Summertime is finally here, and many families are looking for the perfect place to take the kids for a fun family summer vacation. When you stay with us at Minnestay, you can easily discover all of the exciting summer activities in Minneapolis while experiencing high-end customer service and one-of-a-kind amenities. The whole family will be grinning from ear to ear as you create memories that will last a lifetime.
You’ll also need to fill your trip with delicious meals and other local attractions like biking and picnicking. Get our free Minneapolis Travel Guide right to your inbox for a curated list of everything the Twin Cities has to offer!
Family Friendly Summer Activities in Minneapolis
Soar Over the Minnesota River Valley at Kerfoot Canopy Tour
Nothing says family friendly summer activities like Minnesota’s home to one of the top 3 U.S. aerial adventure parks. Imagine your family climbing to the top platform of a structure peering out over the trees. Then, you step off the ledge and whiz past branches while feeling the wind on your cheeks. This is a high-flying adventure with the Kerfoot Canopy Tour!
There are several different adventure options available including the Zipline Tour and the High Ropes Course. Fun for the entire family!
Located just 50 minutes outside of Downtown Minneapolis, this adventure company offers ziplining with 14 lines, a high ropes course, and a ball run in the woods. Get ready for one of the most thrilling activities that you and your family will embark on this summer.
Bell Museum of Natural History in Minneapolis, MN
The Bell Museum of Natural History is located on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus in Saint Paul Minnesota. The family can enjoy the planetarium, see 10,000-year-old fossils and a giant woolly mammoth. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM - 4 PM, the Bell Museum of Natural History is a wonderful excursion for your family when visiting the twin cities.
Adventures in Paul Bunyan Land
Have you ever wanted to talk to a 26’ Animated Lumberjack? For a unique Minnesota experience, take a trip to Paul Bunyan Land. Entertaining families since 1954, this unique park is open from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day. Watch your children’s eyes light up as he bellows back a greeting. Paul Bunyan Land is home to carnival rides, an animal petting barn, and a pioneer village that are sure to keep you and your kids entertained for a full day. Make sure to check the schedule as their hours can change.
Family Fun in Water Parks and More In Minneapolis, MN
A favorite among families, Lake Nokomis is one of three sailing lakes in the Minneapolis Park system and offers many other recreational opportunities. There are many lakes and ponds around Minneapolis and no shortage of places to swim or get a tan. Cedar Lake East Beach is a relaxing place to cool off and forget you’re in the middle of a city. Fort Snelling State Park has a beach and offers great fishing and wildlife spotting.
The Twin Cities also run several water parks in Minneapolis
Minneapolis is known for its beautiful lakes and parks. Families come from all over to spend quality time together in nature. Some of the best adventures for families start with planning time at one of our many family-friendly destinations in the summer.
Minneapolis Parks Include:
- North Commons Water Park
- Jim Lupient Water Park You can reserve a covered shelter for $25 that seats up to 15 people giving your family shade in the summer heat! Get the application HERE.
- North Mississippi Regional Park is a great place to rent Kayaks through either the Mississippi River Paddle Share, where you can enjoy the river and return the equipment at Boom Island Park.
- Boom Island Park is part of the riverfront in the Twin Cities. It is great for families to explore with a beautiful view of the downtown skyline.
In addition to these family-friendly parks you can also check out the Highland Park Aquatic Center that offers regular season hours beginning on June 11th through September 2nd. The park is also subject to weather conditions. While you visit your family can enjoy a two-story water slide, diving boards, water aerobics and more. Admission to the park is less than $10 for all ages.
Ballpark Family Fun in Minneapolis, MN
Nothing says family fun more than a family day at any of our area sports parks. The Twin Cities area is home to seven professional sports teams. Only a handful of other cities in the country can say that. Summertime in the ballpark is a fun family tradition and we have two great teams to choose from. Catch an MLB summer ballgame with the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Or visit the Triple-A team the St. Paul Saints at CHS Field for family-filled fun.
Family Friendly Vacation Rentals in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Book your next family adventure with Minnestay today! We offer a variety of family friendly vacation rental properties in the Minneapolis, Minnesota region.