Minneapolis is such a fascinating and beloved city in Minnesota. This is especially true for families with toddlers/kids who want to have a fun, adventurous, and unforgettable mid-western getaway. It is the real haven for fun adventures as it can give you and the family a seamless journey filled with truly meaningful experiences and amazing sights.
Experience this magical city by letting the whole family try the exciting and entertaining activities it offers.
Best Places for Great Toddler Activities in Minneapolis
Immersing yourself in the magic and wonders of Minneapolis is definitely a kind of experience you should not miss. With its many malls, bookstores, museums, parks, and libraries, among many others, you and your toddler will definitely have a magical time here.
Most of these attractions and places can also provide free workshops, demonstrations, story times, meals, and music if you decide to avail of their offered attractions and activities. For you to finally plan your visit to Minneapolis, here are the most incredible places for you and your toddler that will give you first-hand experience of the city.
#1 – Minneapolis Institute of Arts
At Minneapolis Institute of Arts, you, your toddler, and the entire family will surely have a great time enjoying music, arts, and other fun activities. It is basically a large first-class art gallery, which you can joyfully explore with your kids.
What’s great about this place is that it also lets you get free guides to the suggestions and collections for the most incredible galleries that parents can visit with kids. Moreover, it celebrates Family Day once every month, often on a Sunday.
This place also features themed art projects, entertainment, music, and activities often linked to the collections of the museum. These features will surely have a special pace in your entire family’s heart. In addition, it is a great idea to participate in the yearly Rock the Cradle event, which is a sure hit among families who want to have fun.
By visiting the institute at the exact time this event is ongoing, you will be greeted with spectacular scenes and activities. Your day will also become memorable as you get to enjoy not only arts but also disco dancing and live music. All these fit all ages, even toddlers.
#2 – Nickelodeon Universe
Access the Nickelodeon Universe by visiting the Mall of America. What’s great about the Nickelodeon Universe is that it holds plenty of entertaining activities that will surely engage your kid for a few hours.
Your toddler will have an unforgettable experience, especially if you let them try the thematic rides that operate based on their beloved characters and cartoons. You will also be greeted with numerous choices for exciting and exhilarating rides that suit different age groups and preferences.
A few examples of characters that kids will meet here are Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob. With all these attractions, this amusement park is sure to make families and parents with toddlers around three to eleven years old have a good time.
#3 – Crayola Experience
Since you are already in the Mall of America, it is also a fantastic idea to stroll around, so you can reach the famous Crayola Experience designed for kids. This place is good for kids as this will let them explore their creative and artistic side. Here, you can keep them engaged in various art techniques while helping them learn the basics of mixing and matching colors.
The Crayola Experience can also turn messy art into such a fun and enjoyable experience for children. They will thrive as you can see them using their imagination and showing off their creativity in a fun environment that supports them. It is also an incredible opportunity for them to learn how to use various art mediums.
In addition, they get to uncover the history behind Crayola crayons. This crayon-themed playground definitely works well for toddlers and kids around the age of two to ten.
#4 – Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
A stroll to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden should also be on top of the things you should do when planning to enjoy Minneapolis with your toddler. Delight your sense of sight with the many wonderful sceneries within the garden.
It is even possible to capture family photos at the Spoon and Cherry, which is a recognizable and famous sight in Minneapolis. It is also possible to challenge your toddler, too, by allowing them to see their favorite statue. It could be the hare jumping over the bell, the big blue tree, or the wind chime tree.
Let them choose, so they will feel independent and free even if they are still young. Make sure to utilize the self-guided tour sheet that the place may provide. That way, you will not experience difficulty when searching for each art installation and sculpture.
For toddlers who love art, expect them to feel pleased when they reach the Walker Art Center, an establishment near the garden. In this spot, you can let your child wander in terms of their creativity and imagination. In addition, you have this great opportunity to introduce your child to famous and new artists, specifically those with work that are displayed in the center’s galleries.
#5 – Minnesota Zoo
Never forget to visit the Minnesota Zoo which will give you the opportunity to enjoy a walk with free-roaming llamas. When staying at the zoo, make it a point to explore and discover several miles of indoor and outdoor trails as you also get to know over five hundred animal species.
Visiting this zoo will help you gain a full understanding of the conservation efforts exerted by the people behind such efforts. A visit to this zoo will let you learn and understand the conservation efforts of the zoo worldwide.
Being operational for over four decades, the Minnesota Zoo can introduce your toddlers to various animals. You can also use this chance to communicate and connect your toddler with animals, so they will develop great love and genuine appreciation for wildlife.
#6 – Valleyfair
You and your entire family will also have fun during your visit to the Valleyfair. It operates as a home to extreme thrills and adventures. The Valleyfair makes you enjoy the amazing water slides and roller coasters here.
In addition, you will get to access their kid-friendly and gentle rides. You can even watch this place’s live shows meant for the whole family. In addition, many of the attractions here will let your child utilize their active energy.
For instance, allow them to enjoy and fall in love with their splash pads and interactive play areas. You can also find mini-drop towers within the place that can help them conquer their fears.
#7 – Wild Rumpus Bookstore
The Wild Rumpus is a very unique bookstore in Minneapolis capable of giving kids and toddlers an excellent source of entertainment. Many people refer to this bookstore as the petting zoo since you can see witness birds, chinchillas, and cats here. A remarkable fact about the Wild Rumpus is that it was founded and built based on the contents of the book, “The Salamander Room”.
As you step inside, expect to feel the usual storefront experience. Once you move forward and get to the back, though, you will feel like you are coming to a nice and luxurious back garden.
The bookstore’s entrance also features a mini door, which a lot of kids find exciting. They will feel thrilled and appreciated upon seeing that there is this door that acts like their special tiny passage.
Conclusion
Your visit to Minneapolis will turn out to be genuinely fun and memorable if you and your family tries the many exciting activities around the area. Make it a point to witness the city’s beautiful attractions, too.
Do any of the toddler activities Minneapolis mentioned in this article as all of them are guaranteed to excite and activate the senses of your toddler. In addition, you are assured of the ability of these activities to give your whole family a surreal and great experience.