Hinckley with Kids: 1 Fantastic Summer Day Exploring the Area

This post, featuring summer things to do in Hinckley with kids, may contain affiliate links. I also worked with Hinckley CVB to create an article for their website. This article is not part of our partnership. All opinions are my own. For more, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy (linked below).

A man and his young daughter look at a sculpture in a garden near Hinckley.

Looking for an easy summer day trip from the Twin Cities that's packed with fun (and low on stress!)? Hinckley, Minnesota, is a delight for families with kids of all ages! And, we've had the BEST time exploring the area with our daughter this summer.

Hinckley is an underrated destination in Minnesota! It may seem like just a dot on the map as you're headed north, but this charming town is FULL of kid-friendly adventures. Hinckley offers everything from iconic sweets to epic outdoor fun. And, it's just the right size for a laid-back day that still feels exciting. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or just a quick summer day trip (only 75 minutes from Minneapolis), you'll find plenty of fun summer things to do in Hinckley with your kids. Plus, Hinckley has great kid-friendly restaurants when you're ready to refuel between adventures. Here's how I recommend spending a summer day in Hinckley with kids-complete with our top picks for food, play, and a little learning along the way!

Visiting in the winter? Read this: 1 Exciting Day Itinerary for Exploring St. Croix State Park + Hinckley this Winter with Kids

Grab Coffee + Breakfast at Tobies Station

A hand holds out a glazed donut in front of Tobies Station.

Start your summer day trip to Hinckley with a sweet stop the whole family will love. We like to hit the road early and make it to Tobie's Station just in time for breakfast. Located right off I-35, it's the perfect first stop (easy to find and full of tasty treats!). They serve Caribou Coffee, house-made donuts, cookies, and their famous caramel rolls. My daughter always goes straight for the sugar cookies, while I love the glazed donuts (literally, so good!).

If you're wondering where to eat breakfast in Hinckley with kids, Tobie's Station is a family favorite! If you want something more filling or a slower start to the day, walk over to Tobies Restaurant & Bakery for a full sit-down meal. Think pancakes, omelets, French toast, and a solid kids' menu. No matter which you choose, Tobie's is a must for families looking for kid-friendly restaurants in Hinckley before jumping into a day of summer fun.

Learn Local History at the Hinckley Fire Museum

A man and his young daughter walk into the Hinckley Fire Museum.

One of the most meaningful stops on any summer day trip to Hinckley is the Hinckley Fire Museum. Housed in a historic train depot, this small but powerful museum shares the stories and events of the devastating Great Hinckley Fire of 1894. We found the museum deeply moving, especially the personal stories and artifacts that brought the history to life. There were a lot of heroes that day!

While the topic is difficult, the exhibits are accessible and digestible for kids. And, many of them are interactive, too. Our daughter loved the museum scavenger hunt, which made the visit more engaging for her. You can find the self-guided scavenger hunts in the first room (or ask the on-site volunteer for one).

A young girl looks at an exhibit in the Hinckley Fire Museum.

During our visit, we were struck by how thoughtfully the museum conveyed the human side of the tragedy. And, of course, the fire's continued impact on the community. The short film, thoughtfully designed displays, and the recreated depot apartment upstairs helped us all connect with this piece of Minnesota history in a personal way. We highly recommend the museum. It's one of the best local museums I've been to in Minnesota.

A curated museum exhibit of a kitchen in the depot master's apartment at the Hinckley Fire Museum.

Oh! Don't miss the caboose outside-it's staged as the conductor's quarters and adds an extra layer of fun to the morning. This museum stop is an essential part of any list of summer things to do in Hinckley with kids. It's both educational and very meaningful.

A quick note: The museum is only open Thursdays to Sundays (from mid-May to mid-October). You can also stop at the Great Hinckley Fire State Monument (on the other side of town, near Tobies).

Go Thrifting in Downtown Hinckley

Antonia and her young daughter explore downtown Hinckley.

Next up on your summer day trip to Hinckley-a little downtown treasure hunting! Hinckley's cozy downtown is full of quirky charm and perfect for browsing thrift shops and second-hand stores with kids. We had so much fun popping into local shops and seeing what hidden gems we could find (spoiler…it was a lot!).

A room filled with antique treasures at Antiques America.

Start your adventure at Thriftee Troll, where the shelves are packed with funky home goods and playful trinkets. Then swing by Grandma's Thrift Store for everything from clothes to fun décor. Our favorite? Antiques America. It's a wonderland of comic books, toys, and nostalgic finds that had us all saying, "Remember this?!" If you only make one antiquing stop in town, make it Antiques America!

And of course, no summer stroll is complete without a sweet treat! April's Candies & Gifts is the place to go in Hinckley for homemade goodies with your kids. Exploring Hinckley's downtown is a low-key, high-fun way to enjoy the rest of your morning.

Lunch at the Little Mermaid Café

After touring downtown Hinckley, drive about 20 minutes to Askov, Minnesota, for your next two stops. First, have lunch at the Little Mermaid Café. Not only is it one of the best kid-friendly restaurants near Hinckley, but it's literally attached to your next stop! This eatery is pure small-town charm, with a kitschy-cute interior filled with mermaid-inspired decorations and local vintage touches (think old photographs and community-inspired antiques).

I went for the Reuben (per usual!). Crispy, melty, flavorful perfection with salty chips on the side. YUM! The large menu offers even more comfort food classics, like grilled cheese, burgers, and soups, making it easy to find something even picky eaters will love. They also have a dedicated kids' menu. And whatever you do, save room for pie! The flavors change daily and are baked fresh in-house. With friendly staff and a cozy vibe, Little Mermaid Café is a sweet little gem that makes your summer day trip to Hinckley feel extra special.

Explore the Massive Pine County History Museum

A young girl looks at a full scale replica of the Wright Brother's plane inside the Pine County History Museum.

One of the most unexpected highlights of our trip? The Pine County History Museum-a total hidden gem and one of the best summer things to do near Hinckley with kids. We weren't sure what to expect, but we were utterly charmed by room after room after room of vintage treasures and quirky surprises. My daughter especially loved the full-size replica of the Wright Brothers' plane and the magical doll room packed with antique toys (one doll was even 100+ years old!).

Antique dolls on display at the Pine County History Museum.

We grabbed a self-guided brochure at the entrance to help us navigate each room. We explored everything from a recreated one-room schoolhouse to hallways filled with vintage tools and historical artifacts. You’ll love this museum if you're interested in old-fashioned kitchen gadgets, logging history, or sports memorabilia! They even have a massive train display of Pine County. The train room was another highlight for us! It felt like stepping through a time capsule, with something new to discover around every corner.

Before you leave, check out the on-site antique shop-it's full of fun finds like button jars, jewelry, and retro gadgets. We obviously had to take home a jar filled with blue buttons! And with a public playground just down the street, it's easy to turn this stop into an afternoon of fun for the whole family.

A quick note: The museum is cash only, but there's an ATM onsite.

Walk the Winding Paths at the Minnesota Goose Garden

A goose display and explanation of the Minnesota Goose Garden.

We ended our summer day trip to Hinckley with something genuinely unique-a visit to the Minnesota Goose Garden in nearby Sandstone. I wasn't sure what to expect, but this incredible native plant garden totally wowed us. It's actually the world's largest living sculpture!

A man and a young girl look at native plants inside the Minnesota Goose Garden.

The garden is shaped like a goose with a nest and gosling. It's filled with over 400 native plant species. Each plant, tree, and flower is labeled, so you always know what you're looking at. My daughter loved wandering the winding gravel paths, spotting the more than 60 totem sculptures tucked among the wildflowers and tall grasses. Each one tells a story, honoring Ojibwe animals, people, and spirits-like the Bald Eagle and Timber Rattlesnake. We had fun searching for our favorites. And, as parents, we appreciated the calm, meaningful atmosphere.

Two art installations surrounded by native plants at the Minnesota Goose Garden.

The Minnesota Goose Garden is open daily from June through early fall. It's such a terrific way to wrap up a day of exploring Hinckley with kids. Grab a brochure at the entrance, bring your camera, and don't rush-this hidden gem is perfect for slowing down together. Admission is a recommended donation. There is a QR code at the entrance (or donations can be made through their website). A small latrine bathroom is available at the entrance, too.

Dinner at El Tucan in Downtown Hinckley

Shrimp tacos from El Tucan in Downtown Hinckley.

Wondering where to end your day and eat dinner in Hinckley with kids? We wrapped up our summer day trip at El Tucan, and it was the perfect spot in downtown Hinckley. The interior is bright, colorful, and welcoming. We kicked things off with the guac (so good!), and every dish that followed was packed with flavor.

A family does a cheers during dinner at El Tucan in Downtown Hinckley.

The menu is huge, with something for everyone-tacos, enchiladas, nachos, burritos-you name it. The portions are generous, the vibe is relaxed, and the staff is incredibly kind. It's precisely the kind of place you want after a full day of summer exploring: delicious, easy, and super kid-friendly. El Tucan is a great way to end your adventure on a high note!

A Few More Kid-Friendly Restaurants + Summer Things to Do in Hinckley

A man and his young daughter walk along a trail in Explore Banning State Park, one of the best things to do near Pine City with kids.

If you want to make some swaps to this itinerary, or if you're planning a family weekend getaway to Hinckley, here are a few more fun summer things to do with kids!

See the newest movie at the family-owned Grand Cinema.
Willard Munger State Trail has several trails for hiking and biking.
Chengwatana State Forest has excellent biking trails for all skill levels.
Hike and explore St. Croix State Park. This is Minnesota's largest state park!
Banning State Park in Sandstone is another great state park in the area. The Quarry Loop Trail (1.8 miles) is a fantastic option with kids (it includes river views and historical sites with informational plaques).
Looking for something unique to do in Hinckley with kids? Attend a home game for the Hinckley Knights (baseball)!
Embark on an adventurous White Water Rafting Tour on the Kettle River!
Play and picnic at Westside Park & Pavilion Playground (it's near the water tower/downtown).
Go bowling and get dinner at the Rival House. It's super affordable for families. It's connected to the casino but has its own entrance away from the gambling floor.
Grab a meal at Whistle Stop Café (downtown Hinckley). I recommend the Hot Beef Sandwich. Save room for the homemade pie, too!

Have Fun Exploring Hinckley with Your Kids this Summer!

Antonia and her young daughter walk along a street in downtown Hinckley.

Hinckley, Minnesota, is such an underrated and FUN summer day trip with kids! From tasty treats and local history to quirky shops and peaceful gardens, there's no shortage of summer things to do in Hinckley with kids. Whether you're planning a quick day trip from Minneapolis or stretching your adventure into a full weekend of fun, Hinckley offers just the right mix of family-friendly activities, beautiful outdoor spaces, and Minnesota charm. Add in a few stops at the many kid-friendly restaurants in Hinckley, and you've got the perfect recipe for a memorable summer day trip to Hinckley-one the whole family will love!

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.