As a Minnesota family, we love exploring this amazing state together. Filled with beautiful landscapes (from prairies to forests), our fair share of lakes (including a few Great ones!), friendly locals, and a rich history, Minnesota is undoubtedly a fantastic place to live and explore. Indeed, discovering new hidden gems, charming towns, and fantastic eats is one of our favorite things to do! From the best restaurants in Minneapolis to paddling in Cuyuna and our favorite hiking trails on the North Shore, this section shares our favorite tips and recommendations across the state. Use the guides below to help you plan incredible experiences in Minnesota with (or without) kids!
There’s something truly magical about visiting Grand Marais with kids—towering pines, the rhythmic crash of Lake Superior waves, historic lighthouses, and a charming, artistic downtown area. Our recent stay at Tide Cabin, part of Timber & Tide Cabins, was everything we love about the North Shore wrapped into one incredible family getaway. My honest review covers everything you need to know as you consider making Tide Cabin your home base – read it here!
Few things beat an epic summer road trip with your kids! There is something truly special about embarking on a long-distance journey as a family—call it a right of passage (for kids and parents alike!). And, as a Minnesota family, we’ve packed up our car plenty of times to explore the Midwest and beyond with our young daughter. This article compiles 14 of our favorite family road trips, all within 8.5 hours of Minneapolis.
Looking for a fun winter day trip from Minneapolis with kids? Lindström, Minnesota, is under an hour away! Thanks to its Scandinavian history and welcoming vibe, the city is bursting with family-friendly charm and fun things to do this winter. Let me show you how to spend the day in Lindström with kids!
I can confidently say that Hinckley is a great area for families to explore in the snow! About 75 minutes from Minneapolis, this charming town is known for its history and its iconic cinnamon rolls. A quick day trip here is sure to be a hit with your crew! In this guide, I’ve included everything you need to know for a fun day trip to Hinckley with kids, including things to do and kid-friendly places to eat.
Winter in Minnesota doesn’t have to mean staying indoors—or spending a fortune! As a Minnesota mom exploring the state with my tween daughter, I’m always on the lookout for fun, free ways to make the most of the season. This guide features 11 of our favorite FREE winter things to do in the Twin Cities as a family, from nature centers and museums to ice skating and snowshoeing.
Exploring Ely, Minnesota, and wondering where to eat with kids? This charming town in northern Minnesota, just 4.5 hours from Minneapolis, offers more than just epic outdoor adventures—it’s also home to many excellent restaurants and foodie experiences for families with kids! Keep reading to discover where to eat in Ely with kids, and make your trip as memorable at the table as it is on the trails.
