Weekend Family Itinerary in Minneapolis, MN — Minneapolis, MN

Quick Answer

This weekend itinerary for families in Minneapolis includes visits to parks, museums, and local eateries, making it perfect for all ages. Enjoy a blend of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and delicious dining options.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is designed for families looking to explore Minneapolis over a weekend. Whether you are a local looking for new experiences or a visitor wanting to see the highlights, this itinerary provides a mix of outdoor fun, educational activities, and delicious dining options that cater to all ages.

Neighborhoods Mentioned in This Guide

In this itinerary, we will explore various neighborhoods throughout Minneapolis, each offering unique attractions:

• Loring Park: Known for its green spaces and cultural venues.
• Dinkytown: A vibrant area filled with shops and eateries.
• Powderhorn: Home to a beautiful park and community events.
• Kingfield: This neighborhood features great restaurants and family-friendly activities.
• Northeast Park: Offers a blend of arts and outdoor spaces.
• Nokomis: Known for its lakes and recreational opportunities.
• North Minneapolis: Rich in history and culture.
• Seward: A community-oriented neighborhood with local charm.
• Prospect Park: Offers scenic views and parks.
• Bryn Mawr: Features beautiful homes and parks.

Saturday Morning: Outdoor Adventures

Start your weekend with some fresh air and outdoor fun. Minneapolis is known for its parks and lakes, making it an ideal place for family-friendly activities.

Visit Minnehaha Park

• Location: 4801 S Minnehaha Park Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55417
• Highlights: Minnehaha Falls is a stunning 53-foot waterfall that is perfect for photos. The park features trails, picnic areas, and a playground. Families can enjoy walking or biking along the trails while taking in the natural beauty.
• Activities: Hiking, picnicking, and visiting the historic McGovern Falls.

Explore Lake Nokomis

• Location: 5000 W Lake Nokomis Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55417
• Highlights: Lake Nokomis offers swimming, fishing, and a sandy beach area. The surrounding park features a playground, picnic areas, and trails for biking and walking.
• Activities: Swimming in the summer, ice skating in the winter, and renting paddle boats.

Saturday Afternoon: Cultural Exploration

After a morning of outdoor fun, dive into some cultural experiences that Minneapolis has to offer. This is a great way to engage children with art and history.

Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA)

• Location: 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
• Highlights: The MIA offers free admission and features an extensive collection of art from around the world. The family-friendly activities often include scavenger hunts and art-making workshops.
• Activities: Explore the galleries, participate in family programs, and enjoy the museum’s beautiful gardens.

Stop by the Science Museum of Minnesota

• Location: 120 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102 (just a short drive from Minneapolis)
• Highlights: Although technically in St. Paul, this museum is a must-visit for families. It offers interactive exhibits that engage children in science and technology.
• Activities: Explore the dinosaur exhibit, watch an IMAX movie, and participate in hands-on science experiments.

Saturday Evening: Dining and Relaxation

After a day full of activities, enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of Minneapolis’s family-friendly restaurants.

Dining Options

• Pizzeria Lola (Location: 5557 Xerxes Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410): Known for its delicious wood-fired pizzas, this restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a kids’ menu.
• The Bad Waitress (Location: 2 locations in Minneapolis): A quirky diner that serves comfort food with a twist, perfect for families.
• Matt's Bar (Location: 3500 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407): Famous for its Jucy Lucy burger, it’s a local favorite that welcomes families.

Evening Stroll at Loring Park

• Location: 1382 Willow St, Minneapolis, MN 55403
• Highlights: After dinner, take a leisurely stroll in Loring Park. The park features beautiful gardens, a pond, and frequently hosts family-friendly events.

Sunday Morning: More Outdoor Fun

For your second day, continue to explore the natural beauty of Minneapolis with more outdoor activities.

Visit the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

• Location: 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103 (a short drive from Minneapolis)
• Highlights: Free admission and an array of animals and plants make this a great family destination. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, and the conservatory features beautiful floral displays.
• Activities: Explore the zoo, visit the butterfly garden, and enjoy the scenic park surrounding the zoo.

Check Out the Chain of Lakes

• Location: Surrounding areas of Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun), Lake Harriet, and Lake of the Isles.
• Highlights: The Chain of Lakes offers a variety of activities such as biking, walking, and picnicking. Each lake has its unique features, from beaches to trails.
• Activities: Rent a kayak, bike around the lakes, or enjoy a picnic on the shore.

Sunday Afternoon: Local Experiences

As your weekend winds down, consider immersing yourselves in local experiences that reflect the culture and community of Minneapolis.

Explore Dinkytown

• Location: Near the University of Minnesota campus
• Highlights: This vibrant neighborhood is filled with shops, cafes, and local eateries. It’s a great place to enjoy a casual lunch or grab a treat.
• Activities: Visit local bookstores, grab a coffee at one of the many cafes, and enjoy the youthful atmosphere.

Visit the Walker Art Center and Sculpture Garden

• Location: 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
• Highlights: The Sculpture Garden features iconic pieces, including the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry. The Walker Art Center offers family-friendly art activities on weekends.
• Activities: Walk through the sculpture garden, participate in art-making activities, and enjoy the beautiful views of the city.

Neighborhood Breakdown

Loring Park

Loring Park is a hub for culture and nature, featuring the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The park itself is a lovely spot for families to relax and enjoy a picnic.

Dinkytown

Known for its youthful energy, Dinkytown is filled with shops and eateries that cater to families. It's also close to the University of Minnesota, which adds to its vibrant atmosphere.

Powderhorn

Powderhorn Park is a community-oriented area with a beautiful lake and recreational opportunities. It hosts various events and is perfect for family outings.

Kingfield

Kingfield is known for its local dining scene and family-friendly atmosphere. The neighborhood has several parks and community events that families can enjoy together.

Northeast Park

This artsy neighborhood is perfect for families interested in culture. With galleries and unique shops, it offers plenty of opportunities for exploration.

Nokomis

The Nokomis area is great for families who enjoy outdoor activities. With its lakes and parks, it’s an ideal place for swimming, biking, and enjoying nature.

North Minneapolis

Rich in history and culture, North Minneapolis offers unique experiences that reflect the community's diversity. It’s worth exploring for its local art scene.

Seward

Seward is a welcoming neighborhood with a strong community vibe. It features local businesses and parks that are perfect for family outings.

Prospect Park

Known for its hilly terrain and beautiful views, Prospect Park offers outdoor activities and is home to the University of Minnesota's botanical gardens.

Bryn Mawr

Bryn Mawr is characterized by its beautiful homes and parks. The neighborhood is peaceful, making it a great place for families to stroll and relax.

Neighborhoods to Explore in Minneapolis

• [family fit in Loring Park](/mn/minneapolis/neighborhoods/loring-park)
• [living in Dinkytown](/mn/minneapolis/neighborhoods/dinkytown)
• [Powderhorn neighborhood guide](/mn/minneapolis/neighborhoods/powderhorn)
• [Kingfield neighborhood guide](/mn/minneapolis/neighborhoods/kingfield)
• [living in Northeast Park](/mn/minneapolis/neighborhoods/northeast-park)
• [family fit in Nokomis](/mn/minneapolis/neighborhoods/nokomis)
• [living in North Minneapolis](/mn/minneapolis/neighborhoods/north-minneapolis)
• [living in Seward](/mn/minneapolis/neighborhoods/seward)
• [Prospect Park neighborhood guide](/mn/minneapolis/neighborhoods/prospect-park)
• [Bryn Mawr neighborhood guide](/mn/minneapolis/neighborhoods/bryn-mawr)

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• [Rainy Day Activities in Minneapolis](/mn/minneapolis/guides/rainy-day-activities-minneapolis)
• [Free Things to Do in Minneapolis With Kids](/mn/minneapolis/guides/free-things-to-do-in-minneapolis-with-kids)
• [Things to Do in Minneapolis With Kids](/mn/minneapolis/guides/family-activities-minneapolis)
• [Best Neighborhoods in Minneapolis for Retirees](/mn/minneapolis/guides/minneapolis-best-neighborhoods-retirees)
• [Best Neighborhoods in Minneapolis for First-Time Movers](/mn/minneapolis/guides/minneapolis-neighborhoods-first-time-movers)
• [Best Neighborhoods Near Downtown Minneapolis](/mn/minneapolis/guides/best-neighborhoods-near-downtown-minneapolis)

Helpful Minneapolis Tools

• [Get your Minneapolis CityFit Report](/mn/minneapolis/cityfit-report)
• [Minneapolis City Guide hub](/mn/minneapolis)
• [All Minneapolis guides](/mn/minneapolis/guides)
• [Events in Minneapolis](/mn/minneapolis/events)
• [Moving to Minneapolis](/mn/minneapolis/move-in)