How to Plan a Magical December Day Trip to Duluth with Kids (Bentleyville + More)
This post, featuring a day trip itinerary for Duluth, Minnesota, this December to see Bentleyville, may contain affiliate links. For more, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy (linked below).
Duluth, Minnesota, in December is pure magic for families! Expect sparkling lights across the city, epic views of Lake Superior, and just enough winter to make the whole day feel special. We recently took a day trip in December with our tween daughter, and it turned out to be one of our favorite holiday adventures of the season. If you're looking for holiday things to do in Duluth with your kids, tips for exploring Bentleyville, or just want a helpful day trip itinerary, this guide is for you.
Duluth is only about 2.5 hours from Minneapolis (depending on weather and traffic). It's a pretty easy and memorable day trip for the holidays (especially with older kids, tweens, and teens who can handle a festive, full-day adventure). We organized our day with timestamps so you can follow our exact route or mix and match to fit your family's style. Get ready for cozy treats, snowy views, and a little North Shore holiday magic.
Leave the Twin Cities around 8:00 am. You'll arrive in Duluth around 11:00 am (depending on stops, departure location, and specific departure time).
Coffee + Donuts at Tobies Station in Hinckley
Tobies Station in Hinckley is your first official stop on this December day trip itinerary for Duluth. It's about halfway between the Twin Cities and Duluth, so it’s the perfect time to grab coffee and fill up if needed.
This is our family's go-to spot for breakfast when we head north. Located right off I-35, it's the perfect place to fuel up (both your car and your people!) before a full day of exploring Duluth and Bentleyville with kids.
Tobies Station serves Caribou Coffee along with a lineup of fresh, house-made donuts and other treats that are impossible to pass up. My daughter devoured her sugar cookie before we even made it back to the car. And, my glazed donut might have been one of the best I've ever had. From famous rolls to filled Bismarcks, everyone will find a favorite here. I think it's the coziest (and tastiest!) way to start your winter road trip north.
This stop takes about 10-20 minutes, depending on how long it takes everyone to use the bathroom, order, etc.
See the Marine Creatures at the Great Lakes Aquarium
When you're looking for cozy things to do in Duluth this December, the Great Lakes Aquarium is always a win in my book. This spot is extra special for us since we had one of our very first dates here back in college, and now we get to bring our daughter along for the magic.
My daughter loves the touch tanks and water play area (pro tip: keep a spare shirt in the car!). If your timing is right, you can even try the jellyfish touch tank. We also always make sure to say hello to Crush. He's a massive, 60+ year-old snapping turtle.
The aquarium features exhibits highlighting the St. Louis River, Baptism River, and Isle Royale. Kids love the indoor play area upstairs, and the grown-ups will appreciate the big windows overlooking Lake Superior. The exhibits are geared for all ages, so even teens can't resist the colorful fish and other marine life. Before you head out, stop by the gift shop for a quirky keepsake.
Plan to spend at least 1-2 hours here.
Lunch at Sir Benedict's Tavern on the Lake
No Duluth day trip itinerary in December is complete without a cozy lunch stop. And, Sir Benedict's Tavern on the Lake is my forever favorite. This charming English-style pub has been part of my life through every season-college days, my late 20s, and now, as a parent. Sir Ben's always delivers comfort food with a warm, welcoming vibe.
The menu is wonderfully approachable for families, with hearty sandwiches, soups, and a solid kids' menu for picky eaters. You order at the counter. Then, settle into the laid-back atmosphere while you wait for your food (they will bring it to the table). There's sometimes a line, but trust me: it's worth it every single time. And, it moves quickly. Adults can also enjoy local brews.
My go-to is the sandwich-and-soup combo. If you need a recommendation, the English onion soup paired with a half Reuben is an elite winter lunch. Sir Ben's is the perfect mid-day reset before diving back into more Duluth adventures with kids.
You'll need at least 60-90 minutes here, depending on the line to order and the wait for food.
If you would prefer to eat in Canal Park, Northern Waters Smokehaus is my recommended alternative. There are plenty of excellent places to eat in Duluth with kids!
Choose Your Own Adventure
After a morning full of fun things to do in Duluth with kids, you'll have a few hours in the afternoon before heading to Bentleyville. This is the perfect time to let your family explore at your own pace-think of it as your "choose your own adventure" window! Depending on how long your morning stops took, you'll have about 2-3 hours to play with, so you can mix and match activities that suit your family's energy level and interests.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- See the Christmas decor at Glensheen Mansion. This is my top pick for the afternoon! During the holidays, self-guided tours focus on festive decorations rather than history.
- Explore Canal Park and do some holiday shopping. There are a variety of shops to choose from, including toy shops, outdoor gear, chocolates, antiques, and more. The Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, William A Irvin Museum, and Adventure Zone Canal Park are all in Canal Park, too.
- See the animals at the Lake Superior Zoo. They do Zoo Lights on Friday + Saturday nights, too. This would undoubtedly be a great addition to a weekend line-up.
- See the trains at Lake Superior Railroad Museum (they usually have holiday decor up, too!).
- If the weather is nice and you want to spend all afternoon outside, a hike or outdoor play at Hartley Nature Center would be so fun in the snow!
Read Next: A Fantastic 3-Day Weekend in Duluth with Kids (Even in the Rain)
Enjoy the Magic of Bentleyville
2025 Dates: Open now through December 27: Sunday-Thursday 5-9 pm + Friday-Saturday 5-10 pm.
No Duluth day trip itinerary in December is complete without the wonder of Bentleyville’s “Tour of Lights" with kids. America's Largest Free Walk-Through Lighting Display, this spectacular attraction transforms Bayfront Festival Park into a glowing winter wonderland with more than five million twinkling lights. Aim to arrive around 5:00 pm, so you have at least an hour to wander through the festive magic.
During your visit, sip hot chocolate and coffee, munch on cookies and popcorn, or roast marshmallows together. There are many firepits scattered throughout the park. Entry and all of these fun snacks are complimentary!
You can even make it extra special by adding your names to the Nice (or Naughty) List. Kids will also love meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus. During the visit, children 12 and under receive a free Bentleyville knit hat and a bag of cookies. Other characters also wander the grounds, including snowmen, the Grinch, reindeer, and more!
With festive music, themed displays, and the stunning backdrop of Lake Superior, Bentleyville is a holiday tradition that truly captures the magic of the season. Best of all, admission is free. Donations are appreciated to help cover the event costs. On-site parking is available for $10 per vehicle. This is the perfect ending to any Duluth day-trip itinerary in December.
Get back on the road by 6:30 pm. You can stop in Hinckley to grab fast food for dinner. You'll be home around 9:00 pm (depending on stops, weather, your specific address, etc.).
Tips for Bentleyville for Kids
- Wear 2-3 layers and bring hand warmers. Dress like you are going for a hike if you can. Lines move fast, but chill sets quickly when you're not moving.
- Go at opening or on a weeknight to avoid crowds. They have an online crowd map showing the busiest nights. We went on a "Super Busy" night at opening, and it wasn't too bad.
- Strollers are allowed.
My Best Parking Tip: Skip Canal Park and park at the Fourth Avenue Auto Park (only $7 when we went). It's just an 8-minute walk over the highway with sidewalks all the way. Doable with a stroller or young kids. There is only one stoplight where you might need to wait for cars. This parking spot also makes it super easy to return to 35W afterward.
Address: 402 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN 55802
Make it a Whole Weekend of Fun
If you're loving all these holiday things to do in Duluth with kids, it's easy to turn this festive day trip into a full weekend getaway. Duluth shines in December, and stretching your trip gives you time to slow down, explore more, and soak in all the magic-especially if you're visiting Bentleyville with kids and want to enjoy it without rushing home afterward.
Extend your stay and add even more winter fun by visiting the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Or, explore snow-covered trails at Enger Park. Of course, it's never a bad idea to warm up with hot chocolate at a cozy local café. And, Canal Park is fun in every season!
You'll also find plenty of options when it comes to the best hotels in Duluth for families. Many offer pools (always a win with kids), lake views, and easy access to the city's top attractions (including Bentleyville!). Whether you stay in Canal Park, up the hill near the lakewalk, or at a family-friendly resort, a Duluth weekend in December feels like stepping into a holiday postcard. I've shared some hotel ideas below.
Here are a few family-friendly hotels in Duluth to consider:
- Pier B Resort Hotel
- Beacon Pointe on Lake Superior
- Canal Park Lodge
- South Pier Inn
- The Inn on Lake Superior
- Engler Lofts
- The Inn on Gitche Gumee
- Fitger's Inn
- Zenith Basecamp
- Lift Bridge Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection
- Hampton Inn Duluth Canal Park
- Holiday Inn & Suites Duluth-Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- Sheraton Duluth Hotel
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Duluth North
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Duluth Waterfront
Keep Exploring the Magic of Duluth in December with Kids!
Planning out your own day trip itinerary to Duluth this December is easy peasy with my guide! I've included everything you need to know about visiting Bentleyville with kids, the time stamps required to guide your day, and more. This Minnesota city delivers unforgettable family moments at every turn-especially during the holidays. As you plan your list of holiday things to do in Duluth with kids, keep in mind that the time together is what matters most. Here's to many magical December adventures ahead!
Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article were taken by and belong to the blog's author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.
