2018 Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around the Twin Cities
Best Places to Take Kids in the Twin Cities - 2018
The best places to take kids in and around the Twin Cities, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. But there is LOTS more to do in our aread! Get great ideas here on KidsOutAndAbout.com... check out the calendar on our home page and sign up for our FREE weekly e-newsletter! What is listed below are far from the only opportunities for family fun and learning; they're just what was voted this year.
Kerfoot Canopy Tour
Minnesota's ultimate outdoor adventures, including the vaunted Kerfoot Canopy Tour zipline tour over the Minnesota River Valley, and an epic adventure park.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
One of the last FREE zoos in the United States, Como is home to a wide array of animals and plants and welcomes visitors 365 days a year. Located right next to Como Town Amusement Park, Cafesjian's historic carousel, and Como Park, the Zoo and Conservatory are great fun for visitors of all ages.
Afton Apple Orchard
We have 190+ beautiful acres producing delicious Minnesota grown strawberries, raspberries, pumpkins and 13 different varieties of apples that can be picked by our customers at the peak of perfection. Huge corn maze in the fall!
Science Museum of Minnesota
Located in downtown St. Paul, the Science Museum of Minnesota is the Upper Midwest's must-see, must-do museum.
Minnesota Zoo
Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife.
Audubon Center of the North Woods
We offer a wide variety of environmental learning experiences for people of all ages, with programming in natural history and science, team-building, energy, adventure programming, and outdoor/environmental education. ACNW provides award-winning environmental education experiences for thousands of K-12 students from across the Midwest for residential and day-use experiences.
Valleyfair
Valleyfair is the Upper Midwest’s largest amusement park featuring more than 75 rides and attractions including eight roller coasters, the family-friendly Route 76, Planet Snoopy, Dinosaurs Alive! and the newly expanded Soak City Waterpark.
Eidem Homestead Farm
Experience the story of farming, food and agriculture — past and present! Explore the newly expanded and enhanced facilities and the original 1860s working farm.
Only the BEST shopping mall in America!
Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild is a professional American ice hockey team based in St. Paul.
Bde Maka Ska Park (Lake Calhoun Park)
The largest link in the Chain of Lakes has three beaches and a variety of water recreation activities. Canoe, kayak, bike, boat, and paddle board rentals offered.
32nd Street Beach, North Beach, Thomas Beach. Restaurant: Lola's On The Lake
Minnesota Children's Museum
At Minnesota Children's Museum, children will have a blast discovering an exciting, immersive world that arouses their curiosity, increases their understanding, and ignites an appreciation for learning.
Children's Theatre Company
Our mission is to create extraordinary theatre experiences that educate, challenge and inspire young people and their communities.
Bunker Beach Water Park
Bunker Beach now features six towering waterslides, a 900’ lazy river, leisure pool with climbing wall, a zero-entry pool with water play structure, a creative sand play area, and as always, Minnesota’s largest wave pool.
Good Times Park
The indoor Good Times Park brings the outside feel inside and features a well-equipped basketball court, turf field and 38ft inflatable jumper, while the Imagine & Build area features large soft units for construction play.
Crayola Experience
Crayola Experience is the only place in the world where the magic of Crayola comes to life. Here, you’re always encouraged to let your creativity run free, to color outside the lines and to play, explore and learn. Boasting 25 hands-on attractions, Crayola Experience is where color, chemistry and technology magically combine to create a fun-filled, colorful adventure for a kid's imagination.
Nickelodeon Universe
Located in the center of Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe features seven acres of unique attractions and entertainment, including 27 great rides and attractions for guests of all ages and courage levels.
Dodge Nature Center
Dodge has 460+ acres of prairies, hardwood forest, lakes, wetland, miles of open hiking trails, a working farm, orchard, bee apiary, and a variety of animals to discover. It is the mission of the nature center to provide exceptional experiences in nature through environmental education.
Bell Museum of Natural History
Minnesota's official natural history museum has been preserving and celebrating the state for over 146 years. Our new home is on the university's St. Paul campus, and features a digital planetarium, high-tech exhibits, world famous wildlife dioramas, outdoor learning experiences and more. Visit them at their beautiful new location in St. Paul!
Gale Woods Farm
Outdoor fun on a real working farm! Located on picturesque Whaletail Lake in Minnetrista, Gale Woods Farm features a unique educational opportunity where visitors of all ages gain an understanding of agriculture, food production and land stewardship.
