Family-Friendly Things to Do Anytime in Downtown Saint Paul
Categories: Guides • Sports • Attractions
Downtown Saint Paul is one of the Twin Cities’ most family-friendly destinations, offering walkable, educational, and entertaining attractions that appeal to kids, teens, and adults alike. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, a school break adventure, or a staycation, downtown Saint Paul combines hands-on learning, art and culture, Minnesota history, and classic treats—all within a compact urban core. Downtown also offers tons of family-friendly events throughout the year, so you can tack on one of these institutions to an event day as well.
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1 Science Museum of Minnesota 120 W Kellogg Blvd Saint Paul, MN 55102 The Science Museum of Minnesota is a must-visit family attraction in downtown Saint Paul, known for its interactive exhibits, Omnitheater, and Mississippi Riverfront views. Kids can explore everything from dinosaurs and space science to human biology through immersive, hands-on experiences that make learning fun for all ages. |
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2 Minnesota Children’s Museum 10 7th St W Saint Paul, MN 55102 Designed specifically with young learners in mind, the Minnesota Children’s Museum offers creative, play-based exhibits that encourage imagination and problem-solving. From climbing and building to role-playing and art-making, this downtown Saint Paul museum is ideal for families with toddlers through elementary-aged kids. |
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3 Minnesota Museum of American Art (MMAA) 350 Robert St N Saint Paul, MN 55101 The Minnesota Museum of American Art introduces families to bold, thought-provoking works by American artists in an accessible downtown Saint Paul setting. With rotating exhibitions and family-friendly programming, MMAA is a great way to spark curiosity and creativity while exposing kids to contemporary art. And it is FREE! |
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4 Minnesota History Center 345 W Kellogg Blvd Saint Paul, MN 55102 The Minnesota History Center brings the state’s past to life through interactive exhibits, immersive storytelling, and hands-on displays. Families can explore everything from Indigenous history and immigration to pop culture and innovation, making it one of the most engaging educational attractions in downtown Saint Paul. |
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5 Minnesota State Capitol Building 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard St Paul, MN 55155 A visit to the Minnesota State Capitol offers families a chance to explore one of Saint Paul’s most iconic landmarks while learning about state government and civic life. Free guided tours highlight the building’s stunning architecture, artwork, and history, making it an enriching and surprisingly kid-friendly stop downtown.
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6 Candyland: A Sweet Downtown Saint Paul Tradition 435 Wabasha St N Saint Paul, MN 55102 No family outing in downtown Saint Paul is complete without a stop at Candyland, a beloved local candy shop known for its handmade treats. Kids (and adults) love choosing from classics like Chicago Mix popcorn, chocolates, and nostalgic candies—the perfect reward after a day of exploring. |
With museums, historic landmarks, and sweet treats all within easy reach, downtown Saint Paul makes it simple to plan a memorable family-friendly day, any day of the week! Whether you’re visiting from across the metro or exploring your own backyard, these attractions showcase why downtown Saint Paul is a top destination for family activities in Minnesota.