Family Fun in West St. Paul, Minnesota: A Guide to Local Adventures
West St. Paul, Minnesota, is a Twin Cities hidden gem with many family-friendly activities. Located near downtown St. Paul, it’s a conveniently located destination for families seeking fun.
I’ve teamed up with Eco Chico Kids Resale Boutique to put together this guide to family fun in West St. Paul! Thank you to Krystell, owner of Eco Chico, for her many suggestions for families here.
I took her suggestions and visited with my kids. After exploring many places I have to say that West St. Paul is truly a gem to visit!
Whether you’re a local resident or visiting for the day, here are some of the best spots and activities to enjoy family fun in West St. Paul.
1. Thompson County Park
Thompson County Park is a beautiful park in West St. Paul. It features a beautiful lake surrounded by walking trails, perfect for a family hike or a peaceful picnic. During the warmer months, the park is a popular spot for fishing and paddle boating. In the winter, it’s a great location for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
The playground is one of the nicest playgrounds I’ve found in the Twin Cities. It is colorful and has a gate around it, which is helpful for families with little ones who like to run!
With a mix of playground equipment and open spaces, Thompson County Park is an excellent place for young kids to burn off energy while adults can take in the natural beauty of the area.
Don’t forget to pack some snacks for a lakeside picnic!
2. Dodge Nature Center
If your family loves the outdoors, Dodge Nature Center is a must-visit. This 460-acre environmental education center offers a variety of nature trails, ponds, and wildlife habitats, making it a fantastic place to explore with kids. It’s an excellent spot for kids to connect with nature, observe wildlife, and learn about the environment through interactive exhibits and educational programs.
Dodge Nature Center has seasonal events and programs for all ages, including maple syrup tapping in the spring, educational camps during the summer, and seasonal hikes throughout the year. The working farm on-site also provides hands-on learning experiences with farm animals.
3. West St. Paul Sports Dome
The West St. Paul Sports Dome is a fantastic indoor option, especially for families who want to stay active during Minnesota’s colder months.
The dome has multiple sports fields, including soccer and football, and offers open play sessions where kids can run around and enjoy sports in a safe, climate-controlled environment. It’s a great place to escape winter while still staying active and burning off energy.
Throughout the year, the dome hosts a variety of sports leagues and camps for children of all ages, so it’s worth looking into scheduled programs if your kids are passionate about athletics.
4. Explore Harmon Park
Harmon Park is a popular outdoor space in West St. Paul. Recently renovated, it has something for every family member. The playground is a paradise for kids, featuring slides, climbing structures, and swings. For those hot Minnesota summer days, you’ll find one of the best splash pads in the area, perfect for younger kids to cool off and play. Parents can relax on the sidelines while the kids run through fountains and sprinklers, or join in the fun.
You can also relax in the shaded picnic areas or enjoy a game on one of the park’s soccer fields or baseball diamonds. Harmon Park also has community events, so be sure to check the city’s calendar for seasonal activities like outdoor movie nights or local festivals.
5. Skate the West St. Paul Ice Arena
For a quintessential Minnesota experience, head over to the West St. Paul Ice Arena. Open year-round, the arena offers open skating sessions for families, as well as figure skating and hockey lessons for kids. Whether you’re an experienced skater or trying it for the first time, this is a great way to have fun as a family while embracing the state’s love of ice sports.
Public skate times are affordable and offer a great opportunity for kids to practice their skating skills, while the arena’s snack bar serves up warm treats to help you recharge after your session.
6. Local Dining: Support Family-Friendly Eateries
There is an option for every taste and every budget with the city’s abundant and family-friendly casual dining scene.
For a casual meal, try Rocco’s Pizza for some of the best local pizza. For something unique, El Taquito Taco Shop is a local favorite for authentic Mexican fare that both kids and adults will enjoy. For breakfast or brunch, The Fireside Lounge offers classic American comfort food that will satisfy any appetite.
Here are more tasty ideas:
- Blvd Bar and Grill (great for sports fans, casual american with an international flair)
- Beirut Restaurant and Deli (Authentic Lebanese Cuisine)
- Hamburguesas El Gordo (Authentic Mexican style burgers and tacos)
- Foodsmith Bistro Pub (gourmet American)
- Amore Coffee
- Hawaii Poke Bowl
- Taco Libre (Street Tacos)
- Tii Cup (Taiwanese street food)
We also enjoyed a chicken dinner at Pollo Campero. This franchise started in Guatemala and Campero means “flavor.” It truly is super flavorful chicken – we all loved it and it’s my son’s favorite chicken ever!
For dessert, be sure to stop by Micho Love for a huge selection of tasty ice cream treats!
They have ice cream, popsicles, chocolate covered bananas and many other yummy sweets. We stopped by and tried chocolate mint ice cream and a strawberry popsicle. They were so creamy and good!
7. Eco Chico Kids Resale Boutique
Just a few steps from Micho Love, a tasty ice cream shop, is Eco Chico Kids Resale Boutique!
Eco Chico is a vibrant and eco-friendly shop owned by a local mom of 3. The boutique offers a lot of high-quality, gently used, affordable baby and kids’ clothing, accessories, equipment, and toys.
I’ve shopped here multiple times and have even sold my kids’ used clothing here – for money on the spot! It’s easy and you can choose from either payment or in-store credit.
Their prices are super affordable too. You can get a lot for less here! Watch for sales too where you can save even more.
Relax on their couch and enjoy some books too.
You’ll find Eco Chico at:
Signal Hills Shopping Center
1201 S. Robert St.
Suite #7A
West St. Paul, MN
Be sure to visit Micho Love a few doors away!
8. Visit Local Events and Festivals
West St. Paul hosts several family-friendly events throughout the year that provide a great opportunity to connect with the community. The annual West St. Paul Open House in the summer is a fun event with games, food trucks, and local vendors showcasing their products. Similarly, the Explore West St. Paul Days offers parades, a carnival, and live entertainment that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages.
During the winter holidays, the city is transformed into a festive wonderland with holiday markets, tree lightings, and other events like the annual “Santa’s Holiday Hero Express” parade, providing magical experiences for families.
9. Bike the River to River Greenway
For families who enjoy biking or hiking, the River to River Greenway is a fantastic trail that stretches through West St. Paul and connects to other nearby parks and natural areas. The trail is safe, well-maintained, and scenic, offering a perfect setting for a leisurely family bike ride or walk.
Along the way, you’ll encounter wetlands, wooded areas, and even a few art installations, making this a perfect combination of fitness, nature, and creativity. It’s also a great way to experience more of West St. Paul’s natural beauty.
10. Splatter Paints
If you’re looking for a creative and fun activity in West St. Paul, Splatter Paints is a must-visit! It’s a paint studio where you can unleash your inner artist, no matter what your age or skill level is. The best part? You don’t have to worry about making a mess—it’s all part of the experience! You get to splatter paint onto canvases, walls, and even each other if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s perfect for families looking for something unique to do together, and kids love the freedom to just throw paint around. Plus, you leave with your own colorful masterpiece to take home!
Near West St. Paul
There are many places to visit near West St. Paul. It’s right next to St. Paul, after all.
Just outside of West St. Paul are the Wabasha Caves, which are unique and cool to tour (literally – wear a sweater).
You’ll also find a unique restaurant called Holman’s Table, which overlooks the St. Paul airport!
You can even take a helicopter ride here. Read about my visit there with my husband for date night.
The list goes on!
West St. Paul is brimming with family fun, offering everything from outdoor adventures to community-centered activities. Whether you’re splashing at Harmon Park, hiking at Dodge Nature Center, or enjoying a family meal, there’s something for everyone in this friendly city. So pack up the kids, grab your walking shoes, and get ready to make some memories in West St. Paul!
Learn more about West St. Paul here.
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