Things to do with kids in Minnesota Category

Mobile Entertainment Segway Tours

Yes, segways are those electric two-wheeled standup things that require no pedaling. Now from April to mid-November, get a two and a half hour tour that promises to be smoother sailing than Gilligan’s. The Mobile Entertainment company takes small groups on more than 5 mile riverfront tours, all from segways. See the beautiful Minneapolis skyline, the Mississippi River and more, all put into context with their Magical History Tour spanning 12,000 years. A chunk of cash and attention are required, but it’s not otherwise strenuous. Helmet-wearing will be required.

Contact no:(952) 888-9200

Location:125 Main Street, South East, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Learn more here.

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Always free, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is one of the country’s largest urban sculpture parks, featuring more than 40 works of art and the Cowles Conservatory. At the center is a beloved Twin Cities landmark – the playful fountain “Spoonbridge and Cherry.” The Garden is a collaboration between the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the Walker Art Center.

Contact no:(612) 375-7600

Location:1750 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Learn more here.

Jim, Lupient Water Park

This water park features three large water slides, including a tube slide. Additional features include a log water walk, many interactive spray features, lap swimming lanes, and zero depth entry at one end for accessibility.

Contact no:(612) 370 3989

Location:1520 Johnson Street Northeast, Minneapolis MN 55413

Learn more here.

Farview Park

Despite numerous efforts in 2010 to repair very old and deteriorating water lines leading to the Farview Park wading pool, it was not opened in 2010 or 2011. Plans are underway for a new wading pool in the park, with construction expected to begin in 2012 and opening for use in summer of 2012.

Contact no:(612) 370-4922

Location:621 29th Ave. N, Minneapolis, MN 55411

Learn more here.

Gateway Park

Located on Hennepin Ave. and Second St. N, Gateway Park extends a welcome greeting to all who visit the City of Lakes. The Gateway Fountain cycles jets of water that are illuminated nightly with rotating, colored lights. This is just one of several fountains beautifying Minneapolis parks.

Contact no:(612) 230-6400

Location:N. 2nd St. and Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55401

Learn more here.

Minnesota ArtCar Parade

What’s are ArtCars? Vehicles wildly decorated by playful artists or homemade by kooky inventors. From a mosaic-covered car to a remote control couch, there’s something Seussian and gleeful about this colorful parade and its creative participants. 2008 will see the 14th year for the Art Car Parade. After seeing these vehicles in motion, you can look up close while they’re parked at Intermedia Arts post-parade. Each winter there’s usually a smaller, fundraising version on ice including art shanties.

Contact no:(612) 871-4444

Location:Lake of the Isles, South Minneapolis, MN

Learn more here.

Minneapolis Aquatennial

Family Friendly Guide to Minneapolis Aquatennial

For nearly 70 years now, this annual festival hosts free parades, water sporting events, block parties, milk carton races, and fireworks. Events happen across Uptown and in downtown Minneapolis, so check the schedule, there’s always fun to be had during this summer festival celebrating our wealth of waterways.

Contact no: (612) 376-7669
Location:Minneapolis, MN

Learn more here.

Midtown Global Market

The old, massive Sears Roebuck building at Lake and Chicago was reclaimed from vacancy and turned into a great, vibrant marketplace with condos above. Making its debut in 2006, the clean and organized market features rows of booths by more than 50 independent local businesses, including many with past or present storefronts around town, like Andy’s Garage and Holy Land Bakery. The crafts, groceries, and restaurant counters highlight the many ethnic cultures of the Twin Cities. Hmong embroidery, Scandinavian baked goods, South American, African, Middle Eastern, Indian-even Tibetan-art, clothing, and food await your sampling pleasure. Midtown Global Market is a feast for the eyes and palate, ready to stimulate the curiosity and tastebuds of kids of all ages with colorful sights and sounds from around the globe. You’ll also find free dance lessons (from salsa to Irish), as well as live music and other family entertainment. It’s worth noting that besides parking (free on the weekends), the Midtown Greenway bike path runs right behind it and the Lightrail stops nearby.

Contact no:(612) 872-4041

Location:920 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Learn more here.

Mayday Parade

The first Sunday in May, people of all ages wind their way toward South Minneapolis and start lining up along Bloomington Avenue, between 25th and 34th Streets, congregating near Powderhorn Park. Organized by In The Heart Of The Beast Puppet Theatre, the Mayday festival has been going for more than 30 years now and has a different theme each year, always featuring many world-class giant puppets, bands, dancers, cyclists, dancing stiltwalkers, fantastically costumed creative types, and many smiling community members. The best view of the parade is generally along Bloomington, just follow those paraders to where the route ends at Powderhorn Park. There you’ll find healthy concessions and a performance til dusk with hillside lawn seating.

Contact no:(612) 721-2535

Location: 15th Avenue South and 34th Street East, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Learn more here.

Loring Park Summer Music and Movie Mondays

Just a walk over the pedestrian bridge from the Sculpture Garden’s Spoon and Cherry lies Loring Park, where Summer Music and Movies occurs several Monday nights in July and August. The free outdoor entertainment features a great local band playing live at 7pm, before a classic film plays under the stars after sunset. Bring your grandchildren, a blanket or chairs and some snacks, and kick back outdoors with the community for this Monday night summer series 30 years running.

Contact no:(612) 370-4929

Location: 1382 Willow Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Learn more here.