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Things to Do in the Suburbs of Minneapolis Twin Cities Area for Families
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items The suburbs of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Twin Cities metro area in Minnesota have a TON of family-friendly things to do. As a life-long Minnesotan, I've experienced a lot of these places and am happy to share for others to find hidden gems and popular...
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Sections
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Events & Festivals
Parks & Outdoors
Attractions & Entertainment
Food & Restaurants
Events & Festivals
There are a TON of family-friendly events and festivals near the Twin Cities. Here's some of my favorites that I've been to over the years.
I've only seen a few parades, but this one by far is my favorite. Tons of fun, entertaining floats. This town really knows how to have fun!
Grand Day Parade — Kolacky Days - Montgomery, MN
The Arboretum is magical at Christmas with their lights! These photos do not do justice.
Winter Lights at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
This is our favorite county fair! It's the perfect size to bring your family to and has the perfect amount of food, rides, animals, and more. There's a really neat giant sandbox with toys for the kids to play in. There are tons of fun tractors and ve...
Carver County Fair
Parks & Outdoors
Minnesota has a ton of parks and outdoor activities in the suburbs of the Twin Cities. Here's the favorites of the places I've been. Most items on this list are free or inexpensive!
This is such a neat spot to watch airplanes land and take off at MSP. There are picnic tables there, so pack a sack lunch or bring snacks. There isn't shade, so plan accordingly. Just driving to this spot is neat because you go through two tunnels. T...
Aircraft Viewing Area | MSP Airport
Here's a picnic spot with million dollar views and space for the kids to run! We love that close to here is a spot to view a neat train bridge and a sculpture of an eagle made entirely out of spoons.
Point Douglas Park
This is a MUST if you have littles. There are super long slides that you can't find anywhere else! Kids ask to go to this park over and over again.
Hyland Play Area | Three Rivers Park District
This is a little drive, but 100% worth it! Taylors Falls is one of our family favorites. The Drive In Restaurant has fantastic burgers, the MN side of Interstate Park is gorgeous, the WI side of Interstate Park has million dollar views, and it's so b...
INTERSTATE PARK MN - Taylors Falls, MN & St. Croix Falls, WI
This is a hidden gem! The walking path has music and tons of sculptures to admire. In the summer, there are paddle boat rentals and mini golf. In the winter there is ice skating. It's so beautiful to see a place where city and nature come together in...
Centennial Lakes Park | Edina, MN
It's a fantastic place for a bike ride or renting paddle boats! The paths are pretty level with no major inclines, so it's an easy bike ride. The only bummer is that you don't see much of the lake, but it's still so nice to have a nice path in nature...
Cleary Lake Regional Park | Three Rivers Park District
This is a splash pad our kids asks to go to all the time! We love this spot because it's got the splash pad and a nice beach area. Perfect for those hot summer days.
Round Lake Park
A fantastic beach area. They just added a nice building/picnic area to this spot. Lots of space!
Lake Waconia Regional Park
We go here a few times each year - it's got such a nice playground area! There's sections of the playground for the toddlers, preschool, and bigger kid areas. It's usually busy when we go, but we're always able to get our turns at the swings and ever...
French Regional Park | Three Rivers Park District
Attractions & Entertainment
You will never be bored in the suburbs of Minneapolis and St. Paul Minnesota. Here's some of my favorite attractions and entertainment places that are family-friendly.
Every MN kid wants to go to Valleyfair! It is a day of o much fun. They have a variety of rides and a nice waterpark- so pack the swim clothes!
Valleyfair - Minneapolis Amusement Park | Minnesota Attractions
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Super fun for kids and adults (hey, who doesn't want to make their own crayon and color on walls!).
Crayola Experience Mall of America
Super family-friendly event that asks for free will donations. They put on a good show! Bring your lawn chairs and snacks. We try to make it to see them at least once a year.
Shockwaves | Shakopee Prior Lake Water Ski Association | Minnesota
The MN Zoo is fantastic! There are tons of things to do inside and outside, so it's great to visit in the winter and summer! They have a lot of animals that live in nice habitats and are well cared for. They often have shows - we like the bird show a...
Minnesota Zoo
If you go here more than once a year like us, the membership is worth it! What we love about here is that we can park the car at one of the many spots along the 3-mile drive loop and let the kids run! There are fewer people out there and plenty to se...
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Minnesota's Largest Candy Store, also known as "The Yellow Barn" has tons of candy, sodas, puzzles, and awesome local finds. On top of that, the store itself is unforgettable. There are several character decorations and it is just a really neat atmos...
Minnesota's Largest Candy Store: A Candy Store in Jordan, MN
Food & Restaurants
This list features some of our family's favorite food places to visit in the suburbs of Minneapolis and St. Paul Minnesota.
In the summer, we cannot get enough ice cream here! It's so delicious. Carver is also a super cute town to walk in. There's a Riverwalk not to far from the Creamery. We will often eat our ice cream cones while walking.
The Carver Creamery | Carver MN
THE BEST CHOCOLATES! They make them fresh. The store smells amazing.
Abdallah Candies | Delicious Gourmet Chocolate Shop & Candy MN
Awesome breakfast (or any meal) spot! They have delicious eggs benedict and tons of other great choices. Friendly staff. Quick service. Cool old-school diner look.
Ze's Diner - Restaurant in Eagan, Woodbury, Prior Lake Where Families Come to Eat
Pizza by the slice! They make their own dough and sauce. It's so delicious.
Enzo's Pizza