How to Spend a FUN Day in Hopkins, Minnesota, with Kids!

This post, featuring my favorite things to do in Hopkins, Minnesota, with kids, may contain affiliate links. This article was also written after a paid partnership with Think Hopkins. This article was not part of the deliverables, however. All opinions are my own. For more, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy (linked below).

Looking for a fresh, fun, and easy family adventure in Minnesota? Just minutes from Minneapolis, Hopkins is one of those cool cities our family keeps coming back to again and again. We love strolling past the colorful murals, popping into the cutest local shops, and soaking up the laid-back, walkable vibe that makes Hopkins so special. This guide covers all of our favorite things to do in Hopkins with kids, including family-friendly restaurants and hotels.

And, this charming downtown truly delivers! From the World's Largest Raspberry to some of the best summer patios in the Twin Cities, Hopkins is such an underrated gem. It is easily one of the best day trips in the Twin Cities. That said, you're probably wondering how to spend the day in Hopkins with your kids. I promise, this article will help! Keep reading because I'm including all of our favorite activities, eats, and more across downtown Hopkins with kids!

Start with Lunch + Books at Cream & Amber

Start your day with lunch and a little literary adventure at Cream & Amber. It's a go-to spot when we're looking for fun restaurants and things to do in Hopkins with kids. This cozy Mainstreet hangout features a café, bookstore, and taproom into one inviting space!

Our daughter loves browsing the small kids' section and picking out her next read before we order lunch. And, of course, I do too! They have a nice selection of new books in romantasy, sci-fi, and a few other genres. I always walk away with one or two new reads!

For breakfast or lunch, you can select from hot sandwiches, baked goods, and drinks for everyone (from coffee to kid-friendly steamers). They have a really lovely selection of baked goods, so it's worth popping in, even if you just want a quick snack. If you're wondering where to eat lunch in Hopkins with kids, Cream & Amber is such an easy win.

Plus, with ample neighborhood parking nearby, you can easily launch right into exploring more of downtown Hopkins together (it's about a 10-minute walk back to the center of downtown). Alternatively, you can move your car to the free city parking ramp downtown.

Get Creative at Mess Hall Arts

Get ready to roll up your sleeves at Mess Hall Arts. It's a creative spot to head after tummies are full (though you will need a reservation). This is easily one of the coolest art experiences we've ever had when traveling! And, I think it's a true Hopkins highlight. If you're wondering how to spend the day in Hopkins with kids, don't skip this spot. 

Each of us made two canvases during our session (with guidance from a friendly, knowledgeable staff member). You can do everything from splatter paint to unique paint pours. My daughter loved using Koosh balls, unique brushes, and toy trucks to create her masterpiece. I recommend you wear clothes that can get paint on them. They do provide aprons, shoe covers, ponchos, and other items to help keep you clean. I can share from our experience, the adults stayed pretty clean, but our kiddo did not. (And, she loved it!)

It's messy, creative, and so much fun. It's definitely the kind of experience you probably wouldn't try at home. We honestly could have stayed longer and are already planning our next visit. If your kids love to create (and make a mess), this experience is pure joy and one of the best kid-friendly activities in Hopkins.

See the World's LARGEST Raspberry

No trip to Hopkins is complete without a stop at the World's Largest Raspberry. It's one of the quirkiest things to do in Hopkins with kids! 

This giant, bright red sculpture celebrates the city's history as a (former) raspberry capital. It makes such a fun (and slightly hilarious) photo op for families. It's a quick stop, but one that kids always remember. Undoubtedly, this is a MUST stop for one of the best day trips in the Twin Cities! From here, it's easy to explore even more murals, art installations, and cute shops in downtown Hopkins.

Explore the Cute Shops, Murals, and Art Installations in Downtown Hopkins

One of our favorite things to do in Hopkins with kids is simply wandering and discovering the incredible murals and public art. Around nearly every corner, you'll find colorful, larger-than-life pieces that make the whole downtown feel like an outdoor gallery. Our daughter loves spotting new favorites and turning the experience into a mini scavenger hunt. 

Don't miss walking along The Artery. This vibrant stretch is filled with creative installations and space to walk, bike, and explore. It's such an easy, low-key way to spend time outside together. And, a perfect example of how to spend the day in Hopkins with kids without needing a set plan.

Downtown Hopkins is also packed with tons of locally owned shops. Many of them are just plain fun to explore as a family. Kiddywampus is hands-down one of the best toy stores in the Twin Cities-and a must stop on your day in Hopkins. It's interactive, imaginative, and nearly impossible to leave empty-handed.

We also love popping into Mill City Sound to flip through records. We always find a few to bring home and add to our collection. Plus, families can easily browse the many antique and vintage shops that give the area its charm. 

Everything is walkable, which makes it easy to turn a simple stroll into one of those unexpectedly perfect afternoons full of little discoveries! Mainstreet is one of the reasons Hopkins is one of my favorite day trips in the Twin Cities. It feels like one of those charming small towns worth driving for, but it's SO close to the rest of the metro area.

Grab Dinner at Bear Cave Brewing

After exploring some of the best things to do in Hopkins with kids, you're probably wondering where to eat dinner. Wrap up your day with a family meal at Bear Cave Brewing. It's one of my favorite restaurants in Hopkins for families! Expect an unpretentious vibe, excellent pizza, and a kid-friendly patio!

Bear Cave Brewing is such a fun, easy choice. The multi-level space gives families plenty of room to spread out. And, in warmer months, the rooftop deck and patio are hard to beat. It's also super easy to order here. When you arrive, the staff will give you cards to scan for the self-pour taps (there are two levels of taps). They will also make sure you get a text with a link for easy ordering. You can do everything at your own pace here! And, it's so easy to linger.

Kids will love the stone-fired pizzas (perfect for sharing-or not!). They also have a great selection of appetizers, salads, and more. I recommend ordering at least one pizza. It's one of my favorite pizzas in the Twin Cities! Of course, adults can also explore a wide variety of drinks through the self-pour tap system. With mobile ordering and a relaxed, welcoming vibe, it's the kind of place where everyone can unwind after a full day of exploring Hopkins.

More Fun Things to Do + Places to Eat in Hopkins, Minnesota, with Kids

Looking for more fun things to do in Hopkins with kids? I got you! If you're planning to make it a full weekend experience or are looking for a few swaps, consider adding one of these kid-friendly activities in Hopkins!

• Stages Theatre Company-one of the best places to introduce your kids to stage productions in Minnesota!
• Hopkins Center for the Arts Gallery
• Shady Oak Beach
• Grab dinner and play a round or two at Tuttle's Eat Bowl Play
• SS Billiards (the oldest pinball hall in the Twin Cities)
• Hopkins Library (part of the Hennepin County Library System)
• Hopkins Farmers Market
• There are plenty of parks and places to ride bikes, too! Bike trails include Cedar Lake, Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota River Bluffs, Nine Mile Creek, and North Cedar Lake.
• Plan your timing right, and you can attend the Hopkins Raspberry Festival, held every July since 1935!

Plus, here are a few more of the best restaurants in Hopkins for families:

• Munkabeans Coffeehouse
• Hoagie's Family Restaurant
• Nacho's Mexican Grill
• Pink Ivy (this is one of our favorite restaurants in the Twin Cities!)
• Hendrix & Siena
• K'Kinaco
• Tibet Corner
• The Vine Room
• Coldstone Creamery

Make it a Weekend Away: Best Hotels in Hopkins with Kids

Wondering where to stay in Hopkins with kids? It's pretty easy to make this into a full staycation experience! Hotels in the city are limited, but here are a few of the best hotels near Hopkins, Minnesota, with kids to get you started:

• Minneapolis Marriott Southwest
• Minneapolis Marriott West
• Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis/Eden Prairie
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Eden Prairie – Minnetonka by IHG
• Check Vrbo for home rentals in and near Hopkins, Minnesota!

Have Fun Exploring Hopkins, Minnesota, with Your Kids!

From creative art studios to cozy book-filled cafés, Hopkins is proof that you don't have to go far to have an unforgettable day trip in the Twin Cities. Luckily, downtown Hopkins makes it easy to plan a day filled with fun things to do with your kids (including free public art, parks, and more). Add in free parking and great family-friendly restaurants, and you've got everything you need right at your fingertips to enjoy the day in Hopkins with your kids. I hope this guide helped you find a few activities and restaurants to add to your own itinerary. Trust me-once you visit, Hopkins just might become a new family favorite in Minnesota!

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.