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Family Fun

Family Fun

Vacationing at Minnesota family resorts is a strong tradition for many moms, dads, kids and grandparents. But "Minnesota family vacations" have taken on new meaning too, with amusement parks, theme parks and water parks. Nature centers and state parks connect families to wildlife and outdoor learning.

Fishing and hiking also add value for families that prefer nature-friendly vacations.

Family fun vacations and outings include kids' activities, and festivals and events held year-round throughout the state; many of which have their own temporary amusement parks, and provide good food and top quality entertainment.

Family Fun Travel Ideas

  • Ely Center Is All About Bears

    A fascinating interpretive center in Ely offers detailed insights into the lives of the black bears that roam Minnesota's northern woods.
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  • The Gang’s All Here: Family Fun in the Twin Cities

    With amusement parks, ice cream shops, learning centers and outdoor activities, the Twin Cities is filled with fun for the whole family.
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  • Kids Rule at Children's Museums

    Minnesota's innovative children’s museums have a refreshing “please touch” attitude. Check out these special destinations for young museum-goers.
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  • Minnesota Children's Museum Opens in Rochester

    The Minnesota Children’s Museum of Rochester is a satellite location of the popular St. Paul museum, and both sites specialize in hands-on exhibits and programs for children ages six months through ten.
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  • Moving Museums: Planes, Trains, Fire Trucks and Boats

    These museums and sites have visitors marveling at transportation history, from early aviation to steam trains and fire engines, handcrafted wooden boats, and commercial shipping in the Great Lakes.
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  • Outdoor Music Fests in Tune for Summer

    With so many outdoor music festivals—featuring jazz and blues, indie, reggae, country, and classical—it’s easy to get out and groove to the sounds you like best.
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  • Play Time: Adventure Calls in Duluth

    I recently read about the Timber Flyer zip line at Spirit Mountain’s new Adventure Park in Duluth, which opened last summer. It reminded me of the zip line we set up at my cabin when I was 13.
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  • Why We Love Zoos: Visit the Minnesota Zoo

    With new attractions added in recent years, such as Russia’s Grizzly Coast and the 3M Penguins of the African Coast, the zoo continues to reinvent itself. This summer, the zoo will open a unique temporary exhibit, “Dinosaurs,” featuring 15 larger-than-life animatronic dinosaurs.
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  • Make Tracks to See the Animals

    Visit Minnesota’s zoos, aquariums, and animal centers to see species from the region and around the world.
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  • Family Favorites: Fun Places to Take the Kids

    It's pretty easy to find a great place for a good time with the kids in Minnesota. Here are a few favorite places to get you started.
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  • Great River Road: Getaway With the Kids

    With bluffs to climb and the chance to ride a merry-go-round dragon or a real train, the southern stretch of Minnesota's Great River Road makes for a great family getaway.
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  • Roadside Attractions Make Trips Wonderful

    For your next Minnesota road trip, set your sights on wonders and things larger-than-life. The state abounds with fantastic, giant roadside objects, mythical figures, and rarities such as the world’s largest ball of twine. Hit the road and take a look.
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  • RAD Zoo Features Neat Creatures

    Poison dart frogs, boa constrictors, crocodiles, and other fascinating creatures are at the Reptile and Amphibian Discovery Zoo (or RAD Zoo) in Owatonna.
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  • Minnesota Zoo Features Wide World of Animals

    Experience animals and habitats from around the globe, in exciting exhibits of over 500 species and more than 4,000 animals.
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  • Geocaching: State Park Treasure Hunts

    The geocaching program at Minnesota State Parks invites you to discover hidden treasures.
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  • Minnesota's Indoor Waterparks

    Indoor waterparks are bubbling up across Minnesota.
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  • A Trip North to the Mississippi Headwaters

    The Mississippi River starts in Minnesota, and its headwaters at Itasca State Park are a must-see destination. Take the Great River Road north from Minneapolis-St. Paul area and across northern Minnesota, and find interesting historic sites and scenic parks on the route.
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  • Carver Park Reserve a Destination for Recreation and Nature

    Just west of the Twin Cities, Carver Park Reserve offers something for everyone: nature, trails, lakes, history, and camping.
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  • Get Outside and Play with Your Kids

    Let’s be honest. It’s not just the kids who could use a little fresh air. Good thing Minnesota’s full of fun, family-style outdoor opportunities for all styles and skill levels. Pick an activity, and get out and play—together.
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  • Dinosaurs Come to the Minnesota Zoo

    This summer, the Minnesota Zoo’s Dinosaurs! exhibit is sure to cause an uproar. Fifteen animatronic, vocal dinosaurs will give visitors an unforgettable experience of prehistoric life.
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  • From Duluth to the North Shore

    A great north shore trip starts in bustling Duluth and follows Lake Superior with breathtaking views, fun trails, and historic attractions all the way to Canada.
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  • Delights Are Deep at Minnesota Aquariums

    Beneath the surface of Minnesota Aquariums is a breathtaking array of life forms from around the world.
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