Address: 4900 Mississippi Dr, Minneapolis, MN, 55430
Upcoming Events: Jump to Carl W Kroening Nature Center Events
Website Carl W Kroening Nature Center
Phone 612-370-4844
Hours Tues-Fri 9am-4:30pm, Sat 10am-4pm
Carl W Kroening Nature Center is located within North Mississippi Regional Park and is operated by Minneapolis Parks.
“Nature in the City” interactive exhibits
In 2022, new “Nature In the City” exhibits replaced the original interactive activities at Carl Kroening Nature Center. Aside from being just plain fun for young ones, the exhibits incorporate citizen science and topics such as water, native plants and pollinators, and urban wildlife. Our kids have enjoyed this nature center for its quality hands-on materials. Younger (and older) children may enjoy playing with puppets, a make-believe market, dress up and blocks.
The center also contains a live animal room with turtles, frogs and snakes and a Minnesota freshwater fish aquarium.
Outdoor activities at Carl Kroening Nature Center
Steps from the nature center’s door is an inventive, accessible nature play area that features dynamic components to entice hikers to climb, hop, run, swing, and jump their way through the park.
North Mississippi Regional Park’s prairie and woodlands surround the interpretive center. It overlooks the Mississippi River. Families can grab nature bingo cards while watching out the large windows. If they prefer, they can choose to try to spot different types of birds at the songbird feeding station or watch the Squirrel Olympics course that is set up in the yard. Afterwards, you can check out backpacks to go birding in the park. Or bring your own birding kit.
The center offers Trail Activity Books, fun ideas, binoculars and adventure packs for check out. Stop by the front desk to borrow these items. Or, even talk with a naturalist to meet and learn about the center’s education animals. Note: The adventure packs are BIG and heavy. If I were making my own, they would be much smaller. If your kids are small, expect to be carrying it yourself as you explore.
Also within North Mississippi Regional Park is a large playground and a beautiful, splash wading pool your kids won’t be able to resist.
Birthday parties at Carl Kroening Nature Center
Indoor parties
While the park no longer offers guided birthday parties, the do have indoor space available to rent for birthday parties and other events. Learn more and find other nature center birthday parties: Twin Cities Birthday Parties for Kids: Party in the Park.
Outdoor parties
See the North Mississippi Regional Park page for outdoor birthday parties and rental of a picnic shelter. Call the park for more details on either indoor or outdoor parties: 612-370-4844.
More information
- Registration link: Minneapolis Parks activities
- Rental inquiries: Space availability form
Related content
Share Your Experience/Tips:
We would love to hear your thoughts and parental tips. Share your experiences and any information you think other parents would find useful. Leave us a comment below.Upcoming Family-Friendly Events
Events TBA
Fun Past Events We Hope to See Again
Events TBA
Please Note: FamilyFunTwinCities.com is an independent website run by Twin Cities families for Twin Cities families. We attempt to include the information we find most essential as parents. We make every effort to keep up with changes. However, we are not employed by or connected to this venue, and information sometimes changes without our knowledge. We recommend calling or checking the venue’s website for up-to-date information.
No. 1508