You’re probably thinking about the Mall of America. It’s okay. Most people do. If you tell a friend you're looking for things to do with kids in Minnesota, they’ll likely mention Nickelodeon Universe or that massive aquarium under the shopping wings before you can even finish your sentence. But honestly? Minnesota is way weirder and more expansive than a giant mall in Bloomington.
The state is a massive playground of boreal forests, prairie lands, and cities that actually care about children’s brain development. We have a literal "quietest place on earth" (the Anechoic Chamber at Orfield Labs) and a park where a giant lumberjack knows your kid's name. No, really.
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If you want to actually enjoy your trip without just burning cash on overpriced arcade games, you have to look at the "North Star State" through a different lens.
The Museum Scene Isn't Just For Rainy Days
Most travelers treat museums as a "Plan B" for when the weather turns sour. In Minnesota, the museums are the main event.
Take the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul. It’s built into a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. You’ve got the standard dinosaur bones, sure, but the real winner is the Collectors’ Corner. Kids can bring in rocks, shells, or interesting dead bugs they found outside and "trade" them for points to get other cool natural artifacts. It turns a walk in the woods into a high-stakes scavenger hunt.
Then there’s the Minnesota Children’s Museum. It’s not just a room with some blocks. It’s three floors of curated chaos. Their "The Scramble" exhibit is a four-story vertical climber that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. It’s terrifying for parents and addictive for kids.
Some places you might have missed:
- The Bakken Museum: It’s all about electricity. Kids can play with Leyden jars and learn about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. It’s quirky, a bit spooky, and very cool.
- The Works Museum: Located in Bloomington (but not the mall!). This is where you go if your kid likes to take things apart. It’s heavy on engineering—think K’Nex racing and giant foam block construction.
- Bell Museum: This is the University of Minnesota’s natural history museum. The planetarium is top-tier, and the "Touch & See Lab" is exactly what it sounds like.
Living The Legend At Paul Bunyan Land
You haven't truly experienced Minnesota until a 26-foot-tall animatronic lumberjack greets your child by name. Paul Bunyan Land in Brainerd is a kitschy masterpiece. When you check in, you tell the staff your kid’s name. As you walk through the gate, the massive statue turns its head and says, "Hello, [Child's Name]! Welcome to the park!"
It’s magic. Or terrifying. Usually a bit of both.
The park is old-school. It has rides that feel like they’ve been there since the 60s, but that’s the charm. It’s a break from the polished, corporate sheen of Disney-style attractions. It feels human.
Why The North Shore Is Worth The Drive
If you stay in the Twin Cities, you’re missing the soul of the state. Drive three hours north to Duluth. Then keep going.
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The North Shore of Lake Superior is basically an inland ocean. The water is freezing, the rocks are jagged, and the vibes are immaculate.
Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock
Gooseberry Falls State Park is "the" spot. You can climb all over the rocks near the Middle and Lower falls. There are no railings to keep you back, just common sense and some slippery basalt. It’s one of those rare places where kids can actually be "wild."
Further up is Split Rock Lighthouse. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the US. While the history is interesting, kids usually just want to throw rocks into Lake Superior at Pebble Beach. Let them. The sound of the waves hitting those smooth stones is better than any meditation app.
Canal Park in Duluth
Before you head into the woods, stop at Canal Park. Watch the Aerial Lift Bridge rise for a 1,000-foot ore boat. These things are massive. They’re basically floating skyscrapers. The horn blast is loud enough to rattle your teeth. Kids love it.
The Winter Myth: "It's Too Cold To Do Anything"
Minnesotans have a saying: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing."
If you visit in January, you have to lean into it. The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is the oldest winter festival in the country. They build giant ice palaces and run parades in sub-zero temps.
For something truly unique, check out the Art Shanty Projects on Lake Harriet. Imagine a frozen lake covered in colorful, artist-designed shacks. One might be a giant polar bear you can walk inside; another might be a "slumber party" shanty where you listen to bedtime stories. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. It’s very Minnesota.
Hidden Gems Most Tourists Walk Right Past
Sometimes the best things to do with kids in Minnesota are the ones that don't have a massive marketing budget.
- LARK Toys (Kellogg): It’s been voted one of the best toy stores in the world. They have a hand-carved wooden carousel that is a work of art. They also have a collection of antique toys that will make any Gen X or Millennial parent weep with nostalgia.
- Franconia Sculpture Park: It’s an outdoor gallery where kids are encouraged to touch (and sometimes climb) the art. It’s free, sprawling, and located in the scenic St. Croix River Valley.
- The Aircraft Viewing Area (MSP Airport): Seriously. There’s a dedicated parking lot in the middle of the airfield. You can park your car, turn on the radio to the tower frequency, and watch Delta jets land right over your head. It’s the best "cheap" afternoon activity in the cities.
Food That Isn't Just Chicken Nuggets
You're going to eat. A lot.
Skip the chain restaurants. Take the kids to a Matt’s Bar or 5-8 Club for a Jucy Lucy. It’s a burger with the cheese inside the meat. It’s a molten lava hazard for toddlers, so cut it open first.
If you're in the St. Paul area, Can Can Wonderland is a must. It’s an indoor mini-golf course designed by local artists. One hole is a giant pink mastodon; another is a vintage "Price is Right" game. They serve "boozy" milkshakes for adults and over-the-top sugar bombs for kids.
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Moving Past The "Lakes" Cliché
Yes, there are 11,842 lakes (the 10,000 thing is a modest lie). But you don't have to own a boat to enjoy them.
Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis (Bde Maka Ska, Harriet, Isles) has incredible paved trails. You can rent a swan-shaped pedal boat at Bde Maka Ska and spend an hour getting a leg workout while your kids argue over who gets to "steer."
Actionable Steps For Your Minnesota Adventure
Planning a trip here shouldn't be stressful. Here is how you actually execute this without losing your mind:
- Check the "MUSE" Pass: If you have a membership to a science center or children's museum in your home state, check for "reciprocal admission." You might get into the Science Museum of Minnesota for free.
- Pack for Four Seasons: Even in July, the North Shore can be 50 degrees while the Twin Cities are 90. Bring layers. Always.
- Download the "Minnesota State Parks" App: It helps you find the hidden hiking trails that are "kid-safe" (low elevation, high reward).
- Book the North Shore early: If you want a cabin in Lutsen or Grand Marais for the summer, you need to book it six months out. No joke.
Forget the "flyover state" nonsense. Minnesota is a deep, textured place that rewards people who are willing to get a little mud on their boots and some powdered sugar from a State Fair mini-donut on their shirts.
Start your trip by picking one "big" thing (like the Zoo or the Science Museum) and one "weird" thing (like the Giant Paul Bunyan or the Art Shanties). That balance is what makes a Minnesota vacation stick in a kid's memory.