Minneapolis is one of the greatest cities in the Midwest and has incredible parks, a diverse arts culture, a long history of being a center for education and family values, a bustling downtown area, incredible nature parks and museums, as well as sporting venues. Many of these avenues provide visitors and residents with endless opportunities for recreation, enjoyment, and exploration—as this guide illustrates by highlighting 10 exciting things to do in Minneapolis, with detailed information on each location. Also included are plans for major attractions for the 2026 Central University Games.
Seasonal Events & Festivals in Minneapolis (2026)
Minneapolis offers a vast assortment of annual activities and performances that make the city an appealing cultural hot spot for all ages (families, children, and tourists) to enjoy! The annual activities and performances collectively add to the many things to do in Minneapolis! The annual activities and performances can include Broadway shows and workshops for children and some of the best elementary schools in Minneapolis, MN.
1. Les Misérables – Orpheum Theatre
February 17-22, 2026
Les Misérables is one of the most notable Broadway musicals and once again returns to the legendary Orpheum Theatre. This powerful musical theatre piece is known for its superb music, heart-wrenching storyline, and brilliantly staged set designs; it pulls theatre enthusiasts from throughout the entire area. This production can be a wonderful cultural opportunity for teens and adults who love classic theatre and live performances.
2. Moonpreneur in-Person Robotics Workshop for Kids
Moonpreneur has hands-on workshops for kids ages 7 to 16 that teach them about robotics, AI, coding, the Internet of Things (IoT), and game design. The program is a great way for kids to learn because it focuses on creativity, problem-solving, and real-world STEM skills.
Link: Moonpreneur In-person Workshop for Kids
3. Suffs
April 7 – 12, 2026
Suffs is an award-winning musical that gives audiences a unique and emotional look at the history of the Women’s Suffrage Movement using music and storytelling to tell a compelling story. Suffs is a highly entertaining and educational experience for families with teenagers who love history and the performing arts.
4. The Cursed Child and Harry Potter
From April 25 to May 17, 2026
This world-famous play brings the magic of Harry Potter to the stage in Minneapolis. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a must-see for families, fans, and visitors alike. It has amazing visual effects, an engaging story, and characters that everyone loves. It’s one of the most popular shows for families this year.
5. The Great Gatsby
June 2–7, 2026
The Great Gatsby comes to life with amazing costumes, music, and stage design based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous book. This show is great for people who love literature, students, and theatergoers who want to see high-quality live performances in Minneapolis. It gives you a taste of different cultures.
1. Nature and the outdoors
People love Minneapolis for its outdoor spaces, which is why it’s often called the “City of Lakes.”
1. Regional Park along the Mississippi River Gorge
This beautiful park runs along the Mississippi River and has great views of the river, hiking and biking trails, and quiet places to have a picnic. It’s great for people who love nature and want to see Minneapolis’s natural beauty without leaving the city.
2. Park of Gold Medals
Gold Medal Park is a modern green space near the riverfront in the heart of the city. It has rolling hills, open lawns, and views of the skyline. People like to relax, walk, and go to community events there.
3. Loring Park
Loring Park is one of the city’s oldest and most popular parks. It has walking paths, gardens, and a pond. It is a busy outdoor place all year round because it often hosts festivals and other events.
2. Dance, theater, and the arts
Minneapolis has an arts and culture scene that is known all over the country.
1. Theater in the Jungle
People know Jungle Theater for its modern plays and creative ways of telling stories. If you love theater and want to see performances that make you think, this is a must-see.
2. The Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center
This one-of-a-kind place combines visual arts, performance, and community involvement. It has fire arts, experimental performances, and creative workshops, which makes it one of the city’s most unique cultural spaces.
3. Coyle Community Center, also known as the West Bank Cedar Cultural Center
The Cedar Cultural Center hosts performances of music, dance, and culture from around the world. It is a center for many different forms of art and a key part of Minneapolis’s cultural identity.
3. Museums and History
Minneapolis has world-class museums that people of all ages will enjoy.
1. Museum of Russian Art
This museum has a great collection of art from Russia and Eastern Europe. For art lovers who are also interested in world history and culture, it’s a hidden gem.
2. The Bakken Museum
The Bakken Museum has hands-on exhibits that make learning fun for kids and adults alike. The museum is all about science, electricity, and new ideas.
3. The Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA)
MIA is one of the biggest art museums in the country. It has thousands of works from different cultures and time periods. Everyone can come because it’s free to get in.
4. Things to do that are good for families
Families will love Minneapolis.
1. Falls of Minnehaha
This famous waterfall is one of the city’s most popular sights. Families like to walk on trails, have picnics, and look at the beautiful views all year long.
2. Nickelodeon Universe and SEA LIFE Minnesota are at the Mall of America.
Nickelodeon Universe, which is inside the Mall of America, has indoor rides, and SEA LIFE Minnesota has interactive marine exhibits that are great for kids of all ages.
3. Lodge of the Great Wolf
Great Wolf Lodge is a popular place for families to go on vacation. It has an indoor water park, games, and activities just for kids.
4. Como Zoo and Conservatory
Como Zoo is a popular place for families to go because it is free to the public and has animal exhibits, a conservatory, and seasonal displays.
5. REM5 VR Lab
Families can learn about virtual reality at REM5 VR Lab, which has fun and educational games for kids and teens.
Minneapolis is a Great Place for Families
In addition to the many wonderful things that Minneapolis has to offer families, the city also has a fantastic educational system. Many of those visiting or exploring “Things to Do in Minneapolis” are looking for the best schools for their kids. Families love all of the different opportunities, great schools, safe neighborhoods, community programs, and parks. Minneapolis has an extensive network of safe neighborhoods and community resources that encourage positive growth and support children both inside and outside the classroom.
Conclusion
Minneapolis is full of amazing things to do for your family, with its great parks, cultural institutions, and family-friendly venues. Whether you are just visiting, settling in, or raising your family, Minneapolis is a well-rounded city offering the perfect balance of education, entertainment, and outdoor activities — and is a great place to explore and live.
Moonpreneur is on a mission to disrupt traditional education and future-proof the next generation with holistic learning solutions. Its Innovator Program is building tomorrow’s workforce by training students in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, IoT, and Apps, enabling entrepreneurship through experiential learning.
