Twin Cities - Learning Places - museums - amusement and water parks

The Twin Cities is one of the most family friendly places to live in the United States. We are fortunate to have a variety of attractions available to us such as museums, amusement and water parks, theaters, and zoos to name only a few.

To help you find what the Twin Cities has to offer, please check out the list below and see why the Twin Cities is such fantastic place to explore with your kids.

Business Owners: The commercial businesses listed here were initially chosen by TwinCitiesMom.com. If you would like to submit a business entry or promote your business, please visit our Business Directory and become a supporter of our site and parents throughout the Twin Cities area!

Business Name	Address	Phone/Email
ART		[back to top]
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts This museum is recognized internationally as one of the great museums in America. It features collections of ancient art, Asian Art, works from Africa, Oceania and the Americas, and decorative arts and sculpture.	2400 Third Avenue S., Minneapolis	612-870-3200
Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden This museum of contemporary art is known for their 20th-century art and progressive music, dance, theater and film performances. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is next to the museum and a great place to take children to explore touchable art.	725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis	612-375-7622
Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum Founded 1934, this museum holds a permanent collection of more than 17,000 objects. The Weisman’s collections include American art by Georgia O’Keefe and Arthur Dove, early modernist and contemporary art, traditional Korean furniture and ceramics from America, Europe and Asia.	University of Minnesota, 333 E. River Road, Minneapolis	612-624-7083
ANIMALS		[back to top]
Como Zoo This zoo is over 100 years old and home to monkeys, lions, bears and giraffes to mention only a few. “Sparky” the sea lion show is a favorite with children and adults. Como Zoo is FREE.	Como Park, 1250 Kaufman Drive N. St. Paul	651-487-8200
Minnesota Zoo This zoo has a collection of about 2,300 animals including wolves, sharks, and tigers.	13000 Zoo Boulevard Apple Valley, MN 55124	952-431-9200, 1-800-366-7811 24-hour information line: 952-431-9500
Raptor Center-University of MN What better way to learn about birds, conservation, and the environment than to meet live eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons! Families have these opportunities through the Raptor Center’s educational programs.	1920 Fitch Ave. St. Paul	612-624-2756
Underwater Adventures Aquarium See over 4,500 living sea creatures and touch real sharks and stingrays. This aquarium features a 300-foot-long curved tunnel, complete with a moving walkway that simulates a scuba-diving adventure but you never get wet!	Mall of America 120 E. Broadway, Bloomington	952-883-0202
MUSEUMS & TOURS		[back to top]
American Swedish Institute Designed to showcase Swedish culture	2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis	612-871-4907
The Bakken Library and Museum “The Bakken is a center for education and learning that furthers the understanding of the history, cultural context, and applications of electricity and magnetism in the life sciences and their benefits to contemporary society."	3537 Zenith Ave. S., Minneapolis	612-926-3878
Bell Museum of Natural History The James Ford Bell Museum of Natural History was established by state legislative mandate in 1872 to collect, preserve, skillfully prepare, display, and interpret our state's diverse animal and plant life for scholarly research and teaching and for public appreciation, enrichment, and enjoyment.	10 Church St SE, Minneapolis	612-624-7083
Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum Founded 1934, this museum holds a permanent collection of more than 17,000 objects. The Weisman’s collections include American art by Georgia O’Keefe and Arthur Dove, early modernist and contemporary art, traditional Korean furniture and ceramics from America, Europe and Asia.	University of Minnesota, 333 E. River Road, Minneapolis	612-624-7083
Gibbs Museum of Pioneer and Dakotah Life The Gibbs Museum, a program of the Ramsey County Historical Society, offers a trip back in time while costumed interpreters tell the Gibbs Family story. Along the Pioneer Tour is the Archaeological Site of the original sodhouse, the reconstructed Sodhouse, Farmhouse, Schoolhouse, White Barn and the animals. Note: the museum is closed from mid-November to Mid-April.	2097 West Larpenteur Avenue Falcon Heights, MN	(651) 646-8629
Hennepin History Museum This museum is one of the Twin Cities’ most unique social history museums. The City Kids Gallery is where kids can learn about the life of city children since the late 1800s by examining the toys, games, clothing, and books of past generations of children. This is a gallery where touching artifacts is encouraged.	2303 Third Ave. S., Minneapolis	612-870-1329
Historic Fort Snelling Discover the 1820s military outpost, once the focus of a small settlement but now at the center of the Twin Cities. This restored stone fortress opens its gates to welcome you to frontier life. Imagine that the year is 1827, and as costumed guides greet you, that you've just arrived via steamboat up the Mississippi River.	At the junction of Minnesota Highway 5 and 55, St. Paul (1 mile East of the Twin Cities Airport)	612-726-1171
Historic Murphy’s Landing Located on the scenic Minnesota River, Historic Murphy's Landing depicts Minnesota life as it was during 1840-1890.	2187 Hwy 101 E, Shakopee	952-445-6901
Minnesota Children’s Museum This museum is where kids can touch, climb, splash, crawl, push, pull, and press it all! Children ages 6 months through 10 years and their adult guests can explore seven galleries packed with extraordinary hands-on adventures.	10 W. Seventh St., St. Paul	651-225-6000
Minnesota Historical Society The Minnesota Historical Society is a private, non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849 to preserve and share Minnesota history. The Society collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota's past through interactive and engaging museum exhibits, extensive libraries and collections, 25 historic sites, educational programs and book publishing.	345 West Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul	651-296-6126
Minnesota History Center Explore Minnesota's past through museum exhibits that feature large-scale objects, hands-on experiences and multimedia presentations. Access the Society's vast collections related to Minnesota's past, uncover your house's history, or trace your family's heritage.	345 Kellogg Blvd. West St. Paul, MN	651-296-6126
The Science Museum of Minnesota The 1.75 million artifacts and specimens are worldwide in scope and range in size from microscopic spores to dinosaurs and whales.	120 West Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul	651-221-9444
The Works Technology Center The Works is a “hands-on, minds-on” museum that makes learning about science and technology interesting, understandable and fun. The Works' unique exhibits and educational programs are designed to delight visitors ages 5 to 15, demystify technology and inspire interest in the way things work. The Works is located on the third floor of the Edina Community Center, near Highway 100 and 50th Street in Edina.	5701 Normandale Road Edina, MN 55424	(952) 848-4848 http://www.theworks.org
NATURE		[back to top]
Como Park Conservatory Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park, formerly Como Park Conservatory, is the largest glass-domed garden in the region. The garden occupies approximately one-half acre under glass and includes the seasonal Como Ordway Memorial Japanese Garden and the Enchanted Garden and Frog Pond to the east.	Como Park, 1250 Kaufman Drive N. St. Paul	651-487-8200
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum More than 1,000 acres of unique public gardens. In the summer, enjoy miles of hiking trails, cross-country ski in the winter, and in the spring, summer and fall, take a guided tram tour around a beautiful three-mile drive, or join a free, volunteer-guided, walking tour through the many display gardens.	3675 Arboretum Blvd. Chaska	952-443-1400
PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES		[back to top]
Minnesota Transportation Museum This museum operates multiple locations in the Twin Cities (including The Como-Harriet Streetcar, Steamboat Minnehaha, The Jackson Street Roundhouse, Excelsior Streetcar and Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway).		For location and information, call 651-228-0263
Twin City Model Railroad Museum Large operational model railroad and displays located in Historic Bandana Square. Admission $2.00, under age 5 FREE	1021 Bandana Blvd. #222, St. Paul	651-647-9628
PLAY & IMAGINATION		[back to top]
Minnesota Children’s Museum This museum is where kids can touch, climb, splash, crawl, push, pull, and press it all! Children ages 6 months through 10 years and their adult guests can explore seven galleries packed with extraordinary hands-on adventures.	10 W. Seventh St., St. Paul	651-225-6000
In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre This unique theatre uses the ancient tradition of puppet and mask theatre to explore issues, events and values of contemporary society. The theatre is internationally recognized for its artistry.	1500 E. Lake Street Minneapolis	612-721-2535
READING		[back to top]
Bookstore of the Americas Through storytelling, explore the myths, stories and songs of the Americas through stories and singing in both Spanish and English. This is a free event every first and third Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m.	3019 Minnehaha Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55406	(612) 276-0801
Barnes and Nobles Becky Simpson, a bookseller at Barnes and Noble, presents enchanting renditions of some of her favorite picture books. Each storytime is followed by a fun activity. Sometimes it's coloring, sometimes it's a game, sometimes it's a craftbyou never know what to expect each time! In addition, the last Thursday of every month features a visit from a different costumed character straight from the pages of your child'r favorite books!	Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:00 a.m. Barnes & Noble, Brookdale, 1353 Brookdale Center	763-503-0264
Hennepin County Library Toddler Storytime Baby Storytime Preschool Storytime Family Storytime	Go to website for locations	Go to website for location numbers
St. Paul Public Library Storytimes at the Library Programs and activities designed especially for toddlers and preschoolers Storytimes offer a valuable listening and pre-reading experience for children of all ages. A variety of books and activities cater to infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families.	Go to website for locations	Go to website for location numbers
Merriam Park Branch Library Sign Language Storytime Stories are presented in American Sign Language (ASL). An ASL interpreter interprets the stories for hearing members of the audience. FM listening assistance equipment is available for hard-of-hearing members of the audience.	1831 Marshall Avenue, Saint Paul (Across from Thompson Hall)	TTY: 651-298-4184 Telephone: 651-642-0385
THEATRE/SHOWS		[back to top]
The Children’s Theatre Company Each season, CTC presents six exceptional productions on its mainstage. These productions are drawn from classic tales and the most celebrated work from around the world.	2400 Third Ave. S. Minneapolis	612-874-0400
IMAX Theatre	at the MN Zoo 13000 Zoo Boulevard Apple Valley, MN 55124	General Theatre Inquiries: sgaskill@imax.com, (952) 431-IMAX
Circus Juventas This youth performing arts school offers circus arts training and performance opportunities for children and youth ages 3 to 21 in a safe and non-competitive environment.	1270 Montreal Ave. St. Paul	651-699-8229
In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre This unique theatre uses the ancient tradition of puppet and mask theatre to explore issues, events and values of contemporary society. The theatre is internationally recognized for its artistry.	1500 E. Lake Street Minneapolis	612-721-2535
Mixed Blood Theatre The Mixed Blood Theatre Company is a professional multi-racial theatre company promoting cultural pluralism, individual equality and artistic excellence. The “Family Series” includes multicultural productions.	1501 S. Fourth Street Minneapolis	612-338-4509
Old Log Theater Recognized as one of the most popular theaters in the country, the Old Log offers family shows, children’s presentations and contemporary comedies from Broadway and London’s West End.	Located on Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior	952-474-5951
Stages Theatre Company Stages Theatre is a wonderful place to introduce children to the world of theatre. Audiences in the past have loved the shows, making them one of the largest theatres for young audiences in the country.	1111 Main Street Hopkins, MN 55343	Box Office (952) 979-1111
SCIENCE		[back to top]
The Science Museum of Minnesota The 1.75 million artifacts and specimens are worldwide in scope and range in size from microscopic spores to dinosaurs and whales.	120 West Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul	651-221-9444
The Bakken Library and Museum “The Bakken is a center for education and learning that furthers the understanding of the history, cultural context, and applications of electricity and magnetism in the life sciences and their benefits to contemporary society."	3537 Zenith Ave. S., Minneapolis	612-926-3878
Mad Science of Minnesota After-School Classes Birthday Parties Pre-School Workshops School Workshops Special Events Scout Workshops Fun Family Science	519 Payne Ave. St. Paul, MN 55101	651-793-5721 mail@madsciencemn.org
The Works Technology Center The Works is a “hands-on, minds-on” museum that makes learning about science and technology interesting, understandable and fun. The Works' unique exhibits and educational programs are designed to delight visitors ages 5 to 15, demystify technology and inspire interest in the way things work. The Works is located on the third floor of the Edina Community Center, near Highway 100 and 50th Street in Edina.	5701 Normandale Road Edina, MN 55424	(952) 848-4848 http://www.theworks.org
MUSIC		[back to top]
Music Together These exciting classes are filled with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and the grownups who love them. You'll sing, move, laugh and play rhythm instruments, sharing 45 minutes of PURE FUN with your child every week. Classes are mixed-age, so siblings can be together. Make beautiful music with your child(ren) in one of our joyful, reasearch-based classes at 32 locations in the Greater Twin Cities, Mankato and Western Wisconsin. Register for a free demonstration class today! www.MusicTogetherMN.org	Please visit our website for a location near you. www.MusicTogetherMN.org	(800) 728-2692
MN Orchestra In addition to traditional concerts, the Minnesota Orchestra offers Young People’s Concerts, Adventures in Music for Families series and Kinder Konzerts.	1111 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis	612-371-5600
Minnesota Sinfonia The Minnesota Sinfonia was created with the intent to establish a top quality orchestra that would gear the majority of its services to families, children, inner city youth, seniors, and those with limited incomes.	901 North Third Street Suite 112 Minneapolis	612-871-1701
Family Music Centers Music Together is a music and movement approach to early childhood music development for infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten children and their parents, teachers, and other primary caregivers.	Various locations

ART