Minnesota is full of outdoor fun and kid-friendly adventures that don’t cost a thing. Whether you live in the Twin Cities, Rochester, or up by Duluth and the North Shore, there are plenty of places where little ones can explore, run, and play safely. These activities are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, easy to get to, and great for families who want to spend time together without spending money. Here are the top 10 best free activities for families with small children in Minnesota.
1. Visit Como Park Zoo & Conservatory (St. Paul)
Como Park Zoo is completely free, making it perfect for families with young kids. You can spend hours walking on wide paths, watching animals, and exploring the indoor conservatory. Kids love seeing colorful flowers, tropical plants, and even koi ponds. There are benches and shady spots for a picnic or a rest. Toddlers enjoy the open space, while older kids can spot ducks, monkeys, and farm animals. It’s an easy way to introduce children to nature without spending a penny.
2. Splash at Twin Cities Wading Pools & Splash Pads
During summer, Minneapolis and St. Paul have free wading pools and splash pads. These shallow pools and fountains are safe and fun for little kids. Wabun Wading Pool in Minnehaha Regional Park is a favorite, with gentle water features that toddlers love. Families can bring towels, snacks, and sunscreen to enjoy a few hours of water play. Splash pads are a great way for kids to cool off, make friends, and have fun running around outdoors.
3. Explore Minnehaha Falls & Park
Minnehaha Falls is a beautiful 53-foot waterfall that’s easy for small children to reach. Paved trails make it stroller-friendly, and the surrounding park has picnic areas and open fields for kids to run and explore. Little ones enjoy watching the water rush over rocks, while parents can relax on benches and take in the scenery. There are often birds and small wildlife to spot, making it both a fun and educational outing for families.
4. Walk or Bike the Cedar Lake Trail (Minneapolis)
The Cedar Lake Trail is a smooth, flat, paved path that stretches over four miles through Minneapolis. It’s perfect for strollers, scooters, or little legs learning to ride a bike. Families can explore as little or as much as they like, stopping at benches or grassy areas to rest. Kids can play simple games along the way or count ducks and boats they see near the water. The trail is a simple way to enjoy fresh air, exercise, and time together without spending any money.
5. Check Out Powderhorn Park
Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis has a playground, open fields, and a small lake. Kids can run, climb, and play safely in the playground while parents enjoy the green space. Wide paths make it stroller-friendly, and the lake adds a touch of nature to the visit. In winter, the lake is used for ice skating, giving families free fun all year. Powderhorn Park is a neighborhood favorite, and even a short visit is a perfect way to get kids outdoors.
6. Free Movies, River Shows, & Outdoor Fun Along the Mississippi
Along the Mississippi River, Minneapolis and St. Paul host free summer events like outdoor movies and the “River Rats” water-ski show. Families can bring blankets, snacks, and enjoy an evening together by the river. Kids love seeing boats, kayaks, and performers on the water. Open grassy areas let children run around before or after the show. It’s an easy and exciting way to spend a summer night without spending money.
7. Visit Franconia Sculpture Park
Franconia Sculpture Park is an outdoor art space just outside the Twin Cities. Over 50 acres, there are more than 100 sculptures for kids to explore. Many are whimsical and interactive, giving children a chance to run, climb, and use their imagination. Families can also enjoy a picnic on the grass while appreciating the creative art installations. Franconia is both fun and inspiring, offering a unique and completely free experience for kids of all ages.
8. Watch the Aerial Lift Bridge & Stroll Duluth’s Lakewalk
In Duluth, walking across the Aerial Lift Bridge is exciting for kids and completely free. You can watch massive ships pass underneath and explore the harbor. Afterward, take a stroll along the Lakewalk, a paved path along Lake Superior. The Lakewalk is stroller-friendly, with scenic views, ducks, and boats to watch along the way. Kids can enjoy the fresh air and open space, while parents relax and take in the beautiful lake scenery.
9. Play at Playfront Park (Duluth)
Playfront Park is a modern playground near Duluth’s waterfront. It has slides, climbing structures, swings, and open spaces for running. The playground is designed for small children, so parents can relax while kids play safely. It’s easy to spend a whole morning here, and you can combine it with a walk along the Lakewalk or a visit to nearby Canal Park. Playfront Park is a perfect free outing for little adventurers.
10. Enjoy the Canal Park Fountains (Duluth)
The Canal Park Fountains in Duluth are great for summer fun. Kids can splash, run through the water, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a fountain on a sunny day. There’s plenty of space for picnics and nearby benches for parents. The fountains are stroller-friendly and safe for toddlers, making this a low-stress, totally free way to enjoy time outside. Kids especially love the excitement of getting a little wet while playing.
Minnesota is full of free, kid-friendly activities that make it easy for families to enjoy time together outdoors. From beautiful waterfalls and playgrounds to fountains and walking trails, there’s something for every season and every child’s interest. These top 10 spots in the Twin Cities, Rochester, and Duluth area are perfect for little kids, require no money to visit, and offer hours of fun, exploration, and fresh air.
No matter where you live, you can plan a fun day around these activities, letting kids run, explore, and learn about nature, art, and the world around them. With a little planning, Minnesota provides endless free opportunities for family adventure and memories that will last a lifetime.
