Minneapolis might be best known for the Mall of America and other wintry indoor activities, but this half of the Twin Cities has even more to offer. Kids will love the slew of family-friendly museums, attractions, outdoor parks and other things to do with kids that go way beyond the typical tourist destinations.
Mary Tyler Moore may have made the City of Lakes seem like a singleton haven, but Minneapolis offers many kid-centric activities. Easy to navigate with kids, this bustling city boasts everything from cool street cars to an incredible zoo, animal conservancy, and SeaLife aquarium. You’ll also find onsite parking for most attractions.
To highlight everything that Minneapolis has to offer, we’ve scoured the streets to find the best activities for parents and children of all ages. Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, here are our ideas and suggestions for the best places in Minneapolis for families and kids.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is technically free. The suggested donation of $1-$2 per person is still extremely inexpensive, making it one of the best deals in Minneapolis. Animal-obsessed kids will love the zebras, flamingo, giraffes, polar bears and gorillas. There’s also a carousel and beautiful exotic flowers to explore.
1225 Estabrook Drive St. Paul, MN 55103 (651) 487-8201
Unique to Minneapolis, the Minnesota Streetcar Museum features eight historic streetcars, which are available for public rides in Minneapolis and Excelsior. This can’t-miss attraction features special events for various holidays and a kids’ camp where kids actually have an opportunity to run the car down the line.
4200 Queen Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55410-1614 (952) 922-1096
This park is one of Minneapolis’ oldest and most popular, and for good reason. There’s an incredible 53-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs, and river overlooks. Kids will love running around in the beautiful surroundings and playing in the water. There’s also a playground area to explore.
Chain of Lakes Park offers an incredible list of things to do and explore, which is part of why it’s considered one of Minneapolis’ best parks for kids. Explore archery, fishing, an ice rink, beach volleyball, and cross-country skiing, to name a few.
400 S 4th St Minneapolis, MN 55415-1411
(612) 661-4800
The Bakken Museum is the world’s only library and museum devoted to electricity and electromagnetism. The many exhibits will inspire your kids to become inventors, and they’ll love the opportunity to make robots, learn carpentry, and more.
3537 Zenith Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55416-4623 (612) 926-3878
Known across the country as the largest shopping mall, the Mall of America has everything you could ever want – including an amusement park called Nickelodeon Universe with 25 rides. If you’re looking for stores the kids will love, don’t miss the Crayola Store, the LEGO store, American Girl Bistro, and Sky Deck Games. The Amazing Mirror Maze, a 2,500 square foot mirrored maze, is another can’t-miss attraction. If you’re looking to keep the kids entertained while you shop, you can download a free printable Mall of America scavenger hunt.
60 E Broadway Bloomington, MN 55425 (952) 883-8800
Nicknamed “Adventure Peak,” Edinborough Park is an indoor playground like nothing else you’ve seen. Your kids will love the slides and tree-themed climbing structure on days where it’s too rainy or cold to go outside. The entire thing is in a glass-walled building, making it feel really open. Parents will love the area for coffee.
7700 York Avenue South Edina, MN 55435 (952) 833-9540
Located in the Mall of America, one of SEA LIFE Aquarium’s most exciting exhibits is the ability to feed the stingrays. Jellyfish and seahorses are another favorite.
East Side, 120 E Broadway level 1 Bloomington, MN 55425 (952) 853-0612
If you’re looking to expose your kids to the theater, look no further than the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis. Known for adapting classic children’s tales into productions that will please the whole family, there’s not a bad seat in the house.
2400 3rd Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55404-3597 (612) 874-0400
If you’re looking for family events and activities, don’t miss our local Minneapolis events calendar. You’ll find events and activities including story times, and seasonal activities like apple picking, pumpkin patches, and Christmas tree farms.
What do astronauts, butterflies, and electricity all have in common? Science! And these science museums for kids are some of the best in the bunch for hands-on learning in a stimulating and welcoming environment. So if you’ve got a budding explorer, geologist or doctor, heading out to one of these epic science museums can be a trip the whole family will never forget. Keep reading to see our favorites and see if your top museums made the list.
Bell Museum—Minneapolis, MN
Bell Museum and University of Minnesota
Located on the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus, the newly redesigned Bell Museum is back and better than ever. Gaze at the stars in the digital planetarium, step back in time to see a woolly mammoth and other wildlife dioramas, and learn about science through hands-on activities in the Touch & See Lab.
J.B. Spector/Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
Feed your kiddo’s curiosity with an unforgettable visit to the Museum of Science and Industry. See a real submarine (the only German sub in the US), descend a mine shaft to learn about coal mining, venture through a mirror maze to discover mathematical patterns and lots more. One thing’s for sure: you’ll never get bored at this Windy City gem.
5700 S. Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL Online: msichicago.org
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University—Philadelphia, PA
Mike Servedio/ANS
Founded in 1812, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is well worth a visit with your budding scientists. They’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with towering dinosaurs, meet live animals and explore a tropical garden filled with live butterflies. Don’t forget to visit The Big Dig to uncover fossils and see a legendary sea monster in the Mythic Creatures exhibit.
1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy Philadelphia, PA Online: ansp.org
Kids will love spending a day at the STEM wonderland that is Discovery Place Science. Let their imagination shine in the collaborative, anything-goes Think It Up exhibit, then discover exotic birds and tree-dwelling reptiles in Charlotte’s only urban rainforest. That’s only the beginning, though—they can also learn about human anatomy, engineering and physical phenomena in other hands-on exhibits.
It’s fitting that such a spectacular museum of technology is located right in the heart of Silicon Valley. You can get a glimpse of the tech world during your visit, as the exhibits cover everything from bioengineering to virtual reality to robotics. There’s also an exhibit that showcases how technology can be used to change our world for the better—it’s the perfect way to cap off your day at The Tech.
201 S. Market St. San Jose, CA Online: thetech.org
With 300,000 square feet of space containing 12 museum exhibition halls, 110 live animal species, a 3D theater, and the Western Hemisphere's biggest planetarium, it’s safe to say there’s plenty to do at Liberty Science Center. Just to scratch the surface, kids can crawl through an 80-foot tunnel to learn about sight, use bicycle pumps to produce sounds and scents and make pixel art on a giant wall installation.
222 Jersey City Blvd Jersey City, NJ Online: lsc.org
Montshire Museum of Science—Norwich, VT
Eva Dellinger
Located on a 100-acre site along the Connecticut River, the Montshire Museum of Science has more than 150 exhibits to explore. Discover the science behind musical instruments, test your problem-solving skills and build with larger-than-life blocks. If you visit in the warmer months, be sure to head outside to splash around in the Science Park’s water-based exhibits, or just take a walk on the scenic trails around the museum.
The Maryland Science Center is all about fostering a love of science in kids from an early age. With exhibits covering everything from Maryland’s famous blue crab to the cells that make up our bodies to Newton’s laws of physics, your little ones are bound to find something to fascinate them. Be sure to check out their events calendar for sing-along sessions, planetarium shows and more.
The mission of Carnegie Science Center is to connect science and technology with everyday life, and you’ll see what they mean the minute you step inside. The Ropes Challenge tests your sense of balance while teaching about mass and inertia; in H2Oh! you’ll learn about Pittsburgh’s rivers and why we need to conserve our water. Other exhibits let you become an astronaut for the day and learn how robots work—in short, it’s safe to say the kids will love this gem of a museum.
In addition to a two-story science center with lots of exhibits to explore, the Museum of Life and Science also has one of the largest butterfly conservatories on the East Coast along with outdoor exhibits that house rescued black bears, lemurs and endangered red wolves. Turn your dance moves into sounds on an interactive dance floor, build a contraption with pulleys and ramps and make your own stop-motion film. There’s also a play area that’s perfect for younger kids with lots of opportunities for creative play and movement.
An aquarium, planetarium and natural history museum all in one, the California Academy of Science is a must-visit for Bay Area locals and tourists alike. Take a stroll through the four-story rainforest, where you'll see free-flying birds, butterflies and loads of tropical flora. Kids can also touch urchins and starfish, check out a towering T. Rex skeleton and watch a coral reef dive. Get all the details on how to plan your day at Cal Academy by clicking here.
Golden Gate Park 55 Music Concourse Dr. San Francisco, CA Online: calacademy.org
Science Museum of Minnesota—St. Paul, MN
Science Museum of Minnesota
From the moment you walk in the door of this multi-story building located on a bluff above the Mississippi, the fun (and science) begins. Kids can amuse themselves with a massive pressurized ball display while you wait in line for the tickets. Once inside, project your image on a giant astronaut, catch an iMax show, explore dinosaur fossils, navigate the river and listen to the sounds of the earth’s many quakes on the seismophone—a spiny wind chime-like sculpture that projects notes based on a seismograph. Bring a few natural treasures from your travels to trade in the collectors' corner. Rotating exhibits and amazing summer camp programs that teach coding, scientific concepts and creative thinking make this a gem of the Midwest.
120 W. Kellogg Blvd. Saint Paul, MN Online: smm.org
Portland parents know the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a permanent fixture on the list of top activities before kids turn 10, but if even you're just visiting the area, this museum is well worth the trip. Want to know what a black hole really is? Or maybe you’d like to tour a real submarine? From physics to chemistry to space and beyond, your kids will learn new concepts and discover phenomena without even trying (there’s a 7,000-square-foot Science Playground!). Plus, its location along the Willamette River in Portland ain’t too shabby either.
When it comes to hands-on, the Exploratorium has been a leader in interactive museums for almost 50 years! Dubbed the museum of science, art and human perception, It’s like a big, sophisticated science fair where you get to touch, taste, dance around in and hop up and down on all of the experiments. The location right along San Francisco’s scenic waterfront can’t be beat. Ongoing special events like movies, free days and changing exhibitions make this a local’s favorite and one of SF's top tourist destinations. Check out our handy insider's guide to make the most of your visit.
Pier 15 The Embarcadero & Green St. San Francisco, CA 94111 Online: exploratorium.edu
At the base of the Wasatch Mountain Range rests the Natural History Museum of Utah’s Rio Tinto Center, part of the University of Utah and an active research center. Inside you’ll find fascinating fossils (dinosaurs!), bugs from six continents, and some 40,000 marine mollusca (a.k.a. seashells and the like). Among a full calendar of family and kid programming are STEAM-based Saturday Discover Classes targeted for Kindergarten and 1st graders, 2nd and 3rd graders, or 4th and 5th graders. All ages can bug out!
301 Wakara Way Salt Lake City, UT Online: nhmu.utah.edu
Whether you want—or wanted—to be an astronaut, everyone can have a shot at space glory at Buehler Challenger & Science Center. You can fly space missions in their simulator and learn about the Solar System in their StarLab planetarium. Public programs include a “Mini Mission” or “Full Mission” for grades 5 & up as well as Overnight Camp-Ins.
This not-for-profit museum’s current 320,000-square-foot home was designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. Dedicated to understanding both the past and future progress, kids can explore the museum’s many areas that are both playful and educational. Access the Ocean through a “cave” that takes you through a crashed shipwreck and learn all about SCUBA diving, submarines, water pressure and more. The Space exhibit includes a replica space station, remote vehicles, and lots of hands-on experiments with gravity and more. There’s also an Adventure Area, a Gadget area (full of tinkering fun) and more.
The MOS mission is to help kids and grown-ups alike foster a love of technology and science without being intimidated and their approach has proved popular so far! Permanent exhibits include dinosaur fossils, a live animal care center, hands-on engineering play, math mysteries and much more. There’s also a beautiful butterfly garden and the Thrill Ride 360: a dynamic simulator that rocks, twists and turns as you ride a roller coaster or fly over Boston!
Part of the Smithsonian family, the Air & Space Museum houses the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft anywhere in the world. Want to know what happens to your body when you go up in space? Or maybe you're curious about the future of space travel? This is where you'll find all your questions answered! You'll also find Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, the Wright Brothers Plane, and the Apollo 11 command module. The museum hosts regular Family Days with themes like Space Day, African American Aviation History Day and more. New exhibits are always rotating through, and on select nights you can look through the telescopes at the Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory. Oh, and did we mention admission is free?
Independence Ave. at 6th St. SW Washington, DC Online: airandspace.si.edu
This unique museum combines science and the history of electricity to teach kids about concepts like brain waves, the body, magnetism, medicine and medical technology and—the best of the best—Frankenstein! Enjoy a 12-minute show that introduces kids to Mary Shelley, her monster and reanimation. There’s tons of STEM-based learning, including camps and special events. In addition, the museum is home to the Florence Bakken Medicinal Gardens and an impressive collection of medical instruments, scientific books, journals and manuscripts.
3537 Zenith Ave. S Minneapolis, MN Online: thebakken.org
With over 450 exhibits, events, workshops and more, this museum not only offers 100,000 square feet of indoor space, there’s 60,000 square feet of outdoor museum to explore, too. Parents in the know love this museum not just for their impressive collections and ongoing exhibits: the museum also offers drop-inLittle Makersclasses and an entire Preschool Place—a wonderland for the under-six set.
Where else can your kids see gems and diamonds from around the world, human and animal mummies, meteorites, animal dioramas and SUE, the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil ever discovered? The Field Museum is famous for a reason and it should definitely be on your museum (or any attraction) family bucket list. Check out these 13 current reasons we're crushing on The Field.
Among all the wonderful things to see and do at the PSC, one of the big highlights, especially for the under-five crowd, is the large saltwater tide pool where you can see and touch native Puget Sound creatures. Kids delight in the butterfly house too, and there's a big-screen IMAX showing the latest scientific wonder flicks. Ongoing and rotating exhibits will ignite their curiosity and foster a love of the earth and biological sciences. Be sure to check out our insider's guide to make sure your visit goes off without a hitch.
No trip to Arkansas is complete without a stop in Little Rock, but we think the Museum of Discovery is worth an entire day to itself. With cool one-off programs and a variety of ongoing events, no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find something new and spectacular. We love that they offer free admission to families living in shelters and campaign for girls in STEM to provide opportunities for all kids to learn, thrive, get curious and excel. Permanent exhibits include the Amazing You gallery with an inside peek at bodily functions; Discovery Hall, a mathematical wonderland; and the popular Tinkering Studio.
This science center dedicates itself to making science a fun, immersive and interactive experience for all ages. With everything from science music to classes to shows, a Life Science Lab and dedicated MakerSpace, hours will fly by here without even seeing it all. Plus, you can watch jaw-dropping films on the giant OMNIMAX screen. Looking for more St. Louis fun? Check out our family road trip guide here.
One of the Southwest’s premier science museums, don’t miss the high-wire physics of the Evans Family Sky Cycle, and the large community makerspace. There are 3D printers, laser cutters and more alongside crafting tools to sew, solder and paint. You’ll find plenty of earth and space science displays and interactive weather models, too. Their programs are tailored to different age groups, including day camps, junior workshops and overnights.
600 E. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ Online: azscience.org
This innovative museum offers a lot more than the (awesome) history of Benjamin Franklin, although its collection of Frankliniana, including marble busts, scientific instruments and writings, is well worth the visit alone. This museum boasts its own Escape Rooms, a planetarium, Live Science demos every day and exhibits on virtual and augmented reality (so you can see for yourself what all the fuss is about). This museum is as lively and spontaneous as Franklin's own experiments!
Located in Downtown’s Exposition Park, this is a science lover’s heaven. But even if your little one isn’t a future lab dweller, there’s plenty to get their minds working. The IMAX Theater is a big draw for older kids. The three Discovery Rooms are perfect destinations for the 6 & under crowd—they are filled with tons of hands-on experiences like a construction zone, a kitchen, a garden and even a kid-sized TV studio complete with costumes. Plus, there’s the Space Shuttle Endeavour and the fabulous Ecosystems exhibition where you can visit an icy land, go under the sea and even get grossed out in the rot room. Plus, keep an eye out for the special, limited exhibits that come to the museum, like the King Tut exhibit, open through Jan. 2019.
With a planetarium, impressive gem displays and the newly reopened Wiess Energy Hall 3.0 dedicated to the latest advancements in hydrocarbon energy, the Houston Museum of Natural Science has something for every kind of scientific curiosity. Learn about everything from mapping to insects to pruning trees—that is, if you can get the kids out of the incredible Cockrell Butterfly Center.
5555 Hermann Park Dr. Houston, TX Online: hmns.org
Mummies? Dinosaurs? Gems? Native American culture? The Denver Museum of Nature and Science will keep your kiddos enraptured for hours (and possibly days) with its extensive permanent collection and ongoing rotating exhibits. Kids can experience weekend workshops nearly every weekend and with occasional family overnights, you can go all Night at the Museum in real life.
Whether you make your home in the City by the Bay or you are just looking for things to do for the day in San Francisco, PIER 39 is an iconic San Francisco spot that definitely deserves a visit. Located on The Embarcadero in Fisherman’s Wharf, PIER 39 offers dozens of places to eat, an aquarium, a double decker carousel and the rowdiest sea lions you have ever seen. Run down our list of must-visit spots on your next visit to PIER 39.
What to Do
There’s no shortage of fun to fill a full day (or longer) at PIER 39. It’s location offers stunning views of both the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge as well as Alcatraz. Book a ride on the Blue and Gold Fleet for an on-the-water experience. View the skyline on a bay cruise or opt for the Escape from the Rock cruise where you’ll circle Alcatraz and learn about the island’s history. Thrill seekers can opt for a ride on the RocketBoat for 30 minutes of high-speed adventure on the Bay. All of these options leave from PIER 39 and are available throughout the day.
When you arrive at PIER 39, follow your ears to the West Marina to visit the sea lions that took up residence there shortly after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. These raucous creatures can be seen sunning themselves and jockeying for prime spots on the dock. Each winter the population increases to around 900 sea lions and a many are there year round.
Learn more about the sea lions by visiting the Sea Lion Center on the second floor above the West Marina. Here you can check out the interactive displays and watch educational videos. Through the end of the summer, the Sea Lion Center will be showing the documentary film STRAWS every weekend at 1:30 p.m., followed by a discussion with an Aquarium of the Bay Educator. Support PIER 39’s Skip the Straw initiative by opting to go straw-less to keep the waterways free from plastic debris.
If you walk all the way to the end of PIER 39 you will find the double decker San Francisco carousel. This masterpiece was hand painted in Italy and features famous San Francisco landmarks like Coit Tower, Lombard Street and the Golden Gate Bridge. In addition to the traditional carousel horses, kids can even ride a PIER 39 sea lion!
This end of the pier is also home to the 7D Experience where you can enjoy the thrill of a roller coaster with 3D interaction on DarkRide. Then put your agility to the test in the Laser Maze Challenge where you navigate through a web of laser beams to beat the clock.
Kids (and grown-ups, too!) will be mesmerized by a visit to Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze. Try to find your way through the maze that’s filled with dead ends, endless circles and optical illusions. The maze costs $5 and kids 5 and under are free!
Don’t miss a few runs up and down the musical staircase, located around the corner from the Mirror Maze, near Mango’s Mexican restaurant. This interactive art exhibit was designed by Artist Remo Saraceni, creator of the floor piano in the Tom Hank’s movie Big.
The Aquarium of the Bay is a definite must-visit spot at PIER 39. This aquarium features the aquatic creatures of the San Francisco Bay including anchovies, jellyfish, sting rays and sevengill sharts. Kids will love the two touch pools where they can meet bat rays, skates, leopard sharks and tidepool animals such as sea stars and sea cucumbers. The newly-added river otters exhibit teaches kids about the importance of protecting our waterways for creatures big and small.
Perhaps the most mesmerizing exhibit is the Under the Bay tunnels where you can walk through 300 feet of acrylic tunnels filled with schooling anchovies, skates, bay rays and sharks. Take a look at the daily schedule before you visit so that you know when there will be special animal encounters and feedings.
Good to know: get your hand stamped at the aquarium and you can take a lunch break and return later in the day for more aquatic adventures!
Where to Eat
PIER 39’s location right on the water makes it the ideal spot to grab a bowl of clam chowder in a sour dough bread bowl. There are dozens of eateries along the pier that offer this local favorite. Head to Boudin at the Wharf to check out this local sour dough bakery that offers self-guided tours throughout the day.
Looking for a sit-down spot with a view? The end of the pier by the carousel is home to The Chart House where you can grab some lobster bisque or the California burger on a pretzel roll.
Satisfy your sweet tooth cravings with a stop at the Dreyer’s ice cream shop or head upstairs to DOUGHP where you can get the most off-the-hook raw cookie dough served in a cone!
If you are at PIER 39 during the morning hours, a stop at Trish’s Mini Donuts is a must-do. Kids will love seeing the donut-making machine in action. Grab a bucket of donuts to take with you on your PIER 39 adventures.
Where to Shop
Swing by Solve It! on the second floor by the musical stairs to check out all of the wooden puzzles, brain teasers and games that will keep the kids busy for hours (with no WiFi needed!). The Shell Cellar is a fun spot to find abalone shells of all sizes and colorful clam shells made into works of art.
Got a lefty in your crew? Don’t miss a stop at the shop that’s all for south paws—Lefty’s San Francisco. If you want some vintage flair to bring back home with you, swing by The Stone Flower where you can find handmade headbands, retro viewfinders and even a bucket of Army men at the bargain price of three for a dollar.
Make It a Staycation
There’s so much to do at PIER 39 that you might want to include an overnight in your trip planning. Hotel Zephyr is a great spot just two blocks from PIER 39. You can take advantage of its convenient location right in the Fisherman’s Wharf action and then take a break from the crowds in the hotel’s massive courtyard that includes a giant Connect Four game, ping pong in a tube, fire pits and tons of comfy seating options. In addition to the outdoor games, kids will love the pool table, shuffleboard and ping pong options in the inside game room.
Relax in the courtyard and order a pizza and a beer from The Camper, the hotel’s customized vintage Shasta camper turned food truck. Breakfast options include croissants, yogurt parfaits, breakfast burritos and piping-hot coffee. On Wednesday nights, guests can listen to a live DJ while they enjoy the sunset and a glass of wine.
The Details
Check out the PIER 39 events page for info on their outdoor movie night, July 4th fireworks celebration and more. Savings and discounts can be found on their offers page (where they often have specials just for locals). Visit the California Welcome Center at the pier to grab your fun pack that includes discounts and coupons to many restaurants and attractions on PIER 39.
D.C. isn’t the only town teeming with American history. Philadelphia played a key role in the American Revolution, was a meeting place for the Founding Fathers of the United States (think: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin), and even served as a temporary U.S. capital while Washington, D.C. was under construction. A straight two hour, 45 minute shot up I-95, Philly is the perfect weekend getaway for DMV families (especially those that love history). Pack your overnight bag and fill your day in Philly with these fun activities.
Photo: Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse
1. Sit Back and Enjoy the Slide. Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse is situated on 6.5 acres and features a 44-foot wooden slide, a bright tot lot, swings on swings on swings, and more! On rainy days, the fun’s just getting started. The indoor playhouse offers up an eat-in kitchen, train tables, foam blocks and a climb-on train.
2. Ring the Bell. Hanging in Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell Center is the Liberty Bell–the most famous bell in American History. Weighing more than 2,000 pounds, the bell rang in 1776 to announce the independence of the U.S. from Great Britain. The last time It was rung was in 1846 for George Washington’s birthday.
Photo: Logan Hotel
3. Spend the night. Located in the heart of City Center, the Logan Hotel is currently offering a Family Package with room accommodations that includes a kids pack with a fun animal mask, sunglasses, coloring book, crayons and backpack they can take home. Big kids will love to stop and examine the cool art pieces that cover the hallways of The Logan. The hotel even has their own “Iron Man” found by the front entrance that your crew will love to pose by. The hidden art gems around every corner can be best explained on a guided tour by one of the hotel staff where they will also tell the stories of Grace Kelly, Ben Franklin, and even Rocky Balboa. In addition, the hotel is nearby a bunch of kid-friendly attractions like the Franklin institute, Philadelphia Zoo, Please Touch Museum, and the Reading Terminal.
4. Have a Hands-On Experience. The Please Touch Museum is not a place where kids have to stand still and use inside voices. Featuring six interactive exhibits, theater performances, and a cool carousel, the museum bags interaction, and lots of it.
Photo: Campos
5. Chow down. Carnivore kids (and their grown-ups) would be remiss for not grabbing a cheese steak from Campos, known for their shredded steak and super-soft bun. Not into submarines? Try the fried cheese curds from Bud and Marilyn’s or over-the-top ice cream cones from Big Gay Ice Cream. Bon appetite!
6. Prevent brain drain. At Franklin Institute, Junior won’t even know he’s in learning mode. Some of the sneaky educational stuff she’ll find at the science and technology museum includes a two story human heart that visitors can walk through (!!), a mirror maze and a train factory.
Photo: Franklin Square
7. Square away. What doesn’t Franklin Square have? That is the question. The square features a beautiful fountain, the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel, and a miniature golf course.
8. Bug out! Look at, hold, play, or taste (yes, taste!) some of the buggies on display at the the Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion. Kids will ooh and aah at the Madagascar hissing cockroaches and Mexican tarantulas.
Do you have any favorite spots in Philadelphia? Tell us about them in the comments section below.
Think you’ve been to the mall before? The Mall of America, located in Bloomington, Minnesota, is not your average shopping center: with 8 acres, 28 rides and attractions including a Ferris wheel, multiple roller coasters and an aquarium, we can promise you have never done the mall like this. But with all those acres and shops (there are over 520 stores in the mall alone) you need a survival guide, especially with the kids in tow. Read on for yours.
photo: Amber Guetebier
What to Do
Fun fact: nine Yankee Stadiums could fit inside the mall, also 347 Statues of Liberty. That’s big. Lucky for you, most of what you want to see and do with the kids is located in or near the east wing of the Mall of America, including our recommended accommodations, the rides, and the food court wooot!) so you can focus on the fun. Here’s what not to miss.
Creative and active types alike will find adventure here at this Crayola mecca where kids can paint, color, dance, animate and even become a coloring page character. Melt down crayons to make a souvenir to take home, use your tokens (included with admission) to name a crayon anything you want and watch a short movie and demo about how crayons are made. Admission is $19.99 at the door, but you can get $3 off admission if you purchase online.
The center of the Mall is Nickelodeon Universe, a seven-acre amusement park (the largest indoor theme park in the US) that includes 28 rides and attractions. There are four roller coasters from wild to mild, a splashy log ride, Ferris wheel, carousel, bumper cars and more. You’ll find plenty of amusements for the younger set alongside thrills for your older crew. We suggest getting an unlimited ride wristband ($35.99, or two-consecutive days for $49.99). They are good for the entire day and any of the rides, which means you can explore other attractions in the Mall, grab some lunch, and do it all again. If you want to include the zipline or Moose Mountain Mini-Golf, the wristband is $40.99.
Tip: Save $5 if you buy a wristband in advance online.
Online:nickelodeonuniverse.com Allow: 1-4 hours (per day) depending on how many times you go back for more!
An aquarium in a mall? Yep, and it’s not small either: there are 10,000 sea creatures here! In addition to touch tanks upon entry (while you wait!) you’ll soon find yourself in for some major aquatic enchantment. Once you’ve been mesmerized by the Ray Tank, you’ll find yourself among a sea of seahorses. There’s also a 300-foot ocean walk-through tunnel that allows you to be one with the sharks and sea turtles. General admission tickets start at $14.99 (you can save by purchasing in advance) but you can upgrade to get behind-the-scenes tours and feed the rays!
Looking for More? Check out FlyOver America a way-cool flight ride that doesn’t just show you what it’s like to soar like an eagle: it takes you on an aerial tour of the United States. Xscape is a video and interactive gaming center: there are two in the mall, one “central” and one on the east side. There’s also the Amazing Mirror Maze on the north end.
Where to Stay
There’s no better option for families than the Raddison Blu Mall of America. It is chic yet family-friendly (please spend some time lounging in the “pod” chairs in the lobby) and you can take the skyway, right off the second floor mezzanine directly to the Mall. Not only that, but you end up right near the food court and Nickelodeon World (and the American Girl store). There’s a world-class spa and—parents rejoice—a package pickup service. Guests of the hotel can shop until they drop and then simply call the hotel. They send a staff member within minutes to take your bags directly back to your room for you, which frees you up to ride the rollercoaster, without worrying about your purchases. The hotel also keeps bees on their roof. Watch for bee demos and delicious honey-infused treats on the menu of the on-site restaurant FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar (also available through room service—just sayin’). The hotel sports a gorgeous, salt-water, indoor pool stocked with pool noodles, water guns and more. When booking, check out their family packages including: An American Girl package which includes a doll-sized travel bed to keep, a welcome letter and access to American Girl book library; the Nickelodeon Universe package which includes wristbands; the Crayola Experience package which includes tickets to the Crayola attraction, a backpack buddy and a 10” Crayola plush toy; the Family Fun upgrade which includes tickets to the Aquarium or wristbands for the rides and a kid’s tent to keep; and the splurge-worthy American Dream package which hooks you up with tickets to almost everything in Nickelodeon Universe plus shopping coupons and more. Rooms start at $143.65.
Where to Shop
No trip to the Mall of America would be complete without a little shopping. It is, after all, a mall! But with 520 stores, we’re betting you’d like to narrow it down a bit. For kids, there are a few spots you won’t want to miss. And lucky for you, these ones are all fairly close to one another and near the Nickelodeon Universe.
Not only does this store sell LEGO bricks, sets and swag, it is home to some of the most epic LEGO sculptures we’ve seen. There’s a 34-foot tall LEGO robot; a helicopter, knights and a dragon. There’s a cool screen that animates the scene from any scanned box of LEGO sets, bringing the characters and builds to life. Plus, there’s a large area just to sit and build with bricks. Climb up to the second floor of the mall to get an even better view of the LEGO sculptures!
Insider tip: Fans of LEGO will want to check out Brickmania on the Level 3, a small store that sells a huge array of unusual minifigs, weapons and a few hard-to-find and collector sets. Kits are made from genuine LEGO brand parts.
If you’ve got a fan in your house, odds are you won’t be allowed to leave the mall without visiting this store. Check out all the historical and contemporary Girl of the Year dolls, find your own doll to personalize (and animate it online!) and get lost in the swag: books, outfits, accessories and more. Hungry after all that browsing? Grab a bite at the American Girl Bistro!
JM Cremp’s Adventure Store This retail space is like a mini-adventure in itself. From pretend-play costumes and gear to tents, fishing, ziplining and more, this kid-focused store will encourage your creative, adventurous kids.
Not only will you find all your favorite characters and movie swag, the store hosts events throughout the year including trivia-thons, arts and crafts and storytimes.
The Mall of America has it all. We love the food court for its view of the rides and overview of the center court of the mall. There’s everything from fast-food burgers and fries to deep-dish pizza to sushi to falafel wraps. For sit down, you’ll also find your favorites like the Hard Rock Cafe, the Rainforest Cafe and Bubba Gump Shrimp. Local favorite Cowboy Jacks is a hit with the kids, and for something sit-down, and a little less “chain” feeling, try the Twin City Grill for a 1940’s supper club vibe; Radisson Blu’s FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar or Crave—an award-winning American grill and sushi bar.
photo courtesy Mall of America
More Tips
If you’ve got kids that sometimes still need a stroller or that conk out before their older siblings, rent one atGuest Services (there’s one right by the Nickelodeon Universe) for just $7 for a single or $9 for a double. Mall of America is big, even if you just stick to the areas mentioned above!
Get the app! It will help you plan your itinerary based on interest, offers a detailed map and will text you updates about current events happening in the mall that day!
Going just for the day? Park n the East lot if possible.
If you are staying at the Raddison Blu, you can park for free in any of the lots but you must register your vehicle each time you move it. We recommend doing valet at any of the hotels, as it is not that expensive and comes with in-and-out privileges if you decide to go on any nearby excursions. If you do self-park, make sure you have your vehicle make, license plate number, etc.
Flying in? Take a bus or lightrail from the MSP airport. A taxi there from MSP should be about $15. Note you will be dropped off near North entrance with bus or lightrail.
Mall of America
60 E Broadway
Bloomington, Mn 55425 Online: mallofamerica.com
Have you visited Mall of America with the kids? What was your favorite part?
Autumn will soon be here — so make like a tree and leaf the house. (Tell that joke to your kids.) There are so many places you can go, from a fairy tale play to a children’s film festival to a symphony for the whole family. Take a peek at our must-do’s and save the dates!
photo: Story Pirates
Theater
Story Pirates The Story Pirates are on stage, but the kids in the audience are the stars. Stories are collected from young viewers and become fodder for an original sketch comedy musical created on the spot. Kids can watch their imaginings (anything from tickle monsters and gravity-defying pets) come to life with sweet tunes and gut-busting jokes. These pirates “steal” material all the time, which means you’ll never hear the same story twice.
McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage
Fawell & Park Boulevards
Glen Ellyn
630-942-4000
Online: atthemac.org
Date: October 4, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Cost: $16/adults; $14/kids
Ages: 5-13
Goldilocks & the Three Bears Your favorite childhood fairy tale pops up on stage to delight your own kiddos. You know the story: When Goldilocks goes frolicking in the woods, she encounters a bear home, makes herself at home and learns about respect. Expect big, Broadway-style songs and lots of giggle fits when Mama Bear asks, “Who’s been eating my porridge?”
Emerald City Theater at Apollo Theater
2540 N Lincoln Ave.
Lincoln Park
773-529-2690
Online: emeraldcitytheatre.com
Date: October 4-January 3; times vary (check website for details)
Cost: starting at $15/person
Ages: 3 & up
photo: Leo Lionni’s “Frederick” / Al Zayed
Leo Lionni’s “Frederick” Leo Lionni’s much loved book, Frederick, is getting a musical makeover by Chicago Children’s Theater. Most mice are concerned about storing enough munchies for the winter, but Frederick is no ordinary rodent. He spends long summer days relaxing, but has something special up his sleeve for the next polar vortex. Let six talented actors, who also happen to be skilled musicians, take you on a journey with their special blend of folksy blues. Everyone can enjoy this show with American Sign Language performances and an autism friendly show in early November.
Ruth Page Center for the Arts
1016 N. Dearborn St.
Gold Coast
872-222-9555
Online: chicagochildrenstheatre.org
Date: October 15-November 16; times vary (check website for details)
Cost: $38/adults; $28/children
Ages: 3 & up
Princess and the Pea It’s time to find out if Penelope has what it take to be a princess. Discover what happens when you combine a would-be princess, a pea and stack of mattresses. The little ones are going to love, and probably be pretty jealous of, the 12-foot-high bed and its 20 colorful mattresses. Laugh until it hurts on this journey to princess-hood with Penelope and her friends, staged by Chicago Kids Company.
Beverly Arts Center
2407 W. 111th St.
Beverly
773-205-9600
Online: app.arts-people.com
Date: October 16-November 26; 10:30 a.m. weekdays & Nov. 8, 1 p.m.
Cost: $12/person
Ages: 2-12
photo: Emerald City Theater
Hansel & Gretel: A Wickedly Delicious Musical Treat You may think you know this story, but you’ve never heard it like this before. Rock out with Hansel & Gretel as they trounce through the Forbidden Forest to find their mother, discover a candy cottage and learn about the power of love. In a story full of dreaming, thieving and candy, what more could a fairy tale fan want? The wicked tunes of Grimm Brother’s Band, of course! Under the guidance of kindie rock hero, Justin Roberts, and his partner in crime, Eric Nolan, you can’t go wrong with this new spin on a kiddie classic from Emerald City Theater and Broadway in Chicago.
Broadway Playhouse
175 E. Chestnut St.
Downtown
773-529-2690
Online: broadwayinchicago.com
Date: November 22-January 4; times vary (see website for details)
Cost: Varies
Museums & Attractions
TheLionel Train Adventure It’s time to see Lincoln Park Zoo at a totally different speed. Take a break from giraffes, lions and gorillas, and pop over to the old-fashioned brick train station. Zip over a country bridge, through the evergreen woods and down into a precarious canyon. This electric train is complete with a coal car, passenger cars with room for 28 adventurers, and even a caboose. Choo-choo, everyone!
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N. Clark St.
Lincoln Park
312-742-2000
Online: lpzoo.org
Date: Opens October 2; daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $3/ride; free for zoo members from Oct. 2-5
Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze
Discover how naturally fun math can be in a maze filled with mirrors that will help kiddies unlock the beautiful symmetry of the natural world. Kick things off with a film that presents how fractals, spirals and “golden ratio” are woven into our lives. Then take a whirlwind trip through the mirrored maze of triangles, and race to find a secret room with even more math-tacular secrets inside.
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Hyde Park
773-684-1414
Online: msichicago.org
Date: Opens October 8, daily from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free with general museum admission ($18/adults; $11/children 3-11; $17/seniors 65 & up)
Vodou: Sacred Powers of Haiti You might think you know what Vodou is, but the truth will be revealed at this new exhibit. Practitioners will share personal stories about the spiritual pursuit, while kids experience what really happens during a ritual possession ceremony and even take a peek inside the workroom of a Vodou secret society. Let the “Lwa” (spirits) of love, warriors and everything in between guide you on a journey of faith and understanding.
The Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Museum Campus
312-922-9410
Online: fieldmuseum.org
Date: October 24-April 26, daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Free with general museum admission ($31 adults; $21child; $25students & seniors)
photo: Chicago International Children’s Film Festival / Anatole’s Little Saucepan
Events
Chicago International Children’s Film Festival It’s a week of amazing movies aimed at mini cinephiles! Whether you’re into animated adventures, documentaries with a message, cool bite-sized short films or even pieces produced by other kids, this is the place to be. Stick around after the shows for special Q&A sessions and stop by educational workshops throughout the week. You might even run into special celebrity guests!
Facets Multimedia
1517 W. Fullerton Ave.
Lincoln Park
773-281-9075
Online: facets.org
Date: October 24-November 2 (see website for complete schedule)
Cost: $6/children (2-18); $9/adults
Cantigny Park Civil War Re-enactment Hang out with Honest Abe and Mary Todd when the whole fam takes a trip back in time. The Civil War is alive and kicking in Cantigny Park, and your little history buffs get to be part of the action. Experience a dramatic battle between the Union and Confederate soldiers, period music from the Battlefield Balladeers, and activities reflective of the times.
1S151 Winfield Rd.
Wheaton
630-668-5161
Online: cantigny.org
Date: October 4 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. & October 5 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: Free
photo: Chicago World Music Festival / Boban & Marko Markovic Orkestar
Concerts & Performances
Chicago World Music Festival So many sounds from across the globe converge at this annual free jubilee. More than 80 countries represent a variety of styles, whisking you from Nigeria to Mali to Costa Rica to India to Hawaii. The lineup includes the best brass band out of the Balkans, Boban & Marko Markovic Orkestar, on Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Thalia Hall. Needless to say, your gang is going to be grooving non-stop.
Held at various locations throughout Chicago; check website for details
Online: cityofchicago.org
Date: September 11-21
Cost: Free
Downtown Sounds Family Concert Let your kiddo’s imagination wander to far off places with the help of some pretty famous names. You’ll trot from one composer’s favorite city to the next via the musical stylings of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Travel to Paris with Gershwin and Ibert, listen to the gushing water of the Trevi Fountain with Respighi, and walk with Smetana along rivers in Bohemia.
Symphony Center
220 S. Michigan Ave.
The Loop
312-294-3000
Online: cso.org
Date: November 22, 12:45 p.m.
Cost: Varies
photo: UniverSoul Circus
UniverSoul Circus
A global circus explosion is coming to town! Your host, Lucky, keeps the party rockin’ and gets everyone on their feet. Bend, flip and fly with the Zhen Jiang Acrobatic Troupe from China, giggle with the prancing fluffies of Chile’s own Olate Dogs, go on a crazy ride with the Globe of Death from Columbia, enjoy the magic of the Caribbean with Soul Illusions, and so much more.
Washington Park
5531 Martin Luther King Dr.
South Side
Online: universoulcircus.com
Date: September 24-October 19
Cost: $19-$31/person
Which of these events are you MOST looking forward to? Let us know in the Comments!
