12 Best Things To Do in Minneapolis, MN with Toddlers and Little Kids

When your best friend lives in the middle of Minnesota, you make it work — which, for us, meant flying into Minneapolis and turning it into a little family adventure. We’ve flown into MSP twice now and always carve out time to explore the Twin Cities before heading up north.

The first trip: Serena was 3 years old, Huntington was 9 months — deep in toddler + baby mode. And honestly? Minneapolis was more toddler-friendly than I expected. From interactive museums to outdoor spaces where the kids could run wild, it made our trip feel less like survival mode and more like… fun.

If you’re visiting Minneapolis with little ones in tow, here are some of our favorite spots that made both the kids and adults happy (and didn’t totally wipe us out).

What To Do in Minneapolis, MN with Toddlers and Little Kids

Mall of America (Bloomington)

If you think the Mall of America is just for grown-ups, think again. This place is a toddler paradise — seriously, it’s like a mini theme park inside a mall.

Nickelodeon Universe

This massive indoor amusement park was 3-year-old Serena’s first stop—and it did not disappoint. Bright colors, cheerful music, and kid-sized rides had her grinning ear to ear before we even buckled her in. The entire place feels like stepping into a cartoon, and it’s all safely contained inside Mall of America (so no weather worries!).

For toddlers, there’s a good selection of gentle rides like Blue’s Skidoo, Backyardigans Swing-Along, and a soft play area where they can climb and crawl at their own pace. And if you’re traveling with older siblings, they’ll love the bigger thrill rides like the Fairly Odd Coaster and Avatar Airbender.

The Fair On 4 (Arcade + Food)

Perfect for little gamers! Huntington and Serena had a blast playing arcade games—too young to realize most of them weren’t actually “on” (which meant free entertainment for us 🙌). We grabbed a bite at a table right next to the games, so the kids could play while we ate in peace. Total win-win.

Activities include:

• arcade games
• axe throwing
• go-kart racing

Cocomelon Playdate

Update: Cocomelon Playdate closed permanently on September 30, 2025

If your toddler is obsessed with Cocomelon (whose isn’t?), this spot is basically their dream come true. It’s a soft play area filled with Cocomelon-themed structures, music, and colorful photo ops featuring JJ and friends. The space is designed for younger toddlers, so everything is soft, safe, and easy to navigate. It’s not a huge place, but that means you can relax a bit while your little one explores. A fun (and air-conditioned) way to burn off energy, especially if you’re already spending time at the Mall of America.

Sea Life Aquarium

A calm, cool place to wind down and watch fish swim around. Great for a slower-paced activity, especially after something high-energy like the rides or the food court at Mall of America. Toddlers will love the 300-foot ocean tunnel, where sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles swim overhead. There are also touch pools where little hands can gently interact with sea creatures, and plenty of wide pathways for strollers. It’s dimly lit and air-conditioned, which makes it feel peaceful even when it’s busy. Expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour here if you’re taking your time.

Crayola Experience

📍 Address: 3rd floor, East side, Mall of America, Bloomington, MN
🕒 Hours: Mon-Thur: 10am–6pm, Fri-Sat: 10am–8pm, Sun: 11am–6pm
💰 Cost: $30.99/person (2 and under is free)
🌐 Website: crayolaexperiencemn.com

This vibrant, creative space is perfect for toddlers and kids who love hands-on art and crafts. It’s a must-visit for little ones eager to explore and create.

Activities include:

• Classic coloring fun
• Designing digital art projected on a big screen
• Watching how crayons are made in the factory
• Getting their name printed on a custom crayon wrapper
• Meeting colorful crayon mascots
• Making crayon drip art
• Burning off energy at the indoor playground

Other Kid-Friendly Places Inside Mall of America

• M&Ms store
• Barnes & Noble (for a quiet book break)
• Build-A-Bear Workshop
• Moose Mountain Adventure Golf
• Mirror Maze (for the mini explorers)
• Escape Room (okay, maybe save this one for date night!)

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

If you’re looking for a place that’s stroller-friendly and packed with things to see, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is a no-brainer. I was honestly blown away by how much there was to explore — and for free! Coming from California, where every little thing seems to have a price tag, this felt like a little gift.

Como Park Zoo

You’ll find all the kid-favorites here: playful primates, polar bears, giraffes, sea lions, bison, and more. Both the adults and kids loved the mama and baby giraffes — trust me, it’s a highlight!

Marjorie McNeely Conservatory

This indoor garden space was such a peaceful change of pace. The Tropical Encounters exhibit felt like a mini rainforest, with lush plants, turtles, tortoises, and colorful birds. The variety of flowers and plants throughout the conservatory made it a great sensory and color-learning activity — especially for toddlers learning colors and shapes.

The paths are stroller-friendly, but engaged toddlers will definitely want to walk and explore!

Como Town Amusement Park

If your toddler still has energy to burn, Como Town is right next to the zoo and offers small rides and games just for little kids.

Minnesota Children’s Museum: Play and Learn

If you want a place that’s all about hands-on learning and play, the Minnesota Children’s Museum is a winner. It’s packed with interactive exhibits designed to spark your toddler’s curiosity and creativity. I love that it’s indoors — perfect for those unpredictable Minnesota weather days.

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a wonderful outdoor space where toddlers can roam freely among large, colorful sculptures and open green areas. It’s stroller-friendly and offers plenty of room for little ones to explore and enjoy the fresh air. The iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture is a must-see and makes for a great photo op with your toddler. You can see everything in about 30 minutes.

Bde Maka Ska Park

Bde Maka Ska Park is a vibrant lakeside park centered around Bde Maka Ska, the largest lake in Minneapolis. It features a popular sandy beach where toddlers can splash in the shallow water, build sandcastles, and enjoy the lake views. There’s also a playground right on the beach, perfect for little ones to burn off energy. The park is very accessible, with plenty of parking in the surrounding neighborhood and a welcoming atmosphere where people relax on the beach, run, bike, and play in the water. It’s a perfect spot for families to enjoy a sunny day outdoors with open green spaces, picnic areas, and easy stroller-friendly paths.

Where to Eat with Kids in Minneapolis

A-Side Public House (American Food)

📍 Get address, hours & reviews

This spot is a winner for parents who want good food and a relaxed vibe.

They also serve beer and coffee, so you can sneak in a little grown-up treat while the kids chow down.

Tea House Chinese Restaurant (Chinese Food)

📍 Get address, hours & reviews

If you’re up for sharing plates and trying a bunch of flavors (and who isn’t?), this place is fantastic. I went with a big group and got to sample so many dishes.

Where to Stay in Minneapolis With Kids

Embassy Suites

How to Get Around Minneapolis With Kids

Minneapolis is very family-friendly and surprisingly easy to navigate, whether you’re exploring downtown, visiting the Mall of America, or heading out to the lakes or parks.

Here are the best ways for families to get around:

🚗 Drive or Rent a Car (Most Flexible)

If you plan to explore outside the city—like the Chain of Lakes, St. Paul, or further afield—renting a car gives you the most flexibility. Parking is usually easy outside downtown, and most attractions offer paid or free lots.

🚖 Rideshares (Uber & Lyft)

Uber and Lyft are reliable and available throughout Minneapolis and neighboring areas. They’re especially convenient for quick trips downtown or to/from the airport.

🚌 Hotel Shuttle (Great for Mall of America & Airport)

Many hotels near the Mall of America and the airport offer complimentary shuttle service.

• Embassy Suites (our hotel) and others nearby include free shuttles to MOA and MSP Airport.
• A solid option if you’re mostly planning to spend your time at the Mall or nearby attractions.

🚊 Metro Transit Light Rail (Great for Mall of America & Airport)

The Blue Line runs between downtown Minneapolis, MSP Airport, and the Mall of America—perfect for a stroller-friendly outing with kids. Clean, affordable, and easy to use.

• Kids under 5 ride free with a paying adult
• Trains run frequently, even on weekends
• Stations are stroller-accessible with elevators

🚌 Public Buses (Metro Transit)

Minneapolis has a solid bus system that reaches most neighborhoods and attractions. Buses are stroller-friendly but can take longer due to frequent stops.

• $2–$2.50 one-way fare depending on time of day
• Kids under 5 ride free with adult
• Day passes and mobile tickets available

🚶 Walking & Biking

Downtown, the riverfront, and city parks are super walkable. Minneapolis also has miles of family-friendly bike trails. If your kids are in a stroller or riding scooters, you’ll love how smooth and scenic the paths are.

How to Get to Minneapolis

✈️ By Plane:

Fly into Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) — the closest and most convenient airport, just a 10-minute drive from downtown and the Mall of America.

We’ve flown into MSP a couple of times with kids and found it super easy, especially since our hotel was close to both the airport and MOA.

🚗 By Car:

Minneapolis is easily accessible via I-35 or I-94 if you’re driving in from nearby states like Wisconsin, Iowa, or the Dakotas.

🚌 By Bus:

You can take Greyhound, Megabus, or other buses into Minneapolis. The main bus station is downtown, close to light rail and rideshare options for easy last-mile travel.

Travel Tips for Exploring Minneapolis with Toddlers

• Plan for snack breaks: Toddlers get hangry fast. Keep snacks handy!
• Bring a lightweight stroller or carrier: You’ll thank me when you’re navigating busy spots with a lot of walking like Mall of America or Como Zoo with a lot of walking.
• Dress in layers: Minneapolis weather can be unpredictable, so layers keep everyone comfy.

FAQ: Visiting Minneapolis with Toddlers and Little Kids

What are some free things to do in Minneapolis with toddlers and little kids?

• Como Park Zoo & Conservatory – Free zoo with animals, gardens, and a toddler-friendly layout
• Minneapolis Sculpture Garden – Open space to run around, giant sculptures to see
• Bde Maka Ska Park – Lakeside park with a beach, playground, and walking paths
• Mall of America (window shopping edition) – Visit the LEGO store, M&M’s store, and watch the rides without spending a dime

What are the best indoor activities for toddlers and little kids in Minneapolis?

• Nickelodeon Universe – Indoor theme park with rides for toddlers and bigger kids
• Crayola Experience – Crafts, coloring, drip art, and crayon-making
• Cocomelon Playdate – Soft play space with familiar characters and gentle slides
• SEA LIFE Aquarium – Peaceful walk-through tunnels and interactive sea life exhibits
• Minnesota Children’s Museum – Great for curious little hands and active imaginations
• The Fair on 4 – Arcade games, food, and a fun indoor break
• Mall of America – Endless options to explore without worrying about weather

What are fun outdoor places to take toddlers and little kids in Minneapolis?

• Como Zoo & Como Town – See animals, ride mini coasters, and enjoy open space
• Minneapolis Sculpture Garden – Room to roam, stroller-friendly paths, and big art to enjoy
• Bde Maka Ska Park – Play on the beach playground, walk or bike by the lake, and relax in the sun

Is Minneapolis stroller-friendly?

Yes! Most major attractions like Como Park Zoo, Mall of America, and the conservatory are very stroller-friendly. Just bring a lightweight stroller or carrier to make walking long distances easier.

What’s the best time of year to visit Minneapolis with toddlers?

Late spring through early fall is ideal — the weather is pleasant, and many outdoor attractions are open. Winters can be cold and snowy, which might be tricky with little ones unless you’re prepared for indoor activities.

Is it easy to find toddler-friendly food options in Minneapolis?

Absolutely! Many restaurants offer kid-friendly menus or dishes toddlers will enjoy. Plus, places like Mall of America have plenty of casual dining options perfect for picky eaters.

Can I get around without a car?

Yes, Uber and Lyft are widely available, and some hotels like Embassy Suites offer shuttles to major attractions (Mall of America).

Are the attractions suitable for babies or very young toddlers (under 2 years)?

Yes! Many attractions like Como Park Zoo, the Tropical Encounters exhibit, and the Minnesota Children’s Museum have areas designed for very young children. Plus, stroller access is generally excellent.

Final Thoughts: Visiting Minneapolis with Toddlers

Exploring Minneapolis with toddlers and little kids doesn’t have to be stressful. With these spots on your list, you’ll have a mix of fun, education, and just the right amount of chaos. Pack those snacks, grab your stroller, and get ready to make some great memories!