12 Things to Do with Family in Eagan, Minnesota

This article will provide 12 excellent things to do with your family while visiting or living in Eagan, Minnesota. They range from outdoor adventures to educational experiences to places for plain old family fun. With ideas for children of all ages, interests and energy levels, you’re sure to find something the whole family can enjoy.

1.Visit the Minnesota Zoo

No family trip to Eagan is complete without a visit to the renowned Minnesota Zoo. This state-of-the-art zoo houses over 4000 animals in specialized habitats spread out over 485 acres of land. With many endangered species calling the zoo home, it’s a great opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation.

Don’t miss the Tropics Trail butterfly garden – a tropical paradise filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies and birds. The Discovery Bay exhibit features a 120,000-gallon aquarium where you can get up close with sharks, stingrays and other marine life. Families with little ones will love the Farm Babies exhibit, where they can interact with sheep, piglets and more.

During the summer, be sure to explore the Northern Trail area to see the zoo’s wolf, bear, moose and musk oxen exhibits. With so much to see and do, you’ll want to dedicate a full day exploring this can’t-miss attraction.

2.Hike at Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Get some fresh air and stretch your legs on the hiking and biking trails at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Just 10 minutes from Eagan, this park spans over 2000 acres with 42 miles of scenic trails to explore. Families with young children can enjoy the short interpretive trail, which features educational panels about the park’s ecosystems.

For some of the most breathtaking views in the area, head to the top of Devils Glen Trail which connects to the Camp Coldwater Ruins. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on top of the bluffs overlooking the Minnesota River valley. Get up close with nature as you wind through prairie lands filled with native flowers and grasses. With so many trails to explore, you can come back again and again and have a different outdoor adventure every time.

3.Spend a Day at Cascade Bay

Cool off from the summer heat with a day of family fun at Cascade Bay Water Park. Located just across the street from the Minnesota Zoo, this 15,000 square foot water park is one of the top entertainment attractions in Eagan.

With 3 thrilling water slides, a lazy river, tumble bucket splash area, zero-depth entry pool and more, there’s something to entertain kids of all ages. Parents can relax poolside or join in the excitement of riding the giant waterslides like Pipeline Plunge and Capt’n Jack’s Wave Rider. Cool off from the hot summer sun while making wonderful family memories at Cascade Bay.

4.Explore the Play Area at Eagan’s Central Park

If your kids have lots of energy to burn, spend an afternoon exploring the huge play area at Eagan’s Central Park. With separate areas designed specifically for 2-5 year olds and 5-12 year olds, kids of all ages can play safely.

Let your toddlers climb, slide and explore while school-aged kids traverse the Skyline Slide, test their skills on the Ninja Warrior Course and fires their imagination in the Throne Area. For kids that love to swing, there are several to choose from including high flying belt swings.

Pack a blanket and spread out in the grass while watching your kids delight in outdoor play time. Families can make an entire day of it by enjoying one of the park’s picnic shelters and walking trails that wind through this 150-acre park.

5.Learn at The Works Museum

Let your kids imagination run wild with a visit to The Works Museum – a hands-on museum designed specifically for children. Featuring interactive STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) exhibits, kids get to learn through play. Families with kids under 7 will especially love The Wonder Years exhibit which features a child-sized town, building blocks zone, art studio and nature discovery area.

School-aged kids can design mazes and race sailboats in the Technology Lab, practice early coding and engineering skills in the Gear Garden, produce music in the Sound Studio and much more. The whole family can also watch an educational show in the Tesseract theater about bubbles, gears and more fascinating science topics. With new exhibits rotated in regularly, there is always something new to discover at The Works Museum.

6.Meet Reptiles and Amphibians at Cabela’s

Fans of creepy crawlers won’t want to miss Cabela’s extensive animal exhibit area. The free-to-access wildlife displays feature a myriad of fish, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods from around the world. Peer into giant aquariums to spot fresh and saltwater fish ranging from brook trout to giant groupers.

In the herpetarium, meet turtles, snakes, frogs, toads and exotic reptiles from across the globe – including the critically endangered Mountain Horned Dragon. Animal lovers young and old are sure to be captivated observing the incredible biodiversity at Cabela’s lively exhibits. Don’t forget to check out the massive trophy game displays as well as North America’s tallest man-made mountain featuring wild mountain goats in their alpine habitat.

7.Burn Energy at Altitude Trampoline Park

When kids just have too much pent-up energy, head to Altitude Trampoline Park to let them bounce out their wiggles. This indoor trampoline venue features over 20,000 square feet of connected trampolines forming walls, pits, runways and courts. Everyone can get their blood pumping jumping freely in the main courts or see who can pull off the coolest flips into the foam pits.

Play a competitive game of trampoline dodgeball or test your skills on the ninja warrior course. With dedicated courts for both recreational bouncing and dodgeball games, everyone can jump at their own pace and comfort level. Parents can have fun watching their kids go wild or join in themselves! Altitude Trampoline Park is the perfect rainy day destination to spend time together as an active family.

8.Go Back in Time at Pioneer Village

Take a trip back in time to experience what life was like 100 years ago with a visit to Pioneer Village. This living history museum features twelve historical buildings including log cabins, one-room schoolhouses, churches, farms, shops and homes.

Learn how early settlers lived, attended school, worked and had fun! Kids can push pedals on real tractors, pump water wells, write on chalkboards, play original playground equipment and participate in hands-on history lessons. Pioneer Village comes alive through guided tours, seasonal events and rotating exhibits showcasing various elements of Minnesota history.

9.Enjoy Family Fun at Eagan FunFest

For a whole weekend filled with family fun, don’t miss out on the annual Eagan FunFest held every July. This community festival located at Central Park features carnival rides, live entertainment, food vendors, craft booths, children’s activities and nightly fireworks.

Your kids will have a blast on rides like the Ferris Wheel and Tilt-A-Whirl or playing midway games to win crazy prizes. Grab your spot on the lawn for a free evening concert featuring popular local bands. The little ones can burn off some energy in the kid zone playing on inflatables for endless jump house fun. Enjoy tasty fair food while making wonderful summertime memories together at FunFest.

10.Learn Together at the Wescott Library

Rated one of the top libraries in Minnesota, the Wescott library in Eagan is truly a gem. In addition to an extensive book, movie and game collection, this libraries offers over 400 educational and creative youth programs each month.

Kids can flex their STEAM skills during themed coding clubs, escape rooms, science explorations and building activities. Budding bookworms will love the regular storytimes, puppet shows and book clubs tailored for various age groups.

Parents and kids can bond over board game sessions, intergenerational trivia nights and hands-on maker workshops offered year-round. Stop by to explore upcoming programs or simply curl up in a cozy chair to enjoy a good book together!

11.Watch a Show at Steeple Center for the Arts

Foster your family’s appreciation for the performing arts by taking in a show at the Steeple Center. This 500-seat theater located in Central Park hosts ballet performances, musical guests, Broadway plays, comedy shows and more.

Kids will delight at the whimsical sets, talented performers and engaging stories they can watch come to life onstage. Many productions incorporate education components to connect families with the art, such as chances to meet performers after the show or study guides to reinforce the content.

With affordable ticket options including kids 12 and under free, it makes for an easy family night out supporting the local arts.

12.Splash the Day Away at Aquila Park

On hot summer days, cool off with water play at Aquila Park’s ultimate neighborhood sprayground. Conveniently located in Northern Eagan, this free sprayground is perfect for young families.

Let your toddlers splash in the zero-depth tot pool with mushroom fountain. Bigger kids can zoom down the two-story waterslide, get soaked under the giant dumping bucket and splash away under the hands-free water arches.

Parents can relax in the shade under the pavilion or on the lawn while easily watching the whole family play safely. With plenty of grassy areas and a playground located onsite, Aquila Park makes for a perfect summer day destination.

Conclusion

With so much to experience, Eagan truly is an ideal Minnesota city for families. This list featured just 12 of the top things to do with kids of all ages – but the fun doesn’t stop there. From community events to bike trails to shopping at unique stores, there are always new adventures to have.

Use this as a starting guide the next time you’re looking for ideas on kid-friendly things to do in the Eagan area. With such great options for family entertainment, education and quality time, you’ll quickly see why Eagan is consistently ranked one of the best cities in America to raise a family. So grab the kids and come explore all this vibrant suburb south of the Twin Cities has to offer!