In Minnesota, family fun outdoors means embracing all four seasons. If you are on this page because you are looking for a new Twin Cities-area park, playground or nature center to explore, hundreds of entries can be found through our Parks & Playgrounds Search feature. Or, continue searching hundreds more ideas of things to do with kids in the Twin Cities through our Family Directory, including family outings, services, classes, camps, birthday parties and more.
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Franconia Sculpture Park, Shafer
This is one of our favorite places to visit for a family picnic or to bring an out-of-town guest. Located in the scenic St. Croix River Valley, Franconia Sculpture Park is a 43-acre outdoor sculpture park that actively supports contemporary artists with residencies and community arts programming. It is run by artists for artists and art lovers. Founded in 1996 the park has grown each year with sculptures being added continuously. Each year 40 artists are accepted for a residency to create in this open-air setting.
While climbing on most sculptures is discouraged, the playground is one of the fun exceptions.
Music at Franconia
Besides supporting sculpture artists, Franconia offers music concerts featuring local musicians on select weekends during the summer months. Note that these are popular events and there is often a parking fee on concert dates. Otherwise the park is completely free.
Dogs are Welcome
We're always looking for family fun that doesn't have to leave out our dog. Franconia is one of those places. Leashed dogs are welcome, just make sure to bring plastic bags for clean up and, in the summer, bring a water dish. The open fields can get really warm for everyone, including the dog.
Kids Make Sculpture
Watch for select dates between May and September when kids can "step into the life of a sculptor" for the afternoon. Children between the ages of 4 and 18 can participate in these workshops. They will spend the afternoon creating BIG sculptures with some help from the park staff and resident artists. Reservations required and the cost is $40.
Articles Featuring Franconia Sculpture Park
What is the Family Fun Twin Directory?
This is the most extensive collection of companies, organizations, activities and places to find things to do with kids in the Twin Cities. Find things to do this weekend, things to do today, things to do with toddlers, things to do with teens. We have it all. Sort by indoor things to do with kids or outdoor things to do with kids. Find theater, music, water parks, aquariums, zoos, museums, seasonal fun.
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We share Family Friendly Businesses. We work hard to keep it the most current and accurate parenting resource in the Twin Cities. Not just a blog for moms, we are a informational resource for families. This parent to parent list is perfect for dads, moms and grandparents to find fun things to do with kids year round.
This directory was made for families who live in the Twin Cities metro to connect with local businesses. However, visitors to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area will find our directory useful to learn more about venues with insider tips and details. Use this directory to find the best things to do with families in Minnesota's largest metropolitan area.
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