Mn summer vacation ideas
1. Minneapolis
Don’t think for a second that Minneapolis, Minnesota is all ice.
With a cornucopia of attractions, Minneapolis gives families non-stop fun for days.
Who should vacation here
Minneapolis is a playground for families who are into cultural, historical and educational attractions.
From the Bell Museum of Natural History to the Children’s Museum, Minneapolis has plenty of attractions that make learning exciting for everyone.
Expert tip
Searching for free attractions?
Guess what?
Minneapolis has a lot of admission-free museums, including the Weisman Art Museum and Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
The Walker Art Center is also free on Thursday nights.
Recommended Hotel: Radisson Blu Minneapolis Downtown
2. Bloomington
From a massive shopping mall to a wildlife refuge, Bloomington bursts with incredibly fun family vacation ideas.
Who should vacation here
Bloomington offers endless fun with indoor and outdoor attractions that will satisfy the entire family.
The Mall of America, the largest shopping mall on earth, is full of captivating kid-approved attractions, including the Crayola experience, an aquarium and amusement rides.
For nature-loving families, head to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
Also, don’t forget to visit the Water of America.
Expert tip
To save money on your accommodations, I suggest that you stay at Comfort Inn MSP Airport.
Aside from its excellent rates, the hotel also offers free shuttle services to the Mall of America and airport.
Plus, it has family rooms, an indoor heated pool and a fitness center.
Recommended Hotel: Comfort Inn MSP Airport
3. Duluth
Duluth features some of the best and most remarkably fun things to do in Minnesota with kids.
Who should vacation here
Duluth is a paradise for nature and adventure lovers.
Beautiful in any season, Duluth is serene, underrated and full of nature sights.
What’s more, it offers access to Boundary Waters, a sprawling protected wilderness with trails and canoe routes.
Expert tip
Make a pit stop to the Duluth Children’s Museum in Clyde Park.
Teaching kids through imaginative play, this museum has a range of facilities and interactive programs that both kids and parents enjoy.
4. Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge
25039 Tame Fish Lake Rd
Deerwood, MN 56444
(218) 678-2885
Aching for relaxing kid-friendly weekend getaways in Minnesota?
Trust me, your family will have a swell time communing with nature at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge.
Who should vacation here
Escape your daily urban woes, and enjoy a host of outdoorsy family at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge.
There’s a sandy beach with a water slide, a golf course, a heated pool, biking trails as well as volleyball and tennis courts.
Moreover, the lodge’s Kid Kamp and Youth Adventure will keep your youngsters entertained and occupied for hours.
Expert tip
Do yourself a favor and stay at their budget double room.
With a queen bed, a full bed and a sofa bed, this lodging option comfortably accommodates up to 7 guests.
And, it’s pretty affordable too.
5. Stillwater
Nicknamed the birthplace of Minnesota, Stillwater is truly one of the best places to visit in Minnesota with kids.
Who should vacation here
Stillwater is filled with fantastic experiences for families throughout the year.
In warmer months, families come to this small historic town for recreational water fun, like gondola rides, boating and kayaking.
You’ll also love the town’s year-round, kid-approved attractions, including Teddy Bear Park, BierCycle Adventures and trolley tours.
On top of it all, it has a convenient location, offering easy access to a handful of superb family vacations near Minnesota.
Expert tip
Don’t forget to drop by Nelson’s Ice Cream.
Founded in 1923, this historic parlor serves generous scoops of sumptuous ice cream.
It’s also award-winning and exudes a wondrous family atmosphere.
6. Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior
7192 MN-61
Tofte, MN 55615
(218) 663-7296
They don’t call Bluefin Bay one of the best family resorts in Minnesota for nothing.
With a first-class service and a host of amenities, this resort will give you plenty of sweet memories.
Who should vacation here
Bluefin Bay blends serenity, luxury and family fun to give you a vacation for the ages.
Nestled on Lake Superior’s banks, this Minnesota resort has tons of recreational activities, including kayaking, biking and skiing.
There’s also a playground for toddlers and younger kids.
Expert tip
Make your vacation extremely comfy by staying at the 2-bedroom apartment.
With 2 separate rooms and a living room, it gives moms and dads a little privacy on their vacation.
Additionally, it’s pretty spacious with a total area of 89 square meters.
7. Lake County
Lake County is an excellent choice for anyone looking for affordable and outdoorsy family trips.
Who should vacation here
For a cheap family vacation, head to Lake County.
Although it doesn’t feature big city attractions, it nevertheless offers cheap family-friendly activities, like hiking.
Even better, it lets you reconnect with Mother Nature.
Expert tip
Gooseberry Falls State Park is the best place to camp and relax in the area.
So, pack your camping gear, and drive the picturesque Minnesota Highway 61 to get to this stunning park.
Recommended Hotel: Grand Superior Lodge
8. St. Paul
St. Paul offers a superb mix of urban wonders and educational attractions.
Who should vacation here
St. Paul is ideal for anyone looking for an urban destination with loads of family-friendly places to go.
You can spend your vacation days sightseeing and exploring family attractions.
Our favorites include the Science Museum of Minnesota and Minnesota History Center.
Expert tip
We recommend the Hyatt Place hotel for families visiting St. Paul.
With its roomy accommodations and impressive service, this hotel promises a comfy and convenient stay.
We also like its favorable location, and is within walking distance to the Science Museum of Minnesota.
Recommended Hotel: Hyatt Place hotel
9. Preston
Preston is one of the most amazing laid-back Minnesota vacations for families.
Who should vacation here
If you’re searching for an easygoing getaway with tons of outdoor activities, visit Preston.
While exploring Preston, visit Lanesboro Historical Museum, Historic Forestville and Root River.
You may also visit an Amish community to learn more about their way of life.
Expert tip
Go on a biking adventure in Preston.
A couple of rural picturesque Minnesota trails, the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail and Root River STate Trail, run through the city’s heart.
Enjoy over 50 miles of paved trails for hiking, jogging and biking.
Recommended Hotel: AmericInn by Wyndham Rochester Airport
10. Beacon Pointe on Lake Superior
2100 E Water St
Duluth, MN 55812
(877) 462-3226
Experience a hassle-free and relaxing vacation at Beacon Pointe.
Who should vacation here
Beacon Pointe takes luxury and relaxation into a new level with its deluxe amenities and lavish accommodations.
There are also numerous family-friendly features and activities at this resort.
For one, you can join the nightly bonfires that come with unlimited S’mores.
Expert tip
The 3-bedroom penthouse is ideal for large groups and families.
With a size area of 150 square meters, it can comfortably fit in up to 8 adult guests.
It also has 3 queen beds and a convertible sofa bed.