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1225 Estabrook Drive
St. Paul, MN 55103
Phone: 651-487-8200
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Minnesota’s only free zoo, this relaxed animal park has displays of both domestic and exotic animals and has benefited from a recent four million dollar parkwide renovation project. Tucked away in another corner of the park is Como Town, an amusement park that caters specifically to kids twelve and under. The park brings to mind Carnival midways of days gone by and specializes in interactive rides and games that allow youngsters to participate in the fun. Another option for animal lovers is the larger Minnesota Zoo, just outside the Twin Cities in Apple Valley.
Historic Fort Snelling
At Highway 5 & 55
Saint Paul, MN 55111
Phone: 612-726-1171
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This outpost was a vital part of the U.S. expansion after the Louisiana Purchase. Today, the sights and sounds of those days are still alive at Ft. Snelling. Costumed performers are on hand on a daily basis, re-enacting a typical day in the life of the fort. It's a history lesson that few people ever forget.
Lego® Imagination Center
Mall of America
Bloomington, MN 55425
Phone: 952-858-8949
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Another family friendly attraction located in Bloomington’s massive Mall of America is the Lego Imagination Center, four stories of displays and models that are sure to fire the imagination of the pint-sized engineers in your family.
South of Downtown
Minneapolis, MN 55408
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Minneapolis is known as the City of Lakes for good reason. Twenty-two of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes are inside the city limits, giving us a lot of opportunities to hit the water during the summer months. We love the outdoors here in Minnesota, and there’s no need to leave town to enjoy them. Two of the most popular lakes around are just southwest of downtown. Lake Calhoun is a favorite stop for boaters and windsurfers. Just south of Lake Calhoun is Lake Harriet, and it too is a popular destination for fun in the cities. In fact, the chain of lakes on this side of town is the second most visited attraction in the metro area, ranking right after the mall of America. Lake Harriet is also well known for its band shell, built on a site which has been hosting concerts on summer evenings since 1891. The current band shell is the fifth one built here, and its design recalls the era of WC Handy and John Philip Sousa. A stroll to the northeast side of Lake Harriet and we’re at Lyndale Park, the second oldest public rose garden in the United States, open to flower lovers since 1907. The garden features a fountain on the upper patio and the roses are in bloom throughout the summer.
Minnehaha Park/Minnehaha Falls
Hiawatha Avenue & Minnehaha Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Phone: 612-230-6300
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A statue of the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow greets visitors to the park, and nearby is a replica of the writer’s Massachusetts home.. As we walk along the park’s rushing stream, a statue of the Ojibway chief Hiawatha stands on the riverbanks. A little further down the path and we reach the highlight of the park --Minnehaha Falls. Supposedly pictures of this secluded 53-foot waterfall inspired Longfellow to compose his epic poem of romance and adventure. Even today, this picturesque locale inspires the artist in all of us.
Minnesota Children’s Museum
10 West Seventh Street
St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: 651-225-6000
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Dedicated to kids 1- 100, the Minnesota Children’s Museum is a favorite stop in St. Paul. Pint-sized imaginations will have plenty of stimulation, and the museum’s variety of exhibits is constantly refreshed to keep youngsters coming back.