Two Days of Minneapolis Magic: Family Fun on a Budget
Discover endless fun and adventure for the whole family in lively Minneapolis!
19 July 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Minneapolis, located in the vibrant state of Minnesota, offers a perfect family-friendly destination filled with a variety of attractions and activities. Explore the famous Mall of America, home to an indoor theme park and countless shops, or delve into the educational wonder of the Science Museum of Minnesota. Enjoy picturesque parks, such as Minnehaha Park with its stunning waterfall, or visit the family-friendly Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, housing a wide array of animals and beautiful gardens.
Travel plan
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- Check into the lively and family-friendly Hotel Embrace, with a colorful lobby that'll make you want to dance like Prince!
- Start your day at the awe-inspiring Mall of America, a retail paradise where you might need a GPS to find your way out of stores!
- Indulge in delicious local cuisine at the renowned Midtown Global Market, where you can savor flavors from all around the world.
- Take a stroll along the picturesque Stone Arch Bridge, where you'll feel like you're in a fairytale with breathtaking views of the city skyline.
- Dive into the fascinating underwater world at the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, where you can get up close and personal with sharks and stingrays.
- End your day with a laughter-filled show at the ComedySportz Theatre, where improv comedy battles will have you rolling in stitches!
- Embark on a whimsical morning adventure at the Walker Art Center, an art mecca that will transport you to another dimension with mind-boggling exhibits.
- Refuel with a scrumptious breakfast at the quirky Butter Bakery Café, where the aroma of freshly baked pastries will make you weak in the knees.
- Immerse yourself in the wonders of science at the Science Museum of Minnesota, where you can dig up dinosaur fossils and conduct wild experiments.
- Feel like a superhero at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture that'll make your imagination run wild.
- Treat your taste buds to a gooey gooey Juicy Lucy burger at Matt's Bar, a local joint that claims to have invented this cheese-stuffed marvel.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth with a trip to the famous Glam Doll Donuts, where the uniquely flavored, decadent treats will have you drooling for more.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Minneapolis by plane is to fly to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). There are daily flights from major cities in the US and around the world.
Car
If you are driving to Minneapolis, take Interstate 94 from the east or west. From the south, take Interstate 35. Traffic can be heavy during peak times, so plan your journey accordingly.
Train
There is no direct train route to Minneapolis, but you can take Amtrak to St. Paul Union Depot and then transfer to a bus or car. The journey can take several hours.
Boat
There are no boat routes to Minneapolis as it is not on a major waterway. However, you can take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River which passes through St. Paul.
Bus
Taking a bus is a cost-effective way to get to Minneapolis. Greyhound and Megabus both have stations in Minneapolis. The journey time will depend on your starting point.