Twin City Thrills in Minnesota
Minnesota’s Twin Cities are consistently ranked among the top cities in which to raise a family, so naturally they’re a great place for families to visit. With all the recreational activities surrounding the parks and waterways and the kid-friendly amusements and museums, it’s a challenge to pack the possibilities into just one weekend. By Rachel Hutton
Day One: Conquering Mall of America
Even the most serious shoppers will be impressed by the size of Mall of America in Bloomington. Touring the country’s largest mall takes some stamina, so tackle it while you’re fresh. More than 500 stores await your visit—including Build-A-Bear Workshop, where kids can create customized stuffed animals—plus Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor amusement park. After you and your kids brave the park’s roller coaster, carousel and pint-sized train, check out Underwater Adventures, an underground aquarium where guests go nose-to-nose with sharks and stingrays from inside a glass tunnel.
Continue your animal adventure with lunch at the Mall’s Rainforest Café (entrées $11–$20), decorated with faux foliage and tropical creatures to replicate that authentic jungle atmosphere. It serves Congo Catfish for grown-ups, Rasta Pasta for kids and a Sparkling Volcano dessert to share. If the weather is balmy, head to the sprawling playground structure at nearby Hyland Lake Park Reserve. If you’d rather play indoors, there’s the Water Park of America, with a wave pool and waterslides. While the kids splash, adults can relax with a facial or massage at the Trillium Spa at the Radisson Hotel Bloomington by Mall of America.
For dinner, try Jun Bo in nearby Richfield, which serves Chinese-American favorites such as chicken chow fun ($10), and a dim sum selection rivaling those of New York’s and San Francisco’s more famous Chinatowns. The wait staff push carts containing small snacks, everything from pork buns to mango pudding, which makes for a lively, interactive meal.
Day Two: Minnesota Museums and an Evening Show
Start your morning in downtown St. Paul at the Day by Day Cafe, a homey, knickknack-filled eatery serving breakfast standards ($4–$10) all day long.
For children ages 6 months to 10 years, a trip to the Minnesota Children’s Museum is a must. Kids can operate a tot-sized crane, crawl inside a mock anthill and try out the touchable art gallery on the museum’s roof. If you’re traveling with older children, visit the Science Museum of Minnesota for exhibits on everything from animation to Star Wars to the human body. When you’re ready for a break, watch The Alps, the story of a courageous mountaineer’s redemptive climb, at the museum’s IMAX Omnitheater (through June 12).
Break for a burger, malt and fries at the classic Mickey’s Diner. The restored art deco railcar has been featured in many locally filmed movies, including The Mighty Ducks and A Prairie Home Companion.
Spend the afternoon touring the Wabasha Street Caves, once a notorious gangster hideout during Prohibition, and learn about the legends of Ma Barker and John Dillinger along with a bit of geologic history.
End the evening on the Mississippi River with dinner and a show on the historic Minnesota Centennial Showboat, with performances by theater and dance students from the University of Minnesota.
Plan your next visit to coincide with the Minnesota State Fair. “The Great Minnesota Get-Together” is famous for its livestock exhibitions, crop art competition and food-on-a-stick.
Rachel Hutton rode the Timberland Twister at Mall of America—and screamed the entire time.
