
This library features a Smart Play Spot with a garden, market, and cozy hollow tree, offering engaging play areas for kids of all ages. Family Story Time and interactive workstations keep children entertained while parents work, read, or observe nearby. It’s a hidden gem for families seeking fun libraries with play spaces!
Maplewood • rclreads.org
Minneapolis Central Library
This spacious, light-filled library features interactive wall panels, a play area for various ages, and cozy reading spots. Kids can explore hands-on exhibits and enjoy thoughtful touches like the color-changing fish panels and rotating pond scenes. As the largest branch in the Hennepin County system, it’s a top choice for family-friendly library visits in Minneapolis. Minneapolis • hclib.org
Augsburg Park Library
This Hennepin County Library branch features a newly renovated interior and exterior, including a vibrant kids’ play area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a park. The park offers families an inclusive, fenced-in playground, a beautiful pond, towering trees, and shady picnic areas. Enjoy a spacious kids’ book section. This Richfield library is an excellent spot for families seeking both play and learning. Richfield • hclib.org F A M I L
Wonder Spelen Playground
Cordova Observation Tower
Lake Red Rock Volksweg Trail
Red Rock Playscape
Pella Aquatic Center
Molengracht Canal
Klokkenspel Plaza
Sunken Gardens Park
Pella Opera House
outdoors & culture
Maria's Tea Room & Scholte House
Tuttle Cabin and Learning Walk
Pella Historical Museums & Vermeer Windmill
Artistic
Pella has two murals with influence of our rich Dutch heritage! You can also find many incredible paintings done by the Scholte Family at the Scholte House Museum.
visitpella.com | info@visitpella.com
Eden Prairie Library
This family-friendly library features an interactive Imagination Station, a Light Bright Table, and hands-on exhibits. It also offers storytimes, multilingual books, and a well-designed kids’ section, perfect for reading and creative play.
Eden Prairie • hclib.org
Rum River Library
Part of the Anoka County Library system, this library offers a cozy kids’ play area with a play kitchen, fire truck bookshelf, and a glass-walled room for movement. Scenic trails and the Anoka Nature Preserve are right outside. It is a perfect spot for indoor play and outdoor exploration.
Anoka anokacountymn.gov/4180/Libraries
Maple Grove Library
This modern library features a vibrant kids’ area with hundreds of books, engaging programs, and a wall of play items for kids to explore. Parents enjoy friendly storytime sessions, a seasonal reading porch, and ample seating. It is a great spot for reading, learning, and playing for all ages.
Maple Grove • hclib.org
Minnetonka Library
This hidden gem offers a bright children’s room with interactive games, a reading nook, and STEAM Maze Building activities. The small, community-focused space provides enriching programs for all ages, making it ideal for families seeking a calm yet engaging library experience.
Minnetonka • hclib.org
Brooklyn Park Library
This recently renovated library, part of the Hennepin County Library system, offers a fun play area with hands-on exhibits, including a Lite-Brite Wall, multi-activity table, playhouse, and STEM-focused stations.
Brooklyn Park • hclib.org
Ridgedale Library
A local favorite, this library includes a vibrant children’s area with play setups, sunny reading spots, and one of the largest kids’ book collections in the West metro. Families enjoy interactive activities, engaging programs, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Minnetonka • hclib.org
Through play, children build confidence, develop friendships, and learn about the world. Every child deserves a chance to play. That’s why Gillette Children’s is partnering with Minnesota Parent to host a series of inclusive playdates at Minnesota playgrounds across the state in 2025.
Scan for a full map of over 50 favorite play spaces!
1 Shoreview Commons Park Shoreview, 55126
2 PK's Place Saint Paul, 55104
3 Augsburg Adventure Park Richfield, 55423
4 Lions Volunteer Park Shakopee, 55379
5 Woodhaven Park Eagan, 55122
6 Woodridge Park Cottage Grove, 55016
7 Madison's Place Playground Woodbury, 55125
1 Lincoln Park Duluth, 55806
2 A Playground for Every BODY Proctor, 55810
3 Paul Bunyan Inclusive Playground Bemidji, 56601
4 Wilson Park St Cloud, 56304
5 Willmar Destination Playground Willmar, 56201
6 Promise Park Buffalo, 55313
7 Fallenstein Playground and Ball Park Mankato, 56003
8 Halverson Elementary School Albert Lea, 56007
9 Manthey Park Owatonna, 55060
10 Boundless Playspace Rochester, 55901
11 Every Child's Dream Playground Winona, 55987
12 Colvill Park Universal Playground Red Wing, 55066
For more than 125 years, Gillette Children’s has focused on some of the toughest challenges in pediatric medicine. We care for brain, bone, and movement conditions that require specialized expertise. Through research, advocacy, and exceptional clinical care, Gillette Children’s helps every child live a life defined by their dreams, not their diagnosis.
This hidden gem offers creative mini-golf holes and unique sculptures. After your round, explore the beautiful Big Stone Sculpture Gardens, featuring rolling hills, life-sized games, ponds, and open pastures—perfect for a playful and scenic day out.
Minnetrista • bigstoneminigolf.com
Enjoy indoor mini golf and a boardwalkstyle arcade at this whimsical, slightly edgy venue—Minnesota’s first arts-based public benefit corporation. Stick around for the unique restaurant and bar experience!
St. Paul • cancanwonderland.com
Located in both Oakdale and Victoria, The Burrow is a great spot for gaming and gathering with your family. Each location offers its own list of activities, including a mix of mini golf, mini bowling, arcades, virtual reality, ropes courses, great food, and more. Enjoy indoor mini golf year-round in Victoria, or head to Oakdale for seasonal outdoor mini golf!
Oakdale & Victoria • theburrowmn.com
This family entertainment center offers mini golf with a twist. Come for the mini golf, stay for the go-karts, bumper boats, a jump pad, and more! Plus, seasonal events all summer and fall for nonstop fun.
Coon Rapids • lilliputt.net
The adventures and legends of infamous pirates come to life in this theme park-like setting. Two 18-hole courses, with lavish landscaping, built to provide pure enjoyment for adults and kids alike. Next door, find Billy Bones Raceway go-kart complex.
Brainerd • tinyurl.com/piratescove-mn
Enjoy 18 holes of miniature golf surrounded by attractive gardens, waterfalls, ponds, and streams. This course is the right mix of playful and challenging. Afterward, enjoy a malt or ice cream cone! Plus, there is a large playground and trails nearby.
Richfield • tinyurl.com/malt-t-mn
Enjoy year-round play with mini-games and world-renowned courses—no reservations needed. They offer a full-length heated driving range with Toptracer Range monitors and an 18-hole indoor mini-golf course.
Chaska • golfzonemn.com
Puttshack brings a high-tech twist to mini golf with automatic score tracking and interactive challenges. Located near Southdale Center, it offers 4 vibrant indoor mini golf courses and global-inspired dining. Perfect for family outings or birthday parties, this immersive experience is fun for all ages. Edina • puttshack.com/locations/edina
Alexander Ramsey House
As one of the nation’s best-preserved Victorian-era homes, this Minnesota Historical Society site is a virtual portal to the Victorian era, featuring enthusiastic costumed guides (sometimes bearing freshly baked cookies) who give glimpses of family and servant life in the 1870s.
St. Paul • mnhs.org/ramseyhouse
The Bakken Museum
Learn about electricity, magnetism, and more at this immersive and whimsical museum on the shores of Lake Bde Maka Ska. They offer a variety of kid-friendly activities throughout the year, including popular summer camps.
Minneapolis • thebakken.org
Firefighters Hall and Museum
Explore over 12,000 square feet of historic fire department artifacts, including fire trucks, equipment, photos, and interactive displays for kids.
Minneapolis • minnesotafiremuseum.org
American Swedish Institute
Housed in the historic Turnblad Mansion, this museum showcases Swedish art, glass, and textiles, along with special activities for children. Enjoy performances at the Nelson Cultural Center and explore the interactive Family Gallery, offering a new, immersive exhibition each year.
Minneapolis • asimn.org
The Museum of Russian Art
Explore Russian art from the 19th and 20th centuries and beyond, including Russian Orthodox icons, photography, printmaking, lacquer art, porcelain, Soviet stamps, textiles, and Matryoshka nesting dolls.
Minneapolis • tmora.org
Hennepin History Museum
Learn about the history and social evolution of Hennepin County through music, bicycles, fashion, and touring exhibits.
Minneapolis • hennepinhistory.org
Hennepin-Overland Railway Museum
Rail fanatics with the Hennepin Overland Railway Historical Society invite visitors to watch as they operate model railways in a 4,000-square-foot space, open September through April.
Minneapolis • hennepinoverland.org
Intivity Center
Learn about agriculture by looking at some of the largest farming machines. The Intivity Center and the AGCO manufacturing facilities are where premium tractors like the Massey Ferguson Series and Challenger tractors roll off the assembly line. Tours available by appointment for ages 12+ .
Jackson • intivitycenter.com
Minnesota Air National Guard Museum
See dozens of aircraft from the early days of aviation to the present on an active military base. Guided tours and birthday parties are available year-round. St. Paul • mnangmuseum.org
Landmark Center
Originally the Federal Courthouse and Post Office for the Upper Midwest, this National Historic Monument in downtown St. Paul features six free museums and exhibits, including “Uncle Sam Worked Here,” highlighting the building’s unique history. Visit Sundays from September to May for free community and cultural events during Sundays at Landmark. St. Paul • landmarkcenter.org
Discover an 1820s military outpost and take part in the fort’s everyday life: mend clothes, scrape a hide, or sing along with the soldiers. A living-history program, with costumed guides, is presented throughout the summer and on weekends in select months. This is also a popular outdoor destination and state park with year-round recreational activities. St. Paul • historicfortsnelling.org
The Landing
Experience life on the Minnesota River as it was during the 1880s through historical buildings, costumed guides, and activities at this Three Rivers Park District site. Shakopee • tinyurl.com/landing-mn
Minnesota History Center
This beloved museum brings Minnesota’s history to life for all ages with hands-on activities and multimedia presentations. It also serves as the home base for the Minnesota Historical Society, which oversees 26 unique and engaging historical sites across the state. St. Paul • mnhs.org/historycenter
Bell Museum
Minnesota’s official natural history museum, which features a digital planetarium, wildlife dioramas (including a woolly mammoth), outdoor learning experiences, hands-on opportunities, and more. St. Paul • bellmuseum.umn.edu
Sibley Historic Site
Experienced guides lead visitors through four of Minnesota’s oldest surviving buildings, all fully furnished, while sharing captivating stories about the American Fur Company from 1825 to 1853. Mendota • mnhs.org/sibley
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts features collections of ancient works from Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, as well as contemporary art and sculpture. Free activities for families are offered every month. Mia’s Family Center is open daily, with kid-friendly books, and space to play. Minneapolis • artsmia.org
Minnesota State Capitol
This 1905 masterpiece of grandeur is open for free guided and self-guided tours. These tours explore this domed architectural gem while providing an overview of history, art, architecture, and state government. St. Paul • mnhs.org/capitol
Minnesota Transportation Museum
Learn local history through the lens of railroading: At St. Paul’s Jackson Street Roundhouse, take a caboose, explore interactive exhibits, and enjoy other special events throughout the year. At the Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway, take scenic train rides through the St. Croix River Valley in fully restored vintage railroad equipment. St. Paul • transportationmuseum.org
The MCM’s St. Paul location hosts a variety of exciting exhibits and permanent attractions, such as The Scramble (a four-story adventure with climbing towers, a spiral slide, and a suspended netted catwalk), Sprouts (a discovery area for babies and toddlers), traveling exhibits, and more. St. Paul • mcm.org
Built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill, this museum helps visitors of all ages learn about the intertwined histories of the flour industry, the historic Mississippi Riverfront, and the city of Minneapolis. Stop by the baking lab, see a model mill explode, and watch history unfold as you take an eight-story elevator ride in the Flour Tower. Minneapolis • millcitymuseum.org
This working museum is dedicated to preserving and restoring military aircraft from World War II, including vintage aircraft, a large motor pool fleet, and a unique collection of World War II artifacts. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
South St. Paul • cafmn.org
Please share! Once you are done reading, please share it with your friends, family and/or co-workers! Thank you.
Schubert Club Music Museum
Explore old-fashioned keyboards, manuscript collections, and traditional instruments, and experience the joy of music hands-on in two interactive galleries. Kids can interact with instruments from around the world and enjoy the club’s KidsJam program, designed for ages 5 to 12, offering live performances, activities, movement, and stories. Admission is free.
St. Paul • schubert.org
Science Museum of Minnesota
Perched on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, this 370,000-squarefoot, kid-friendly museum features many interactive exhibits focusing on technology, natural history, paleontology, the human body, and the people and cultures of the Mississippi River. There’s also an Omnitheater, offering educational big-screen films for all ages.
St. Paul • smm.org
Twin City Model Railroad Museum
Check out detailed models of Twin Cities railroads from the 1930s to the 1950s, plus dynamic displays from the Greater Midwest LEGO Train Club. Plus, Circus Trains is a special event featuring circus trains, models and parades in several museum exhibits. St. Paul • tcmrm.org
The Works Museum
Discover hands-on engineering activities for kids in grades K through 6 that encourage invention, exploration, and problem-solving with creative thinking. Programs include family engineering nights, camps, birthdays, Tech Fest, and more.
Bloomington • theworks.org MINNESOTAPARENT
Walker Art Center & Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
This revered contemporary art center offers free gallery admission and children’s activities on the first Saturday of each month. Visitors can explore the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, featuring more than 50 works of art, such as the city’s iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry fountain. The museum’s entry pavilion is designed to bring a unified feel to the museum’s 19-acre campus.
Minneapolis • walkerart.org
Weisman Art Museum
Early 20th-century American artists, such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Marsden Hartley, are on display in this gleaming modern metallic building on the University of Minnesota campus.
Minneapolis • wam.umn.edu
Museum of Illusions
Located in the Mall of America, this interactive museum features 60 exhibits that engage curious minds with visual, sensory, and educational displays. Explore mind-bending illusions, brain teasers, and scientific tricks on perception. Bloomington • moimallofamerica.com
Pavek Museum of Broadcasting
You can create your own radio broadcast, use a ham radio to talk to people all over the world, and listen to classic radio programs. Then, you can check out the collection of antique radios, televisions, and broadcast equipment. Youth programs, camps, and tours are also available.
St. Louis Park • pavekmuseum.org
Trollhaugen Outdoor Recreation Area
In the winter, Trollhaugen features numerous ski and snowboard runs, terrain parks, chair lifts, tubing hills, and rope tows. In the summer, visitors can experience zip lines and an aerial adventure course, all just 50 minutes northeast of the Twin Cities. Dresser, Wis. • trollhaugen.com
Afton Alps
With nearly 300 skiable acres surrounded by the scenic beauty of Afton State Park, Afton Alps offers an unforgettable Minnesota skiing and snow tubing experience. Take in breathtaking valley views from the Meadows or carve your way down to the Highland steeps—accessible through Afton’s unique ski tunnel. Skip the weekend crowds by parking “up top” and launching from multiple access points. Just 25 minutes from St. Paul, this resort retreat brings alpine adventure close to the Twin Cities.
Hastings • aftonalps.com
Anoka County Parks
Hit some drives at the Chomonix Golf Course. Splash in a wave pool and zip down the slides at Bunker Beach. Ride horses at Bunker Park Stables. And, bike, hike, canoe, and camp your way across even more beautiful places in Anoka County Parks. Don’t miss Wargo Nature Center, too! All parks are north of the Twin Cities (near Lino Lakes).
Akoka County • anokacountyparks.com
Enjoy year-round fun at the numerous parks in Bloomington! Swim at the popular Family Aquatic Center or Bush Lake Beach. Visit the Pond House, which is home to educational programs and events. In the winter, ski or snowboard at Hyland Lake Park Reserve.
Bloomington • bloomingtonmn.gov
Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary
This 29-acre urban oasis sits in the heart of St. Paul on the north shore of the Mississippi River. Here, families can explore towering limestone bluffs, sandcastle-like cliffs, a babbling brook, spring-fed wetlands, and paths that lead to river and skyline views. St. Paul • tinyurl.com/ventosanctuary
Buck Hill
Experience seasonal skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, disc golf, and mountain biking within 15 minutes of downtown Minneapolis. There is a magic carpet to make the climb easier for all ages. This destination even offers summer skiing, thanks to an artificial ski slope that simulates real snow conditions.
Burnsville • buckhill.com
Caponi Art Park
View more than 30 works of art, scattered around 60 acres of rolling woodlands. Many of the sculptures are built whimsically into the sides of the hills or tucked under ferns, making it a seek-and-find experience for kids and adults alike. The park’s Theater in the Woods hosts several events throughout the summer, including a Summer Performance Series. In the fall, check out the Medieval Fair. Eagan • caponiartpark.org
Carver County Parks
Stargazing is a favorite activity at Onan Observatory in Baylor Park. Bring the kids to a beach at Lake Minnewashta or Lake Waconia. There are so many fun ways to enjoy these amazing parks west of the Twin Cities.
tinyurl.com/carverparks
Paved pathways meander around a beautiful 10-acre lake, interspersed with landscaped grounds, seating areas, art installations, swinging benches, and fountains. Activities keep this urban oasis busy year-round, including swan boats and paddle boating in the summer, an arts festival in the fall, and ice skating in the winter.
Edina • tinyurl.com/centenniallakes
This popular Maple Grove park features a playground with a 120-foot-long climbing wall, a 24-foot tower, an interactive fountain, a great lawn, trails, and more. In winter, there’s a Zamboni-maintained ice skating loop with a warming house.
Maple Grove • tinyurl.com/centralparkmn
Lebanon Hills Regional Park has almost 2,000 acres and miles of trails. Dakota Woods Dog Park allows dogs to run free. Other highlights include the Mississippi River Greenway Trail, which runs 27 miles along the Mississippi River from St. Paul to Hastings. co.dakota.mn.us/parks
Dodge Nature Center
Explore miles of trails for free through prairies, forests, and wetlands. See animals on the working farm and birds in the raptor mews. Plus, check out the wide variety of low-cost or free year-round programming for all ages.
West St. Paul, Mendota Heights & Cottage Grove DodgeNatureCenter.org
This 360-acre living history museum honors Minnesota’s farming heritage. Take a guided tram tour to view a country church, a feed mill, and a blacksmith shop. Don’t miss the Ag Around You Discovery Center! This historical gem is only an hour and a half south of the Twin Cities.
Waseca • farmamerica.org
Elm Creek Park Preserve
This 4,900-acre reserve is the largest park in the Three Rivers Park District, and includes huge playgrounds, a swimming pond, and trails. There are amenities for almost every outdoor activity, including a fun winter recreation area. The Eastman Nature Center is on-site, too. Find more regional parks at threeriversparks.org. Maple Grove • tinyurl.com/elm-mn
Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary
Winding trails lead you through serene woodlands, vibrant wetlands, and open prairies teeming with native plants and birdlife. Just across the street, Theodore Wirth Park offers a playground and a sandy beach for even more outdoor fun. Minneapolis • tinyurl.com/eloise-mn
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Educational programs and camps for kids of all ages are central to this working organic farm on picturesque Whaletail Lake. Families can attend events, take tours, purchase fresh food and yarn, have a picnic by the lake, and take skill-based classes (including fiber arts, cooking, and gardening).
Minnetrista • tinyurl.com/galewoods
Gibbs Farm
The Ramsey County Historical Society brings history to life with immersive, hands-on programs for all ages. Experience pioneer and Dakota life through festivals, farm tours, and interactive chore days on the farm and orchard. Engaging community events, often led by costumed interpreters, share the rich history of the Gibbs family and the land they called home.
St. Paul • rchs.com
Featuring more than 50 miles of walking trails and paved cycling paths, Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway loops around some of the most scenic areas of Minneapolis, including seven districts (Downtown Riverfront, Mississippi River, Minnehaha, Chain of Lakes, Theodore Wirth, Victory Memorial, and Northeast). Along the way, find more than 50 interpretive sites! Minneapolis tinyurl.com/grand-rounds-mn
Boasting one of the prettiest chalets in the state, this close-in hill offers skiing and snowboarding, with a training zone for tots. Dozens of runs with great views of the Minneapolis skyline. Summer events held at the park, including public happy hours. Bloomington • tinyurl.com/hyland-mn
Challenge yourself and your kids across 4 stories of different challenges. Soar through picturesque trees, zip along cables, and chat with adventure guides at this destination (geared toward ages 7 and older). Henderson • kerfootcanopytour.com
This gently rolling, big-woods landscape includes wetland areas for families to explore together, plenty of play space, picnic areas, and a public beach. It is also a haven for wildlife, such as trumpeter swans! Rockford • tinyurl.com/lakerebecca
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Founded in 1883, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board manages one of the nation’s premier urban park systems, covering 7,059 acres of parkland and water. Its 185 parks feature 55 miles of scenic parkways, 102 miles of Grand Rounds biking and walking trails, 22 lakes, 12 formal gardens, seven golf courses, and 49 recreation centers, offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Minneapolis • Minneapolisparks.org
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Explore more than 10 acres of green space and massive sculptures, all free and open to the public. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden boasts more than 50 works of art, including the city’s iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture, a gigantic blue rooster, and a labyrinth. Minneapolis • walkerart.org
Minnesota State Parks
Minnesota has one of the nation’s most diverse state park systems, featuring 75 parks and recreation areas with more than 1,300 miles of hiking trails. Afton, Fort Snelling, and William O’Brien state parks are a few favorites near the Twin Cities. dnr.state.mn.us
Minnetonka Orchards
Fall activities begin in mid-August, including hayrides and Halloween events. Visitors can also enjoy nature trails, a play train, and an animal barn. Find a complete list of local farms that are open to the public at minnesotagrown.com.
Minnetrista • minnetonkaorchardmn.com
Observe botanical wonders aplenty and hike trails galore on more than 1,200 acres at Minnesota’s largest public garden. Highlights include tulip displays, a crabapple collection, a maze garden, a shade tree exhibit, and the bee center at the Farm at the Arb. Activities include hands-on family garden time, festivals, and, during the holiday season, Winter Lights displays. Admission is free for ages 15 and younger.
Chaska • arb.umn.edu
Step into a working 1860s farm with a large visitor center and barn. Pick fresh vegetables and see what’s cooking inside the Kelley farmhouse. Costumed guides work the fields with oxen and horses. See mnhs.org for more historic sites.
Elk River • mnhs.org/kelleyfarm
This orchard offers weekend entertainment, wagon rides, and a corn maze during the fall. Pick your own pumpkins, a large variety of apples, homemade bakery products, caramel apples, fresh cider, gifts, and more. Find more farms at minnesotagrown.com.
White Bear Lake pinetreeappleorchard.com
Scott County Parks
For challenging cross-country ski trails, mountain biking, and horse trails, check out Murphy-Hanrehan Park. Fish on Gifford Lake or bike around Cleary Lake. scottcountymn.gov
Ramsey County Parks
Go to a beach or bring the kids to day camp at Tamarack Nature Center. The county also has many golf courses and TCO Sports Garden. You’ll find mountain biking, hiking, and cross-country ski trails across the park system. Battle Creek Waterworks is a popular family aquatic center. tinyurl.com/ramseycoparks
Sever’s Festivals
Families flock here every fall for activities, food, and attractions, including an extreme corn pit, pumpkin blaster, petting zoo, giant slide, live music, and a jumping pillow. In the winter, the holiday lights display is a family tradition your whole family will love.
Shakopee • seversfestivals.com
St. Paul Parks & Recreation
Parks and open spaces include Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, Indian Mounds Reg Park, and Harriet and Raspberry Islands. Rent a boat or swim at Lake Phalen, catch a summer concert at the amphitheater. stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation
Tamarack Nature Center
The Discovery Hollow Nature Play Area lets you run wild in nature. More than four miles of turf trails, paved trails, and boardwalks provide year-round access to forests, prairies, ponds, and a natural play area. White Bear Township tinyurl.com/ramseycoparkss
Minnehaha Regional Park
Located just 15 minutes south of downtown Minneapolis, this park boasts a stunning 53-foot waterfall, trails, a dog park, playgrounds, a wading pool, a snack bar, bike rentals, concerts, and the beloved and often-busy Sea Salt Eatery.
Minneapolis tinyurl.com/minnehaha-mn
Top Golf
Rent a climate-controlled hitting bay and hit microchipped golf balls into giant targets in the outfield to score points. Lessons, leagues, and parties are available for all ages year round.
Brooklyn Center • topgolf.com
Theodore Wirth Off-Road Cycling
Trail Routes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced cyclists abound on this 4-mile off-road cycling trail.
Minneapolis • tinyurl.com/wirth-mn
Three Rivers Park District
This west-metro park system includes 27,000 acres of reserves, trails, nature centers, and play areas encouraging outdoor exploration, including hiking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, golfing, disc golfing, camping, skiing, sledding, and snowboarding.
Twin Cities • threeriversparks.org
Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze
Explore activities and attractions in the fall, including a corn maze, a corn pit, a straw-bale maze, a kids’ play area, live music, a petting zoo, hayrides, a pumpkin slinger, food vendors, pony rides, a gunny-sack slide, a playground, and pumpkin picking. In April, attend a spring festival on the same grounds featuring baby animals.
Brooklyn Park • twincitiesmaze.com
Washington County Parks
Big Marine Park and Lake Elmo Park have beaches that are ideal for young swimmers. Or, hike, camp, fish, and boat at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. These parks provide a gateway to scenic landscapes and treasured natural resources, unique to the Twin Cities region.
tinyurl.com/wash-co-parks
Welch Village
Located less than an hour from the Twin Cities in the Cannon River Valley, this ski and snowboard destination boasts 50 runs and two chalets.
Welch • welchvillage.com
Westview Acres
This gem is one of more than 20 family-friendly parks in Farmington. It offers challenges for big kids as well as special features for toddlers. Farmington • ci.farmington.mn.us
Westwood Hills Nature Center
Get away from the bustle of the city in this 160-acre natural area featuring a marsh, woods, a restored prairie, and a nature-inspired play area. Find more nature centers at: mnparent.com/minnesota-nature-centers. St. Louis Park westwoodhillsnaturecenter.org
Wild Mountain
Ski, snowboard, or go tubing less than an hour from the Twin Cities. In summer, play at the water park, ride go-karts, zoom down the alpine slide, or jump in a unique freefall experience.
Taylors Falls • wildmountain.com
Minnesota WindChill
Watch the Minnesota Professional Ultimate Frisbee team playing in the Ultimate Frisbee Association at Sea Foam Stadium in St Paul. St Paul • watchufa.com/windchill
www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search parksandtrails
Augsburg Ice Arena
This two-rink indoor ice-skating venue is home to the Figure Skating Club of Minneapolis, which offers group classes and private lessons for all ages. Minneapolis • fscmpls.org
Brooklyn Park
Community Activity Center
Winter fun is available at two indoor ice rinks, connected on the upper level by a warming area. Outside, there is a skate park for skateboarding and scooters.
Brooklyn Park • tinyurl.com/icebp
Burnsville Ice Center
This popular destination offers year-round classes, adult ice hockey, public skate times, as well as skate rentals and sharpening. Check out their annual ice show and hockey tournaments.
Burnsville • tinyurl.com/burnsvilleice
Burnsville Skate Park
Free and open to the public, this outdoor skate park— next door to the Burnsville Ice Center—is geared toward inline skaters, skateboarders, and stunt bikers.
Burnsville • tinyurl.com/burnsvilleskatepark
Coon Rapids Ice Center
Take part in classes, stick-and-puck hockey sessions, and skate rentals at this facility, featuring an indoor ice as well as a refrigerated outdoor rink.
Coon Rapids • coonrapidsicecenter.com
Sports Center
This is one of the state’s largest multi-use sports centers, including a 90,000-squarefoot indoor field house, two indoor ice arenas, an outdoor refrigerated recreational ice rink, 36 outdoor athletic fields, and a splash pad water feature.
Woodbury • tinyurl.com/HEsportscenter
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Maple Grove Community Center
The ice arena has one Olympic-size and one National Hockey League-size sheet of ice, which offers great opportunities to gather with family and friends. Services/programs offered include open skating and skating lessons.
Maple Grove • tinyurl.com/mg-icearena
Parade Ice Garden
Enjoy indoor ice skating year-round on three ice rinks for hockey, figure skating, lessons, and public skating.
Minneapolis • tinyurl.com/parade-ice
Schwan Super Rink
Eight ice rinks are part of this massive facility, billed as one of the largest ice arenas. It’s one part of the 600-acre National Sports Center, which also includes a velodrome arena, 50 full-size soccer fields, a golf course, and more.
Blaine • tinyurl.com/schwansuperrink
Skateville
Lace up your skates and enjoy a classic roller-skating environment, including music skating sessions and lessons.
Burnsville • skateville.com
St. Louis Park Recreation Center
Home to two indoor ice rinks and an outdoor aquatic center, this venue also features The ROC, a versatile covered Recreation Outdoor Center. In winter, it serves as an ice rink for hockey, public skating, broomball, and special events. Come spring, it transforms into a turf field for baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and events like the annual spring egg hunt. In summer, enjoy ice cream socials, Movies in the Park, and more. St. Louis Park • tinyurl.com/rec-slp-mn
Want a little practice before taking a trip?
The Navigating MSP Airport program was created in partnership with the Fraser organization to allow people to practice unique airport experiences— including security screening, boarding and fastening your seatbelt—before you fly. Thinking forward. Rising above.
Learn more about Accessibility at MSP.
The Roseville OVAL
Named the Best Ice Skating Rink in the Nation by USA Today, the Roseville Skating Center is a one-of-akind community facility featuring North America’s largest sheet of refrigerated ice, an indoor arena, and an outdoor skate park. It offers a variety of skating opportunities, including lessons, public skating, open hockey, and speed skating lessons.
Roseville • cityofroseville.com
Andrews Park
This splash pad features boat motifs (including sprayer masts), rings, water-table-like attractions for early walkers, flower showers, a sunshade, and numerous benches and picnic tables, too.
Champlin
tinyurl.com/champlin-splashpad
Burnsville Lions Playground
This 2,000-square-foot splash pad is at Cliff Fen Park, next to a huge playground with more than 87 play pieces that can accommodate up to 265 kids. This site also offers access to the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge. tinyurl.com/burnsville-splash
Cedarcrest Park
Located in Bloomington near Cedar Valley Church (which allows visitors to use its parking lot), this splash pad is the highlight of the park, which also includes a playground, softball field, tennis court, and volleyball court. Bonus: This splash pad features rubber tiles designed to increase safety and comfort.
tinyurl.com/cedarcrest-splashpad
Como Town Splash Zone
Let kids play in water fountains, bubblers and jets, plus sprayers and water buckets. Bonus: You can head here to cool off after exploring the animal exhibits at Como Zoo.
St. Paul • comotown.com
Conway Park
This splash pad features sprays and splashes that emerge from a concrete plaza, conveniently located next to a playground with features geared toward ages 2–5 and 5– 12, plus ample benches and shade trees. St. Paul • stpaul.gov/conway-park
Harmon Park
Sprayers high and low let kids cool off after you hit the 19-acre park’s baseball/softball diamonds, batting cages, picnic areas, soccer field, playground, and concession stand.
West St. Paul • tinyurl.com/harmon-splash
Located next to the inclusive Madison’s Place playground, this water feature lets kids activate bubblers and water buckets by pressing a button on a special flower. Every four minutes, they get to restart the fun! The area includes a larger platform with dumping buckets, nozzles, and flower showers, plus a separate platform designed just for toddlers.
Woodbury • tinyurl.com/woodbury-splashpad
Highlands Park
Here, kids can play with numerous overhead and waist-level sprayers. Nearby, you’ll find open grasslands, paved trails, baseball and soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, and a pretty pond for picnicking.
Cottage Grove • tinyurl.com/cottagegrove-splashpad
This neighborhood park features a bocce ball court, playground equipment, and a picnic shelter, plus a splash pad water feature with large walk-through rings, a deck that shoots water, and ample nearby seating and picnic space.
Columbia Heights • tinyurl.com/splash-deck-ch
Kelley Park
Kids can’t resist running through the sequence of huge blue rings that spray and mist here, creating a virtual tunnel of fun. There’s also a gazebo decked out with picnic tables, plus a rubber-matted playground.
Apple Valley • tinyurl.com/kelleypark
Roy Wilkins Park (Lewis Park)
This is a fun, plaza-style splash pad with simple sprays and jets shooting out of a concrete plaza. Nearby, you’ll find playground equipment, including a tot lot for younger kids.
St. Paul • stpaul.gov/lewis-park
Miller Park
This playful splash pad with a variety of sprayers blends seamlessly into the Miller Park Barrier-Free Playground, which boasts accessible pathways and surface structures that give children and adults of all mobilities the opportunity to reach all levels of the play structure.
Eden Prairie • edenprairie.org/amenities/splash-pads
This popular park’s interactive fountain encompasses a 2,100-square-foot plaza with 49 jet sprays and 18 arching sprays. Once the sun goes down, LED lights turn the fountain into a light show. The adjacent playground features a 120-foot-long climbing wall, a 24-foottall climbing tower, a great lawn, trails, a garden with a labyrinth, and more. Maple Grove • tinyurl.com/mg-centralpark
Nicollet Commons Park
This community hub includes a beautiful man-made creek filled with kids splish-splashing to cool off on hot days. Nearby is a timed town-square-style sprinkler display, grassy hills for picnicking and relaxation, and a 250-seat amphitheater. In summer, stop by for concerts and movie night events.
Burnsville • tinyurl.com/nicolletcommons
Oak Hill Park
This well-known interactive destination is ideal for no-plunge fun, complete with sprayers, sprinklers, tip buckets, and more. It’s located in Louisiana Oaks Park off Highway 7, featuring sprawling lawns, beautiful trees, and a playground.
St. Louis Park • tinyurl.com/oak-hill-splash
Parque de Castillo
This park features a play area, splash pad, public art, grills, and a picnic area. It’s adjacent to the Gilbert de la O baseball and multi-use fields, as well as El Rio Vista Recreation Center.
St. Paul • tinyurl.com/castillo-splash
Phalen Park
This splash pad has a view of Phalen Lake, complete with plenty of bench seating for grownups and easy access to the free, guarded beach and the rest of the full-service park.
St. Paul • tinyurl.com/phalen-splash
Rosemount Splash Pad at Central Park
This water spot is perfect for kids with its 3,700 square feet of ground nozzles that spray water up out of the splash pad’s rain deck, plus a moving water feature — the Water Journey — that allows smaller children to direct water as it flows through a maze. There’s plenty of seating for parents and a covered shelter with picnic tables.
Rosemount rosemountmn.gov/849/Splash-Pad
Round Lake Park
Located next to a lake, beach, and playground, Eden Prairie’s second splash pad features palm-tree sprayers and a soft rubber matting surface for slip-free fun.
Eden Prairie edenprairie.org/amenities/splash-pads
This family-friendly splash pad, included with admission to Valleyfair’s Soak City water park, spans nearly an acre of water-play fun, featuring tipping buckets, slides, and geysers. To participate, children must be under 54” tall in bare feet (and guests over 54” tall must be accompanying a child under 54” tall).
Shakopee • tinyurl.com/barefoot-beach
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Orono Park
Orono Park is a family-friendly 28-acre park on the west shore of Lake Orono. It offers an expanded beach area, an open recreation lawn, a Kayak/SUP rental facility, a large splash pad, lighted pickleball and basketball courts, and a fitness area.
Elk River • elkrivermn.gov
Prairie Park
Prairie Park is located behind Otsego Prairie Center. The park offers kids a full splash pad experience, open from sunrise to sunset. The park also features a Skate Park, Basketball Court, Archery Range, and large playground area for kids to enjoy.
Otsego • ci.otsego.mn.us
Ready for a bit more water, but not a full pool? Check out a list of 60 Minneapolis wading pools at tinyurl.com/wading-minn or see tinyurl.com/ st-paul-aqua for a list of St. Paul aquatics sites. Or, visit our splash pad directory here:
This venue includes two theaters: a 1,000-seat Masquerade Dance Theater and an intimate 150-seat black box theater. Presentations include cultural events, theater and dance productions, musical acts from local arts organizations, and nationally touring artists.
Burnsville • ames-center.com
Theater and Visual Arts
This award-winning theater, located at the Bloomington Center for the Arts, is dedicated to providing vibrant and diverse arts experiences. They produce a wide range of work that informs and enriches the South Metro community. On-site, there are also free art galleries.
Bloomington • artistrymn.org
This performing arts group is a non-profit, community theatre organization that stems from the house and hearts of a theatre family in Maple Grove. They bring stories of hope and encouragement to people of all ages through affordable, high-quality theater productions.
Maple Grove/Osseo bunceperformingarts.com
Plymouth Christian Youth Center owns and operates this historic theater, which, in partnership with families and communities, seeks to enrich North Minneapolis-area youth and adults’ skills, prospects, and spirits.
Minneapolis • thecapritheater.org
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
Enjoy a variety of dinner theater shows, comedy shows, concerts, and other events at this multi-stage venue. They also offer theater-education programming and camps for ages 5+. Chanhassen • chanhassendt.com
Chaska Valley Family Theatre
Founded in 1995, this community-organized theater provides live performances at three different venues with an emphasis on family involvement and local talent.
Chaska Chanhassen • cvft.org
One of the largest and most revered children’s theater companies in the country, CTC includes a main stage and a smaller, more intimate stage, both featuring award-winning productions and community programs and camps for young audiences.
Minneapolis • childrenstheatre.org
Fitzgerald Theater
This 1,000-seat, 100+ year-old theater is owned by the same company that owns First Avenue, where you can find a unique variety of performances. This is also Saint Paul’s oldest surviving theater space!
St. Paul • thefitzgeraldtheater.com
Hennepin Theatre District
This nonprofit organization owns the 900 Hennepin event center and the historic Orpheum, State, and Pantages theaters on Hennepin Avenue, hosting Broadway shows, concerts, dance performances, and special events.
Minneapolis • hennepintheatretrust.org
Circus Juventas
Located in St. Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood, this is one of North America’s largest youth circus schools. Founded in 1994 by real-life circus performers, the school offers programs for ages 2+, along with summer camps for kids ages 6 to 18.
St. Paul • circusjuventas.org
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Guthrie Theater
Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, this multi-stage theater is housed in a contemporary building that includes a classic thrust stage for grand-scale classics, a proscenium stage for more contemporary classics, and a studio theater for developing the classics of the future. Youth classes and camps are available. Minneapolis • guthrietheater.org
the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre
Using ancient traditions to explore contemporary issues and values, this community theater offers programming for all ages and works towards installing the Twin Cities’ first puppet lending library. Minneapolis • hobt.org
Lundstrum Performing Arts
Classes, camps, and workshops at this multispace venue employ an integrated dance, voice, and drama curriculum for ages 3+, including ballet, hip hop, musical theater, and more.
Minneapolis • lundstrumcenter.org
Minnesota Orchestra’s Young People’s Concerts
Each concert (geared toward school-age kids) focuses on a specific musical element, composer, time period, or theme and includes free online prep materials. Minneapolis • tinyurl.com/mnorch-ypc
Northrop
This performing arts venue at the University of Minnesota features concerts, ballets, lectures, and special events, including many family-friendly productions. Minneapolis • northrop.umn.edu
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Hosting performances by the Minnesota Opera, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Schubert Club, this popular venue also features Broadway shows, dance performances, and music concerts. Every summer, the Ordway hosts the free Flint Hills International Children’s Festival. St. Paul • ordway.org
Park Square Theatre
This acclaimed contemporary theater offers year-round student matinees as part of its award-winning education program serving grades 7 to 12.
St. Paul • parksquaretheatre.org
Theatre Company
Since 1976, this historic theater has focused on giving voice to African-American perspectives and performers. Its mission is to raise public awareness of the significant contributions African Americans have made in shaping a diverse American theatrical tradition.
St. Paul • penumbratheatre.org
Schubert Club Music Museum
This nonprofit arts organization brings recital soloists and ensembles to town and promotes top local musical talent through public performances, education, and museum programs. They also have a music museum with multiple gallery experiences.
St. Paul • schubert.org
Stages Theatre Company
Operating out of the Hopkins Center for the Arts, this popular theater-education program and children’s theater company hosts performances, classes, workshops, and special events for all ages.
Hopkins • stagestheatre.org
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SteppingStone Theatre
This theater is committed to access and inclusion for all people and collaborates with families to meet students’ needs. They offer camps and classes for artists of all ages.
St. Paul • steppingstonetheatre.org
Ten Thousand Things
Performers with this Minneapolis-based company bring high-quality, low-cost performances to audiences in venues throughout the community, as well as in shelters, after-school programs, and more to provide everyone access to the arts. Minneapolis • tenthousandthings.org
Youth Performance Company
This award-winning youth theater company helps young actors, singers, and dancers reach their artistic potential and become community leaders through classes, camps, and more.
Minneapolis • youthperformanceco.org
Anoka Aquatic Center
Soak up summer at this destination, featuring a 200-foot-long water slide, a 12-foot climbing wall, a diving board, a huge water-play structure, and a zero-depth-entry pool.
Anoka • tinyurl.com/anoka-aquatic
Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center
Some of the most popular features at this giant pool include water slides (two big and two small), a bowl slide, fountains, and a lazy river.
Apple Valley tinyurl.com/applevalleyaquatic
Battle Creek Waterworks
Families are invited to try out this park’s interactive water-play system, a lily-pad walk, a three-story slide, a sand play area, and more.
Maplewood tinyurl.com/maplewood-water
Bloomington Family Aquatic Center
Explore interactive water-play features, an aqua climbing wall, diving boards, and water slides at this summertime escape.
Bloomington tinyurl.com/bloomington-aquatic
Bunker Beach Water Park
Minnesota’s largest outdoor water park, featuring a wave pool, water slides, lazy river, splash pad, adventure poo,l, and more! Located just minutes from Minneapolis and St. Paul, it is a thrilling destination for summer fun in the sun.
Coon Rapids • bunkerbeach.com
Edina Aquatic Center
Located in Rosland Park, this venue features water heated to 82 degrees, a surf simulator, a high-flying cable ride, diving boards, an Olympic-sized pool, water slides, tube rides, a kiddie pool with slides and sprayers, and a large, treehouse-themed playground. Edina • edinaaquaticcenter.com
Great River Water Park
Visitors to this indoor water park will find a children’s activity pool with age-appropriate water slides, a pirate-themed play area, and more.
St. Paul • tinyurl.com/great-river-mn
Great Wolf Lodge
Experience a world of play where you can splash, play, eat, and relax together, all under one roof. Go with the flow in the water park resort or find adventurous dry-play throughout the lodge—with over 50 other attractions, including a resort-wide digital scavenger hunt known as MagiQuest. Bloomington • greatwolf.com/minnesota
Grove Cove Aquatic Center
This indoor-outdoor facility includes a leisure pool with a zero-depth beach area, water-spray activities, a 130-foot water slide, and a tot slide. The indoor lap pool features 25-yard lanes and a rope swing that drops into a 12-foot-deep pool.
Maple Grove tinyurl.com/mgcc-swimmingpool
Hastings Family Aquatic Center
At this fun-filled spot, you can enjoy big and small water slides, a log crossing, a rock wall, and a play structure!
Hastings • tinyurl.com/hastings-aquatic
Highland Park Aquatic Center
At this community hub, you can ride down a 200-foot water slide, explore a prehistoric whale-bone splash pad, and check out the 8-lane lap pool.
St. Paul • facebook.com/highlandaquatic
Jim Lupient Water Park
This water park in northeast Minneapolis features three large water slides and a tube slide, a log water walk, interactive spray features, lap swimming, and a zero-depth entry area.
Minneapolis • tinyurl.com/jim-mn
Minneapolis Wading Pools
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board boasts 50+ wading pools in neighborhoods throughout the city. Many are small and intimate, just right for a few families at a time. Others, such as the one at North Mississippi Regional Park (featuring rock walls and waterfalls), are more elaborate and adventurous.
Minneapolis • tinyurl.com/wading-minn
Richfield Outdoor Pool
Little ones will love the zero-depth-entry children’s wading pool and water play equipment. The 50-meter main pool has a double water slide, a diving board, water volleyball, and two lap lanes.
Richfield • tinyurl.com/pool-richfield
St. Louis Park Outdoor Aquatic Park
Ride down winding water slides, drop slides, and a toddler-sized whale slide. You can also enjoy a picnic gazebo, lap pool, and water playground.
St. Louis Park • tinyurl.com/slp-aquatic
Crystal Cove Aquatic Center
This destination features five unique pool structures, including waterslides, a water walk, a drop slide, and a zero-depth-entry pool.
Crystal • pool.hosted.civiclive.com
Visit our splash pad directory here: tinyurl.com/splashpadsmn
This destination features a three-story water slide, complete with lights and a jukebox system, a zero-depth-entry beach area, an interactive splashing palm tree, a boat slide, a water walk, water volleyball and basketball, and giant floating sea creatures. Shoreview • tinyurl.com/tropics-shoreview
Looking for tot-sized water-based fun? Find a list of more than a dozen free splash pads on page 61 of this booklet, and at tinyurl.com/splashpadsmn.
Twin Cities • tinyurl.com/splashpadsmn
Included in the Valleyfair amusement park’s general admission, this 3.5-acre water park includes a splash pad, a wave pool with cabanas for rent, raft rides, body slides, 90-foot freefall slides, and sand volleyball. Shakopee • valleyfair.com
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• More academic opportunities to explore interests, excel and design your future.
• Students are agents and owners of their own learning in an environment that is safe, supportive and challenging — with high expectations for student success.
• Our educators inspire, facilitate, and challenge students, nurturing curiosity and confidence. We provide a window to their future.
• We are transforming learning. Our flexible learning spaces and learning studios ignite opportunities for communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.
Looking for a transformative learning experience? Bring your homeschool co-op, parent-led learning group, or scout troop to Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center where nature becomes the classroom!
Leader in Immersive Learning
For over 50 years, Wolf Ridge has been a nationally recognized leader in outdoor environmental education, offering sciencebased activities, wildlife exploration, and hands-on sustainability learning
Canoeing, rock climbing, high ropes courses, and more—plus 2,000 acres to explore, 18 miles of hiking trails, and skiing opportunities, all next to the stunning shores of Lake Superior Adventure & Team Building
Tailored to different ages, learning styles, and group needs
We ensure all students can experience Wolf Ridge by investing in adaptive equipment. Enjoy expert naturalists, comfortable lodging, and nutritious meals for an inclusive adventure. Safe & Supportive
Kidcreate Studio offers awardwinning art, science, and sensory classes, camps, and birthday parties designed to spark curiosity and creativity in children. Perfect for ages 12 months to 12 years, we create experiences that inspire and delight young minds!
Eden Prairie • kidcreate.com/eden-prairie
Ease your anxiety about traveling with children with specials needs a practice run through MSP Airport. Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport mspairport.com/navigating
Cora, Dev, and Rae enter the game of “Skillsville”, where they manage a virtual city of Beeples. Together, they learn to level up their skills by finding strategies to complete challenges.
St Paul • skillsville.org
Discover The #MisAmigosWay—
The Twin Cities’ premier Spanish immersion preschool and child care! Serving infants to preschoolers (6 weeks–5 years) with play-based learning, music, and movement. NAEYC-accredited, 4-Star rated, and joyfully nurturing across five convenient locations.
Twin Cities Metro Area misamigospreschool.com
MacPhail Center for Music transforms lives and strengthens communities through diverse and relevant music learning experiences, delivered by extraordinary faculty. Instruction for all ages and levels of experience is offered in five locations and through dozens of community partnerships. Minneapolis, Apple Valley, Chanhassen, & Austin • macphail.org
Foss Swim School helps build swim skills for a lifetime of confidence around the water. FOSS’ experienced adult swim teachers personalize the curriculum based on each student’s age and skill level. With small class sizes, warm water, and a passion for water safety, FOSS offers a unique learn-to-swim experience you can’t find elsewhere.
10+ Minnesota Locations fossswimschool.com
Cyber Village
CVA a tuition-free K-12 charter school with hybrid & 100% online programs tailored to your child’s unique journey. Offering excellence in education, lexibility for your family and a personalized approach. Empowering students to thrive academically, socially and personally in a community built for success. Minneapolis • cybervillageacademy.org
Kinderberry Hill is so much more than daycare. With certified outdoor classrooms, Spanish and STEAM enrichment programs, an onsite nurse, and more, Kinderberry Hill is proud to provide the finest learning experience for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and pre-kindergartners.
7 Twin Cities Locations kinderberryhill.com
New Horizon Academy
Family-owned and operated New Horizon Academy has been providing the highest-quality childcare and education for more than 50 years. Now enrolling part-time and full-time in all age groups! Visit www.nhacademy.net to schedule a tour.
70+ Minnesota Locations newhorizonacademy.net
Camp Fire Minnesota offers K-12 environmental education programs that align with Minnesota State Education Standards, fostering social-emotional learning. Programs include on-site field trips, in-class visits, and virtual lessons, all designed to spark students’ curiosity through hands-on, experiential learning outdoors.
Excelsior • campfiremn.org
Minnesota History Center
With inspiring exhibits, thoughtprovoking events, engaging speakers, and action-packed discovery, the History Center feeds your curiosity about Minnesota’s stories, people, and places.
St Paul • mnhs.org/historycenter
Mill City Museum
Explore where old mingles with new at Mill City Museum, built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill.
Minneapolis • mnhs.org/millcity
This National Historic Landmark resides on Dakota homeland, known as Bdote, with history spanning 10,000 years. Learn about the military fort and surrounding area, home to history that includes Native peoples, trade, soldiers, veterans, enslaved people, immigrants, and the changing landscape. St Paul • mnhs.org/fortsnelling
Oliver Kelley Farm
Experience the story of farming, food and agriculture — past and present! Explore the original 1860s working farm, and get an up close view of the animals and gardens. Elk River • mnhs.org/kelleyfarm
Experience the stories of the north woods and learn about the lumberjacks who called these forests home. Explore Minnesota’s forests of yesterday and today through exhibits and nature trails.
Grand Rapids • mnhs.org/foresthistory
Behold 1000 watts of ship-stopping power! Experience the sights, the history, and the technology behind this signature Minnesota landmark anchored on the rocky coast of Lake Superior.
Two Harbors • mnhs.org/splitrock
YMCA of the North offers swim lessons for all ages. Our certified instructors prioritize safety, build confidence, and teach vital skills that can save lives. With locations across the Twin Cities, the Y makes s wimming accessible and fun for everyone. Minneapolis • ymcanorth.org/swimming
A bilingual early education center offering Spanish immersion for infants through preschoolers. We provide a nurturing, play-based environment that fosters cultural awareness, language development, and holistic growth. Our innovative curriculum includes healthy meals, diverse cultural experiences, and a strong sense of community.
Twin Cities Metro Area • casaearlylearning. com
Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 is a future-forward school district creating barrier-free pathways for learning for everyone in our community. We believe learning is a lifelong pursuit, and create programs, services and opportunities that inspire this belief.
Burnsville • isd191.org
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At The Gardner School, we have created a rich learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities that will stimulate your child’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Through structured play, child-directed activities, and curriculum-based lessons, our unique learning atmosphere. Metro Area Locations • thegardnerschool.
Stages Theatre Co
Offering professional, youthfocused productions and a dynamic theater education program. Classes, camps, and workshops inspire creativity, confidence, and collaboration, providing kids of all ages with hands-on theatrical experiences in acting, musical theater, and storytelling. Hopkins • stagestheatre.org/education
City of Lakes Waldorf School
CLWS offers a dynamic educational experience for students PreK-8. Since 1988, CLWS has been celebrated for its commitment to a true whole child approach, blending art, music, and movement into a rigorous academic curriculum that uniquely prepares students for high school and beyond. Minneapolis • clws.org
Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese
89 Catholic schools across the Twin Cities provide an excellent, affordable education to more than 30,000 students, preschool to 12th grade. Students and families — Catholic and non-Catholic — find a trusted educational partner in Catholic schools. Greater Twin Cities Metro Area spmcatholicschools.org
Ballet Co. Laboratory
Offering year-round dance classes to spark creativity and inspire young performers to express themselves through movement. Students have the opportunity to perform alongside our professional dancers in two productions each year— making us the only program of its kind in the Twin Cities.
St Paul • balletcolaboratory.org
The Schubert Club Music Museum on the second floor of Landmark Center in downtown Saint Paul provides inspiration, learning, fun and interactivity through music. Music and history come to life as you hear and play instruments from around the globe.
St Paul • schubert.org/museum
The community at the forefront of educational excellence, honoring our legacy and courageously building the future. We offer preK-12+ education, adult basic education, community education classes, recreation offerings and a senior program.
White Bear Lake • isd624.org
Bring Your Group to Wolf Ridge! Experience hands-on outdoor learning with your homeschool co-op, scout troop, or parent-led group. Explore 2,000 acres, enjoy expert naturalists, and discover nature’s classroom.
Finland wolf-ridge.org/programs/educators/k-12-class-trips
Landmark Center
Landmark Center, a vibrant cultural hub in downtown Saint Paul, offers music, dance, theater, exhibitions, and familyriendly events. Enjoy the arts together in this beautiful National Historic Monument!
St Paul • landmarkcenter.org
CTC’s classes and camps spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence! Options available for early learners, explorers, and advanced students. Led by professional teaching artists, students shine in experiences that celebrate their ideas and skills—plus, scholarships make participation accessible to all. Minneapolis • childrenstheatre.org
Minnesota Children’s Museum Minnesota Children’s Museum sparks children’s learning through play. Explore three floors of hands-on fun for the whole family! With 11 unique exhibit galleries, the museum is filled with open-ended, interactive play spaces where families have fun together and children take the lead.
St Paul • mcm.org
Lake Area Discovery Center
Lake Area Discovery Center, a leader in Early Childhood Education since 1999, is NOW ENROLLING Infants-Age 5 at their 18+ Metro locations! Highlights include Faith-Based Learning, National Accreditation, a Four-Star Parent Aware Rating, & Flexible Scheduling. Schedule a tour today!
Twin Cities Metro Area • LADCFamilies.org
Twin Cities Metro regional library system, including the more than 100 public library branches in the 7-county metro.
St Paul • melsa.org
Ease your anxiety about traveling with a child with special needs by attending a practice run of MSP Airport before you fly. Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport mspairport.com/navigating
Cherish every “first” at The Little Gym. Our parent-child classes build motor skills, confidence, and connection—through joyful movement and play. 4 months+ Twin Cities Area Locations thelittlegymtwincities.com/mom
Cloth diapers without the gross stuff. Everything you need to get started to diaper sustainably - including the laundry. Let Do Good do the dirty work.
Twin Cities Metro Area • dogooddiapers.com
The Perfect Pair Agency connects Minnesota families with trusted nannies, sitters, and household staff for long-term placements, sitter services, backup care, and event childcare. We provide personalized matching and vetted rofessionals to ensure reliable, high-quality care for your home.
Minneapolis- St. Paul
Blooma
Movement classes including yoga, barre and pilates, childbirth education, birth & postpartum doulas, new parent groups and more in a safe and supportive community. South Minneapolis • blooma.com
Katwell Photography is here to capture life’s precious moments! Specializing in family and newborn portraits, we preserve milestone memories and joyous giggles in vibrant, lasting photos. Cherish every moment - book your session today! Minneapolis • katwellphoto.com
Kids’ Hair understands that children have unique haircare needs. With skilled stylists who specialize in children’s haircuts, our salons provide a fun and welcoming environment for kids of all ages. We have proudly served Twin Cities families for 33 years!
10 Twin Cities Locations • kidshairinc.com
Since 1968, we have been dedicated to delivering the highest standard of pediatric dental care to families. Our team of professionally trained pediatric dentists is committed to ensuring your children have a positive dental experience. From infancy through age 18, we specialize in treating children, including those with special needs, making us the ideal dental home for your family.
Burnsville, Eden Prairie, and Edina childrensdent.com
Eden Prairie
The ultimate Hair Salon where fun rules and a kid can have fun while getting their hair cut. Eden Prairie sharkeyscutsforkidsedenprairie.com
For more than 125 years, Gillette Children’s has focused on some of the toughest challenges in pediatric medicine. We care for brain, bone, and movement conditions that require specialized expertise. Our research, treatment, and supportive technologies enable every child to lead a life defined by their dreams, not their diagnoses. St. Paul with clinics around Minnesota gillettechildren.org
Two times a year, save on everything you need for your kids (infants to teens). THOUSANDS of great items at one sale. This SALE you CANNOT afford to miss! Have too many kids’ items in your house? Sell your new & gently used items. Our average seller makes over $300! Make money from the things your kids no longer use!
Eagan & Apple Valley • eagan.jbfsale.com
Sassy Nailz Pamper Parties
Treat Your Little Princess to a Pamper Party
She’ll Never Forget! Make her day magical with our customizable pamper party packages. From sparkly nails to glam hair and fun games, we take the stress out of party planning, leaving you to enjoy the fun. Book Sassy Nailz Pamper Parties today! Burnsville • sassy-nailz.square.site
KidzArt
Make Their Birthday a Masterpiece! Host an art-themed party where kids create, craft, and take home masterpieces! We provide guided projects, supplies, and flexible locations, including Maple Grove Arts Center. Customize with themed add-ons!
Limited spots—book today: 763-494-6957 Maple Grove • kidzart.com/franchise/nwmpls/ programs/birthday-parties-10/
Twin Cities Model Railway Museum
Enjoy a private party room for two hours plus access to all 14,000 square feet of interactive toy train layouts, play tables and more! Just bring the cake and the guests, we provide everything else! Full details at: https://www.tcmrm.org/tcmrm-birthdayparties/ St Paul • tcmrm.org
Artrageous Adventures
Create, play & pARTy with your friends! We can host at our studio or bring the party to you! We provide all the art materials & themed projects. Choose from popular themes or create your own. pARTies for all ages!
Minneapolis • ARTrageousAdventures.com
The Fun Lab
The Fun Lab in Blaine, MN is the ultimate indoor entertainment center for kids! With thrilling attractions, exciting arcade games, and hassle-free birthday parties, we make every visit unforgettable. Safe, clean, and packed with fun—your kids will love it!
Blaine • TheFunLabCenter.com
Tinker + Nudge
Tinker + Nudge is a process-based art studio for kids located in South Minneapolis. What do we mean by “process-based” art studio? It just means we focus on the creative process - not the final product. We offer art classes, workshops, playdates, birthday parties and camps..
Minneapolis • tinkerandnudge.com
The Little Gym
All Party, No Work—Except the Cake! Birthday Parties at The Little Gym come with exclusive gym access, energetic instructors, and handle everything from setup to cleanup. You just bring the cake! Twin Cities Metro Area thelittlegymtwincities.com/bday
Crayola Experience Mall of America®
You invite the guests, and we’ll do the rest! We want to make the day unforgettable for your child and stress free for the parent. Get ready for the most colorful party ever with 60,000 square feet of creative fun!
Bloomington crayolaexperiencemn.com/groups-parties
Moose Mountain Adventure Golf
Celebrate your birthday at Moose Mountain Adventure Golf “fore” unforgettable fun! Packages include use of the Party Lodge for one hour and one Moose Mountain Adventure Golf ticket for the guest of honor. Purchase additional tickets for a discounted rate!
Bloomington mallofamerica.com/directory/moosemountain-adventure-golf
Nickelodeon Universe®
Book your next birthday party at Nickelodeon Universe®! Our birthday party packages include a variety of customizable options, including attraction passes, sweet treats, kid-friendly menus – and the most amazing no-fuss, no-muss and no cleanup celebration.
Bloomington nickelodeonuniverse.com/groups/birthday-parties
Zero Gravity Adventure Park
Have you been to Zero Gravity lately? Check out the Trampolines, Playground, Aerial Ninja Net Course, Laser Tag, Arcade, VR and our New Pixel Game. There’s always something new including our Northern Lights Glow Nights and Human Claw Machine! Mounds View • zerogravitymn.com
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Camp Fire Minnesota
Escape to 103 acres of nature at Camp Fire Minnesota! Host a wedding, retreat, or corporate event in our stunning Community & Dining Center or enjoy outdoor gathering spaces. Every rental supports youth programming—celebrate with purpose in a beautiful setting! Excelsior • campfiremn.org
Museum of Illusions
Museum of Illusions is an interactive experience that tricks your eyes, entertains your mind and shows you the exciting science behind illusions! Over 60 astonishing exhibits will make curious minds of all ages encounter the impossible while having unforgettable fun! Mall of America • moimallofamerica.com
Urban Air Adventure Park
The Ultimate Indoor Adventure Park! With attractions that cater to any level of adventurer, there’s something fun for everyone.
Apple Valley, Plymouth & Coon Rapids urbanair.com
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