Top Family Vacation Spots in Minneapolis, United States
1. Minnesota Zoo
Home to over 500 animal species, with the award-winning Russia's Grizzly Coast exhibit and the Tropics Trail, offering a unique experience for families.
- Wide Variety of Animals: Offers a wide range of animals from different parts of the world
- Interactive Exhibits: Features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn and engage with the animals
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for families, helping kids learn about wildlife in a fun way
2. Mall of America
The largest mall in the United States with over 500 stores, an indoor amusement park, and a SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium.
- Shopping Destination: Offers an extensive selection of shopping options for the whole family
- Entertainment Galore: Features Nickelodeon Universe, the largest indoor amusement park in the U.S.
- SEA LIFE Aquarium: Includes a SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, showcasing marine life and educational exhibits
3. Mill City Museum
Explore the history of Minneapolis with interactive exhibits that bring the past to life.
- Historical Insights: Offers a unique look at the history and growth of Minneapolis
- Interactive Exhibits: Incorporates interactive exhibits to engage visitors of all ages
- Mill Ruins Park: Adjacent to the museum, offers outdoor space for picnics or walks
4. Science Museum of Minnesota
Explore the wonders of science with hands-on exhibits and an IMAX Dome Theater.
- Hands-On Exhibits: Offers numerous interactive exhibits that make learning fun
- IMAX Dome Theater: Features an IMAX Dome Theater, showing educational and entertaining films
- Planetarium: Includes a planetarium for stargazing and learning about astronomy
5. Minnesota Children's Museum
A museum designed specifically for kids to learn through play, with numerous interactive exhibits.
- Designed for Kids: Offers a kid-friendly environment that encourages exploration and learning
- Interactive Exhibits: Features a variety of interactive exhibits focused on different themes and topics
- Special Programs: Provides special programs for kids, such as camps and workshops
6. The Bakken Museum
A museum dedicated to the history of electricity and medical devices, with interactive exhibits.
- Electricity History: Focuses on the history of electricity and its impact on our lives
- Medical Innovations: Explores medical devices and innovations through interactive exhibits
- Outdoor Gardens: Features beautiful outdoor gardens that are perfect for a relaxing walk
7. Walker Art Center
A contemporary art museum with rotating exhibits and an interactive sculpture garden.
- Contemporary Art: Showcases contemporary artwork from local, national, and international artists
- Interactive Sculpture Garden: Features a sculpture garden where visitors can interact with the art installations
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for families, helping kids learn about art in a fun way
8. Minnehaha Falls
A picturesque waterfall and park with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a historic home.
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning natural beauty with a beautiful waterfall and surrounding park
- Hiking Trails: Features hiking trails for families to explore the park and surrounding area
- Historic Home: Includes the historic home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, offering a glimpse into the past
9. Norman Rockwell Museum of Art
A museum dedicated to the works of Norman Rockwell, with rotating exhibits and educational programs.
- Norman Rockwell Works: Features a vast collection of paintings by renowned artist Norman Rockwell
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for families, helping kids learn about art in a fun way
- Rotating Exhibits: Features rotating exhibits showcasing works by other artists and themes
10. Weisman Art Museum
A museum showcasing contemporary and modern art, with rotating exhibits and educational programs.
- Contemporary and Modern Art: Focuses on contemporary and modern art from local, national, and international artists
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for families, helping kids learn about art in a fun way
- Rotating Exhibits: Features rotating exhibits showcasing works by other artists and themes
11. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
A protected area with hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and educational programs.
- Protected Habitat: Provides a protected habitat for various species of birds, mammals, and plants
- Hiking Trails: Features numerous hiking trails for families to explore the refuge
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for families, helping kids learn about wildlife and conservation
12. Fort Snelling State Park
A state park with hiking trails, picnic areas, and historical sites.
- Historical Sites: Includes historical sites that offer insights into the region's history
- Hiking Trails: Features hiking trails for families to explore the park and surrounding area
- Picnic Areas: Offers picnic areas for families to enjoy a meal together while enjoying the outdoors
13. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
A research garden and landscape display with over 500 acres of gardens, hiking trails, and educational programs.
- Research Garden: Serves as a research center for plant species and gardening techniques
- Gardens and Displays: Features numerous gardens and displays showcasing different plant species and landscaping techniques
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for families, helping kids learn about plants and gardening in a fun way
14. Minnesota State Fairgrounds
A large fairground hosting annual events, with amusement rides, food vendors, and live entertainment.
- Annual Events: Hosts numerous annual events throughout the year, such as the Minnesota State Fair
- Amusement Rides: Features amusement rides for families to enjoy during events and fairs
- Food Vendors: Offers a variety of food vendors showcasing Minnesota's unique culinary offerings
15. Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
A free zoo with over 1,000 animals, a Victorian-style greenhouse, and picnic areas.
- Free Admission: Offers free admission to the public, making it an affordable option for families
- Over 1,000 Animals: Features over 1,000 animals from around the world
- Victorian-Style Greenhouse: Includes a Victorian-style greenhouse with tropical plants and flowers