THINGS TO DO IN BLOOMINGTON WITH KIDS & FAMILY
Welcome to Bloomington! The city is the fifth largest in Minnesota and home to one of the country’s top tourist attractions – the Mall of America. While the Mall is certainly packed with fun, don’t overlook Bloomington’s natural spaces. The mighty Mississippi River forms the southern boundary of the city, nourishing a stretch of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Fort Snelling State Park. Read on for the best Bloomington, Minnesota family fun!
Spend a day in Bloomington and try these ideas for family fun, including kids-eat-free restaurants, the best things to do, family friendly activities & parks.
KID FRIENDLY EVENTS THIS WEEK NEAR BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA
Find this week’s Bloomington, Minnesota, family fun including the nearby southwest suburbs of the Twin Cities: Chaska, Eden Prairie, Edina Minnetonka, Minnetrista, Prior Lake, Richfield, Savage, Shakopee, Victoria, and Wayzata. Find our full Twin Cities Family Fun Calendar here.
BLOOMINGTON SPECIAL EVENTS, FESTIVALS & SEASONAL ACTIVITIES
Spring in Bloomington: Festivals & activities
Free Family Fun Day: Maple Syrup at Richardson Nature Center
8737 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN 55438
We are big fans of RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER and appreciate their steady stream of free event days each month. In March, you can drop in to learn about maple syrup free of charge. March 3, 2024, 3-4pm. FREE.
Maple Sugaring at the Gideon Pond House
Pond-Dakota Mission Park, 401 East 104th Street, Bloomington, MN 55420
The annual, family-friendly spring program is all about learning how maple sugar is made, including choosing trees to tap, collecting the sap, and the boiling process of making collected sap into syrup and sugar. Drop-in program for all ages. March 23, 2024, 1-4pm, FREE.
Find our complete guide to maple syrup programs in the Twin Cities.
Bloomington Public Works Open House
Featuring snowplow and tractor displays and rides, demos, interactive displays, prizes and refreshments. Kids can get a passport to collect stamps as they visit stations, then turn in completed passports for a prize. May 18, 2024, 9am-12pm. FREE.
GOT KIDS WHO LOVE BIG RIGS? Our calendar of Twin Cities Touch-A-Truck events and Public Works Open Houses will help you find them all across the Minneapolis-St Paul metro area.
Easter egg hunts near Bloomington
Legacy Toys Easter Egg Hunt
Mall of America, Bloomington
Kids are welcome to search for up to five eggs hidden around the toy shop to redeem for a treat or prize. There will also be crafts, a family photo booth and games. March 16, 2024, 10am-2pm. FREE.
Bloomington Optimists Egg Hunt
Normandale Lake Bandshell, 5901 West 84th Street, Bloomington, MN 55438
A 9000 egg hunt with different areas for each age group. Arrive early for the Teddy Bear Band at 10am. Egg hunt starts promptly at 11am. Learn more from the Bloomington Optimist Club. March 30, 2024.
EXPLORE OUR GIANT LIST OF EASTER EGG HUNTS ACROSS THE TWIN CITIES METRO!
Spring registration for summer camps
Yes, it’s about that time to start planning summer camp opportunities for your kids! As many camps open registration as early as February (and many fill almost as quickly), we strive to publish our 2024 GUIDE TO TWIN CITIES SUMMER CAMPS accordingly. We work closely with local businesses and camps to provide a wide variety of activities and concentrations. Some camps we are proud to highlight in Bloomington, Minnesota, include:
The Works Museum Summer Camps
Works Museum, 9740 Grand Ave S., Bloomington MN 55420
At The Works Museum, kids are the designers, creators, and problem solvers – the engineers! Summer camps for kids ages 5-12 include topics like robotics, architecture, coding, LEGO engineering, carpentry, and more. With half-day, whole-day, 1-day, and 4-day options, there’s a summer camp that will fit your family’s schedule. Camp prices range from $110 to $250. Scholarships are available. June 10-August 29, 2024.
More summer camps in Bloomington
Bloomington Center for the Arts: Artistry Summer Camp
1800 W Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington, MN 55431
Four sessions of weeklong, half-day camps in one of two art mediums: visual arts and performing arts. Camps are for grades K-2. June 3-August 23, 2024. $185.
Base Camp (Northern Star Scouting)
201 Bloomington Road, Saint Paul, MN 55111
Camp Northern Star offers a lineup of summer camps with time spent at Base Camp including a Discovery Adventure Camp for kids entering grades 6-8. Camp offers 7 five-day sessions running June 17-August 9, 2024. $475/session.
Camp Kota
Outdoor skills camp through Bloomington Parks for kids entering grades 2-7. Four weekly sessions: July 8-August 2, 2024. $300-$365/session.
Dakota Language Camps
Pond-Dakota Mission Park, 401 E 104th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
For kids and adults of all ages (under 7 to be accompanied by adult). Make reservations through Bloomington Parks & Rec. 2024 dates still TBA. $50/pp includes lunch.
Vertical Endeavors Climbing Camps
9601 James Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431
2540 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Summer climbing day camp (9am-3pm) at all Twin Cities climbing gyms. Ages 6-13. June 10-August 9, 2024. $390.
Summer in Bloomington
Summer in Bloomington: Festivals & activities
Bloomington Summer Fete
W 84th St & Chalet Rd, Bloomington, MN 55437
The annual summer event includes a carnival, live music and fireworks at dusk. Learn more about Bloomington’s at Normandale Lake Park. July 3, 2023.
BLOOMINGTON ARTS IN THE PARKS
- MONDAY MORNING KIDS SERIES – Moir Central Park, June 5 – August 7, 2023. 10:30-11:30am. 10320 Morgan Ave South, Bloomington, MN 55431.
- TUESDAY EVENING PERFORMANCE SERIES – Normandale Bandshell, starts June 6, 2023, 7pm.
- MIDWEEK MUSIC & MARKET – Music, food trucks, a farmers market and lawn games at Civic Plaza. Wednesday evenings, July 12-August 23, 2023. 5-8pm.
- THURSDAY BLOCKBUSTER SERIES – Normandale Bandshell, June 8-August 10, 2023, 7pm. W 84th St & Chalet Rd, Bloomington, MN 55437.
- SUNDAY FUNDAY – locations change weekly. Family-friendly live entertainment and food. June 18-August 13, 2023. 4-6:30pm.
Bloomington swimming & beaches
Bush Lake Beach
9140 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN 55438
The popular, sandy beach is located on the east side of Bush Lake in Bloomington. It is guarded during open hours (11am to 7pm daily during the season) and amenities include a volleyball court and concessions stand. Families can canoe, picnic and explore the trails. An annual tradition, each June a sandcastle building contest is hosted at Bush Lake Beach. Admission and parking are free. June 1-August 31, 2023.
Bloomington Family Aquatic Center
201 E 90th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Fun features include a zero-depth entry pool, aqua climbing wall, water slides, diving boards, and a concession stand. Tot Time is held 10am to 12pm on weekdays for children ages 6 & under. Find more community Tot Time Open Swims. Open June 10 – August 20, 2023. $7-$10/pp.
FIND MORE OF THE BEST TWIN CITIES BEACHES AND PLAYGROUNDS.
Fall in Bloomington
Fall in Bloomington: Festivals & activities
River Rendezvous at Pond Dakota Mission Park
401 E 104th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Learn about life in Minnesota between 1800-1870 through living history activities, storytelling, costumed interpreters and tours of the restored 1856 Gideon and Agnes Pond House. September 23, 2023, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. $10/adults, $5/children. Learn more about visiting POND DAKOTA MISSION PARK in Bloomington year-round – it’s a fun place to bring kids to learn about the history of the area!
Bloomington Heritage Days Parade
TBA FOR 2023! The annual Bloomington Heritage Days parade invites the public to participate. Parade travels west along 102nd Street beginning at 3rd Avenue S (east of Nicollet, south of 98th St), to Harriet Ave at 10:30am. (September 17, 2022)
FIND MORE TWIN CITIES FALL FESTIVALS near Bloomington!
Fall Hyland Hills Chairlift Rides
8800 Chalet Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Take in the splendid fall colors view as you glide to the top of Mount Gilboa at HYLAND HILLS SKI AREA, the highest natural point in Bloomington. Enjoy some live tunes, too. Food will be available for purchase. October 7-8, 2023. $7/pp. Get your tickets fast as this event sells out.
Bloomington Halloween Events
Bloomington Citywide Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail
W 84th St & Chalet Rd, Bloomington, MN 55437
Bloomington’s first trick-or-treat trail will take place at NORMANDALE LAKE PARK. This FREE event will include live music by Wendy’s Wiggle, Jiggle and Jam starting at 4pm. No registration required! Costumes encouraged but also not required. October 31, 3-5pm.
FIND MORE TWIN CITIES HALLOWEEN EVENTS near Bloomington, Minnesota!
More Fall Fun Near Bloomington
Winter in Bloomington
Winter In Bloomington: Sledding, snow tubing, skiing & ice skating in Bloomington
Outdoor Ice skating rinks in Bloomington
The city of Bloomington plans to maintain outdoor ice skating rinks at nine community parks. Each has a general ice skating rink, a hockey rink, warming house and outdoor lights. Find the rinks at Brookside Park, Bryant Park, Kelly Park, Poplar Bridge Park, Ridgeview Park, Running Park, Southwood Park, Sunrise Park & Westwood Park.
The skating season typically runs from mid-December through mid-February (though the winter of 2023-2024 has been an exception). Looking for an indoor skating option? The BLOOMINGTON ICE GARDEN offers year-round ice skating (fees apply). Find more information on Bloomington ice rinks here.
Winter at Bloomington’s Hyland Hills Ski Area
During the winter months in Bloomington, Hyland Hills is a premiere family skiing and snowboarding destination. The terrain of the park is full of innovative features and offers some of the best snowmaking and grooming in the Midwest. Lessons are offered if you’re just getting started on skis or want to sharpen your skills. Find current ski prices here. Learn more about HYLAND HILLS SKI AREA in Bloomington.
The best sledding hills in Bloomington
HYLAND LAKE PARK RESERVE: This is a winter recreational haven – bring your own sleds or rent one for a buck at the Richardson Nature Center (please check at the nature center for rentals – it’s also a fun place to warm up). The sledding hill is close to the nature center parking lot.
RUNNING PARK: Has a hilly terrain that is good for sledding. Bring along your skates for the outdoor ice rink. A warming house is open and staffed daily during the winter season. Find more of the best sledding hills near Bloomington, Minnesota.
Winter festivals & activities in Bloomington
Bloomington Winter Fete
Bloomington’s annual winter festival packs weeks of frosty fun activities between mid-December and the middle of February. Highlights include free indoor skating, a traditional Ice Harvest Day at Richardson Nature Center, and the Pond House Winter Festival. You can find the complete schedule of Bloomington Winter Fete activities at the link. Find more WINTER FESTIVALS near Bloomington, Minnesota.
Christmas & holiday events in Bloomington
The Santa Experience at Mall of America
Mall of America Level 1, 2131 Lindau Lane, Bloomington, MN 55425
Book your appointment with Santa Claus at the Mall. Packages for purchase. TBA for 2024. FIND MORE PLACES TO VISIT SANTA NEAR BLOOMINGTON!
Flyover Holidays at Mall of America
Flyover America, Mall of America, 5120 Center Ct, Bloomington, MN 55425
Flyover America traditionally becomes a holiday sleigh adventure in December. Stay tuned for more details! Sunday-Thursday, 11am-7pm & Saturday, 11am-8pm. $16.19-$21.99/pp (best prices online).
Frontier Christmas Celebration at the Pond House
Costumed re-enactors at the historic Pond House will sing carols around the pump organ, read the Christmas story, and serve tasty holiday refreshments. Warm up by the fireplace and make paper star ornaments to take home. December 16, 2024, drop in from 1-4pm. FREE; donations appreciated.
Christmas & Holiday Lights Displays in Bloomington
Founders Ridge Senior Community, 6600 Auto Club Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Trees and decorated and lights throughout the entrance of the campus along circular drive, including a 12-foot tree at the entrance of the building. Collecting Toys for Tots in a collection box under the awning of the front entrance. Submitted by the community in 2020.
FIND MORE HOLIDAY LIGHTS DISPLAYS NEAR BLOOMINGTON ON OUR HUGE LIST and hundreds of holiday events in our 2023 TWIN CITIES CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY GUIDE.
More winter fun in Bloomington
For more outdoor winter fun in the Twin Cities check out our round up of free outdoor ice skating rinks our Winter Survival Guide and our Winter Family Festival Calendar – all filled with ways to enjoy the cold season.
COOL PLACES TO TAKE KIDS IN THE BLOOMINGTON AREA
Mall of America
60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
The sprawling Mall of America in Bloomington is one of the state’s top tourist destinations. It boasts four levels packed wall-to-wall with shopping, dining and fun family attractions including a large indoor amusement park, an aquarium, a cinema and oodles of entertainment you can sort through in our MALL OF AMERICA FAMILY GUIDE, Floor by Floor. Make sure to pocket this before your trip so you can make the most of your trip to the mega-mall (as we coined it upon opening day, 1991.)
See More Mall of America Attractions:
The Works Museum
9740 Grand Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420
THE WORKS MUSEUM has exhibits, programs, and design challenges that engage kids in science, technology, and engineering while making learning memorable and fun. Kids of all ages love the Works for its hands-on science fun.
See more about Pre-K Mondays at the Works Museum in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Rainbow Play Systems Indoor Playground
900 W 80th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
RAINBOW PLAY SYSTEMS is a retail outlet for backyard play equipment systems. They host birthday parties and offer pay to play times in their Bloomington showroom. You can book a fun indoor playdate to monkey around on the swingsets, slides and trampolines. We recommend checking the website to verify times before heading out for Pay to Play times. Cost is $8 per child for a 2-hour block of playtime on the showroom equipment. Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm.
Find more indoor playgrounds near Bloomington, Minnesota.
Base Camp – Northern Star Council
6202 Bloomington Rd, St Paul, MN 55111
Located in the century-old Cavalry Drill Hall near Fort Snelling, BASE CAMP is operated by the Northern Star Council. Public programs include rock climbing, archery, high ropes, camping and outdoor skills, space simulator, and cycling. The first Tuesday of each month, Base Camp is open for drop in indoor rock climbing between 5-9pm. Ages 5 & up, $10/participant.
Vertical Endeavors Indoor Rock Climbing
9601 James Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431
VERTICAL ENDEAVORS is one of the premiere indoor rock climbing and bouldering facilities in the Twin Cities. The Bloomington location boasts 230 routes and walls of up to 60 feet high. Routes range from a beginner skill level to very difficult, meaning there’s something for every age and ability. Rock climbing makes for a great birthday party activity, too! Browse our directory of birthday party ideas to find one in the Bloomington area.
BLOOMINGTON MINNESOTA FREE FAMILY FUN AT PARKS & OUTDOOR PLAY
Bloomington bursts with more than 100 parks, playgrounds, athletic fields and more natural spaces to explore. Our list of the 10 BEST PARKS IN BLOOMINGTON is a great place to start no matter the season. Our Parks Search tool also covers most of these parks – just type “Bloomington” into the location search space. Some parks not to miss when searching for things to do with kids outdoors in Bloomington:
Free Family Fun:
- The gigantic “chutes and ladders” playground at HYLAND LAKE PARK RESERVE. 8737 East Bush Lake Road Bloomington, MN 55438
- A sanctuary along the Mississippi at MINNESOTA VALLEY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. 3815 American Blvd. East Bloomington, MN 55425
- Bloomington’s best beach for summer months at BUSH LAKE PARK. Bush Lake Beach, 9140 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN 55438
- Summer concerts and year-round entertainment at the bandshell in NORMANDALE LAKE PARK. 5901 West 84th Street, Bloomington, MN 55438
- A splash pad at CEDARCREST PARK. 8700 Bloomington Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425
- Saturday Living history programs & free tours at POND DAKOTA MISSION PARK. 401 E 104th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
- Relaxing family strolls at JAPANESE GARDEN AT NORMANDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE. West Lot, 9700 France Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431
- A free archery range with 18 different stations at MARSH LAKE PARK. 9401 France Avenue, Bloomington, MN 55431
More Active Fun:
- Summer waterpark fun at BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER. 201 E 90th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
- The ultimate Twin Cities skiing and snowboarding at HYLAND HILLS SKI AREA. 8800 Chalet Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
- Practice hitting at CLUTCH HITTERS BATTING CAGES. Dred Scott Batting Cages, Bloomington Ferry Road, Bloomington, MN, 55431
- Ice skate year round at BLOOMINGTON ICE GARDEN
3600 West 98th Street, Bloomington, MN 55431
Richardson Nature Center at Hyland Lake Park Reserve
8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
In addition to one of the largest playgrounds in Minnesota, HYLAND LAKE PARK RESERVE is home to the RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER, which is stuffed with kid-friendly exhibits, live raptors, a nature play area and very deserving of your time. Make plans for your visit there with 10 Things for Kids: Richardson Nature Center & Hyland Lake Park.
More Bloomington Parks to Explore
RESTAURANTS WHERE KIDS EAT FREE OR CHEAP NEAR BLOOMINGTON
Cantina Laredo (Mall of America)
300 West Market (MOA 3rd Level), Bloomington, MN 55425; (952) 406-8311
Day/Time: Tuesday, lunch or dinner
Deal: Toddler Tuesdays: One free kid’s meal per adult entrée purchased. Verified: 6/21/21
Cedar & Stone Urban Table
JW Marriot MOA, 2141 Lindau Lane, Bloomington, MN 55425; (612) 615-0124
Day/Time: Tuesday, lunch or dinner
Deal: Toddler Tuesdays: One free kid’s meal per adult entrée purchased. Verified: 6/21/21
2251 Killebrew Drive, Bloomington MN 55425; (952) 876-0222
Day/Time: Wednesdays, All Day
Deal: Kids eat $1 with paid adult entrée.
Verified: 6/21/21
Crave
Mall of America; 368 South Ave Bloomington, MN 55425; (952) 854-5000
Day/Time: Tuesday, lunch or dinner
Deal: Toddler Tuesdays: One free kid’s meal per adult entrée purchased. Verified: 6/21/21
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
250 East Travelers Trail, Burnsville, MN 55337; (952) 882-4651
214 Pioneer Trail, Chaska, MN 55318; (952) 361-0199
Day/Time: Sundays, All Day
Deal: One free kid’s meal per $10 purchase. Valid at participating locations. (Limited time delivery/carry out code: KEFOLO)
Verified: 6/22/21
GameWorks
4th Floor, Mall of America, Bloomington, MN 55425; (952) 500-8700
Day/Time: Tuesday, lunch or dinner
Deal: Toddler Tuesdays: One free kid’s meal per adult entrée purchased. Verified: 6/21/21
Green Mill
1201 West 94th St, Bloomington MN, 55431; (952) 884-9898
8266 Commonwealth Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55344; (952) 944-3000
Day/Time: Tuesdays, Hours vary by location
Deal: Kids Eat Free: 1 child (12 and under) eats free with adult purchase.
Verified: 6/21/21
MASU SUSHI & ROBATA
Third Floor, Mall of America, Bloomington, MN 55425; (952) 896-6278
Day/Time: Tuesday, lunch or dinner
Deal: Toddler Tuesdays: One free kid’s meal per adult entrée purchased. Verified: 6/21/21
McHugh’s Public House
5715 Egan Drive, Savage, MN 55378; (952) 226-5800
Day/Time: Sundays; 4pm-8pm
Deal: Kids Eat Free.
Verified: 6/21/21
Patrick’s Bakery and Café
2928 West 66th St, Edina, MN; (612) 861-7570
Day/Time: Tuesdays; 4pm-close
Deal: Kid’s Night: Kids eat free – 1 child (12 & under) eats free per adult entrée purchased. Entertainment by Lulu the Clown.
Verified: 6/21/21
Pinstripes
3849 Gallagher Drive, Edina, MN 55435; (952) 835-6440
Day/Time: Monday-Thursday; All Day
Deal: $5 Kids Club Special – $5 Kids Meals & $5/hour gaming with purchase of adult meal
Verified: 8/9/21
Pizza Ranch
1266 Vierling Drive East, Shakopee, MN 55379; (952) 233-2122
Day/Time: Tuesdays, Regular Buffet Hours
Deal: Kid’s Night: One child 12 & under per paying adult.
Verified: 6/21/21
Station Pizzeria
13008 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55305; (952) 426-3273
Day/Time: Monday All Day
Deal: Kids eat free off the kids menu. (Thanks, Nicole)
Verified: 6/21/21
Twin City Grill
First Floor, Mall of America, Bloomington, MN 55425; (952) 854-0200
Day/Time: Tuesday, lunch or dinner
Deal: Toddler Tuesdays: One free kid’s meal per adult entrée purchased. Verified: 6/21/21
WILLY MCCOY’S
10700 France Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55437; (952) 456-8905
Day/Time: Sundays, 5-8pm
Deal: One free kid’s meal per adult entrée purchased.
Verified: 6/21/21
Find More Twin Cities Restaurant Deals: Kids Eat Free or Cheap Twin Cities List.
BEST FAMILY HOTEL IN BLOOMINGTON
Great Wolf Lodge
1700 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425
GREAT WOLF LODGE (in the former Waterpark of America space) is a super kid-friendly hotel and water park located near the MALL OF AMERICA. The facility boasts amazing waterslides and pristine pools. They also offer a ton of activities for kids and dining options. Waterpark passes are included in the price of all suites. Don’t miss our 7 Tips for Visiting Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington.
Some Boredom Busting Ideas for Your Hotel Room: 75 Indoor Games for Kids of All Ages
BLOOMINGTON PERFORMING ARTS
Located on the grounds of the Bloomington Civic Plaza, BLOOMINGTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS (1800 W Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington, MN 55431) supports performing and visual arts in the community. The building houses two theaters, two art galleries and a dance studio. It is also home to 8 arts organizations that often offer concerts, exhibits and events. You can check their 2022-2023 Performance Series for details on family-friendly shows such as Continental Ballet’s Cinderella (March) Artistry’s Godspell (July & August).
Watch for more events near Bloomington in our FAMILY PERFORMING ARTS PLAN-AHEAD CALENDAR.
BLOOMINGTON MINNESOTA FAMILY FUN MAP
FIND MORE THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES WITH KIDS!
Bloomington is just the beginning! FAMILY FUN TWIN CITIES tries hard to be the best resource when it comes to finding things to do with your kids and family in the Minneapolis-St Paul metro area of Minnesota. We strive to cover a wide range of communities and share activities and events we have personally experienced with our own kids in tow (all 12 of them!) We call the Twin Cities HOME and are excited to share the area with you! Visitors to Bloomington, Minnesota particularly love these Twin Cities attractions:
- Minnehaha Falls and Regional Park in Minneapolis
- Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul
- Minnesota Children’s Museum, Saint Paul
- Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley
- Valleyfair Amusement Park in Shakopee
Find things to do this weekend in Bloomington on our Weekend Family Guide!
