Outdoor Activities and Waterparks
If you’re more of the outdoorsy type or you want to enjoy Minnesota’s amazing fresh air, you’ll appreciate Minneapolis’s outdoor activities. Rent bikes, boats, paddleboards, kayaks or canoes; ride a horse, or simply stroll around one of the area’s beautiful arboretums. Or, you can choose from a wide selection of fun waterparks that are family friendly for all ages. All of this, and you won’t even have to stray far from the city.
Things to Do
Great Wolf Lodge
Fully renovated in 2017, our Bloomington, MN lodge and water park offers your family a full vacation.
Kerfoot Canopy Tour
Take a zipline tour above the Minnesota River Valley or enjoy a high ropes challenge course.
Located just 50 minutes Southwest of Minneapolis.
Wheel Fun Rentals
Featuring the largest selection of specialty cycles, bicycles, boats, and more – guaranteed fun for the whole family! Wheel Fun Rentals puts Lake Calhoun explorers in motion with a plethora of vessels for traversing land and lake. Intrepid adventurers can rent a range of vehicles, including mountain bikes or cruiser bikes.
Stand Up MN
3 Different Adventures
Choose between the Twin Cities, Saint Croix or the Paddleboard Race.
Bunker Beach Water Park
Water park in Coon Rapids, Minnesota that offers six waterslides and massive wave pool
Bunker Park Stable
There are so many great activities to enjoy at Bunker Park Stable, we specialize in agriturism! Make your reservation for a Trail Ride … Pony Lead … Hayrides/Sleigh Rides… Lessons … Day Camps … Scouting Badges! If you’d like, we can bring a Hay Ride or Pony to your place.
Cascade Bay Water Park
Attractions at this water park include a lazy river, zero-entry pool & slides, plus mini-golf.
Great River Water Park
This facility features an 8-lane lap pool with a diving board, plus waterslides & a sauna.
Jim Lupient Water Park
Summertime quarry-themed waterpark with covered & open slides, a lap pool & sprayers
North Commons Water Park
Open-air spot with a 3-story water slide, a splash pool & concessions stand open in the summer.
Tropics Indoor Waterpark
Come experience our tropical themed waterpark with activities designed for all ages.
Wilderness Inquiry – Mississippi River Day Canoe Trip
The 72 miles of river and adjacent shorelines that make up the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) offer paddlers of all levels an opportunity to immerse themselves in a place rich with historical and natural significance.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
More than 1,200 acres of gardens and tree collections, prairie and woods and miles of trails. With the Men’s Garden Club of Minneapolis, Lake Minnetonka Garden Club, Minnesota State Horticultural Society and other community supporters creating the Arboretum as a gift to the University of Minnesota.
Northland Arboretum
A 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting the community involved in and aware of nature. Have a peaceful walk on our nature trails, or take your mountain bike for a ride. Winter time? We’ve got that covered too! You can cross country ski on our spectacular groomed snow covered trails.
Valleyfair
Valleyfair is more than just an entertainment destination. It’s a shared experience unlike any other; bringing people together, connecting generations and creating unforgettable memories.
