The Ultimate Guide to St. Cloud's Kid-Friendly Activities

There are a number of family-friendly activities in and around St. Cloud, Minnesota, no matter the season. The area offers a blend of outdoor adventures and indoor entertainment that are perfect for kids of all ages. From exploring a unique landscape of former granite quarries to enjoying a classic day of fun at an outdoor park, there's something to keep every kid entertained

Outdoor Adventures

Quarry Park & Nature Preserve | This 684-acre park is a must-visit for families who love the outdoors. With more than 20 former granite quarries that have been filled with water, it's a unique landscape for exploration. Kids can enjoy hiking trails, fishing ponds, and swimming in designated quarries, with sandy beaches perfect for younger children.

Munsinger Clemens Gardens | These adjacent gardens are located along the Mississippi River and provide a beautiful and serene setting for a family stroll. Munsinger Gardens is more natural, with winding paths under a canopy of pines and an emphasis on shade-loving plants like hostas and ferns. Clemens Gardens is more formal, with vibrant rose gardens, fountains, and sculptures. Visitors can enjoy watching ducks and geese that make the gardens their home.

Lake George | This urban lake is a central point for family activities, especially in the summer. It features a splash pad and two playgrounds. The paved path is popular for walking, and the Lake George Boathouse offers rentals for paddle boats, canoes, paddleboards, and fishing equipment. A major draw is the "Summertime by George" weekly music festival, a huge community event with live music, food vendors, games for kids, and a lively atmosphere.

Summerland Family Fun Park | For a day packed with classic family fun, head to Summerland. This outdoor park offers a variety of attractions, including a giant water slide, go-karts, bumper boats, and mini-golf. There's also a "Kid Country" area with attractions specifically for younger children, like junior and kiddie go-karts. It's the ideal destination for kids who need to burn off some energy with a mix of different activities.

Indoor Entertainment

AirMaxx Trampoline Park & Ninja Warrior Course | A large indoor entertainment center with a variety of attractions. The main area is a massive trampoline court, with other features including a dodgeball court, a foam pit, and basketball hoops for "slam dunk" practice. The challenging Ninja Warrior Course includes obstacles like cargo nets and a warped wall. For younger kids, there is a dedicated "Kids Town" indoor playground.

Great River Children's Museum | This new museum is designed to be a completely hands-on and immersive experience for kids and families. Its exhibits focus on different themes, including a "spectacular climber" that reaches 30 feet high, a water table that teaches kids about the Mississippi River, and an "Engineering" area with a construction zone, magnetic gear wall, and air tubes. Other areas include a "Tinker Workshop" for crafts and a dedicated "Great Explorations" space for children ages 0 to 3.

Blacklight Adventures | This venue specializes in unique, blacklight-themed experiences. Their main attractions are a fully-immersive laser tag arena and themed escape rooms. They also offer a Virtual Reality Lounge and "Bazooka Ball," a combination of paintball and laser tag that uses soft foam balls. It's a great option for older kids and teens.

Skatin' Place | This retro-themed fun center offers roller skating under disco balls with group skating games. In addition to the rink, it features laser tag, bounce houses (for kids 12 and under), and a large arcade. They are known for their "Friday Unlimited" deal which includes skating, laser tag, and a pizza buffet.

GREAT Theatre | For a dose of arts and culture, check out a performance by GREAT Theatre. This local theatre company offers a wide range of productions, from family-friendly musicals like Annie and Frozen to other community performances. The company also runs summer camps and programs for children, providing a great way for them to get involved in the performing arts.

Other Family-Friendly Spots

Stearns History Museum | The museum offers a journey through the history of Central Minnesota with both permanent and changing exhibits. Current or past exhibits have included topics like the history of transportation in the area and a look at the 1980s. The exhibits are designed to be engaging and interactive for kids.

Hemker Park & Zoo | Located in Freeport, a short drive from St. Cloud, this zoo is a great place to see a variety of animals, including exotic ones from Africa and Australia. The zoo offers several unique, hands-on animal experiences for an additional fee. You can feed giraffes, otters, and a rhino. Other encounters include cuddling with a boa constrictor and a kangaroo rendezvous.