Looking for family activities near Mall of America? Alongside everything happening at the Summit and inside the Mall, the Twin Cities are full of things to do. Here are ideas for your free time, before, during, or after the weekend, whether you are craving a quiet park, an indoor adventure, or a full day out. These outings are on your own and are not organized by the Summit.
Hours, prices, and accessibility details can change between now and the summit. Please confirm the current details with each venue before you visit. Distances are approximate, measured from the Mall of America.
Parks & the outdoors
Minnehaha Regional Park
A classic Minnesota park built around a 53-foot waterfall, with picnic areas, splash pads and wading pools, gardens, and a playground. Weekend summer parking fills fast, so the metered spots nearer the park are your best bet. The historic Princess Depot is close by, and Sea Salt Eatery is a short walk for lunch.
Lake Harriet Park
Walking and biking trails, a fishing pier, a playground, and a swimming beach. Rent a canoe, kayak, bike, or paddleboard, catch a show at the bandshell, or grab a bite at Bread & Pickle by the pavilion. Free for all.
Centennial Lakes Park
A calm lakeside spot with a trail around the water, paddle boats, mini-golf, and summer concerts. Free admission and parking.
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Trails and lakes, with Schulze Lake Beach a popular swimming spot. Free to park and enter. Keep an eye out for the goats that graze the grounds; they are on the job, so best not to pet or feed them.
Madison’s Place Playground
A shaded, fully inclusive playground with sensory play equipment and wheelchair-accessible ramps throughout the park. Free to visit; groups of 15 or more need a permit.
Animals & indoor discovery
Minnesota Zoo
Indoor and outdoor accessible walking trails, playgrounds, and animals from around the world. Strollers and wheelchairs are available on site. Buy tickets online ahead of time; parking is a few dollars per car.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
A free zoo and glass conservatory, with donations welcome. Wheelchairs and scooters are available to rent. Sensory-friendly options such as early entry may be offered, so check their website before you go.
Minnesota Children’s Museum
Three floors of hands-on play, from water tables and a pretend town for the little ones to a big climbing structure and a real-tool studio for older kids. Something for every age.
Bigger adventures
Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Water Park
A 75,000-square-foot indoor water park kept at a cozy 84 degrees year round, with a lazy river, a shallow wave pool, and bigger rides for the brave. Pack a swimsuit.
Valleyfair
An outdoor amusement park with more than 75 rides and the Soak City water park, made for the thrill-seekers in the family. Day passes are cheaper booked online, and children two and under are free.
Paisley Park
Tour Prince’s home and studio in nearby Chanhassen. Timed tickets are required, and ASL interpreters are available on request with at least ten days’ notice.
Stillwater
The birthplace of Minnesota, a scenic river town with shopping, restaurants, riverside walks, and trolley or hot-air-balloon rides. A relaxed day trip with a lively evening scene.
Right at the Mall
5D Extreme Attraction
Virtual-reality adventures right beside Nickelodeon Universe, from a shark encounter to a runaway mine-car ride, with options for younger and older kids.
Amazing Mirror Maze
Find your way through one of the largest mirror mazes in the world. Group rates are available.
Old Time Photos
Dress up and pose for a keepsake photo. Choose the Old West, the 1920s, pirates, steampunk, Victorian, Renaissance, or even Vikings.
The Escape Game
Sixty minutes to solve your way out of one of five themed rooms. Best for ages 13 and up; an adult must join anyone 14 and under.
Xscape Arcade
Classic and new arcade games with prizes to redeem, all on a reloadable play card instead of quarters.
Easy on the light rail
No car needed
The light rail runs straight from the Mall to much of the Twin Cities. Easy stops along the way include the Weisman Art Museum, Target Field and Twins games, downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul, the Minnesota History Center, Allianz Field, and historic Fort Snelling.