Planning a trip to Minneapolis? Here are 15 family fun activities to do in Minneapolis.
Whenever we are planning a family vacation I like to do some research and find activities to match our goals and expectations. When you have teens it is even more important to plan ahead. There are so many great things to see in this city that I am sure you will want to come back again.
Zero Hour Escape Room
Having the family in an escape room was great fun and this was one of the best I have come across. Check out the description of the Mad Hatter Tea Party Room for an additional amount of teenage fun. Yo have an hour to figure out how to set up for the party again and keep the Red heart from ruining the party for the return of Alice. Zero Hour Escape Room
By Appraiser at English Wikipedia – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1796333
Tour The Guthrie Theatre
The Guthrie Theatre has wonderful theatre presentations so check out the current schedule and catch a show. However keep in mind that scheduling a backstage tour to see all the stages and better yet the costumes is fantastic. The tour of the theatre is beautiful with the 1963 architectural design. I don’t think any of your family will be disappointed.Guthrie Theatre Tours
Minnesota Aquarium
Learn and see marine life in 4 different aquariums at the Minnesota Aquarium. Walk through a tunnel while sea life swims past. A lot of great photo ops for the teens and tour at your leisure experience. This is a learn as you go facility and lots of tour guides to talk you through it by engaging you with knowledge. Minnesota Aquarium.
Mall of America
If your family love to shop this is one you are not going to want to miss! This is the second largest mall in the USA. It is very big and you will not see it all in a day. I suggest designating a few hours and then grabbing a bite to eat. Remember a good break from shopping is the Minnesota Aquarium which I mentioned above. Mall Of America.
Seven Pools Park
Visit the gorgeous park and go for a hike to see all the cascading pools of water. I would suggest bringing a great picnic lunch to sit and relax near one of the pools of water. It is peaceful and renewing to relax for a couple of hor or until it is time for dinner. Seven Pools Park.
Photo by Michael Hicks, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
Witchs’ Hat Water Tower
This is another must see park that has a water tower that is the highest spot over the city for viewing. The viewing deck is not always open but you can still see the city. Check the schedule before you visit. This is tilla beautiful park and has a great view of the city for photo ops of your trip. Witch’s Hat Water Tower
Music and Movies In the Park
If you happen to be in town from July to August check out the schedule for Music and Movies in the park. You can grab a take out dinner and head for the park 15 minutes before sunset to either listen to a band and people watch or catch a movie. Music and Movies in the Park.
North Commons Waterpark
If it is hot when you visit having a cool back up plan will help. The North Commons Waterpark is a nice place to play during the hot moments. It has a water slide and then a shallow water park to cool off in. heat of the day. Feel free to lounge in the chairs with beach umbrellas and think about the next place to visit.
Mississippi Canoe Ride
Rent a canoe and experience the Mississippi rivers Lock and Dam gates as they open for you. This is an excursion along the border of the city and does not get dull. Why not be able to say I paddled the Mississippi and I am here to tell about it. Mississippi Canoe Ride.
Como-Harriet Streetcar Line
There use to be man a street car to ride all over the city. Now most are just a memory. If you visit the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line you can learn about the history but also ride a streetcar. This is fun, educational and my family brought along some big floppy hats and made it into a great fun photo shoot because the teens love doing that while we are on vacation.
Segway Magical History Tour
We are not much for historical tours but riding a segway was a fun experience and our tour guides were so knowledgeable. We learned all the tiniest details about Minneapolis and had fun doing it. Our tour guides were entertaining and kept our interest. This is a tour that should be booked ahead of time but is well worth the effort. Segway Magical History Tour.
Minnesota Science Museum
This was one place we knew we did not want to miss during our visit. The museum has a little bit of everything and is intriguing for all ages.Check out the schedule of events, exhibits and events of the day you are planning on going. I also suggest purchasing tickets ahead of time.
Plan to spend most of the day here because there is so much to see and hands on events. The theatre is an added adventure so check what is available the day that you visit. The Minnesota Science Museum.
Fight or Flight Academy
Want a new experience and a good workout? Take morning trial class at Fight or Flight Academy. There is a teen class that will practice proper landing techniques, rock climbing and some vaulting techniques I wanted to find something out of my kids normal zone to experience something different. The loved the class and we will be looking for something like this on a more permanent basis.
By Jonathunder at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11943891
Minnesota State Fair
If you happen to be in Minnesota at the end of August do not mis the Minnesota State Fair. It is the biggest fair I have ever been to. It has every food that you might dream of wanting and endless activities to do and see. Check out the schedule of the day you plan to attend because you will want to plan on being at different events. I am attaching a link to a guide for visiting the Minnesota State Fair.
Walker Art Museum
The fact that this is a museum filled with contemporary art seemed to have an attraction or my children. We spent about 2 hours touring the museum. They get in for free to the museum to help stimulate an interest in the arts. Check out the schedule of events because they are always introducing new artists and it is fun to be there when it is presented in the theatre. Walker Art Museum
We could not have asked for more on the weekend we visited this fun city of art, activities, parks and great places to dine. I hope you try some of our suggestions and also find some new adventures.
Are you looking for more travel destinations? We have a huge selection of fun trips around the US and further afield.
About the author: Amanda Ponzio-Mouttaki is curious, world traveling mom of 3 boys. She currently lives in Marrakech, Morocco with her husband and kids. Amanda is the publisher of MarocMama, a blog about raising multicultural kids, food, and travel.
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