Are you getting the itch to travel, like most individuals and families? Looking for domestic travel locations? If you are looking for a destination with a variety of family activities, Minnesota, the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes, should be your next vacation. Here are five ideas for great family adventures in Minnesota.
1. Bicycle Minneapolis
Minneapolis has won many awards for being very bike-friendly. There are an abundance of bike lanes and people use bikes to commute to work as well as school. Plus there are countless miles of paved bike trails for enjoyment and exercise that take you around the lakes in town. A favorite trail is the Chain of Lakes which is about thirteen miles and part of a larger fifty-mile loop. There are many options right in town to rent bikes. Most offer many multiple drop-off locations and you can pay as you go.
2. Canoe the Boundary Waters
If you want a taste of the Great Outdoors, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is a pristine network of lakes in Northern Minnesota. Many outfitters can rent canoes and equipment for a day trip or a longer, multiple-day outing. All in the family will enjoy the songs of loons, fishing for bass, and building campfires at night. To have a great trip, get tips before going on a Boundary Waters canoe camping adventure.Â
3. Mall of America
The Mall of America is more than just a shopping center. It is a huge entertainment complex with shopping as only one of your many options. You can visit the aquarium or play a round of mini-golf. Your kids will love experiencing the XD ride, which combines an interactive video game with the thrill of a roller coaster. (You probably will, too!)
Don’t think the Mall of America is just for kids. You’ll find it to be very adult-friendly with restaurants, music performances, and a bowling alley. Take in the 9-minute Universe of Light show on weekends that includes lasers and music. You can even indulge in a day spa while children are being entertained. Or be inspired by a trip around America with the Fly Over America flight simulation fully immersive ride.
4. Soak Away the Miles
Spending hours in the car and/or doing activities that you aren’t used to (like canoeing or bicycling!), can sometimes create some aches and pains. A win-win for entertaining the family as well as soaking away the soreness is to find a place to stay with a hot tub. You can find many Minnesota hot tub hotels in close proximity to the best attractions. Take advantage of the rest and relaxation while also being safe.
5. Go to a Twins or Vikings Game
Regardless of the season, Minnesota has some of the best professional sports in the Midwest. Right in the heart of it all, you and your family can take in a Twins (a.k.a Twinkies by the locals) baseball game. If you are traveling in the fall and winter months, you may get lucky enough to be able to attend a Vikings game. Make sure to enjoy some of the local food and treats at the game: bratwursts and cheese curds.Â
If you are looking for a getaway with a variety of activities, both indoors and outdoors, Minnesota is an optimal choice. With the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes easily accessible by car, bus, train, and plane, you can choose which type of trip makes the most sense for you and your family. Plan now, so you can enjoy some amazing family adventures in Minnesota!
This has sat on my bucket list for far too long!
Right?! We should definitely plan a trip!
It feels like a really fun place. I would love to see the hot tub hotels. And of course I’d go for canoeing. Not sure if I will be able to do it, but would love to try it.
Canoeing the Boundary Waters sounds like fun. And I would definitely watch a baseball game. What are cheese curds? I would try them – anything with cheese in it is fine for me!
Given how close Minnesota is from Toronto, I am sad to say we have not yet explored much there at all. I love all the outdoor things there are to do. Biking and a canoe ride would be on our list for sure. I love the idea of relaxing in a hot tub after all that exercise. I would send the family to the mall and enjoy my relaxing time!
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful post on Minnesota.There are so many activities to indulge in. I would love to do canoeing and visit the Mall of America.
Great ideas for spending some time in Minneapolis with the family. My daughter would like bicycling through Minneapolis and I would love to visit the Chain of Lakes on a bike ride. Canoeing the boundary waters also sounds like an ideal way to spend a day when visiting Minneapolis
Five activities that sound just perfect for a break in Minnesota. Cycling around should be good fun. Would love to stay in one of the hot tub hotels.
I would love to visit Minnesota someday. The canoeing and biking definitely sounds good. I would surely do both of them. I also like the idea of the hot tub after being outdoors the whole day.
Yes, itching to travel far and wide! It’s times like this that we miss those family adventures and bonding over travel. Thanks for putting this list together. It kind of made me imagine and crave for more.