University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Address: 116 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455
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While the University of Minnesota is obviously geared toward young adult college students, it does have quite a bit to offer local families. From entertainment to educational opportunities, we feature some of our favorite Family-Friendly offerings from the U below. Follow the heading links for more details about any of these offerings.

The Raptor Center

Tours of this raptor rehabilitation center and hosptial are traditionally offered throughout the year. It is a favorite destination of Anne’s family. It is a fun and educational adventure for families with kids of any age from tot to teen.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Visit on weekends for family-friendly activities or attend a mid-week story time with your preschooler. There is so much for a family with small kids to do at the Arb that you might forget it is part of the U.

Bell Museum of Natural History

With the planetarium, giant stuffed wooly mammoth, habitat dioramas and monthly Star Parties, this University-owned museum is perfect for the family.

Weisman Art Museum

Family-friendly activities are offered throughout the year at the U’s strikingly beautiful art museum.

Art Activity at the Weisman — WAM Art Activity

Cheap Bowling – Coffman Union

Coffman is the student union for the University of Minnesota. Some events are open to the public. This is where the Goldy’s Gameroom is located. It is also the location of the Whole Music Club. Note Hours Change With School Calendar.

The Coffman Memorial Union Student Center offers weekly inexpensive bowling days in Goldy’s Gameroom when the U is in session. You can also find pool tables and foosball at affordable hourly rates (however many Minneapolis Park recreation centers offer these games for free year round).

The Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature

Free and open to the public, the Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature is a world-renowned archive and library of kid lit. It contains over 100,000 children’s books, original manuscripts, correspondence, artworks, galleys, color proofs, and other material for more than 1,700 authors and illustrators (including Goodnight Moon, Millions of Cats, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar). This resource is not only for researchers and educators, families and anyone who enjoys children’s literature, are also invited.

Hands-On Science with Kids

These science programs are geared toward children: Physics Force Show, Cool Chemistry For Girls, Public Energy and U Show, Friday Public telescope viewings, Robot show, Universe in the Park. Learn more about each of these programs in our Twin Cities STEM Fun article.

Concerts and Performances

The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities School of Music sometimes offers free concerts to the public.

Northrop Memorial Auditorium

Families might see a show at either the Carlson Family Stage or the Best Buy Theater. You can also view exhibits at the Northrop Gallery and the Goldstein Museum of Design.

University of Minnesota Summer Camps

Summer Youth Programming for ages 6-17 is offered in person and virtually. Families can also choose to Purchase a Camp-in-a-Box. Programs are offered in agriculture, art, ecology, language, math, science, sports and a generalized day camp. They also offer Youth Leadership Programs for teens.

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Upcoming Family-Friendly Events

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