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Raptor Center, 1920 Fitch Ave, St Paul, MN 55108
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318
Bell Museum of Natural History, 2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul, MN 55113
Weisman Art Museum, 333 E River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Student Center at the U of M, Rarig Center, 330 21st Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55455
John T. Tate Hall, 116 Church Street Se Minneapolis, MN 55455
Northrop Auditorium, 84 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455

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, here are some of our favorite Family-Friendly offerings from the U.

The Raptor Center

Anne’s family loves visiting the Raptor Center with her kids. Tours are traditionally offered throughout the year. She shares its Top 5 Family-Friendly Features here.

Raptor Center, Saint Paul

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.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

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.

Girl by large wooly mammoth diorama at Bell Museum of Natural History.

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

The Student Center offers weekly Bowl for a Buck days when the U is in session.

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

M Music - Logo for the University of Minnesota School of MusicThe 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.

Find More: FFTCs Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Summer Camps

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The Family Fun Twin Cities Directory is the most extensive collection of companies, organizations, activities and places to find things to do with kids in the Twin Cities.

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