It’s official – Family Fun Twin Cities has come down with our annual bout of SPRING FEVER! Check back often as we’re always adding to this list of Twin Cities-area attractions opening in May 2023 for the season.
Twin Cities Attractions Opening in May
April 29, 2023: Como-Harriet & Excelsior Streetcar Lines
4200 Queen Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Between 3rd and George Streets, Excelsior MN
Take a ride on a historic streetcar in the lovely Lake Harriet neighborhood of Minneapolis or near Water Street in downtown Excelsior. A round-trip ride is about 15 minutes in length. Weekends, 12:30-8:30pm & additional afternoon and evening hours added in June. Closed Mon & Tues. $3/pp.
May 1, 2023: Caponi Art Park
1220 Diffley Rd, Eagan, MN 55123
Wander the trails through the sculpture park and take in free cultural entertainment (when offered – otherwise tour at your own leisure). Open Tues-Sun, 9am-8pm. Admission is always FREE unless noted for a special event.
May 1, 2023: Cafesjian’s Carousel in Como Park
1245 Midway Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55103
Take a spin on Como Park’s famous, beautifully painted carousel. This is but one of the many reasons to spend a day at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory this summer. Open daily through Labor Day, Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. $3/pp ages 1+.
May 5, 2023: Centennial Lakes Park outdoor attractions
7499 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435
Now open for the season are the park’s paddleboats to explore the ponds and canals ($20/45 min), the putting course ($10/pp), and lawn bowling ($20/lane per hour). If it’s free entertainment you’re after, the park hosts movies and live music all summer long. And don’t miss pop-up shows from the Edina Model Yacht Club.
May 5, 2023: Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store
20430 Johnson Memorial Dr Jordan, Minnesota 55352
An eye-popping collections of sweets, sodas and bakery treats are for sale within the screaming yellow barn on the side of the highway. Opens at 8am.
May 6, 2023: Wheel Fun Rentals & Como Park Mini Golf
Rent surreys, choppers, canoes, paddleboards and more for scenic viewing of our lake areas. Locations include: BDE MAKA SKA (Minneapolis), LAKE NOKOMIS (Minneapolis) & VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK (Richfield).
COMO PARK MINI GOLF offers a choice of 9, 18 or a whopping 27 holes of outdoor miniature golf close to the plethora of attractions ready and waiting in the COMO PARK ZOO & CONSERVATORY complex. $6-$12/pp.
May 18, 2023: Skyline Mini Golf at Walker Art Center
Artist-designed mini golf holes on the rooftop of Walker Art Center – clocking in at one of the most unique outdoor miniature golf courses in town. $12/pp, ages 6 & under golf free. Register as a new Walker member and your family plays a round of golf for free. Membership starts at $5/month.
May 20, 2023: Wheel Fun Rentals
Locations include: LAKE COMO (St Paul), LAKE HARRIET (Minneapolis) & MINNEHAHA FALLS (weekday rentals begin).
May 20, 2023: Como Town Amusement Park
1301 Midway Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55103
A fun destination for the 12-and-under set that includes attractions like a junior rollercoaster, an exciting zip line, swings, kiddie cars, spinning teacups and a big splash zone. Purchase points for the individual attractions or an all-inclusive wristband. Open Wed-Sun, 11am-6pm.
May 20, 2023: Historic Eidem Farm
4345 101st Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
SPRING ON THE FARM: Greet the farm babies, help with spring planting and other activities. There will be interpretive signs up for self-guided tours along with pictures and the first floor of the farmhouse will be open to tour. After the FREE spring kick-off, the farm will be open for a variety of events all summer long, from storytime on the porch to movies on the barn. Most events offer free admission. 
The Best Twin Cities Nature Playgrounds
May is an IDEAL month for kids to get out before the skeeters hatch and enjoy themselves some of the many Twin Cities-area NATURE PLAYGROUNDS.
More places are popping up where kids get the opportunity to interact with the landscape and, perhaps, develop a greater appreciation for it. Here are 10 places we’ve discovered that have those goals in mind:
Discovery Hollow Nature Play Area
Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Road, White Bear Township, MN 55110
Fawn Crossing Nature Play Area
Whitetail Woods Regional Park, 17100 Station Trail, Farmington, MN 55024
Lowry Nature Center Nature Exploration Area
7025 Victoria Drive, Victoria, MN 55386
Maple Hollow Nature Play Area
Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes, MN 55038
Maplewood Nature Center Nature Play Yard
2659 East 7th Street, Maplewood, MN 55119
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Green Play Yard
3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318
Richardson Nature Center Nature Exploration Area
Hyland Lake Park Reserve, 8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington
Springbrook Nature Center Nature-based Play Area
100 85th Ave NW, Fridley, MN, 55432
Terrace Oaks Park Nature Play Area
Terrace Oaks West Park, 12801 County Road 11, Burnsville, MN 55337
Wood Lake Nature Center Nature Play Area
6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield, MN 55423
Twin Cities attractions opening Memorial Day Weekend 2023
Sibley House Historic Site
1357 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Mendota, MN 55150
Discover the historic house and trading post nestled in one of the first areas of the Twin Cities to be settled. Open weekends, 10am-4pm. $6-$10/pp.
Gibbs Farm
2097 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul, MN 55113
Take a themed guided tour or attend one of Gibbs Farm’s special events (such as the Apple Festival and a Halloween event) throughout the season. Open weekends for public tours, 10am-4pm. $5-$10/pp.
Historic Fort Snelling
200 Tower Ave, St Paul, MN 55111
Explore the historic buildings, chat with costumed interpreters, watch cannon and musket firings and join in historic games. Open Memorial Day weekend then Wed-Sun, 10am-4pm. $8-$12/pp.
Twin Cities Pools, Water Parks, Splash Pads & Beaches
These outdoor swimming holes typically open Memorial Day Weekend, weather permitting. Make sure to double check the websites before packing up the swimsuits and heading out.
Elm Creek Park Reserve Swimming Pond
12400 James Deane Pkwy, Maple Grove, MN 55369
The swim pond offers chlorinated water and a sand beach. Plus, close proximity to a fabulous playground, nature center, bike trails and more recreation! Open 9am-8pm. $6/pp plus tax or $20/season pass.
Grove Cove Aquatic Center Outdoor Pool
12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
The outdoor portion of the pool opens Memorial Day Weekend. 11am-6pm. $8/pp.
Jim Lupient Water Park
1520 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Pre-season opens Memorial Day Weekend. Open 1-7pm, $3-$5/pp.
Lake Minnetonka Regional Park Swimming Pond
4610 County Rd 44, Minnetrista, MN 55364
The chlorinated pond maxes out at 6 feet deep and is rimmed by a sand beach. Open 9am-8pm. $6 pp plus tax or $20/season pass.
Minneapolis Wading Pools & Beaches
Open daily 10am-9pm – please note that wading pools attached to a Minneapolis public school will remain closed until the school year is done. Beaches remain unguarded until mid-June. Minneapolis beaches and wading pools are FREE.
Nicollet Commons Park Water Feature
Oak Hill Park Splash Pad
3201 Rhode Island Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55426
Residents admitted free, non-residents pay $1/pp. Open 10am-8pm.
Webber Natural Swimming Pool
4300 Webber Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55412
Uniquely filtered by plants and boasting free admission! Opens Memorial Day Weekend. 1-7pm.
Twin Cities attractions opening in June 2023
Oliver Kelley Farm
15788 Kelly Farm Rd NW, Elk River, MN 55330
Explore an original 1860s working farm, meet the animals close up and get hands-on in the barn and kitchen. Public hours begin June 16, 2023. $8-$12/pp.
