Plan a Trip to Minnesota’s Twin Cities for End-of-Summer Family Fun

Summer is time to spend with family, and while the season is quickly winding down, there is still time to plan a last-minute vacation to one of America’s most beautiful states — Minnesota. There is so much to do in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, you’ll most likely have to spend part of your family travel thinking about your next visit, but our list of great family-friendly activities will give you plenty of ideas as you plan your summer getaway.

You may be able to drive all the way across Minnesota in less than a day, but the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul offer so much to see and do for families, you’ll have to schedule another trip for next summer to see the rest of the state.

In Minneapolis, Mall of America is a must. In addition to tons of fun shops to explore (the timing is perfect to get that back-to-school shopping done), there are long-time family favorites like an indoor amusement park and aquarium, but some of the newer additions will definitely make little ones smile. The Crayola Experience, a 60,000-square-foot space at the mall, is home to 25 different hands-on activities where kids can play and create. There is also a huge Crayola retail store attached, which includes experiences like naming and wrapping your very own crayons.

Across the Mississippi River is St. Paul, Minneapolis’s twin city, where you can take in plenty of science and nature at places like Minnesota Children’s Museum, home to a four-story indoor playground called the Scramble.

Just outside of St. Paul you’ll find Valleyfair, the upper Midwest’s largest amusement park. The park, combined with Soak City waterpark, has rollercoaster rides and water slides for every kid in the family, even the adult ones.

Minnesota and its great family attractions are the perfect way to make the most of the last days of summer. Well-rested and well-entertained, you’ll all be ready to take on fall and start planning your next trip.