Say goodbye to the boring weekends and routine birthday parties. Think outside the box and dare to try something new. Take a look at what your city has to offer – all within driving distance of your location. You might be surprised!
(612) 230-6400
3000 Calhoun PkwyMinneapolis, MN 55408 Directions
Head to Lake Calhoun for some fun in the sun. Splash around in the lake with the kids, canoe together, watch the kids from a distance as you windsurf or even teach them how to ride - that's just the tip of the iceberg for family fun at the lake. If you're looking to stay dry, take a scenic walk around the lake. Whatever you do, don't forget the sunscreen!
(612) 626-9660
10 Church St SEMinneapolis, MN 55455 Directions
Check out the extensive animal specimen collection at the Bell Museum of Natural History. You'll see the preserved collection of birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles, insects, invertebrates, plants, and mammals. The creatures are showcased in traveling exhibits, attractions, dioramas, and touch and see exhibits.
(952) 445-7223
1100 Canterbury RdShakopee, MN 55379 Directions
The race is on at Canterbury Park! Along with horse races, the park also hosts a card club. Try your hand at the poker and blackjack tables or watch the ponies race to the finish line - all while having access to delicious food and your favorite drink in hand. Place your bets, and may the best horse win!
(612) 370-4903
1 Theodore Wirth PkwyMinneapolis, MN 55422 Directions
Stroll through the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary and take in all the beauty and floral attractions that Mother Nature has to offer. While walking the area and the 2/3 mile trail, you'll see over 500 plant species and 130 different birds. The 15-acre garden harkens back to 1907 and is said to be the oldest public wildflower garden in the nation.
(800) 946-2274
39375 County Hwy 24Morton, MN 56270 Directions
Blackjack, poker, slots, and bingo are calling your name at Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel. Try your luck at the games, dine on breakfast, burgers, steak, chicken, pasta and all the fixings at a casino restaurant or browse the entertainment calendar for the next best event. You won't get bored while searching for the jackpot at this casino attraction.
(952) 883-8800
60 E BroadwayBloomington, MN 55425 Directions
Visit the Mall of America and learn why it's so much more than just a mall. With dozens of restaurants, a movie theater, and attractions like the Nickelodeon Universe theme park and Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, the mall is the perfect place to spend a day having fun with the family.
(612) 230-6400
4801 S Minnehaha Park DrMinneapolis, MN 55417 Directions
Make a trip to Minnehaha Park and explore the 193-acres of one of Minneapolis' oldest parks. The park overlooks the Mississippi River and Minnehaha Falls. If you're not too busy using the park's hiking and biking trails, hang out at the Wabun picnic area and enjoy relaxing in the wading pool, playing disc golf, volleyball, or a picnic with the family.
(651) 225-6000
10 W 7th StSt Paul, MN 55102 Directions
Find out why Parents Magazine voted the Minnesota Children's Museum as one of the top ten children's museums in the nation. Visit the museum and let the kids explore nature, the arts, culture, science, and more through hands-on exhibits and attractions.
(952) 854-5900
3815 American Blvd EBloomington, MN 55425 Directions
Head to one of the eight units of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. This natural attraction stretches along 34 miles of the Minnesota River, making it the largest American national wildlife refuge near an urban area. Certain areas of the refuge allow hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, hunting, and birdwatching.
(952) 431-9200
13000 Zoo BlvdApple Valley, MN 55124 Directions
Hang out with monkeys, flamingos, tigers, moose, and crocodiles at the Minnesota Zoo. While strolling through the exhibits and attractions, you'll see about 4,000 animals - sounds like a daunting task but you'll be having a blast and at the end of the day, you'll be wondering where the time went! There is so much to learn about the animals at the zoo, making the visit an educational and fun experience.
(800) 262-7799
2400 Mystic Lake BlvdPrior Lake, MN 55372 Directions
Let's hope lady luck is on your side when you gamble at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. The Midwest's largest casino attraction tests your luck with blackjack, slots, bingo, and more. If you're not having much luck, check the schedule and see who's hitting the Mystic Showroom stage. Heart, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Steve Miller Band, The Beach Boys, B.B. King, Peter Frampton and Hank Williams, Jr. have all played at the Mystic.
(952) 883-0612
120 E BroadwayBloomington, MN 55425 Directions
Get a closer look at the creatures of the ocean by exploring the exhibits and attractions at the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium. While peeking in the tanks, you'll see jellyfish, clownfish, sharks, stingrays, seahorses, octopuses, sea turtles, and much more. Be sure to visit the touch tanks for a hands on experience, and walk through the ocean tunnel - it allows you to get a look at ocean life from the inside, out!
(612) 230-6400
100 Portland AveMinneapolis, MN 55401 Directions
Get a closer look at a true Minnesota land mark. The Stone Arch Bridge was built in 1883 for use on the Great Northern Railway, now the monument stands as a pedestrian and bicycle bridge. The bridge is located near the beautiful Saint Anthony Falls, so you're sure to get some great pictures of the city and its attractions from this vantage point.
(800) 222-7077
5734 Sturgeon Lake RdWelch, MN 55089 Directions
Get ready to feed the slots and wear your best poker face for an excursion to Treasure Island Resort & Casino. Table games, bingo, slots, and poker are available to those wanting to gamble but if you're looking for some friendly competition or fun recreation attractions, you can find it on the lanes at the bowling alley or the greens of the golf course. Bored with games? Take a look at the calendar for the Island Event Center - your favorite entertainer may just be making an appearance at Treasure Island.
(952) 445-7600
1 Valleyfair DrShakopee, MN 55379 Directions
Be ready for some wet and wild fun at Valleyfair Amusement Park & Soak City. Stay dry on roller coasters like Steel Venom with face-melting speed, scream while being launched in the air by the Power Tower, or brave the tides of the wave pool at Soak City. The park has plenty of family attractions and kiddie rides so that the whole family can have fun, from the toddlers to the thrill seekers.
(612) 375-7600
1750 Hennepin AveMinneapolis, MN 55403 Directions
Explore the arts at Walker Art Center, where you'll see art collections, exhibitions and attractions, dance and music events, art and design lectures, and film and theater works. The art center is one of America's "big five" museums, meaning it's categorized with the likes of the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim, and the Hirshhorn.
