The Ultimate Quirky Family Adventure in Minneapolis!
Discover family fun in Minneapolis, where endless adventures await!
19 July 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Minneapolis, located in the heartland of the United States, offers a memorable family-friendly trip with a blend of nature, culture, and entertainment. Explore the scenic beauty of the Chain of Lakes, where you can enjoy biking, canoeing, and picnicking. Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant art scene at the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Walker Art Center, and let the children unleash their creativity at the Minnesota Children's Museum.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into the quirky and family-friendly Hotel Alma, where every room is uniquely decorated with vintage furniture and weird knick-knacks.
- Start the day with a visit to the quirky Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture.
- Grab lunch at The Bad Waitress Diner, where the menu is as sassy as the servers, but the pancakes are serious business.
- Take a stroll around the Mill City Museum, built within the ruins of an old flour mill, and get a taste of the city's industrial past.
- Head to the neighboring city of St. Paul and visit the Science Museum of Minnesota, where kids will geek out over the interactive exhibits.
- End the day with dinner at Mickey's Diner, a classic 1950s diner where you can dine in a retro train car and indulge in some nostalgic comfort food.
- Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Hell's Kitchen, a quirky restaurant known for their devilishly delicious pancakes and "damn good" omelets.
- Spend the morning exploring the picturesque Lake Harriet, where you can rent paddleboats or simply relax on the sandy beach.
- Have a picnic lunch at the Minneapolis Institute of Art's sculpture garden, surrounded by breathtaking works of art.
- Dive into the quirky world of the American Swedish Institute, a castle-like mansion filled with Scandinavian charm and odd cultural exhibits.
- Stroll through the vibrant Uptown neighborhood and visit Calhoun Square, where funky boutiques and hipster cafés await.
- End the day with a trip to the famous Orpheum Theatre, catching a family-friendly Broadway show or a lively concert.
- Start the day with breakfast at Al's Breakfast, a tiny diner with a big reputation for their legendary pancakes and hash browns.
- Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature at the Minnesota Zoo, where you can get up close and personal with a wide variety of animals.
- Indulge in a delicious lunch at Midtown Global Market, a vibrant indoor marketplace offering diverse cuisine from around the world.
- Visit the quirky Can Can Wonderland, a mini-golf course meets art installation, where both kids and adults can have a ball.
- Experience the flavors of Minnesota at The Bachelor Farmer, a farm-to-table restaurant serving up innovative dishes made with local ingredients.
- End the day with a stroll across the iconic Stone Arch Bridge, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and Mississippi River.
- Start the day with breakfast at Mickey's Diner, enjoying some classic diner fare and soaking up the nostalgic atmosphere.
- Explore the fascinating exhibits at the Minnesota History Center, discovering the stories that shaped the state's past.
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Surly Brewing Co., a lively brewery with a gastropub serving up delicious bites and their famous craft beers.
- Take a family-friendly Segway tour of Minneapolis, gliding through the city streets and learning about its history and landmarks.
- Bid adieu to Minneapolis with dinner at The Nook, a quirky neighborhood bar known for serving up juicy, mouthwatering burgers.
-
- And with that, your whirlwind adventure in Minneapolis comes to a close. Until next time, keep the quirk alive and may your travels be filled with oddities and delights!
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.