Best things to do in the Twin Cities during Winter
While Minneapolis might not be the top choice for a winter escape, the Twin Cities provide excellent indoor activities for families, along with unforgettable Ice Castles during the winter season, making it a delightful and unforgettable destination to enjoy the winter season.

Mall of America®: Nickelodeon Universe®
Mall of America®: Nickelodeon Universe® is one of the most famous landmarks in Minnesota. Nickelodeon Universe®, America's largest indoor theme park, is fun for the entire family. My girls are ride-enthusiasts and they had a blast exploring all seven acres of this indoor entertainment attraction. My teenagers love playing MagiQuest, the indoor interactive digital game using magic wands. With indoor roller coasters, carnival rides, miniature golf, an indoor zipline, and restaurants this is a great place to spend a day.
Mall of America®: Crayola Experience
Mall of America®: Crayola Experience is a must-see stop for kids. Our family had a blast exploring the world of color and imagination at the Mall of America®: Crayola Experience. My daughters loved making their customized crayons, and the many fun ways to explore creativity. With over 25 interactive activities to choose from, we dove into a world where coloring pages came to life in a mesmerizing 4D journey right before our eyes. Watching the crayon-making process up close was a highlight of the trip. We recommend this attraction for families with school-age children.
Science Museum of Minnesota
The Science Museum of Minnesota (120 W. Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul, MN) is a must-visit hands-on science center for families! With captivating exhibits on dinosaurs, space exploration, the human body, earth science, and technology, this remarkable museum guarantees an unforgettable experience. We spent half a day exploring the interactive displays, but we were left wanting more—you can easily spend an entire day. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity for adventure and discovery.
Mill City Museum, Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis' economic history is built around flour milling. Mill City Museum (704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN) is an interactive museum telling the story of grain mills in Minnesota. Our family spent two hours exploring this museum, learning about the life of mill workers, and the progression of technology over the years, and experimenting in the baking lab. This is an educational destination worth a visit.
Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Falls is the prettiest waterfall in Minneapolis. This beautiful wilderness waterfall is uniquely found in the heart of the city, offering a beautiful escape for visitors and a fun photo op. Overlooking the Mississippi River, Minnehaha Park is one of Minneapolis’ oldest and most popular parks. Located at the intersection of Hiawatha Avenue and Minnehaha Parkway, the 193-acre park features a 53-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs, and river overlooks for you to explore and enjoy.
Experience Winter in Minnesota

Ice Castles in Minnesota
One of our family's favorite winter adventures was a visit to Minnesota to explore the magical Ice Castle. This winter wonderland resembled a fairy tale, featuring a frozen maze, slides, tunnels, archways, and caverns that provided a delightful winter playground. Learn more about Ice Castles and how you can visit this marvel here.
More Snowy and Winter Fun in Minneapolis / St. Paul:
Where to Stay in Minneapolis for Families:
Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington, MN
Great Wolf Lodge is one of our family's favorite places to stay, especially in the winter. The indoor MagiQuest game is a hit with the girls, and the themed activities for each season (Snowland, Spring Break, Summer, Halloween) add to the excitement. With a range of suites available to accommodate different family sizes, the hotel also includes admission to the indoor waterpark. Additionally, guests can opt for extra activities such as the indoor ropes course, bowling, arcades, and games, food and beverages. Great Wolf Lodge offers plenty of family-friendly entertainment, making it a top choice for families with kids.
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