Twin Cities Vacation/activity Ideas

Mill City Museum for a look at how Minneapolis began: http://www.millcitymuseum.org/

Also, be sure to check out Mill Ruins Park and the Stone Arch Bridge while you're there: http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&...

Have breakfast at Hell's Kitchen in downtown Mpls. (I strongly recommend the lemon ricotta pancakes): http://www.hellskitcheninc.com/

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden/Walker Art Center: http://garden.walkerart.org/index.wac

Minnehaha Falls. So much to see you can spend a whole day there. (I don't know where your hotel is, but you can take the Light Rail to get there--kinda fun): http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&...

Minnesota Centennial Showboat in Saint Paul is lots of fun. This year they're presenting The Vampire. It's old-timey theatre (melodrama - you are encouraged to cheer the heroes and boo the villains) but done really well. The show this year is really good and the actors are great singers: https://theatre.umn.edu/showboat/

Unless you're big into shopping or amusement parks, I'd avoid the Mall of America. It really is just a big mall with an amusement park.

I'd suggest some things on the University of Minnesota campus, but it's really torn up right now with Light Rail construction. Avoid the U, too.

When are you coming? As another said, if it's fair time, hit that!! Last 10 days I think up thru labor day.

Mall of America is always good, but closer to schools start will be busy with back to school shoppers plus those avoiding summer heat.

Getting tickets to a twins or saints game...outdoor baseball if that's your thing.

The MIA...Minneapolis Institute of Art is a great place to wander and see the exhibits!, my daughter and I love it there.

See if any plays are in town at the theaters...check out Hennepin theater district website for that.

I am not an outdoors person in summer. I snowmobile, most out west in the mountains, so I am not much for outside hot weather stuff! Sorry!

Have fun. If I think of other stuff I will add it.

Take a segway tour of the city - http://www.humanonastick.com/

Valleyfair - www.valleyfair.com

Lake Calhoun - rent kayaks and tour Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake, Brownie Lake all accessible through channels, or rent bikes www.wheelfunrentals.com

Twins game @ Target field, or St. Paul Saints at Midway Stadium

Don't know when you are going, but if late August, there's the MN State Fair

Como Park: Conservatory & Japanese Garden

There is a ropes course at the Mall of America that my brothers recently did and thought it was challenging and a lot of fun.

The beach at Lake Calhoun, or Lake Minnetonka-find a boat rental

Famous Daves in Calhoun Square is great & has a Blues theme. They have live music & dancing, and I believe as long as you enter before a certain time they allow kids.

The Science Museum in St. Paul is fun, and I love the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (south of downtown).