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Fun places to take kids in and around the Twin Cities, MN

amusement park

Finding fun and kid-friendly activities in and around the Twin Cities is easy with so many great family destinations in the area. Check out the best places to take your kids for an exciting day out:

Minnesota Zoo
13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley

Learn about the animals that share the planet with us at Minnesota Zoo’s innovative exhibits. The Minnesota Zoo is a leading animal conservation organization and has over 500 species of animals in its care. Take part in the zoo’s daily activities where you can interact with birds, see marine animals, and even feed sharks.

The zoo also has a number of exciting programs like guided tours, family overnight stays, and animal play days. For an unforgettable experience, get tickets to the backstage pass programs where guests can get up close with their favorite zoo animal.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul

Another fantastic animal and nature destination is Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. Observe animals from all over the world like anacondas, arctic foxes, flamingos, Galapagos tortoises, polar bears, sea horses, and more. You can also find interesting plants and displays at Como’s botanical gardens.

Other attractions include a giraffe feeding station, Cafesijan’s Carousel, and the Leonard Wilkening Children’s Gallery.

Science Museum of Minnesota
120 W Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul

The Science Museum of Minnesota is the Upper Midwest’s premier museum that features great interactive exhibits and the Omnitheater. Each exhibit is designed with every member of the family in mind so everyone from kids to kids-at-heart can have a great learning experience.

Go to their dinosaur and fossils exhibit and see a complete Triceratops on display. Or visit the Experiment Gallery where visitors are encouraged to be hands-on and conduct experiments of their own.

Lake Harriet
4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis

Lake Harriet is the perfect place to spend a day basking in the beauty of the outdoors. This 47-acre park has plenty of activities both on land and lakeside. Walk or bike around the park. Wander the gardens and bird sanctuary. Or enjoy a peaceful picnic in the picnic area. You can also catch concerts during the summer at the bandstand.

The north and south beaches of Lake Harriet offer great water activities like swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and boating.

Valleyfair
1 Valley Fair Drive, Shakopee

Valleyfair is a must-visit amusement park in the Twin Cities. They have all sorts of thrilling rides like Delirious, a high-speed ride that coils around a 70-foot tall, 360-degree free-standing structure. There are also rides young children can enjoy like the carousel, Ferris wheel, antique autos, and bumper cars.

In this amusement park, you’ll also find the Soak City Waterpark where you can have a splash in the best water rides and slides in town. The Barefoot Beach and the Splash Station are great sections for toddlers and young children. The small slides, fountains, geysers, and wading pool are safe for little children to play in. But for the more adventurous types, the Breakers Pipeline, Thunder Canyon, and Raging Rapids are perfect choices.

Learn more about everything the Twin Cities can offer, as well as about beautiful homes for sale in Minneapolis and St Paul, MN. Get in touch with us here or call 612.250.6287 today!