Minneapolis · Hennepin County, MN

Family things to do in Minneapolis

Scout analyzed 136 Minneapolis places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.

Places analyzed

136

Matches

Typical spend

$25

Typical visit

1.7 hr

Scout-verified spots

Downtown West

First Avenue

First Avenue is a historic rock venue perfect for an evening of live music, often paired with dinner beforehand. Expect to spend 3-5 hours and $35-100 per person on tickets and drinks.

CocktailsLive musicArts

$35–$100 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Outdoors

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Lebanon Hills Regional Park is ideal for a half-day to full-day outdoor outing, offering hiking and lake activities. Expect minimal cost for entry, with potential spending for camping or specific rentals.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Gateway District

Klassics Kitchen + Cocktails

Klassics Kitchen + Cocktails is suitable for an evening meal or drinks, offering a relaxed setting for a date night or gathering with friends. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and $30-$70 per person on food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$30–$70 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Highland Park

Hidden Falls Regional Park

Hidden Falls Regional Park is ideal for a 2-3 hour outdoor visit, offering trails, waterfalls, and picnic spots without a cost. It pairs well with a picnic lunch or a riverside drive.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Saint Anthony Main

Father Hennepin Bluff Park

Father Hennepin Bluff Park is good for an hour-long, free outdoor stroll along the river with city views, suitable for all ages. It pairs well with a picnic or a visit to nearby Stone Arch Bridge.

OutdoorsViewsHistory

$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Ericsson

Lake Hiawatha Park

Lake Hiawatha Park is good for a multi-hour outdoor activity like walking, playing, or golfing, suitable for families or solo outings. Expect minimal cost, possibly more for golf or amenities, with easy parking.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0–$25 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Sports & Recreation

The Wilds Golf Club

The Wilds Golf Club is a golf course suitable for a few hours of outdoor recreation, typically costing over $100 per person for a round. It can be paired with a meal at the club after playing.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$100–$250 typical4 hr visiteasy parking

Hiawatha

Minnehaha Falls

Minnehaha Falls is ideal for a scenic outdoor walk, suitable for all ages. Plan for 1-2 hours of exploration; parking is available but can be crowded.

OutdoorsViewsWellness

$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown West

The Butcher's Tale

This upscale restaurant is suitable for a romantic dinner or special celebration, offering a refined meal and drinks that typically cost over $75 per person for a 1.5-hour visit. Consider making a reservation, especially if dining on a weekend evening.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors

$75–$200 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Battle Creek

Battle Creek Regional Park

Battle Creek Regional Park is good for a family or solo outing, offering playgrounds, dog areas, and paved trails for a few hours. Expect to spend $0-20 per person, primarily for aquatic center access or concessions.

OutdoorsAnimalsRelaxed

$0–$20 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Arts & Culture

Elm Creek Park Reserve

This large park is suitable for a half-day or full-day outdoor outing, offering hiking, disc golf, and a nature center. Expect to spend little to nothing on entry, though some activities or rentals might cost up to $20.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals

$0–$20 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Hiawatha

Minnehaha Regional Park

Minnehaha Park is ideal for a 2-4 hour outdoor excursion, especially on a nice day, offering scenic walks, a waterfall, and nature views. It's largely free, with potential costs for parking or food, and pairs well with a picnic or a meal at a nearby restaurant.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Arts & Culture

Paisley Park

Plan for a 2-3 hour guided tour of Prince's estate and production complex, with costs typically ranging from $50 to $100 per person. It's a focused museum visit that pairs well with other Chanhassen or Twin Cities attractions.

ArtsShoppingHistory

$50–$100 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Sports & Recreation

Victory Links Golf Course

A typical round of golf at Victory Links takes about 3 hours and costs $30-80 per person, making it a good weekend activity for individuals or small groups. It can be paired with a meal afterwards at a nearby establishment.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$30–$80 typical3 hr visiteasy parking

Columbia Park

Columbia Golf Club

This golf club is good for a multi-hour outdoor activity, pairing well with a meal at its restaurant. Expect to spend $50-$100 per person for a round.

SportsOutdoorsFood

$50–$100 typical3 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

William O'Brien State Park

William O'Brien State Park is ideal for a half-day or full-day outdoor escape, offering hiking, fishing, and canoeing. Expect to spend about $7-10 per vehicle for a daily pass, making it a budget-friendly option for nature lovers.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$7–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Sports & Recreation

Refuge Golf Club & Wedding Venue

This is a golf course and wedding venue, suitable for a multi-hour golf outing or a large event. Expect to spend $50-120 per person for a round of golf, plus potential food and drink.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$50–$120 typical4 hr visiteasy parking

Howe

Mississippi Gorge Regional Park

Mississippi Gorge Regional Park is a great spot for an active outdoor outing, offering biking, hiking, and scenic views of the river. Plan for 1-2 hours of free activity, perhaps pairing it with a picnic or a visit to a nearby coffee shop.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Lowry Hill East

Caffetto Coffee House

Caffetto is a casual coffee shop suitable for a solo stop for coffee and a snack, or to meet a friend. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and about $5-15 per person.

FoodArtsRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

West Seventh - Fort Road

Mississippi National River & Recreation Area

This national recreation area is suitable for a half-day to full-day outdoor outing, offering various activities like hiking and biking. Most activities are free, though some specific programs or rentals may incur a small cost.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$0–$5 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Bryn Mawr

Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary

Spend 1-2 hours exploring this free botanical garden and bird sanctuary. It pairs well with a picnic or a visit to nearby Theodore Wirth Park, offering a relaxed outdoor experience for all ages.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Bunker Hills Regional Park

Bunker Hills is a large regional park ideal for a full day family outing, offering activities like a water park, sports, and picnics. Expect to spend $7-30 per person, primarily for parking and activity fees.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals

$7–$30 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Weisman Art Museum

The Weisman Art Museum is a free indoor activity for a relaxed afternoon. Expect to spend 1-2 hours viewing American and contemporary art, possibly followed by a walk along the river.

ArtsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical2 hr visitmoderate parking

Bottineau

Mojo Coffee Gallery

Mojo Coffee Gallery is a good spot for a casual coffee break, light meal, or to browse local art. Expect to spend about an hour and $10-25 per person.

FoodShoppingArts

$10–$25 typical45 min visiteasy parking