# Outdoor Activities in Minnesota > Minneapolis offers a variety of outdoor activities and family-friendly waterparks, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy fresh air and adventure. Visitors can rent bikes, boats, and paddleboards, or engage in horseback riding and leisurely strolls through beautiful arboretums. The city also features numerous attractions such as museums, parks, zoos, and entertainment options, alongside popular waterparks like Great Wolf Lodge, Bunker Beach, and Cascade Bay, ensuring fun for all ages without venturing far from the urban area. *Generated: 2026-01-26T06:40:44.200Z* ## Page Information - **Canonical URL:** https://www.minnestay.com/area-guides/things-to-do/outdoors - **Type:** page - **Last Updated:** December 23, 2024 --- ## Content # Outdoor Activities and Waterparks If you're more of the outdoorsy type or you want to enjoy Minnesota's amazing fresh air, you'll appreciate Minneapolis's outdoor activities. Rent bikes, boats, paddleboards, kayaks or canoes; ride a horse, or simply stroll around one of the area's beautiful arboretums. Or, you can choose from a wide selection of fun waterparks that are family friendly for all ages. All of this, and you won't even have to stray far from the city. [Embedded content](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1H7qbBf6gdk_xSMenq8G_T8EfuHM) ## Things to Do [Museums & History](/area-guides/things-to-do/museums-and-history/) [Family Fun](/area-guides/things-to-do/family-fun/) [Outdoor Activities in Minnesota](/area-guides/things-to-do/outdoors/) [Golf Courses](/area-guides/things-to-do/golf-courses/) [Parks & Zoos](/area-guides/things-to-do/parks-and-zoos/) [Major Attractions](/area-guides/things-to-do/major-attractions/) [Arts & Entertainment](/area-guides/things-to-do/arts-and-entertainment/) [Breweries & Wineries](/area-guides/things-to-do/breweries-and-wineries/) [Tours](/area-guides/things-to-do/tours/) [Health & Fitness](/area-guides/things-to-do/health-and-fitness/) [Shopping in Minnesota](/area-guides/things-to-do/shopping/) [Casino & Racing](/area-guides/things-to-do/casino-and-racing/) [Trip Ideas](/area-guides/things-to-do/trip-ideas/) ### Great Wolf Lodge Fully renovated in 2017, our Bloomington, MN lodge and water park offers your family a full vacation. [Visit Website >](https://www.greatwolf.com/minnesota) ### Kerfoot Canopy Tour Take a zipline tour above the Minnesota River Valley or enjoy a high ropes challenge course. Located just 50 minutes Southwest of Minneapolis. [Visit Website >](https://www.kerfootcanopytour.com/) ### Wheel Fun Rentals Featuring the largest selection of specialty cycles, bicycles, boats, and more - guaranteed fun for the whole family! Wheel Fun Rentals puts Lake Calhoun explorers in motion with a plethora of vessels for traversing land and lake. Intrepid adventurers can rent a range of vehicles, including mountain bikes or cruiser bikes. [Visit Website >](http://www.wheelfunrentals.com/Locations/Minneapolis) ### Stand Up MN 3 Different Adventures Choose between the Twin Cities, Saint Croix or the Paddleboard Race. [Visit Website >](http://standupmn.org/) ### Bunker Beach Water Park Water park in Coon Rapids, Minnesota that offers six waterslides and massive wave pool [Visit Website >](http://www.bunkerbeach.com/) ### Bunker Park Stable There are so many great activities to enjoy at Bunker Park Stable, we specialize in agriturism! Make your reservation for a Trail Ride ... Pony Lead ... Hayrides/Sleigh Rides... Lessons ... Day Camps ... Scouting Badges! If you'd like, we can bring a Hay Ride or Pony to your place. [Visit Website >](http://bunkerparkstable.com/) ### Cascade Bay Water Park Attractions at this water park include a lazy river, zero-entry pool & slides, plus mini-golf. [Visit Website >](http://cityofeagan.com/cascade-bay-waterpark) ### Great River Water Park This facility features an 8-lane lap pool with a diving board, plus waterslides & a sauna. [Visit Website >](https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation/aquatics/great-river-water-park) ### Jim Lupient Water Park Summertime quarry-themed waterpark with covered & open slides, a lap pool & sprayers [Visit Website >](https://www.minneapolisparks.org/activities__events/water_activities/water_parks/jim_lupient_water_park/) ### North Commons Water Park Open-air spot with a 3-story water slide, a splash pool & concessions stand open in the summer. [Visit Website >](https://www.minneapolisparks.org/activities__events/water_activities/water_parks/north_commons_water_park/) ### Tropics Indoor Waterpark Come experience our tropical themed waterpark with activities designed for all ages. [Visit Website >](http://www.shoreviewcommunitycenter.com/waterpark) ### Wilderness Inquiry - Mississippi River Day Canoe Trip The 72 miles of river and adjacent shorelines that make up the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) offer paddlers of all levels an opportunity to immerse themselves in a place rich with historical and natural significance. [Visit Website >](https://www.wildernessinquiry.org/find-your-trip/itinerary/?i=Mississippi-River-Day-Canoe-Trip) ### Minnesota Landscape Arboretum More than 1,200 acres of gardens and tree collections, prairie and woods and miles of trails. With the Men's Garden Club of Minneapolis, Lake Minnetonka Garden Club, Minnesota State Horticultural Society and other community supporters creating the Arboretum as a gift to the University of Minnesota. [Visit Website >](http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/) ### Northland Arboretum A 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting the community involved in and aware of nature. Have a peaceful walk on our nature trails, or take your mountain bike for a ride. Winter time? We've got that covered too! You can cross country ski on our spectacular groomed snow covered trails. [Visit Website >](http://www.northlandarb.org/) ### Valleyfair Valleyfair is more than just an entertainment destination. It's a shared experience unlike any other; bringing people together, connecting generations and creating unforgettable memories. [Visit Website >](https://www.valleyfair.com/) --- ## Related Links - [View this page](https://www.minnestay.com/area-guides/things-to-do/outdoors) - [Back to LLMs Index](https://www.minnestay.com/llms.txt) - [All Pages](https://www.minnestay.com/llms-pages.md) --- *Part of MINNeSTAY - Premier Minnesota Vacation Rentals*