Kid-Approved Twin Cities

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Updated: June 09, 2009

Whether planning a family vacation or just a day of fun, our editors recommend the best kid-approved restaurants, attractions and more.

On this page:Restaurants, Amusement and Water Parks, Museums and Zoos.

Restaurants

  1. 1 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Birchwood Cafe
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    3311 E 25th St, Minneapolis, MN 55406 (map)

    This mostly organic and family-friendly restaurant in the Seward neighborhood has plenty of healthy and delicious kids' items even Mikey would like, including a 100-percent grass-fed beef hot dog. And for the true babes, Birchwood serves Sweet Cheeks baby food, made from 100 percent local and organic ingredients.

  2. 2 3.5 Star Rating: Average Gigi's Cafe
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    822 W 36th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408 (map)

    A bakery and wine bar that's made it a favorite among adults, Gigi's Cafe also offers up a variety of foods--like the chicken quesadilla--and decadent treats that make it a perfect place to hang with the kids, too.

  3. 3 4 Star Rating: Recommended Hell's Kitchen
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    89 S 9th St, Minneapolis, MN 55403 (map)

    The always-bustling Hell's Kitchen downtown serves up a mean Huevos Rancheros for breakfast. But don't let the name fool you: this South Street joint is kind to kids, even the little devils, serving up a kids menu that includes a fresh fruit kabob, waffles, a PB&J and the classic mac 'n' cheese.

  4. 4 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Jax Cafe
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    1928 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418 (map)

    Jax might be known as a Grade-A prime destination for its steak and old-school highball selections. But the Northeast mainstay is also a favorite for families and kids, offering up a meaty and veggie-filled menu for the tykes that even the adults love.

  5. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended Longfellow Grill
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    2990 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55406 (map)

    The Longfellow isn't your typical neighborhood grill. No, this family-owned restaurant is an urban diner with all of the twists on the original, including a decor that's more metro than retro and a menu that's more fun than hum-drum. Plus, the kids menu, a colorful vibe and lots of toys make it a family favorite.

  6. 6 3.5 Star Rating: Average Pepitos Tex-Mex Bar & Grill
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    4820 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417 (map)

    Large tables, big booths and a festive atmosphere filled with families and lively, Mexican music make this family-owned restaurant a favorite for kids and moms and dads alike. Kids nosh on Mexican pizzas while the adults enjoy the margaritas, quesadillas and more.

  7. 7 Riverview Cafe
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    3753 42nd Ave Snch Roaduite 7, Minneapolis, MN 55406 (map)

    This warm and inviting coffee shop and neighborhood cafe features great treats and live music on weekends--much of it folk-inspired. And for the kids there's an adjacent playroom--loaded with books, safe toys, worlds to explore and more.

Amusement and Water Parks

  1. 8 4 Star Rating: Recommended Stadium Club Sports Bar
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    5000 Center Ct, Bloomington, MN 55425 (map)

    Kiddies adore this indoor romper room inside the Mall of America, while parents shop, of course.

  2. 9 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Skateville
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    201 S River Rdg Cir, Burnsville, MN 55337 (map)

    No matter the age, roller-rink fun makes everyone feel like a carefree kid.

  3. 10 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Tropics Indoor Water Park
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    4600 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126 (map)

    When the backyard Slip 'N Slide isn't making enough of a splash, pack up the family and head to this aqua-palooza.

  4. 11 4 Star Rating: Recommended Valleyfair Amusement Park
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    1 Valleyfair Dr, Shakopee, MN 55379 (map)

    It's the classic Twin Cities fave for kids and those who just want to feel like one again.

Museums and Zoos

  1. 12 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Minnesota Children's Museum
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    10 W Seventh St, St. Paul, MN 55102 (map)

  2. 13 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Minnesota History Center
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    345 Kellogg Boulevard W, St Paul, MN 55102 (map)

    For older kids interested in a bit of state history, this is a great place to start the learning process.

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