Katie Heruth of Minnesota Parent assembled these 10 Twin Cities family-friendly spots the kids will love. If a staycation is on your radar for this year's Spring Break, check out our accommodations perfect for your family and many will allow your dog too!
It’s time to plan your Twin Cities spring break!
Is your family staying home over spring break?
A Twin Cities spring break staycation is the perfect way for families to enjoy local adventures without the hassle of travel. From hands-on fun at the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Minnesota Children’s Museum to animal encounters at the Minnesota Zoo and Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, there’s something for every age. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the trails and playgrounds at Elm Creek Park Reserve or take a springtime stroll through the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Thrill-seekers can check out Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America, while creative minds can enjoy art workshops at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
With a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, plus special seasonal events, a Twin Cities staycation offers a memorable and stress-free way to make the most of spring break.
We picked 10 ideas for fun places to go in the Twin Cities that are sure to keep your kids happy and engaged while out of school for the week. Let’s plan your Twin Cities spring break!
1. Can Can Wonderland
Step right up to an experience unlike any other. Can Can Wonderland offers a one-of-a-kind artist-designed mini golf course like no other. Vintage arcade games and pinball, kids’ karaoke, great food, and a tap wall make this a stop for the whole family. If you haven’t been here yet, make sure Can Can Wonderland is at the top of your Spring Bucket List!
Can Can Wonderland | Check them out on Facebook.
Location: 755 Prior Avenue North, St Paul MN 55104
2. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
One of the last free zoos in the U.S., Como is home to a wide array of animals and plants and is open 365 days a year. Additional features include Cafesjian’s historic carousel and the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, SPIRE Sparky Shows and more! A donation of $5 per adult and $2 per child is optional. Remember to make a reservation! This is a great addition to your Twin Cities spring break itinerary.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Location: 1225 Estabrook Dr Saint Paul, MN 55103
3. Urban Air Adventure Park
Outdoor fun in Minnesota isn’t possible all year long. It’s too cold in the winter, and we often have hot days in the summer to think about. Luckily, there are many indoor playgrounds in Minnesota where the entire family can have tons of fun regardless of the weather. One of these spots is Urban Air Adventure Park, full of trampolines, climbing walls, a go-kart track, an arcade area, and many other attractions for all ages.
Urban Air Adventure Park
Location: 3580 Holly Lane North, Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 & 10 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55448
4. The Burrow – Oakdale
Go-karts, mini-golf, food, ropes course, laser tag and more! This family-friendly spot also includes VR pods, mini-bowling, multi-sports simulators, axe-throwing, pickleball courts, and classic arcade games. All around family fun for your Twin Cities spring break.
The Burrow Oakdale
Location: 7053 10th Street N, Oakdale, MN 55128
5. Mall of America
If you are looking for an all in one place to go, the Mall of America is it! Here is the short list of family fun you will find at the Mall of America: Nickelodeon Universe indoor amusement park, two hotels (attached to the mall), Climb Zone, M & M’s store, SEALIFE Aquarium, Crayola Experience, Flyover America, The LEGO Store, The Fair on 4, and the list goes on and on and on and on!
Mall of America
Location: 60 E. Broadway Bloomington, MN 55425
6. Indoor Playgrounds
Since we have yet to see grass this spring, indoor playgrounds have been a hit this winter! If your kids still want to hit up a playground we have so many choices to go and play throughout the Twin Cities and beyond!
Minnesota Parent Indoor Playground Directory
Location: Throughout the state of Minnesota
7. Galleria free Floral Experience “Escape to Paradise”
The Galleria Floral Experience invites visitors to seek and discover floral magic throughout the Galleria common areas. The event is free and open to the public for self-guided tours any time the shopping center is open during the 15-day run, from March 23 to April 6.
Galleria Edina
Location: 69th Street and France Avenue in Edina
8. Minnesota Children’s Museum
With a four-story climber, giant spiral slide, laser maze, wacky car wash, pretend town, ball launchers, maker space and more, there’s something for kids of all ages at Minnesota Children’s Museum. There’s even a special gallery designed just for toddlers and preschoolers. Make sure this stop is at the top of your list!
Minnesota Children’s Museum
Location: 10 West Seventh Street, St. Paul, MN 55102
9. Visit the Minnesota Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo is a great spot for families to visit over spring break. They over a daily Wings & Things show everyday at 11a & 2p. The Minnesota Zoo opens there Sky classroom on Mondays from 9a-12p for kids ages 2-5 and their parents to learn and play together. The new Treetop Trail is a 1.25-mile walking path that brings you up to 32 feet above the ground and provides a year-round and accessible journey into nature for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Minnesota Zoo
Location: 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124
10. Minnesota Water Park Staycations
