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.
Family Fun Directory of Things To Do with Kids:
Loring Park & Community Arts Center, Minneapolis
Loring Park is home to biking and walking paths that wind around the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. This park hosts some good concerts, festivals and the Loring Park Art Festival. It is a very dog-friendly park. I find it a bit inconvenient to get to, especially when driving. It is definitely more convenient to visit by bus or on bike.
My kids love this park. I'm not certain what makes it stand out. The playground equipment is standard and the pool is old. However, my kids love it. As an adult, I enjoy the nature-in-downtown feel and the proximity to Walker Art Center and a Dunn Brothers Coffee Shop.
The pond has a deep drop off, so care is necessary with little ones. However, the playground equipment is far enough away from the pond, that I haven't had any real reason to worry.
Holidazzle & WinterSkate at Loring Park
Loring Park is currently home to the annual Holidazzle festival and Wells Fargo Minneapolis WinterSkate. The skating rink is free and open to the public every day from late November through the end of the winter skating season. A warming house and a limited number of free loaner ice skates will be available between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 pm on weekdays; 9:00 am through 9:00 pm on Saturdays; and 10:00 am through 6:00 pm on Sundays.
Holidazzle WinterSkate at Loring Park
Loring Park Wading Pool
Loring's wading pool opens Memorial Day weekend and closes in late August. It is an older pool without any special features, but on a 90-degree day, my kids didn't care about that and neither did the other kids at the park. Note, the entry gate is located near the restroom facilities -- not on the playground side.
Loring Park Garden of the Seasons
The Garden of Seasons is made up of three rings. The center ring is called the Woodlands Circle and is a collection of native trees, shrubs and woodland wildflowers. The middle ring -- The Wheel of Color -- is a rainbow of flowers to represent the diversity of the neighborhood. The outer ring is the Tapestry of Green, adding texture with ground cover such as junipers, Prairie Dropseed Grass and Bearberry.
Birthday Parties at Loring Park
MPRB wants you to use your park facilities to their full potential! Individuals and groups are encouraged to use the centers and park spaces for self-directed activities. There are different permit requirements and special use fees, depending on the use.
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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