This post, featuring winter things to do in Lindström, Minnesota, with kids, may contain affiliate links. For more, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy.
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. My husband, daughter, and I love exploring this unique Minnesota town, which offers plenty of outdoor activities even in the colder months. Whether you want to hike snowy trails, ice skate on outdoor rinks, or wander the impressive Franconia Sculpture Park nearby, there’s no shortage of exciting winter things to do in Lindström with kids. Plus, the local dining scene has plenty of kid-friendly options to keep everyone fueled for the day. Let me show you how to spend the day in Lindström with kids!
Grab Coffee + Breakfast at Northwoods Roasterie
Start your morning in Lindström with a cozy breakfast at Northwoods Roasterie. This family-friendly coffee shop is located downtown, right off Highway 8. So, whether you’re heading to the trails, Franconia Sculpture Park, or other local attractions, Northwoods Roasterie is a great way to kick off your day with kids in the Chisago Lakes area.
This welcoming, cabin-inspired spot is perfect for grabbing a quick bite and warming up before diving into winter adventures in Chisago Lakes. Treat yourself to freshly roasted coffee or a specialty latte while the kids enjoy hot chocolate. Then, their menu features hearty options like bagel sandwiches and oatmeal or quick options like pastries to help everyone start the day off right.
Plenty of seating across two floors makes it a comfortable place to relax and plan your day. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the roastery—it’s always fun to see where the coffee magic happens!
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Exploring Franconia Sculpture Park
Now that tummies are full and you’ve had your coffee fill, let’s head to our next stop!
Franconia Sculpture Park is one of my favorite winter activities near Lindström with kids—really, in all seasons! Located just minutes away from Lindström (in Shafer, MN), this 50-acre outdoor museum turns into a snowy wonderland. Towering sculptures and interactive art create a magical experience for the whole family. Kids are always mesmerized by the massive installations—especially the ones they can touch and explore!
Wide, walkable paths make it easy to roam (though snow can pile up, so make sure you have winter boots on). And, the vibrant art pieces spark plenty of creativity and fun for the whole family. Challenge your kiddos to pick their favorite sculpture. Or, you can make up stories about the artwork as you stroll. This is one of our favorite ways to go through the park!
Franconia Sculpture Park is free to visit year-round (though, donations are appreciated + encouraged) and offers on-site parking, bathrooms, and a gift shop. This winter, it’s the perfect way to embrace art and fresh air with your kids!
Support Local in Downtown Lindström
If you’re wondering how to spend the day in Lindström with kids, your next stop is to return to downtown! Here, charming shops and unique treasures await. Begin with a stroll past the Swedish coffee pot water tower, downtown statues and sculptures, and colorful murals, then dive into the locally-owned storefronts that make Lindström so special.
For vintage finds, the Lindström Antique Mall offers two spacious floors of treasures. Meanwhile, Picket Fence Gals showcases a variety of antiques and upcycled gems in two cozy buildings. At Ghosts in the Attic, kids will love the whimsical vibe, while you browse gifts, seasonal décor, and nostalgic finds (they have an epic sticker selection!).
Then, don’t miss The Oven Mitt for kitchen gadgets and treats (this is a must-stop for us). Of course, Glädje is an excellent stop for Scandinavian-inspired and local art. Plus, they are very inviting to kids of all ages, offering kids a fun scavenger hunt to explore the store. Finally, swing by the Swedish Gift Store for traditional sweets, décor, and Swedish-made gifts. These are just a few of our favorite finds in downtown Lindström!
Shopping downtown is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Lindström, MN, this weekend—perfect for stocking up on unique souvenirs and supporting local!
Go for a Winter Hike at Allemansrätt Park
Now that you’ve had a chance to warm up again by exploring some local shops, let’s head back outside! For winter things to do in Lindström with kids, a snowy hike at Allemansrätt Park is a must! Just minutes from downtown, this family-friendly park offers easy trails through towering trees, glacial eskers, and peaceful wetlands. We’ve hiked here in most seasons (spring, summer, and winter), and it’s always a hit with our family.
The 1.3-mile loop is ideal for families with kids. It features snow-packed paths and boardwalks, which will likely be snow-packed in the winter. Snowshoes may be helpful in fresh or deep snow. I promise the scenic views of the frozen lakes are worth it!
On sunny winter days, this local hike is a great way to explore nature and spot active wildlife, such as birds and squirrels. It’s a fun outing for all ages, and there is convenient parking and portable restrooms on-site.
Lunch at The Stone Inn
Alright, we are technically going to leave the city of Lindström now, but we’re not going too far! We will head back toward Highway 35, stopping in Chisago City for lunch and one final winter activity for the day. Wondering where to eat lunch near Lindström with your kids? The Stone Inn is our lunch break destination!
The Stone Inn is a welcoming bar and grill in nearby Chisago City. This family-friendly spot is perfect for grabbing lunch after exploring some of the many winter activities in the Chisago Lakes area. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes, offering something for everyone.
Parents can enjoy hearty handhelds or one of their famous burgers for lunch. Meanwhile, your kids will have their very own menu, with yummy options just for them, and coloring activities. The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to unwind, and the spacious dining area accommodates families of all sizes. It’s one of our favorite places to eat near Lindström with kids!
A Few More Top Picks for Places to Eat in/near Lindström with Kids
Need a few more lunch ideas? Here are some of our tried and true recommendations for lunch and dinner in Chisago Lakes with kids:
- Jake’s on the Lake, Center City
- Tony’s Bar and Grill, Center City
- Gustaf’s On Main Eatery, Lindström (get the Swedish pancakes!)
- The Northern Lake Tavern & Grill, Chisago City
- Wagon Wheel Cafe & Pizza, Chisago City
Go Ice Skating Together
After lunch, head to Chuckie Lundquist Park for a classic winter activity: ice skating! Just minutes from The Stone Inn, this park features an outdoor rink and a cozy warming house (with bathrooms). The warming house is a great spot to lace up your skates or take a breather from the cold. I think ice skating is the perfect way to end a winter day trip to Lindström with kids!
Take a twirl. Feel the crisp winter air as you glide across the ice. And, just have some simple, distraction-free fun together! Ice skating is undoubtedly a memorable outdoor adventure for the whole family.
I believe the hours for the ice rink + warming house are as follows; their website may have updates:
- Monday – Friday, 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm (Non-school days, the weekend hours will apply)
- Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Please Note: The rinks close when temperatures rise above 35 degrees, or if temperatures are dangerously cold wind chills, or if there are blizzard conditions.
Alternative Ice Skating Idea
If you prefer skating on wild ice, you can head to Center City instead! Here, Nordic Market clears an outdoor rink right on the lake! They have benches available to tie your skates, along with hot cocoa, snacks, and coffee in their on-site marketplace.
Instead of having lunch at The Stone Inn, consider nearby options like Jake’s on the Lake or Tony’s Bar and Grill (excellent burgers!).
A Few More Winter Things to Do near Lindström with Kids
If you have extra room in your day, want to make a few swaps, or plan to make it a whole weekend of fun, you may be looking for some more kid-friendly winter things to do in Lindström and the greater Chisago Lakes area. Consider adding one of the following ideas to your itinerary as you plan how to spend the day in Lindström with kids:
- Snow tubing, skiing, or snowboarding at Wild Mountain. The snow tubing park is one of the largest in the area!
- Stop for ice cream at Anderson’s Ice Cream Shoppe in Lindström.
- Wild River State Park (near Almelund) offers 30+ miles of hiking, skate-skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing trails.
- Interstate State Park (Taylors Falls) has stunning glacial potholes, scenic river views, and several miles of hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. This is another spot that is lovely in all seasons!
- Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail is another great option for families looking for hiking trails in the area.
- Moberg Park in Center City and Beach Park in Lindström offer playgrounds and space to run around.
- Snowmobiling + ice fishing can also be done throughout the Chisago Lakes area.
Have Fun Exploring Lindström this Winter with Your Kids!
Lindström is the perfect destination for a fun winter day trip from Minneapolis with kids. It’s certainly one of our favorite ones! There are so many family-friendly things to do near Lindström, MN, this weekend, from ice skating at Chuckie Lundquist Park to hiking snow-packed trails at Allemansrätt Park. In fact, there’s no shortage of winter things to do with kids in and around Lindström! Use this guide to learn everything you need to know about how to spend a fun winter day in town and where to eat in Lindström with kids. With its small-town charm and big family appeal, Lindström makes winter weekends together unforgettable.
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.