Minneapolis is a dynamic city featuring a vast array of entertainment for family members of all ages. With so many places, activities, and events to experience, there are countless ways to fend off summer boredom before it even starts.
The Gardner School, a premier Minneapolis preschool, created this summer bucket with young children in mind. We hope it will inspire a summer of learning, playing, and making memories for your family!
Bell Museum of Natural History
The Bell Museum of Natural History believes it is easier to learn about natural history when we can touch and feel it. Fifty years ago, it launched the world’s first Touch & See Lab, transforming the natural history museum experience for young patrons worldwide. Today, this unique lab is perfect for preschoolers to learn about the world around them.
Central Park of Maple Grove
An award-winning 44-acre park, Central Park of Maple Grove offers activities to enjoy all day. Cool off in the large splash pad and watch it change colors as the sun goes down, thanks to LED lights. Tackle all seven play zones in the playground. Stroll in the labyrinth or relax and soak in the summer sun in the 2.5-acre green space.
Como Zoo and Conservatory
Children will enjoy exploring the Como Zoo and Conservatory. They can learn about plants through hands-on activities in the children’s gallery, ride on the carousel, and get eye-to-eye with frogs in Ribbit Zibit. Sensory-Friendly Mornings are offered monthly for sensory-sensitive children to enjoy the zoo and conservatory with their families.
Edina Aquatic Center
Splash over to the Edina Aquatic Center beginning June 8th, when it opens for the summer season. Preschoolers will enjoy exploring the new Lil’ Lagoon Water Playground. This pirate-themed play structure, designed for children ages eight and under, has slides, sprayers, a tipping bucket, and gentle water features for toddlers.
Minneapolis Central Library
It’s never too early to encourage a love of reading in young children. The Minneapolis Central Library, and other locations within the Hennepin County System, offer programs throughout the summer that parents and preschoolers can enjoy. Join in on a storytime, make new friends at playtime, and participate in hands-on musical play that positively impacts reading readiness.
Minnesota Children’s Museum
Home to three floors of fun, the Minnesota Children’s Museum features exhibits that encourage creativity, physical activity, imagination, and a love of science. This summer, The Backyard will transform into The Mud Zone—a mud-filled, sensory-rich experience where children are guaranteed to learn through play while getting their hands dirty in the process.
Science Museum of Minnesota
The Science Museum of Minnesota is home to the Dinosaurs and Fossils Gallery, which showcases giants of the past and creatures who are tiny but mighty—much like your preschooler! Use this online scavenger hunt to guide you and your child through the museum. Make it an even bigger adventure by taking free public transportation to the museum on Free Ride Fridays.
St. Louis Park Aquatic Park
St. Louis Aquatic Park is one of the best places to stay cool in the hot summer. While older siblings may get a thrill from the four-story water slides, younger children will have fun splashing in the sand-and-water play area. There is also a small whale slide that is just their size! The zero-depth entry makes the water accessible for family members of all ages and abilities. For an extra safety measure, consider completing preschool swim lessons before heading to the water park.
Theodore Wirth Park
The largest park in the Minneapolis system, Theodore Wirth Park, offers preschoolers many ways to explore nature up close. Families can walk on the beach, watch birds, listen to the sounds of creatures in the bog, have a picnic, or play on the playground and tot lot.
Walker Art Center
All are welcome at the Walker Art Center, which offers incredible accommodations for children with sensory processing differences. Plus, parents can download this illustrated guide to help their preschool prepare for their visit to the museum. Admission is always free for children 18 and under, but on the first Saturday of the month, it extends to families looking to explore the galleries, make art, and watch child-friendly short films.
The Gardner School Supports Adventurous Learning
Whether through hands-on family adventures or in a school setting, children benefit from learning in many different ways. If you’d like to learn more about how The Gardner School serves Minneapolis families, contact us today.