Things to Do with Kids in Minneapolis

Want some new ideas for fun and thrifty outings in Minneapolis with kids? Look no further!

Are you wanting to do something new and different with your kids? But also want to stay within budget? I don’t know about you, but a trip to Chuck E Cheese or even a pizza place for the whole family can really add up these days! Check out our list below for fun and thrifty things to do with kids in Minneapolis.

Please note this list has been written in the winter so it doesn’t include the plentiful parks of Minneapolis- we will write another list when warmer weather is finally here to stay!

Walker Art Center

Have you been to the Walker Art Center lately? Of course, it’s well known for it’s Outdoor Sculpture Garden, which is great, but maybe not as fun to explore in the snow?

The inside of the Walker Art Center is just as exciting as outside and they have a lot of programming just for kids. Wandering the galleries is fun, but visiting on their Free First Saturday events is the best. Not only is the admission cost waived, their programming is geared specifically to kids. You can read more about Walker Art Center Free First Saturdays here.

The Walker Art Center is also free every Thursday night. Regular admission is free for kids 18 and under, adults are $18, seniors are $15, active military and their families are $9 and EBT cardholders are $2.

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Not to focus too heavily on art museums for this list, but MIA is a world class art museum and it’s free to visit every day! They are home to over 100,000 works of art so there is literally something for everyone.

Kids are welcome throughout the art galleries, but we especially like their kids playroom. It’s nice to come back to a room where kids can play freely after they’ve been exploring the artwork.

The MIA also has a Free Family Day with specific family programming every second Sunday of each month. You can learn more about Free Family Days at MIA here.

Minneapolis Central Library

Did you know Minneapolis is home to the third largest library collection per capita of any major city in the US? Neither did I– until now!

The Minneapolis Central Library is a very fun and unique place to visit. The library is gigantic and there’s a fun kids area that hosts the largest children’s book collection in the upper midwest! Of course there are free story times and other kid activities at the library as well. You can check those out here.

And (not to jump ahead) you could grab a kids cookbook or two to use at your next stop: the Mill City Farmer’s Market!

Mill City Farmers Market

Did you think Farmer’s Markets close for the winter? Many do, but not the Mill City Farmers Market! They host an Indoor Winter Market every first and third Saturday through April. Upcoming dates include April 6 and 20 from 10am -1pm.

The Mill City Farmers Market is held inside the Mill City Museum and no museum admission is required. Venture through the fresh food options and unique artisans just like a Farmer’s Market outside, but without the snow! Grab your cookbooks and invite your kiddos to pick out the produce for your next meal.

Midtown Global Market

It wouldn’t be a Minneapolis list without Midtown Global Market, would it?! Midtown Global Market is a bustling hub for cultural food and vendors. Just strolling around the building is a feast for all your senses: delicious food, gorgeous art, fresh produce, world-class entertainment and more!

Midtown Global Market also hosts many events that are very kid-friendly. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in global culture!

What did you think of our Things to do with Kids in Minneapolis list? Do you have any additions? Tell us in the comments below!

Also be sure to see free and cheap things to do with kids in St. Paul!