St. Paul · Minnesota, MN
Family things to do in St. Paul
Scout analyzed 84 St. Paul places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.
Places analyzed
84
Matches
25
Typical spend
$20
Typical visit
1.7 hr
Scout-verified spots
Como Park
Como Park Golf Course
This is a municipal golf course suitable for a few hours of outdoor recreation. Expect to spend 3-4 hours and $25-50 per person for a round of golf, or less for a bucket of balls.
Como Park
Como Town
Como Town is an amusement park for families with young children, often paired with a visit to the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Expect to spend a few hours and around $15-35 per person for rides and snacks.
West Seventh - Fort Road
Bad Weather Brewing Company
Bad Weather Brewing is a solid stop for a casual outing to sample local beers, often paired with food truck eats. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $15-35 per person for drinks and a snack.
Northwestern Precinct
Rice Park
Rice Park is a free downtown park suitable for a relaxed stroll or a short break. It's an ideal stop before or after a meal in the city, especially during the winter festival when an ice rink is present.
West Seventh - Fort Road
Upper Landing Park
Upper Landing Park is suitable for a free hour or two outdoors, offering river views and a space for relaxation or a walk. It pairs well with a picnic or a nearby meal.
Cathedral Hill
Moscow on the Hill
Moscow on the Hill is suitable for an evening meal, offering a unique culinary experience with drinks. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $30-70 per person for food and a drink or two.
Outdoors
Jensen Lake Trailhead
Jensen Lake Trailhead is good for a free, leisurely hike that takes about 1.5 hours. It pairs well with a picnic or visiting a nearby park, making it suitable for a half-day outdoor activity.
Outdoors
Tamarack Nature Center
Tamarack Nature Center is good for a few hours of outdoor family or solo time, exploring trails and the play area. It's a free activity suitable for pairing with a picnic or local lunch spot.
Riverview
Harriet Island Regional Park
Harriet Island is a good spot for a relaxed riverside stroll or picnic, offering paddle boats for an added activity. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, with costs ranging from free entry to around $25 if renting a paddle boat.
West Bloomington
Hyland Lake Park Reserve
This park reserve is ideal for a half-day family outing, offering trails, a large playground, and nature center activities. Expect to spend little to no money unless you rent equipment or participate in specific programs.
Outdoors
Schaar's Bluff Trail
Schaar's Bluff Trail is ideal for a 1-2 hour outdoor excursion, offering scenic views and a chance to observe nature. It's a free activity that pairs well with a picnic or a drive to nearby towns.
West Seventh - Fort Road
DeGidio's Restaurant & Bar, St. Paul
DeGidio's is a classic Italian restaurant suitable for a relaxed dinner with family or a casual date night. Plan for a 90-minute meal, with a typical spend of $20-50 per person, potentially pairing with a local brewery visit before or after.
Como Park
Como Park
Como Park is an ideal full-day family outing, offering free zoo and conservatory access alongside scenic trails. Plan for a few hours of walking and a potential donation at the entrance.
Outdoors
St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park
This regional park is good for a half-day outdoor excursion, featuring hiking, a beach, and river views. Expect to spend $7-15 per person for park entry, suitable for families or solo adventurers.
West Seventh - Fort Road
Cafe Astoria
Cafe Astoria is a casual spot for breakfast, brunch, or a coffee break, suitable for an hour-long stop. Expect to spend $10-$25 per person on crepes, pastries, or coffee.
Outdoors
Thompson County Park
Thompson County Park is a free outdoor spot for a few hours of walking, playing, or wildlife viewing. It pairs well with a picnic and is suitable for all ages.
Lowertown
Mears Park
Mears Park is a free city park suitable for a relaxing hour-long stroll, a picnic, or enjoying a casual outdoor event. It pairs well with exploring the surrounding downtown area.
Payne - Phalen
Phalen Regional Park
Phalen Regional Park is suitable for a few hours of outdoor recreation, offering trails, a beach, and sports facilities for a low cost. It pairs well with a picnic or a nearby casual meal.
Macalester - Groveland
Mattocks Park
Mattocks Park is a free local park best for a casual family outing or a solo walk, typically lasting an hour. It can be paired with a picnic or a nearby coffee shop.
Core
Amsterdam Bar & Hall
This is a good spot for an evening out to enjoy live music, Belgian beer, and Dutch food, suitable for a date or a night with friends. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and around $30-70 per person on drinks and food.
Hamline - Midway
Twin City Model Railroad Museum
This museum is good for a family outing or solo visit, offering a couple of hours of engagement with model trains and historical displays. Expect to spend around $10-15 per person for entry.
West Seventh - Fort Road
Irvine Park
Irvine Park is a quaint neighborhood park good for a relaxed walk or a quiet break outdoors. It can be visited for free for about an hour as a standalone outing or paired with nearby attractions.
South St. Anthony Park
Dogwood Coffee - St. Paul
This coffee shop is a good spot for a quick stop to grab a drink or a casual meet-up, typically lasting 30-60 minutes. Expect to spend $5-$15 per person.
West Seventh - Fort Road
Claddagh Coffee
This is a good spot for a casual coffee and a bite, perhaps as a solo stop or a quick meet-up. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and $5-15 per person.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 58 of the 84 analyzed St. Paul places fit family.
- 66% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 67% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Playful, Social, Scenic, Adventurous, Quiet.
Book ahead
Book tours and tickets in St. Paul
Lock in the parts of the plan that sell out — tours, tastings and timed-entry tickets across St. Paul.
See what's bookable in St. Paul(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.
Make it a night out
Staying over in St. Paul?
Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals across St. Paul — book the stay and make a full weekend of it.
Find places to stay in St. Paul(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.