Top 8 Kid-Friendly Spring Break Activities in Westopolis

Planning a family staycation around Minneapolis or welcoming relatives for spring break? St. Louis Park and Golden Valley offer indoor attractions, outdoor adventures, interactive museums and play spaces for children with a range of ages, interests and energy levels.

1. The Backyard at Brookview

Best Indoor Playground for Younger Kids

In Golden Valley, Brookview’s indoor Backyard playground welcomes kids ages 2–12. Super slides, twisty tubes, cargo climbs, bumper balls, log rollers and cave crawls give children plenty of ways to use up their spring break energy.

For a meal afterward, visit the neighboring Three One Six Bar + Grill. The menu includes classic American fare such as burgers, salads, sandwiches and flatbreads, plus plenty of kid-friendly favorites.

2. Game Show Battle Rooms

Best Interactive Group Activity for Ages 10+

Families who enjoy a little friendly rivalry can experience the atmosphere of television game shows at Game Show Battle Rooms in St. Louis Park. A live host leads participants through energetic competitions including Survey Battles, Spin & Solve, What’s That Cost?, MatchUp Wars and Time Rush Games.

It’s a particularly good choice for older children and teens seeking an unusual spring break activity.

3. Park Tavern Bowling & Entertainment Center

Best Classic Family Fun Night

For more than 60 years, Park Tavern has been a St. Louis Park favorite. Its 20 bowling lanes, arcade games and dart boards make it one of the best indoor family activities near Minneapolis.

The full-service restaurant prepares pizza, tater tots and burgers, with vegan and gluten-free choices available as well. Two bars include wall-to-wall TVs for watching and cheering for your favorite team. During warmer months, the outdoor patio adds lawn games and seating for 150+ guests.

4. Pavek Museum of Electronic Communication

Best Educational Indoor Activity

St. Louis Park’s Pavek Museum houses one of the world’s most significant collections of vintage radio and television equipment. Interactive displays and hands-on activities introduce both children and adults to the science of sound and electromagnetism.

Museum highlights include a Theremin, Spark Gap Generator, Magnetaphon and the Philco Mystery Control Radio. The site also contains the Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame, offering a distinctive educational stop for spring break.

5. Schaper Park Challenge Course

Best Outdoor Adventure for Active Kids

At Golden Valley’s Schaper Park, families can try Minnesota’s first outdoor fitness challenge course, inspired by Ninja Warrior-style obstacles. Children and adults can take on a 40-yard dash and work their way through the obstacle elements.

Younger children and families of all ability levels can also use the park’s inclusive playground. This makes Schaper Park a great free outdoor option near Minneapolis.

6. Marcus West End Cinema

Best Rainy-Day Activity

A rainy spring break day can include the latest movie releases at Marcus West End Cinema, at The Shops at West End in St. Louis Park. Stadium seating, advance seat selection and free ramp parking make the theater a convenient family outing.

The free-to-sign-up Magical Movie Rewards program also provides food and drink discounts.

7. Westwood Hills Nature Center

Best Free Nature Escape

Westwood Hills Nature Center in St. Louis Park gives families 160 acres of marsh, woods and restored prairie to explore. More than three miles of accessible trails support activities such as birdwatching, wildlife spotting and geocaching.

Inside the eco-friendly Interpretive Center, hands-on exhibits accompany live animal ambassadors, including a red-tailed hawk, American kestrel and barred owl. It’s one of the best free things to do with kids in St. Louis Park.

8. Canvas Convergence

At The Shops at West End in St. Louis Park, Canvas Convergence lets visitors enter immersive 3D illusion murals. Seasonal artwork encourages families to join the scenes by sitting in a dinosaur nest, posing in an Italian village or escaping a great white shark.

The gallery is wheelchair accessible and offers a classroom for creative workshops, along with a gift shop featuring local art. Admission is free, and donations to the artists are encouraged.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best indoor spring break activities near Minneapolis?

Indoor options in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley include The Backyard at Brookview, Game Show Battle Rooms, Park Tavern, Marcus West End Cinema and the Pavek Museum.

What are free things to do with kids in St. Louis Park?

Families can enjoy free activities at Westwood Hills Nature Center, Schaper Park and Canvas Convergence.

What activities are best for older kids and teens?

Tweens and teens may especially enjoy Game Show Battle Rooms and the Schaper Park Challenge Course.