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:
Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley
One of the biggest attractions in the Twin Cities is located in the Southern Metro: The Minnesota Zoo. Located on 500 acres off Cedar Ave. in Apple Valley, the zoo opened in May, 1978. The Minnesota Zoo's mission is to connect people, animals, and the natural world. Note that the IMAX theatre at the Minnesota Zoo closed in the beginning of 2019.
 |
| image credit used with Creative Common license approval |
While it's not the famous San Diego Zoo with Jack Hannah, it is the biggest zoo in our state, and the Minnesota Zoo holds its own. The Minnesota Zoo has 546 different species of animals and altogether it has 4,200 animals.
Different trails and exhibits fill the zoo. During the summer, you are able to roam the
- Northern Trail,
- Russia's Grizzly Coast,
- or the Family Farm.
The winter months are more likely going to entice you to stay inside to visit
- the Minnesota Trail (a trail enclosed in a building, but with windows out to the different animal habitats),
- the Tropics Trail,
- and Discovery Bay (where the dolphins used to live, but it is still full of other marine life).
Russia's Grizzly Coast! We were able to get right up and personal.
You can pretend to be paleontologists and dig up mammoth fossils.
Discovery Bay used to host dolphins, but the dolphins have moved on, and they have shut down the pool for major renovations. When they reopen, I believe they are going to be checking in some new residents like sharks and such.
Hanging out at the Family Farm. (there is also a grain elevator which is a HUGE play area for kids right outside the Family Farm. )
My friend and I were so curious about the chickens! And their funny feathers.
On the Tropics Trail: Monkeys, tortoises, Komodo Dragon, birds, and to be fair -- snakes and bats. Honestly, I ran through those exhibits because to be able to leave, we had to follow the trail through those habitats. I. Hate. Snakes/Bats.
Flamingos! Looks like they have had plenty of shrimp!
Daily Activities at the Minnesota Zoo
There are some things you can see every day at the zoo. Others are daily during certain seasons. Find the whole list of daily activities here.
- Penguin Feeding 10 am & 2:30 pm
- Leopard Training 10 am
- Brown Bear Training 1:15 pm
- Hawaiian Monk Seal Training 2 & 3:30 pm
- Tropical Reef Dive Show 10:30 am
- Tropical Reef Shark Feeding 3 pm
- Cow Milking 11 am, 1 & 3 pm
- Birds Show 11 am 1 & 3 pm (unless there is a concert that night, than no 3 pm)
Birthday Parties at the Minnesota Zoo
Some images courtesy Minnesota Zoo, used with permission
Articles Related to the Minnesota Zoo
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.
Find the Answers to Your Questions. How much does it cost? What are the hours? Where can I find discount tickets? Where did my favorite store go?
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.
Connect With Us:
