With the Mighty Mississippi flowing through St. Cloud, it makes sense that the area’s new children’s museum goes by the name “Great River.” And it’s no wonder one of the attraction’s many interactive exhibits features a huge water table that simulates the river and gives visitors the chance to race boats, build dams and power a turbine.
Yet, as closely tied as Greater St. Cloud is with the Mississippi, the river is just one of many fascinating elements that make the region so special. In fact, there are lots of interesting places to play and learn while taking a family road trip to Central Minnesota.
Here’s a look at several memorable things to do when traveling to Greater St. Cloud with kids:
Experience The Wild Side of Greater St. Cloud
You can see amazing animals and hear fascinating stories on one of the daily safari tram tours from May through October at Hemker Park & Zoo. You’ll encounter zebras, kangaroos, penguins and more at the park about 30 miles west of St. Cloud off I-94. You can even feed some of the animals. Picture your kids tossing fish to an otter or having leafy greens scooped right out of their hands by the long tongue of a giraffe!
Discover Hands-On History in Greater St. Cloud
Step back into the vibrant heritage of Central Minnesota at the Stearns History Museum in St. Cloud. Nestled within an 80-acre nature park, this museum offers two floors of immersive exhibits that bring the region’s past to life through personal stories and hands-on artifacts. You can explore a recreated 1930s-era granite quarry—complete with a towering derrick—to learn how the area earned its “Granite City” nickname, or wander through a historic general store to see what life was like before the digital age.
For those who love a good mystery, the museum’s extensive research center allows you to dig into local genealogy and community archives. Outside, the experience continues along the Heritage Park trails, where you can walk through restored prairies and woodlands that look much like they did when the first settlers arrived. Whether you’re marveling at vintage automobiles or examining delicate Ojibwe beadwork, the museum connects the dots between the early days of the prairie and the bustling community of today.
Get Outdoors in Every Season in Greater St. Cloud
You can find outdoor family fun in all four seasons in Greater St. Cloud. Summertime highlights include hiking along the Mississippi River on the Beaver Islands Trail, cliff jumping into the old granite mines at Quarry Park & Nature Preserve and floating the Platte River with Two Rivers Tubing. Paddling, biking and disc golf are other activities perfect for families when the weather is nice.
Fall brings pumpkin patches and apple picking to Greater St. Cloud, while family-favorite winter activities include ice skating at Lake George, sledding at Riverside Park, downhill skiing at Powder Ridge Ski Area and snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking at Quarry Park and Nature Preserve.
More Winter Family Fun in Greater St. Cloud
Have Classic Family Fun in Greater St. Cloud
Along with summer staples such as go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats and batting cages, Summerland Family Fun Park in St. Cloud is home to a giant 350-foot water slide that’s a splashing good time for all ages. There’s tons of other classic fun to have in Greater St. Cloud, too, even if the weather’s not great.
Rain, shine or snow, you can go roller skating at the Skatin’ Place, axe throwing at Nice Axe and try to conquer the Ninja Warrior course at AirMaxx Trampoline Park. There are bounce houses for younger kids at Granite City Jump and laser tag, an escape room, arcade and more at Blacklights Adventures.
Little kids can burn off energy at the giant Rainbow Play Systems Indoor Playground, while older kids may be able to help Mom or Dad find the way out at Riddler’s Escape. You can watch the latest blockbuster in DreamLounger recliner seating at Marcus Parkwood Cinema, go shopping at Crossroads Center mall or stay up late and down a pitcher of pop while bowling a few games at Southway Bowl.
For sports fans, there’s always a game to catch including St. Cloud Rox baseball and Granite City Motor Park dirt track auto racing in summer, St. Cloud Norsemen and Granite City Lumberjacks hockey from fall to spring and a host of college athletics throughout the year at St. Cloud State University and St. John’s University.
Explore Minnesota’s Second-Largest Children’s Museum in Greater St. Cloud
The Great River Children’s Museum may have gotten its name from the Mississippi River, but one of its most popular exhibits draws inspiration from the name of the city itself. The Climber To The Clouds area of the museum lets visitors make their way 30 feet up in the air, with lessons about rain, thunder and wind along the way.
Minnesota’s second-largest children’s museum also has an exhibit focused on everyday engineering, an outdoor sensory garden, a tinker workshop and much more including a Headwaters environment where kids can pretend to fish, paddle the river and have a campfire under the stars.
Here’s even more places for family fun in Greater St. Cloud
Start Planning By Booking Your Place To Stay
We know your family loves a hotel with an indoor pool and hot breakfast and you can find just the right spot in Greater St. Cloud. Holiday Inn & Suites offers multiple indoor pools, basketball court, onsite restaurant and even an arcade! Plus, check out the live music Thursdays-Saturdays!
Check out The Kid’s Travel Guide and find your place to stay in Greater St. Cloud!
See you soon!
