MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL

Are you looking to come to the city for a weekend away? Or just need to get away without hitting the highway? There are so many things to do for kids of all ages in the Twin Cities.  

If you’re looking to make a splash, indoor water parks are great ways to escape winter. Stay at Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington or the Holiday Inn & Suites in Maple Grove with their Venetian-inspired water park. Find more indoor water parks in Minnesota. 

Be close to the action at Mall of America and Nickelodeon Universe. The Radisson Blu Mall of America and J.W. Marriott are connected via skyway, so you don’t have to wear your coats. More than 50 hotels are located within 10 minutes of Mall of America in Bloomington, Eagan, and beyond and offer complimentary shuttles or stay-and-play deals for visitors.   

While you’re in the area, don’t miss out on the Minnesota Children’s Museum, Bell Museum, Science Museum of Minnesota, The Bakken Museum, The Works Museum, Mill City Museum, and other top family-friendly spots. During winter, there are plenty of things to do inside, including rock climbing and indoor playgrounds. If you want to escape winter, visit the Minnesota Zoo’s Tropics Trail or the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at the Como Zoo in St. Paul. 

Explore a museum or catch a live show happening at one of our popular local theaters. Popular museums offer family-friendly events and programming like the Walker Art Center (free on first Saturday of the month) and Minneapolis Institue of Art (always free and offers family programming the second Saturday of the month).  

Warm up with a coffee, cocoa, or latte at Constellation Coffee in Apple Valley, just minutes from the Minnesota Zoo. This sensory-friendly spot serves your favorite hot beverages, a variety of baked goods, and employs workers with special needs, autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite, some popular kid-friendly spots are Red Wagon Pizza in Minneapolis, Centro and Blue Door Pub in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Mason Jar in Eagan, and Forgotten Star Brewing (home to the Hodgepodge food truck) in Fridley.  

If you would like to embrace the season, try snow tubing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and more. All are great sports to try, accessible at many locations with rentals available, and are fun for all ages. 

Ready for a getaway close to home? Over at Whitetail Woods Regional Park in Farmington — about 30 minutes from St. Paul — you can feel like you’re up north without the road trip. Up to six people can stay in one cabin and is surrounded by trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and a sledding hill. 

In winter, there are a ton of festivals and events happening nearly every weekend. Some popular ones not to miss include the St. Paul Winter Carnival, Ice Castles, Ice Maze at Viking Lakes, Art Shanty Projects, Lake Harriet Kite Festival, and Buffalo's Kites on Ice Festival. 

Find more winter events in MN.  

MORE PLACES TO STAY 

• Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown, Minneapolis  
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport, Bloomington 
• Wyndham Garden Otsego-Minneapolis, Otsego 
• Omni Viking Lakes Hotel, Eagan 
• DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis-Park Place, St. Louis Park 
• Springhill Suites St. Paul Downtown, St. Paul 

CENTRAL MINNESOTA

The lake country of central Minnesota offers endless ways to get outside, spend some time on the frozen water, and have that “up north” vacation in a winter wonderland. Get out on the lake and try your hand at ice fishing at Trapper's Landing Lodge in Walker, Lake Mille Lacs, the Brainerd Lakes Area, or anywhere in Otter Tail County. Find beefed up ice houses with bunk beds, televisions, stoves, card tables, and more.  

Escape the cold at an indoor water park with water slides, splash zones, lazy rivers, and more. Some popular spots are the Big Splash at Arrowood Resort in Alexandria, Paul Bunyan Water Park at Arrowwood Lodge in Baxter, or Thumper Pond Resort in Ottertail.  

Grab a bite at kid-friendly spots like multiple Zorbaz locations, Rafferty’s Pizza in Brainerd, Cedarwood Family Restaurant in Onamia, and the Pike & Pint Grill in Alexandria.  

Hit the slopes at Andes Tower Hills in Alexandria, Mount Ski Gull in Nisswa, or Powder Ridge in Kimball. Find hundreds of miles of trails for snowshoeing or groomed cross-country ski trails in state parks like Lake Carlos in Alexandria, Glendalough in Battle Lake, Maplewood in Pelican Rapids, Crow Wing in Brainerd, or Mille Lacs Kathio in Onamia. 

When the sun goes down, try cosmic tubing at Powder Ridge or Andes Tower Hills. Fly down the hill on an inflatable tube surrounded by laser lights, disco lights, and upbeat music.  

Don't miss the Winterfest in Crosslake or the I.C.E. Fest – Sunny Zwelling Ice Carousel Memorial Extravaganza in Little Falls. 

MORE PLACES TO STAY 

• Appeldoorn’s Sunset Bay Resort, Isle 
• Breezy Point Resort, Pequot Lakes 
• Country Inn and Suites by Radisson, Fergus Falls 
• Cragun’s Resort, Brainerd 
• Eddy’s Resort, Onamia 
• Grand View Lodge, Nisswa 
• Kavanaugh’s Resort, Brainerd 
• Lake Darling Resort, Alexandria 
• Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort, Deerwood 
• True North Basecamp, Crosby 

DULUTH

Duluth is a little more than two hours away from Minneapolis, making it the perfect road trip destination. Stretch your trip along the North Shore of Lake Superior to visit popular spots like Two Harbors, Grand Marais, Lutsen, Tofte and Silver Bay. 

If you’re visiting Duluth, some popular kid-friendly spots are the Duluth Children’s Museum, Lake Superior Zoo, and the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Try skiing, tubing or snowboarding at Spirit Mountain, and ice skating at Bayfront Festival Park or Lower Chester Park. See a frozen waterfall at Gooseberry Falls State Park, just 45 minutes past Duluth on your way up the North Shore of Lake Superior. 

Grab a bite at kid-friendly spots like Northern Waters Smokehaus, Duluth Grill, Bridgeman’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlour, Fitger's Brewhouse Brewery and Grille, Canal Park Brewing, OMC Smokehouse, At Sara’s Table / Chester Creek Cafe, Tavern on the Hill or Ursa Minor Brewing.  

If your kiddos are obsessed with trains, book a ride on the North Shore Scenic Railroad’s Pizza Party Express. This two-and-a-half hour trip along the North Shore features a Dominos personal pizza, pop and dessert. 

The first part of the trip is narrated and highlights icons along the way. On the way back, learn more about the railroads and its history in the area. The Pizza Party Express operates in the evening Wednesday through Saturday.  

Many families choose to stay near Canal Park to walk to additional shops, restaurants, and attractions like Adventure Zone, Vertical Endeavors, the Lake Superior Maritime Museum, or catch a hockey game or other event at Amsoil Arena. Popular Canal Park area hotels are the Hampton Inn, Canal Park Lodge, Lift Bridge Lodge, The Inn on Lake Superior, or Pier B Resort. 

Edgewater Hotel & Waterpark offers a 35,000 square foot indoor water park with spiral slides, a lazy river, arcade, and more. 

Don't miss the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, Duluth Winter Village or the Bentleyville Tour of Lights, either. 

MORE PLACES TO STAY 

• Fairfield Inn & Suites Duluth Waterfront 
• Holiday Inn & Suites Duluth-Downtown 
• Park Point Marina Inn 
• Radisson Hotel Duluth-Harborview 
• Sheraton Duluth 

NORTHEAST MINNESOTA

The Cook County area is home to the largest network of cross-country ski trails, totaling in more 400 kilometers. Some popular spots include state parks like Cascade River, Temperance River, the Gunflint Trail, Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  

Hit the slopes at Lutsen Mountains, where the Sawtooth Mountains rise 1,000 feet above Lake Superior and offer fantastic views and skiing or snowboarding opportunities. Snowshoes are available for rent at many area businesses and parks. Find the most popular places to ski or snowboard in Minnesota.  

Lace up your skates and hit the ice at ice rinks throughout the area, including rinks connected to Lutsen Resort, Bearskin Lodge on the Gunflint Trail, Gunflint Lodge and Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior. Public rinks are available at the Birch Grove Community Center in Tofte, Community Center in Grand Marais, and more. 

For a truly unique and memorable winter activity, try dog sledding! In Ely, there are several outfitters offering guided outings, and no experience is required. Visit Chilly Dogs Sled Dog Trips, Hauling Dogs, White Wolf Dog Sled Trips, or Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge to learn more. 

On Minnesota’s Iron Range — just northwest of Duluth — hit the slopes at Giants Ridge Recreation Area. It boasts 35 runs, five lifts, and two terrain parks, creating a diverse skill set for all levels. Near Grand Rapids, Mount Itasca offers a snowboard terrain park, snowtubing runs, and 10 kilometers of cross-country ski trails.   

Find incredible cabins and resorts with stunning wood interiors, roaring fireplaces, and other cozy amenities in Lutsen (Eagle Ridge Mountain Resort, Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior, Caribou Highlands Lodge), Ely (Grand Ely Lodge, Moose Track Adventures, Timber Bay Lodge), the Iron Range (The Lodge at Giants Ridge, GreenGate Guest Houses), and Grand Rapids (Timberlake Lodge, Hotel Rapids). 

For kid-friendly dining, try Gator’s Grilled Cheese Emporium in Ely or BoomTown Woodfire Bar & Grill, which has locations in Eveleth, Hibbing, and Duluth. Many of the resorts offer multiple options for dining onsite and keep kiddos in mind.  

Don't miss the Lights in the Pines in Grand Rapids, Ely Dark Sky Festival, Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race or the Hygge Festival. 

MORE PLACES TO STAY 

• Comfort Inn and Suites of Mountain Iron, Mountain Iron 
• Adventure Inn, Ely 
• Cascade Lodge, Lutsen 

NORTHWEST MINNESOTA

Hit the slopes at Detroit Mountain in Detroit Lakes for snowboarding, tubing and skiing. Take a winter hike or snowshoe to the Thomas Dambo trolls, scattered throughout the area. Start at City Park near downtown Detroit Lakes and Detroit Lake to see Alexa’s Elixir and follow the clues in her spell book to find the others. Once you complete your troll quest, explore their charming downtown with spots like Bluebird Books, Red Willow and Bucks Mill Brewing. 

Head all the way north to Warroad and lace up your skates and glide onto the Riverbend Skate Path, one of the longest ice-skating trails in the United States. It connects to Doc's Harbor Inn’s public skating rink and several private rinks to provide five miles of open skating for all to enjoy.  

Nearby, Lake of the Woods offers some of the best ice fishing in the state. Their sleek ice houses and ice fishing guides make it easy to reel in a whopper while staying cozy and warm.  

In Bemidji, there are endless ways to get outside. Explore more than 80 miles of cross-country skiing trails, at spots like Lake Bemidji State Park and Three Island Park, which features nine trails within 10 minutes of downtown Bemidji. Go skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing at Buena Vista Ski Village with 16 runs. 

Try a new sport like curling at the Bemidji Curling Club, a.k.a. the “Curling Club of the USA” due to the number of Olympians hailing from the town. Snowshoeing is another popular activity, with two miles of trails at Movil Maze, a designated trail along the Turtle River, and select trails at Lake Bemidji and Itasca State Park. 

If you’re hungry, visit Minnesota Nice Cafe in Bemidji, Brygee Taps and Tastes in Detroit Lakes, or Nomad Tavern in Warroad. 

Don’t miss Polar Fest or Frostival. 

MORE PLACES TO STAY 

• Best Western Premier The Lodge on Lake Detroit, Detroit Lakes 
• Hampton Inn, Warroad 
• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bemidji 
• Holiday Inn, Detroit Lakes 
• Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge, Bemidji 
• Wambolts Cabins, Park Rapids 

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA 

Southern Minnesota’s prairies, bluffs, and small towns are beautiful with a blanket of snow.  

In Mankato, visit the Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota in Mankato to find educational and interactive exhibits for kids of all ages. Nearby, Minneopa State Park offers a frozen waterfall, snowshoe trails, and bison herd viewing along Bison Drive. Cheer for the popular Mankato Mavericks college hockey men's and women's hockey team at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center. 

In Austin, the SPAM Museum features nine galleries with interactive games, photo opportunities, complimentary SPAMples, and a gift shop offering unique SPAM merchandise, including hard to find flavors. After you explore the museum, grab something to eat at one of the nearby restaurants, as many serve SPAM on their menu. After your SPAM tour, visit Jay C. Hormel Nature Center for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.  

On the way to Wabasha, stop by LARK Toys in Kellogg to find one of Minnesota’s largest and most unique toy stores. They make wood toys, puzzles and troll dolls on-site. Take a spin on their beautiful wood carousel featuring dozens of hand carved animal figurines. In Wabasha, visit the National Eagle Center to learn about this majestic creature through interactive exhibits and educational sessions. Hit the slopes at nearby Coffee Mill Ski Area.  

In Owatonna, stroll through the popular Cabela’s store to find outdoor gear, massive taxidermy displays, aquariums, and more. Dine in an igloo at nearby Mineral Springs Brewery  all season long. Find ice skating near downtown Owatonna.  

In Rochester, try to find the clues and unlock the mysteries of The Escape Challenge or Unraveled Escape Room. You only have 60 minutes to escape these immersive and interactive exhibits. Have the kids play and learn something new at Quarry Hill Nature Center or Spark Children’s Museum. 

Find classic video games, pinball, and more at the Old School Entertainment and Axe Club or go bowling and try laser tag at Bowlocity Entertainment Center. Get outside for ice skating, winter hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at Soldiers Memorial Field Park, Silver Lake Park, or at nearby Whitewater State Park. 

There are plenty of places to eat with the kids but some popular spots are Tav on the Ave in Mankato, Newt’s in Rochester, El Patron in Winona, and more.  

Don’t miss the Bold & Cold Winter Festival, Grumpy Old Men Festival or Winona Ice Fest.

MORE PLACES TO STAY 

• Hilton Garden Inn, Mankato 
• Hampton Inn & Suites, Rochester 
• The Kahler Grand Hotel, Rochester