A Family Summer Day in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley, MN

Family Friendly

A Summer Day with the Family

Want a family outing that keeps you near everything while still feeling out of the ordinary? Minnesota's Sweet Spot is ready to welcome you. St. Louis Park and Golden Valley are progressive cities just west of downtown Minneapolis. Settle into one of the area’s comfortable hotels, then head out for a day of discovery and fun.

February 6, 2026

Begin with Something Sweet

Start in Golden Valley at Funner Brothers Donut Company, THE local destination for arguably some of the best donuts in the state. Choose from signature GIANT raised donut holes, cake donuts, fruit and cream-filled bismarks, Long Johns, turnovers, Danish pastries and fried cinnamon rolls. The shop also prepares 12 kinds of homestyle cookies each day, all based on old family recipes.

Make a Splash

After breakfast, spend time at the 20,000 sq. ft. outdoor Aquatic Park. Its attractions include a zero-depth water playground, two four-story water slides, drop slides, a diving area, lap swim lanes and a sand-and-water play area. A picnic area with concessions provides refreshments, while ample room makes it easy to relax in the sun.

Keep the Games Going

When you’re ready to leave the water, head to Punch Bowl Social for bowling, ping pong, billiards and bocce ball. The lineup also includes Giant Scrabble, Giant Jenga, bonzini and foosball. Kids and aspiring performers can enjoy the karaoke room, and the vintage arcade offers another way to play.

For food, choose from shareables, salads, tacos, burgers and sandwiches. A special half-pint menu is available for the kiddos, whether they need a snack or a full meal.

Dinner and More to Explore

For dinner, JJ’s Clubhouse serves burgers with fries or tots, while Lat14 Asian Eatery offers Thai basil wings. With over 100 restaurants in the area, 26 with dedicated patio spaces and even more offering takeout, there are options for even the pickiest of eaters.

Round out the day with a walk along the boardwalk at Westwood Hills Nature Center, a game of lawn bowling at Brookview or live music on the patio at the Park Tavern. Minnesota’s Sweet Spot has plenty of fun things to do.

Come enjoy midwestern charm alongside big city amenities in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley. What will you do in Minnesota’s Sweet Spot?