Visiting Minneapolis this Spring and Summer

Is Minneapolis on your bucket list to visit? If not, it should be! This Midwestern city has a lot going for it and best of all, it’s off the radar for many – meaning visitors won’t be left fighting crowds. Not only is it affordable but you just can’t beat “Minnesota nice”

Minneapolis has two zoos; the Como Zoo and the Minnesota Zoo. The later is much larger and has an admission while Como Zoo is smaller but free. Visit the animals and then enjoy the onsite amusement park, Como Town. They also hold classes (that do have a fee) throughout the spring and summer.

Como Zoo

The Sculpture Garden at the Walker Art Center offers free guided tours of the garden May through September on the weekends. See 40 works spread over 11 acres including the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry. You also can see displays in the Cowles Conservatory and flower garden.

Minneapolis suburb Bloomington is home to the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport and the Mall of America – the largest mall in the US. Within the mall visitors can stop by Lego Land for hands on play and take a ride on one of the many indoor roller coaster rides and attractions. While not free, a day of fun can be had for a small price – think rainy day activity! If you’re visiting Saturday you can also take advantage of a free movie at the theatres in the Mall of America. Different days of the week and showing time cater to special populations such as toddlers and children with sensory issues.

While you might not think of global culture when you think of Minneapolis, the reality is that it is quite the melting pot. Nowhere is that more apparent than at the Midtown Global Market, an internationally themed marketplace. There are over 50 vendors selling food and products from around the world. With over 1.2 million visitors a year, more people visit here than do at the Minnesota Zoo! Just some of the locations represented include Mexico, Somalia, Laos, Thailand, and Italy. There’s an indoor play area for children and cooking classes as well.

midtown-global-market

Once your stomach is full, take a stop by The Works Science and Technology Museum, every parent’s dream. A fun and interactive location that kids are learning while having a good time. Each exhibit is hands on making this a museum you don’t have to keep repeating, “don’t touch that!” While the museum is small it’s easy to spend hours creating and learning.

When it’s time to grab some dinner two kid friendly options are Uptown Cafeteria and support Group and Brasa. You’ll think you stepped back in time at the Uptown Cafeteria which features diner food done right. The décor is a mix of 1950’s chic and school cafeteria style while the menu has favorites such as burgers, sandwiches, and pot pies taken up a notch. Brasa is a creole inspired restaurant with meals served family style; including many vegetarian and gluten free options. The environment is casual and the food is not only delicious but sourced locally and organic as much as possible.

Comments

  1. I really didn't know that Minneapolis had so much to offer. It's been added to my family travel bucket list!

  2. We will be heading through there in April and stopping at Mall Of America. I can't wait! I always like visiting new places.
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  3. I am coming to Minneapolis in may so this is perfect for our vacation, thank you so much. I cannot wait for mall of america as well
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  4. Minneapolis is one of America's under rated cities. Ive been there and they have SO MUCH to offer. I need another trip to experience more.

  5. We have not decided where we are going on vacation this year yet. So many great places to choose from – the the largest mall in America has my attention for sure!
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