This post featuring our favorite unique day trips from Minneapolis with kids may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy (linked below).
As a Minneapolis-based family with a curious young daughter in tow, we’re always on the lookout for adventures that go beyond the usual. Over the years, we’ve explored countless corners of Minnesota and western Wisconsin. These unique day trips from Minneapolis with kids have become some of our absolute favorites!
These aren’t your typical zoo or museum stops—these are the kind of hidden gems near Minneapolis that will surprise you with their beauty, charm, and kid-friendly fun. From lakes with pristine sandy beaches and scenic train rides to family-friendly wineries and pizza farms, every spot on this list is under 2.5 hours from Minneapolis. Each one offers families something truly unforgettable. Whether you’re craving a relaxing escape or an offbeat adventure, these day trips are proof that family fun doesn’t have to mean crowds or cookie-cutter attractions.
Spend the Day at Wazee Lake Recreation Area
If you’re looking for unique day trips from Minneapolis with kids, put Wazee Lake Recreation Area at the top of your summer bucket list! It’s just under 2.5 hours from the Twin Cities. This hidden gem near Black River Falls, Wisconsin, is home to the state’s clearest and deepest inland lake.
The beach area is a dream for families: shallow, sparkling-clear water stretches out from shore, perfect for little swimmers. Adventurous kids (and grown-ups) can even swim to a small island just offshore (with caution).
There’s a playground, volleyball nets, 15 miles of trails, picnic tables, clean bathrooms, and even seasonal concessions for lunch. At just $5 per vehicle, it’s an affordable and unforgettable day at the lake.
READ THIS NEXT: 7 Unique Family Vacations in Wisconsin to Put on Your Bucket List!
All Aboard the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railroad
All aboard one of the best hidden gems near Minneapolis for families: the Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway! Just one hour from Minneapolis, this vintage train ride is packed with old-school charm and jaw-dropping scenery.
Departing from the historic village of Osceola, Wisconsin, the beautifully restored passenger cars roll through the stunning St. Croix River Valley. The route showcases rolling hills, river views, and colorful landscapes in every season. It’s a hit with kids and train-loving adults alike—especially the pizza or ice cream train! This scenic train ride is equal parts soothing (with its rhythmic motion) and playful. They even have snacks onboard! It’s one of those magical day trips where you can truly slow down and make memories together.
READ NEXT: 13 Terrific Summer Things to Do in Chisago Lakes with Kids
Paddle Down the St. Croix River
One of our favorite unique day trips from Minneapolis with kids is paddling the St. Croix River from Taylors Falls to Osceola. Just over an hour from the Twin Cities, this scenic stretch offers gentle currents, towering cliffs, sandy beaches, and incredible wildlife sightings—it’s truly one of the best paddling routes in Minnesota.
We rented a canoe from Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rental. And, spent the day exploring with our young daughter, stopping to swim, picnic, and watch turtles sunbathe on logs. The 7-mile paddle takes about three hours, though stretching it out with scenic stops is easy. Bonus: a shuttle brings you back to your starting point when you’re done.
Whether you’re seasoned paddlers or just starting out, this self-guided adventure is a fun, flexible, and refreshing way to soak up the beauty of the St. Croix River Valley. It’s undoubtedly an experience your whole family will talk about long after summer ends.
Read more about this exciting experience in this article I wrote for Explore Chisago Lakes based on our personal experience (it includes an itinerary!): A Journey Down the St. Croix River.
Eat at a Local Pizza Farm
Head to a local pizza farm this summer, like Red Barn Farm in Northfield. It’s one of the tastiest summer day trips from Minneapolis for families! Just an hour from the city, this unique Minnesota day trip combines wood-fired pizza, live music, and a laid-back farm setting perfect for kids.
While parents relax with a slice and a cold drink, kids can explore the open field seating area, spot chickens and horses, and enjoy yard games. Red Barn Farm’s pizzas are made with seasonal, farm-fresh ingredients—and the vibe is pure summer magic. Pizza Nights run from May through October on Wednesdays and the third Sunday each month (reservations are required). Bring a blanket, your favorite beverages, and your appetite! Whether you’re looking for a delicious night out or a relaxing rural escape, visiting a pizza farm is a fun and flavorful way to enjoy Minnesota with your family.
Here are some other pizza farm ideas near the Twin Cities (all less than 75 minutes away):
- Alpha and Omega Pizza Farm, Princeton
- Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, Waseca
- Sawmill Pizza & Brew Shed, Clear Lake, Wisconsin
Grab a Sweet Treat at Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store
Step into a real-life Candy Land at Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store, a roadside treasure just outside Jordan (right off Highway 169). Inside the giant yellow barn, you’ll discover rows of nostalgic treats, themed rooms, an animatronic band, and aisles filled with quirky sodas and gourmet chocolates.
Kids will be wide-eyed as they explore Harry Potter displays, superhero murals, and classic Americana décor. Open seasonally from mid-May through November, this candy wonderland offers something sweet for every generation. It’s cash-only, so come prepared. Don’t forget to grab a pie or a pack of popcorn before you go, too! This magical stop is undoubtedly one of the most unique summer day trips from Minneapolis with kids.
Visit a Local Winery (All Kid-Friendly!)
Surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and big blue skies, Minnesota’s local wineries offer more than just a glass of wine. They offer low-key, but fun outings for families, too!
Many of these hidden gems welcome kids with wide-open spaces, yard games, wood-fired pizzas, and live music. Some even have animals to visit and walking trails to explore. Whether you’re sipping a crisp rosé or chasing your toddler across the lawn, a local winery makes for a laid-back afternoon in the sunshine. They all offer hidden gem destinations near Minneapolis that are ideal for all ages!
Here are a few of our favorite Minnesota and western Wisconsin winery day trips for families:
- Winehaven Winery, Chisago City
- Rustic Roots Winery, Scandia
- Villa Bellezza, Pepin, Wisconsin
Dig for Fossils at Fossil & Prairie Park
Ever wanted to dig up ancient treasures with your kids? At Fossil & Prairie Park Preserve in Rockford, Iowa—about 2.5 hours from Minneapolis—you can! This free park lets families explore a real fossil quarry where you can collect Devonian-era fossils (yep, you get to bring them home!). Our family still talks about the day we spent fossil hunting at Fossil & Prairie Park—muddy shoes, ancient seashells, and all!
During your own visit, I recommend wandering the prairie trails, visiting the seasonal nature center, and using a bucket to collect your new treasures. With vast open spaces, cool educational exhibits, and hands-on discovery, it’s a must for curious kids and adults alike.
Bring a change of clothes and shoes—the clay can get messy! But it’s totally worth it for your own prehistoric haul. Fossil & Prairie Park Preserve is one of those hidden gems within 3 hours of Minneapolis that you’ll be talking about long after the day trip ends.
READ NEXT: 11 Exciting Summer Weekend Getaways Near Minneapolis for Families
Meet a New (Horse) Friend
If your kids are looking for a truly special summer adventure, meeting Syver or Sunflower with Three Little Burdes Pony Company is a must! This free, unique experience in Stillwater or Hudson (depending on the horse and your preference) lets kids learn about horses in a hands-on way (whether they’re passionate about ponies or new to them).
Each visit is personalized and child-led. Children can enjoy interactions like grooming, feeding, and walking the horses. It’s the perfect opportunity for them to build confidence and enjoy the gentle, calming presence of these beautiful animals. This experience is open to all ages and abilities.
Plus, Krystal, the founder, is a fantastic photographer, so you’ll walk away with precious memories in the form of photos—also free and part of the experience! She took the picture you see above. Krystal is very passionate and a joy to spend time with, so I know this experience will be just as meaningful for your family!
If you’re looking for unique day trips from Minneapolis with kids, this experience will be the highlight of your summer! Talk about a genuine hidden gem near Minneapolis that will help your family create memories that will last a lifetime.
Have Fun Exploring these Hidden Gems with your Kids!
For our family, these unique summer day trips from Minneapolis with kids have been a great way to embrace the beauty and fun of our area while making lasting memories. Exploring hidden gems near Minneapolis has opened our eyes to places we might never have discovered otherwise, from charming pony experiences to fascinating fossil digs. These unique Minnesota day trips have become a highlight of our summer adventures, and I hope this list inspires you to create your own family moments in the beautiful spots that make this region so special. Happy exploring!
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.