After tournaments wrap up for the day at US Bank Stadium, coaches, players, and parents alike will be hungry not only for a good meal, but some entertaining experiences as well. The stadium sits right in the center of Minneapolis, a city with no shortage of activities and eateries. We’ve put together a list of only a fraction of the group-friendly destinations and eateries Minneapolis has to offer.

 

Things to Do

Mill City Museum

Minneapolis is a city rich in history, having once been the home of Pillsbury and General Mills, with flour mills dotting the bank of the Mississippi. The Mill City Museum, built in the ruins of what once was the flagship mill of General Mills, dives into this dynamic history. A flour museum may seem a bit “dusty” for kids to enjoy, but this isn’t just any museum. While exploring the collapsed building, kids can enjoy interactive exhibits and activities specifically geared towards them.

For example. The Mill City museum organizes a scavenger hunt, shows a film, and brings kids through each exhibit. This giveschaperones a bit of a break while the team is occupied with the interactive, educational exhibits. This kid-friendly museum, just a six-minute walk from US Bank Stadium, encourages groups to enjoy all they have to offer. 704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Mill Ruins Park

The Mill Ruins Park is situated just three minutes from the Mill City Museum, ten from US Bank Stadium, and right beside the picturesque Mississippi River. This city park was built surrounding the historic, collapsed mill. It features plenty of green space for your group to run around and blow off some steam. Take a stroll, have a picnic, and decompress with the rest of your group while getting some fresh air. Mill Ruins Park is a peaceful, picturesque place to stop by if the sun is shining over Minneapolis. 102 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Foshay Museum and Observation Deck

Climb to new heights and get an entirely different view of the city by taking a 16-minute walk over from US Bank Stadium to Foshay Museum and Observation Deck. Only $6 for kids, this is a unique, low-cost activity that will amaze your entire group.

Soar up to the 31st floor of the hotel and step out onto the enclosed viewing area. By using the free telescopes at each corner of the observation deck, visitors can see up to 30 miles away. The Foshay may no longer be the tallest building in the midwest, but this hidden gem is absolutely kid-friendly. It’s an affordable way to experience a 360-degree, bird’s-eye view of Minneapolis. While up there, see if you can find US Bank Stadium! 821 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55402

 

Mall of America

At last, the destination your kids have probably been pining for the entire trip. The largest, most well-known mall in the United States, Mall of America, is a mere 20-minute drive from US Bank Stadium. You and your team could easily spend an entire day there, experiencing the bright, energetic hub of family fun. The amount of kid-friendly activities the mall offers is almost infinite; below are just a few of the highlights:

  • Nickelodeon Universe

One of the most amazing things about Mall of America is the fact that it contains an entire amusement park inside its walls. Nickelodeon Universe, which includes 27 rides, is the largest indoor amusement park in the United States. Groups of all ages and interests will find something to enjoy here. Nickelodeon Universe contains a roller coaster, bumper cars, Ferris wheel, mini golf course, log flume, and more.

  • SEA Life Minnesota

Mall of America is also home to sea creatures of all shapes and sizes, located in SEA Life Minnesota. Open every day, the aquarium brings attendees face to face with sharks, jellyfish, seahorses, clown fish, and other underwater dwellers. Not only are there plenty of exhibits to keep you busy, SEA Life Minnesota offers activities like snorkeling, a behind the scenes tour, and stingray feedings. By purchasing group tickets ahead of time, you can receive a discount for groups of 10 or more.

  • Flyover America

Move over, Disney World! There’s an immersive, virtual reality experience waiting for everyone in Mall of America. Flyover America brings you above the clouds and creates a soaring sensation while you get a one-of-a-kind view of American landmarks. On Flyover America, you’ll feel the wind in your hair, the mist of clouds on your cheeks, and scents floating around you. Because of this, both kids and adults alike will be captivated by Flyover America. You may even forget you’re actually in a mall! Flyover America is open every day, and you save 10% on tickets when you book online ahead of time.

  • Rock of Ages Mini Golf

Mall of America features not one, but two mini golf courses for you to enjoy. If you’re not visiting the course inside the Nickelodeon Universe, you can head down to Rock of Ages Black Light Mini Golf. Kids will love the colorful atmosphere ad friendly competition. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy the journey through different decades of popular music dancing from the speakers. Because of its wide appeal, the course has gotten glowing reviews. Rock of Ages Black Light Mini Golf may be a highlight of your trip to Mall of America.

  • Crayola ExperienceUS Bank Stadium

It’s the excitement of opening a brand-new box of crayons expanded into an entire destination. The Crayola Experience combines color and science to create an educational yet riveting experience for the entire family. Kids’ boundless creativity is front and center when they create their own crayon, or become part of a coloring page. Art comes to life when attendees take part in more than 20 interactive activities. 60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425

 

Places to Eat

Brit’s Pub and Eating Establishment

Brit’s Pub and Eating Establishment brings the experience of an English pub to the heart of Minneapolis, just a five-minute drive from US Bank Stadium. This down-to-earth eatery features long, welcoming tables, an easily enjoyable menu, and space to host an entire team.

What makes Brit’s unique is its outside lawn bowling area, a large, green area for all types of activities. Between the lawn, indoor seating, and rooftop area, no team will have to worry about being accommodated.

Because Brit’s is an English-style establishment, there is usually a soccer or rugby game playing on the televisions. This way, your sports team can watch the pros do what they do best. Brit’s is a mere 6 minute walk from Foshay Tower, so you can grab a bite to eat after soaking in the view of this amazing city. 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

 

The Old Spaghetti Factory

US Bank Stadium

The Old Spaghetti Factory, just a four-minute walk from US Bank Stadium, is a conveniently located, kid-friendly eatery for your entire group to enjoy. They invite groups to join them in celebrating wholesome Italian meals shared with family and friends.

Each entree includes three courses: a soup or salad, a main entree, and ice cream. After working up an appetite, your hardworking team of athletes won’t walk away hungry from The Old Spaghetti Factory. 233 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415

 

Cargo Food Authority

This industrial, cafeteria-style food spot, just a seven-minute drive from US Bank Stadium, offers four types of cuisines, all served out of revamped shipping containers. Cargo Food Authority serves up tacos, Asian food, pizza, wings, and side dishes. This way, no one in your group should have a problem finding a dish they enjoy.

Cargo Food Authority’s open atmosphere contains wide tables, graffiti art decorating the walls, and pillars covered in bumper stickers. Bar games and live music contribute to the lively experience, making this unique food joint a must-see in Minneapolis. If you’re looking for something more down-to-earth than a sit-down restaurant, Cargo Food Authority is the perfect place to visit. 600 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

 

Black Sheep Pizza

Pizza has always been a classic, go-to dish for any type of group gathering, especially among sports teams. Black Sheep Pizza was the first coal-burning pizza restaurant in Minnesota, and offers 12 different types of pizza for patrons hungry after a tournament at US Bank Stadium.

They’ve been lauded by not only locals, but by the likes of Food Network, Slate, A.V. Club, and more. Because of Black Sheep Pizza’s popularity, they’ve expanded into two additional Minneapolis locations. Black Sheep Pizza takes reservations for parties of eight or more, so you can be sure that your hungry team will be seated and satisfied when visiting. 600 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis and 2550 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis

 

Izzy’s Ice Cream

After indulging in all the delicious food Minneapolis has to offer, treat your group to Izzy’s Ice Cream, an ice cream shop favored by locals and only six minutes away from US Bank Stadium. What makes Izzy’s so popular is not only their delicious, handmade ice cream, but what’s affectionately referred to as the “Izzy Scoop.” The Izzy Scoop is a small scoop of additional ice cream placed on top of a regular scoop, representing the fact that Izzy’s always does a little bit extra for their customers.

The Izzy Scoop, which sits like a party hat on top of your ice cream, can be any other flavor. Their website lists 32 flavors at a time, so there will be plenty to choose from. Izzy’s regularly hosts birthday parties and events for kids, so you know your entire team will be welcome to try their tasty treats. 1100 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55415

 

As you can tell, it’s almost impossible to be bored in Minneapolis. Although you may be in the city for a tournament, set aside time to make your way through the city. Make memories on and off the field by visiting any, or all, of these kid-friendly Minneapolis destinations.