This post, featuring my favorite day trips from Minneapolis with kids, may contain affiliate links. For more, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy (linked below).
Summer in Minnesota is short, so we try to make the most of it—and for our family, that means hitting the road for fun day trips near our home in Minneapolis. With a tween daughter (who’s always up for an adventure!), I’m always on the lookout for fun summer Minnesota day trips with kids that are close enough to make it home by bedtime.
Whether hiking through state parks, visiting quirky roadside attractions, or discovering small-town gems, there’s no shortage of quick road trips from Minneapolis with kids. Each one can turn an ordinary summer day into something unforgettable. If you’re searching for fun summer things to do in Minnesota with kids, you’re in the right place! This article features our top picks for the 12 Best Summer Day Trips from Minneapolis with Kids. I hope it helps you and your family get out and explore more this summer—one day trip adventure at a time!
White Bear Lake
White Bear Lake is one of our favorite unique day trips from Minneapolis with kids—it has that perfect mix of charming downtown vibes and lakeside fun. And, it’s less than 30 minutes from Minneapolis! We like to start with lunch on the rooftop at Rudy’s Redeye Grill. The duck wontons are a must! And, if you drink, the Ruditini hits the spot on a hot day.
Afterward, it’s just a quick 10-minute walk into the heart of downtown, where you’ll find adorable shops like Bamboo Switch and GoodThings—don’t miss their nearby kids’ store too! The murals make downtown extra fun to explore for kids of all ages. Of course, they are fantastic photo ops too! For a sweet treat, we go for gelato at Orso Bianco (they usually have a real pistachio option that is *divine*!). Or, try a classic twist cone from Cup and Cone. They’ve been a neighborhood staple since the ’70s.
If you’re hankering for a hike or time in nature, head to Tamarack Nature Center. One of the best nature centers in the Twin Cities, they offer miles of trails and a phenomenal outdoor nature play space (with a water feature!). Alternatively, the White Bear Center for the Arts is another great family spot. It features two indoor galleries and an outdoor labyrinth path.
Finally, end your day at the marina (just minutes from downtown, by car). The marina offers a peaceful stroll along the wharf, a fishing pier, a chance to watch sailboats on the water, and waterfront restaurants. If you stay for dinner, Acqua Restaurant & Bar serves up some of the best seafood in the Twin Cities.
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Wayzata
Want to enjoy a sunny day with incredible lake views? Wayzata is one of the best day trips from Minneapolis with kids—just 20 minutes away, but it feels like a full-on lake getaway. Located on Lake Minnetonka, this charming town offers scenic lake views, boutique shopping, and laid-back summer vibes that are perfect for families.
We recommend starting your day with a stroll along the waterfront. If you want to get on the water with your kids, rent a boat through Tonka Boat Rentals (use discount code Knead2Roam). They make enjoying a day on the water easy—no membership required. And, they even offer captained tours if you just want to kick back while the kids go tubing or take in the lake views.
Prefer to stay on shore? Wayzata Beach is a great place for swimming and picnicking. Before you leave the marina area, check out the Wayzata Depot Museum. It’s a restored historic train station turned museum where train lovers can get a peek into Minnesota’s railway past. Of course, city parks like Klapprich Park and Big Woods Preserve offer wide-open spaces for kids to play and explore. And if you’re up for a quiet moment, wander the trails at Norenberg Memorial Gardens.
Downtown Wayzata is also super walkable and packed with shops and treats. Grab a cone from Ben & Jerry’s. Browse nature-inspired jewelry at Jewelweed. Or, pick up something special at Five Swans and Lakehouse Candle Co. If you’re hungry, check out Maggie’s, Red Cow, or PURALIMA Cantina—all near the water. Alternatively, there is a Punch Pizza in Wayzata, too. This is summer in Minnesota at its best!
Taylors Falls
Less than an hour from the Twin Cities, Taylors Falls is packed with natural beauty, adventure, and small-town charm. Our family has spent many sunny days hiking, climbing, paddling, and just soaking up the magic of this river town, and we always leave with full hearts (and tired legs!). In fact, it’s one of our absolute favorites. We try to get here at least once a summer! If you’re looking for kid-friendly day trips from Minneapolis, add Taylors Falls to your list!
One of the top summer things to do in Minnesota with kids is to explore Interstate State Park. The glacial potholes and rocky cliffs make it a natural playground for kids—my daughter loves scrambling over the giant boulders! If you want to get on the water, rent a canoe, kayak, or double kayak from Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rental. The 7-mile paddle to Osceola is scenic, calm, and full of fun beach stops—perfect for families with kids of all ages. I recommend packing a full cooler with drinks and picnic supplies, sunscreen, swimwear, and dry clothes (left in the car, of course!). Alternatively, Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tour is a relaxing way to get on the water and enjoy the dramatic cliffs and river views without lifting a paddle.
After your hiking or paddling adventure, cool off with ice cream from Schoony’s. Or, head to Adventure Falls Mini Golf for some laid-back family fun. We love Juneberry Cafe for fresh, local eats for lunch. Or, The Drive In for classic carhop burgers and root beer floats (always a kid-pleaser!). From morning hikes to evening root beer floats, Taylors Falls is a summer day trip that never disappoints.
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Red Wing
Red Wing is one of those enchanting places that we return to again and again. It has the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and small-town charm. Less than an hour from the Twin Cities, it’s an easy getaway packed with things kids and parents will both love. You can even reach it by Amtrak train from Saint Paul if you don’t want to drive!
Start your day at Bay Point Park for a relaxing walk by the river. Alternatively, kids will also love the playground in Colvill Park. If it’s warm, Red Wing Water Park is a must—slides, swimming, and a shady spot for everyone in your crew to unwind. Want to get on the river with your family? Book a scenic river cruise with Spirit of the Water. They even offer kid-friendly brunch, lunch, and dinner cruises!
Then, the downtown area has excellent shopping and kid-friendly local eats. Try local favorites like Bev’s Cafe, Staghead, or Scarlet Kitchen & Bar when tummies get hungry. If you want to check out a unique museum or two, try the Pottery Museum of Red Wing, Red Wing Marine Museum, or the Red Wing Shoe Company Museum. And if your kids are into trains, don’t miss the Red Wing Depot—watching the trains roll in is mesmerizing!
One of our favorite hikes (just outside of town) is He Mni Can–Barn Bluff, where the views of the Mississippi River are absolutely breathtaking. The trail is steep in parts, but kids will love the challenge (and the snack break at the top with that view!). Whether hiking, playing, or just wandering the scenic downtown, Red Wing offers something for every age. No wonder it’s one of our favorite options for day trips from Minneapolis with kids!
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New Ulm
New Ulm is packed with fun summer things to do in Minnesota with kids! The town comes alive in the summer with color, music, and Old World charm. Just 90 minutes from Minneapolis, this German-inspired destination surprised us with how much there is to do with kids. We recommend starting your visit at Flandrau State Park. Here, shaded trails, a fun nature play area, and a sand-bottom pool will keep everyone entertained. It’s the perfect first stop to let the kids burn off energy before heading into town.
Downtown New Ulm feels like stepping into a European village. Grab lunch at The Rathskeller at Turner Hall, where hand-painted murals and hearty schnitzel make the meal feel like a mini vacation. It’s one of my favorite restaurants in Minnesota! Our daughter loved watching the animated figures dance in the town’s famous Glockenspiel—a one-of-a-kind clock tower that puts on a musical show a few times a day. So, I know that your kids will, too!
Later, climb the Hermann the German monument for panoramic views (yes, kids can do the climb—it’s a little tiring, but worth it!). A fun playground is nearby if kids need another minute or two to play. Additionally, families will also love checking out local museums and historical sites like the Wanda Gag House, Kiesling House, and the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. Schell’s Brewery is another great stop for history buffs. It has been a Minnesota landmark since 1860 and is Minnesota’s second oldest family-owned brewery. From hiking and local history to sweet treats, New Ulm is undoubtedly one of the best day trips from Minneapolis for families.
Stillwater
Just 40 minutes away, Stillwater is one of my favorite day trips from Minneapolis, where I can just wander around and enjoy a day in the sun with kids. Nestled on the St. Croix River, this historic town becomes a postcard-perfect summer spot for families to take day or weekend trips near Minneapolis. I highly recommend starting your day with coffee or breakfast at Mon Petit Cheri.
After coffee, spend the morning walking across the Stillwater Lift Bridge—yes, you can actually stroll from Minnesota into Wisconsin! If you’re up for a river adventure, the paddlewheel Stillwater River Boats offers scenic cruises that kids and adults alike will love. Alternatively, outdoor lovers will like exploring the Loop Trail. Of course, Teddy Bear Park is a dream playground for little ones (with soft surfaces and shaded benches). If you have older kids, try Pioneer Park instead. It has a massive playground and offers sweeping views of the St. Croix River.
Save time to hop aboard the Stillwater Trolley Co., too! They have several tour options for all ages. For a low-key indoor option, visit the Washington County Heritage Center for hands-on local history. Afterward, we grab an old-fashioned burger and malt at Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop before indulging in oversized scoops at Nelson’s Ice Cream. Before you leave town, stock up on sweets from Tremblay’s Sweet Shop. Stillwater has a way of mixing simple joys with big memories—exactly what summer is all about.
Lindström
Lindström makes one of the best day trips from Minneapolis for families, especially in the summer! Just under one hour from the Twin Cities, this Swedish-inspired town is bursting with charm, lakeside views, and activities that both kids and adults will love. My family always starts with a stop at Northwoods Roasterie for iced lattes and pastries before strolling downtown.
This summer, the iconic Swedish coffee pot water tower is set to steam again—a quirky and fun photo op your kids won’t soon forget! We love exploring downtown’s colorful murals, sculptures, and locally owned shops like Ghosts in the Attic and The Oven Mitt. If you’re traveling with younger kids, Glädje offers a creative scavenger hunt to keep them entertained while you browse. Be sure to grab lunch from Gustaf’s On Main Eatery (you can thank me later!).
For a relaxing afternoon, head to the shores of Lindström Beach Park. You’ll find a spacious waterfront park, playground, beach, and fishing pier here. Allemansrätt Park is another excellent spot for hiking and fishing. If you have older kids, enjoy a breezy visit to Winehaven Winery. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, not to mention beautiful views, it’s surprisingly family-friendly. Grab a charcuterie board and a glass of local wine while the kids snack and play nearby.
Lindström is also just minutes from Franconia Sculpture Park, a must-visit stop for interactive art and wide-open spaces. Whether you’re sipping something sweet or hunting for treasures downtown, Lindström is a low-key, high-fun summer destination that feels like a mini vacation.
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Northfield
Kid-friendly day trips from Minneapolis don’t get much better than Northfield! Summer means everything is in full bloom, and the Cannon River sparkles under the sun. Only 45 minutes south of the Twin Cities, this charming college town has something for everyone in your family.
We always start at Little Joy Coffee for a latte and a muffin (bonus: it’s stroller-friendly and right in the heart of downtown). Then, we wander Division Street, where our daughter loves peeking into Content Books and watching the ducks near the river. Shops like The Measuring Cup also offer fun browsing for grown-ups.
Hogan Brothers is our go-to for kid-approved sandwiches for lunch, but Coco’s Place is great if you’re craving tacos. In the afternoon, take a scenic hike at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park—an easy 15-minute drive from town. The trail to Hidden Falls is short, shaded, and just challenging enough to feel like an adventure. There’s even a wooden playground for extra fun.
If you time it right, end the day with a wood-fired pizza dinner at Red Barn Farm (check their summer hours!). It’s one of the best pizza farms in Minnesota.
Hinckley
Hinckley always surprises us in the best way! Only 75 minutes north of Minneapolis, it’s a quick road trip with kids boasting outdoor adventure, quirky history, and classic Minnesota treats. On your way to (or from) Hinckley, Snake River Fur Post is a must-stop for hands-on summer fun and a quick history lesson. Kids can see how early voyageurs lived and even try traditional tools and games!
Then, head to Tobies Station or Tobie’s Restaurant & Bakery—nothing kicks off the day like one of their famous caramel rolls and a coffee. Afterward, explore St. Croix State Park. Here, you can hike shaded trails and soak in views of the river. Back in town, we like popping into thrift and antique shops like Thriftee Troll and Antiques America—it’s like a treasure hunt for the whole family. For indoor fun, the Hinckley Fire Museum tells the powerful story of the historic 1894 fire.
On hot afternoons, the Minnesota Goose Garden offers a peaceful stroll through native plants and Ojibwe-inspired sculptures. End your day at Rival House—the bowling, arcade games, and pizza are family-friendly perfection. With a mix of learning, play, and cinnamon rolls the size of your kid’s head, Hinckley is one of those unique day trips from Minneapolis that kids of all ages will love!
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Eau Claire, WI
About 90 minutes east of the Twin Cities, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is an artsy river town with big-city energy and small-town charm, making it a hit for kids and parents. Its diverse array of things to do and places to eat makes it one of our top picks for the top kid-friendly day trips from Minneapolis—and it’s ideal for a weekend away, too!
Eau Claire’s got something for every age—from action-packed afternoons at Action City to quiet hikes at Beaver Creek Reserve. We love starting our day meandering the Eau Claire Sculpture Tour—it’s free, walkable, and packed with creativity. There are art installations all over downtown, so you can either intentionally follow the path or discover them along the way. From there, stroll over to Phoenix Park (especially on Saturdays when the farmer’s market is in full swing!).
Our daughter can’t get enough of River Prairie Park’s splash pad and nature-inspired playground. Summer also means there is live music in the park, too. Or, cool off indoors at the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, which was recently renovated with plenty of hands-on fun.
For lunch, we’re all about the hoagies at Acoustic Café or burgers at 44 North, where the arcade is a total win. Or, start with brunch at the Nucleus. Whether you’re seeking museums, music, or just a good excuse to eat ice cream (hi, Olson’s!), Eau Claire delivers. This one checks all the boxes for fun family daytrips or weekend trips near Minneapolis.
Chippewa Falls, WI
Chippewa Falls is a fantastic option for a quick road trip from Minneapolis with kids (just 90 minutes from the Twin Cities—and my hometown!). I’ve loved watching this historic logging town evolve into a perfect family getaway.
On summer visits, the best days include a cone from Olson’s Ice Cream (a must since 1944!) and play time at Irvine Park & Zoo. It’s got everything from bison and black bears to a shady playground and a small cave that’s fun to explore.
Just minutes from the park, the historic downtown is packed with eateries, shops, and murals. Pop into Chippewa Candy Shop for treats. Or, grab lunch at Bridge Street Brew or the Fill Inn Station (the pizza is great!).
On warm days, don’t miss Ray’s Beach on Lake Wissota. It’s a great spot to splash and play, and enjoy some time on the lake. For hikers, the Old Abe State Trail and Lake Wissota State Park are beautiful and manageable for all ages. Chippewa Falls is full of hidden gems, making it one of the best day trips with kids from Minneapolis. Whether you’re into hiking, history, beach time, or just want to slow down and enjoy the lake life, this little Wisconsin town delivers in a big way.
Pepin, WI
Pepin, Wisconsin, is a charming Mississippi River town that comes alive under the hot summer sun. Under 90 minutes from the Twin Cities, Pepin is the perfect mix of nature, history, and laid-back lake vibes. With so much to offer, you’ll quickly see why it’s one of my favorite day trips from Minneapolis for families!
Start your day with breakfast or coffee at the Pepin Bistro. Afterward, head to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum. It’s a summer must for literature-loving families! Kids can learn about her life in a fun, interactive way. For more outdoor time, stroll the Pepin Marina and public beach. Here, you can wade, picnic, or just relax with a beautiful view. Try a sailing excursion if your family’s up for more adventures on the water. Off the water, families can hike to Maiden Rock Bluff for sweeping river views.
LARK Toys (just a short drive away) is a highlight for kids and kids at heart. This iconic toy store is worth the drive alone! It offers a hand-carved carousel and one of the best toy selections around. After a full day of fun, grab dinner at the Pickle Factory. Or, treat yourself to Italian-inspired eats and local wine at Villa Bellezza. Pepin’s mix of lakeside charm, local flavor, and kid-friendly fun makes it one of the best weekend trips near Minneapolis for families.
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Have Fun Exploring In + Around Minnesota this Summer with Your Kids!
If you’re looking for ways to make the most of the season, these are some of the very best summer things to do in and around Minnesota with kids. From charming river towns to lakeside adventures, there are so many unforgettable day trips from Minneapolis with kids just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re craving outdoor adventures, unique museums, or simply time together this summer, these quick weekend trips near Minneapolis for families deliver endless fun and connection. So pack the snacks, cue the road trip playlist, and get ready to roam—your next family adventure is just a short drive away!
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.