14 Ideas for an Epic Southeast Minnesota Staycation

During a school break sometimes you just don't have the means to go on a trip. But you can still have a great time by staying close to home! To give you some ideas, I made a list of staycation ideas for in and near southeast Minnesota.

Some of these ideas are in southeast Minnesota, others are in the Twin Cities because it's only an hour-and-a-half drive, give or take. I say that's close enough to count for a staycation.

Mall of America

There are tons of options at MOA, like Nickelodeon Universe, Sea Life, The Fair on 4, and ClimbZone

Visit a Local or State Park

In southeast Minnesota, we have Whitewater State Park, Quarry Hill, Carley State Park, and Oxbow Park just to name a few!

Check Out One of Our Zoos

In southeast Minnesota, we have the Zollman Zoo. If you make the trip up to the cities, you can visit the Minnesota Zoo or the Como Zoo.

Go to the Rochester Art Center

If your family loves art, check out the latest exhibit at the Rochester Art Center.

Make a Splash at a Waterpark

Great Wolf Lodge by the Mall of America is a fun option for a staycation.

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Visit the Spam Museum

If you've never been to the Spam Museum, check it out during your next staycation.

Go to a Movie

Grab some popcorn and candy and enjoy a good movie at the theater.

Rent an Airbnb of Vrbo for a Night

Even though you aren't traveling anywhere, you could still get out of the house and make the day/night feel special by spending it at an Airbnb or Vrbo in a nearby town. (Keep scrolling for more pictures of the place above!)

Check Out the Children's Museum

The Children's Museum is always a great option.

Explore a Small Town

Especially if there's a small town nearby that you haven't explored before, take the day and check out their park(s), restaurants, etc.

Take an Art Class

This could be in person or online depending on what your kids are interested in doing and what's available.

Meet Eagles at the National Eagle Center

The National Eagle Center is a really cool place to get safely up close and personal with raptors.

Check Out the Science Museum

The Science Museum is one of my favorite spots so I highly recommend it for a staycation activity.

Go Bowling

I don't think I know a kid that doesn't like bowling so this is a fun, friendly-competition, idea.