10. Cross Country Skiing

Cross Country Skiing is a great way to get the entire family outside to explore the many forests around Grand Rapids, MN. The Northern Lights Nordic Ski Club created a ski trail map that is over 200KM in total. Some of our favorite kid-friendly ski trails are Legion, Forest History Center, and MN Power. Both the Legion and MN Power are lit at night until 10pm. There is something very magical to ski at night on a lit path in the winter. The glistening snow, the cool crisp air, and the sparkling stars above the tall pine trees. If you do not own, Ardent Bicycles rents equipment. View Cross Country Ski Trails HERE.

9. Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a wonderful outdoor recreation activity, and kids love it. Kids strap on snowshoes and enjoy the big footprints in the snow that is left behind as they trek through the forests of white winter wonderland. A few of our favorite places to snowshoe are Simpson Creek and the Lost Forty in the Chippewa National Forest. Explore the mixed hardwood and pine forests of over 200 year old trees that takes four people to hold hands together to fit around. If you do not have snowshoes for the entire family, Ardent Bicycle rents. Find more information about Snowshoeing HERE.

8. Fat Tire Biking

The Grand Rapids, Minnesota area has over 100 miles of bike trails that you can ride all seasons. In the Winter, we suggest: Tioga Recreation Area  (25+ mile world class, purpose built multi level mountain bike trails), Chippewa National Forest trail roads, and Legion Trail. Tioga has trails for all levels from green to double black diamond. Legion is a 7-mile loop that winds around Hale Lake. The Chippewa National Forest offers an opportunity to ride packed winter forest roads, and to get an up close personal view to northern MN wildlife. If you do not own fat tire or mountain bikes, Ardent Bicycles rents. 

7. Snowmobiling

The Grand Rapids, MN area is known for some of the best snowmobile trails in Minnesota. Over 300 miles of snowmobile trails that makes for a great way to spend a March Spring Break. The Grand Rapids, MN area snowmobile trails are open until March 31st each year. From the in town trails you can access the famous state Taconite Trail. The Taconite Trail is 165 miles long, and once on you can ride to Ely, Minnesota. If you do not own snowmobiles, R & R Rental rents snowmobiles. Learn more about Grand Rapids area snowmobiling HERE.

6. Ice Fishing

Kids love ice fishing as much as adults. The Grand Rapids area has some of the best ice fishing destinations, and has been referred to as an “Ice Fishing Paradise” – with an abundance of interconnected lakes, creeks, and ponds perfect for fishing success. In Northern Minnesota ice fishing goes through March and sometimes April. Later in the season walking out on the lake is the best way to catch big panfish. This is perfect for kids because they just want to catch something. Don’t have Ice Fishing Gear, give R&R Rental a call, and Bowstring Shores has hard ice house rentals. Learn more about Ice Fishing in Grand Rapids HERE.

5. Skating, Snowtubing,  Downhill Skiing, and Snowboarding

Grand Rapids and surround communities have outdoor skating rinks that are maintained weekly. These outdoor rinks offer on-site rink attendants and warming shacks. Clafton Skate is a great place to sharpen your skates, and also check on their rental supply. When there is low snow, skating on the frozen lakes is a common past time. Located only 15 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids is a the Mt. Itasca Winter Sports Center that is the perfect family-friendly ski, snowboard, cross country ski, and snowtubing located in Coleraine, MN. Mt Itasca is also home to Olympic biathlon and ski jump training. 

4. Explore Minnesota’s History

Grand Rapids, Minnesota was established in 1872, and has a rich forestry, logging and mining history to learn about. You will want to check out the Itasca County Historical Society Museum. They just opened a new escape room. The Museum is FREE, and houses a lot of interesting Minnesota artifacts, and also houses a genealogy center and gift shop. The Children’s Discovery Museum is a great indoor museum that offers unique kid-friendly exhibits that have an up north theme. Perfect for kids ages toddler to early teens. The Judy Garland Museum is housed in the same building. Did you know Grand Rapids, MN is the birthplaces of Judy Garland? When you purchase a ticket to the Children’s Museum, you also get access to the Judy Garland Museum. Pay a little bit more money and get a VIP tour that includes access to an exclusive Judy Garland memorabilia exhibit.

3. Grand Rapids Art & History Tour

Take a walking tour around Grand Rapids and visit different murals, sculptures and historic building.  The art and history around Grand Rapids represents the what Grand Rapids was founded on and you can find different art pieces that represent the Ojibwa culture. MacRostie Art Center offers youth classes, and has monthly art exhibits that the entire family will enjoy. MacRostie also lends out an art suitcase that includes everything families will need to create art while visiting Grand Rapids. Let nature inspire you. To view the self-guided Grand Rapids Art & History Tour map click HERE.

2. Water Fun

In Grand Rapids you will find many lodging options to choose from while on Spring Break in Grand Rapids, and many offer onsite pools and hot tubs. This allows the kids of all ages to enjoy pool time while the parents relax in the hot tub. Timberlake Lodge Hotel has a Grand Splash waterpark, which offers a 98 foot slide, 20 person hot tub, and kiddie pool. A great way for the kids to burn off some energy and the parents to relax in comfort. Additional properties that have a pool and hot tub are: AmericInn, Country Inn & Suites and Best Western. To find Hotels with pools as amenities, learn more HERE.

1. Entertainment

Mother Nature sometimes brings showers, and sometimes she brings snow storms. If this is the case, don’t fret, we have several indoor locations that can keep the everyone entertained. The Reif Center is our hidden gem of a theater that brings the stars to norther Minnesota. Each year the Reif staff selects family friendly theater performances. Another great place to relax and be entertained indoors is Mann’s Cinnema Theater. Their reclining seats offer a great place for families to attend an afternoon matinee or evening show. Thunder Alley XL offers bowling and indoor adult style arcade game area, and onsite bar that serves great pizza and other concession snacks. Lastly, check out our new craft brewing. Then check out fun places to eat & drink that also offer live family-friendly entertainment like Klockow, Rapids Brewing Co and Unwined Up North. Check out the Grand Rapids Events Calendar for all of the details.

Grand Rapids, MN is a family-friendly destination for Spring Break. Find lots of cozy family-friendly lodging options in Grand Rapids. From conveniently located Hotels, Motels, Air B&B’s and Bed & Breakfasts to Resort Cabins and Vacation Rentals located on the lakes and trails. Book your Spring Break Vacation HERE. Also, check out the Last Minute Openings for short-term lodging properties that have a last minute opening because someone was not able to head north and had to cancel.