Planning a trip to Duluth with the fam? Whether your kids are 5 or 15, there is an abundance of engaging and exciting activities for every little (or not so little!) one to enjoy. Families of all sizes, interests and abilities can make memories in many Duluth spots – check accessibility information and hours of each establishment prior to your visit.
While many attractions are great for all ages, here’s a breakdown of some suggested Duluth activities best suited for different age groups:
Young Kids (5 and under)
- Duluth Children’s Museum offers hands-on learning through creative play and interactive exhibits. From STEM Stations and the Learning Lab to Aviation Exploration and Adventure Treehouse, the youngest of explorers can enrich their knowledge and have fun while doing it.
- Great Lakes Aquarium welcomes children to learn about resident animals while watching them eat, play and interact with staff. With over fifteen unique exhibits, little ones are bound to find animal experiences that spark their curiosity and excitement.
- Lake Superior Railroad Museum, kids (especially train lovers!) can explore exhibits and events that bring railroad history to life. During your visit, hop aboard a train excursion on the North Shore Scenic Railroad – open daily in the summer and fall.
- Playfront Park is Duluth’s largest playground! It is open year-round and located within Bayfront Festival Park.
- Whoopsa Daisy Farm, children can develop a keen sense of adventure by experiencing animals, plants and play areas on a family farm. Visit on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the late summer and fall months.
Elementary Age (6-12)
- Adventure Zone for over 50,000 square feet of fun! Activities include multi-lever laser tag, batting cages, mini golf, a virtual reality arena, rock climbing walls, an indoor play system, a pizza café and more.
- Duluth Art Institute offers a variety of classes and camps for kids to tap into their creative sides. With painting, designing, crafting and more, activities at the art center will encourage students to think outside the box.
- Lake Superior Marine Museum Association, kids can voyage into the rich history of Lake Superior and the Great Lakes. Exhibits are updated often, so families get a unique perspective each time they attend.
- Lake Superior Zoo entertains families with experiences like feeding animals, riding the zoo train, taking exclusive tours and more. Kids will love meeting a wide variety of animals from our region and around the world.
- William A. Irvin is a can’t-miss Great Lakes vessel that will leave kids in awe. Take a guided tour of this floating ship museum and check out the gift shop for nautical items and collectibles.
Teens
- Duluth Playhouse and the NorShor Theatre are perfect for performing arts lovers! Teens can enjoy dramas, musicals and other productions year-round at one of the nation’s oldest community theaters.
- Glensheen Mansion is a must-see attraction in Duluth – a 39-room mansion on a 12-acre estate along the shores of Lake Superior. Teens can learn about its history and experience its allure while touring the historic Congdon estate. (This is also great for younger kids, especially when they have activities like The Great Pumpkin or Mischievous Elf Hunts.)
- Spirit Mountain Adventure Park provides four seasons of fun endeavors and spectacular views. From the thrills of ziplines and alpine coaster rides to the beauty of scenic chairlift rides and hiking trails, teens can find activities that fit their adventure desires.
- Vista Fleet is an excursion boat company and floating events center that helps families experience Duluth from a new perspective. Offers include daily sightseeing tours, dinners, sunset cruises, river cruises, chartered events, public special events and lake adventures.
- Zenith Adventure serves as the gateway to the North Shore. With guided paddleboard and kayak tours, historic guided hikes, maritime walking tours and paddleboard/paddleship rentals, teens can create their own exhilarating or relaxing adventures.
Be sure to check out these Duluth attractions and many more on our attractions page!