Family Entertainment
Families with children of all ages will find something the entire family can enjoy while visiting the Minneapolis and Saint Paul metro area. Hop on the Antique Autos ride at Valleyfair, venture around the largest underground aquarium in the world at Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, or get up-close and personal views of the world’s largest land predator, the polar bear, at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.
FlyOver America is a flight simulation ride like no other, you will soar across some of America’s most spectacular sights with the latest in flight ride technology. Wind, scents and other amazing effects will make you feel like you are truly flying!
Gibbs Farm is a historic museum interpreting pioneer and Dakota life in the mid 1800s. Site contains Dakota-style tipi, a bark lodge, a wild rice camp, and the Gibbs family’s historic farmhouse, barns and a replica of their first sod house. The farm also offers special summer events/festivals and is open Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day through the end of October.
Mill City Museum was built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill. Located on the historic Mississippi Riverfront, Mill City Museum teaches visitors of all ages about the intertwined histories of the flour industry, the Mississippi River and the city of Minneapolis. From exhibits and programs to dining and shopping, there’s so much to do at the museum.
Minnesota Children’s Museum brings an exciting, immersive world to children by arousing their curiosity. Through their exhibits and programs, the museum emphasizes play as a critical ingredient in every child’s development. Consistently rated as one of the top children’s museum in the country, the Minnesota Children’s Museum is a must visit when in the Twin Cities.
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum features more than 1,000 acres of magnificent gardens, model landscapes, and natural areas-from woodlands and wetlands to prairie-with extensive collections of northern-hardy plants. Tour the Arboretum on 12.5 miles of garden paths and hiking trails. Walk the close gardens and bike, walk or drive Three-Mile Drive to see more gardens and collections.
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival has grown to be the largest Renaissance Festival in the United States with an annual attendance of 300,000! Just some of the many highlights include 16 stages of live entertainment, 7 themed weekends, Feasts of Fantasy, 250 artisan booths, live armored jousting, food fit for a king, mermaids, and fairies!
Experience the history of Minnesota and upper-Midwest railroads through interactive displays at the Minnesota Transportation Museum. Travel through history with in-depth exhibits featuring local and regional railway and bus history. Operate a genuine roundhouse turntable, one of the last of its kind in the country.
The Minnesota Zoo brings education and entertainment to life! The zoo is home to penguins, a lush tropical forest and aviary, marine center, boreal forest, tundra and a family farm. With more than 4,300 animals, you’re bound for a new adventure on every visit!
Moose Mountain Adventure Golf, located inside the Mall of America, is an 18-hole miniature golf course certain to provide a fun adventure for the entire family. The course features an original, whimsical design with an old-time north woods feel — complete with life size moose, horses and more!
Located in the center of Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe features seven acres of unique attractions and entertainment, including 27 great rides and attractions for guests of all ages and courage levels. Meet the Nickelodeon characters, experience new rides like the twirling SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shell Shock, visit unique retails shops and much more!