St. Paul
St. Paul Family Jungle-Style Weekend Adventure
Leafy parks, river views, and kid-friendly fun all weekend
Planning a trip to St. Paul?
Three easygoing days in St. Paul built around lush parks, riverside walks, hands-on museums, and reliable halal-friendly meals. Designed for a family with kids, it keeps everything in tight neighborhoods so you can just show up, explore, and enjoy a low-stress Midwest getaway.
Highlights
Spend a full day wandering Como Park’s zoo, conservatory, lakes, and rides for a lush, nature-heavy experience.
Pair the Science Museum with Mississippi River walks and skyline views for easy, scenic exploring.
Walk tree-lined streets of Victorian mansions from the Cathedral to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s old neighborhood.
Dip into Nickelodeon Universe and SEA LIFE at the massive, climate-controlled Mall of America.
Enjoy Afro-fusion, Mediterranean, and East African flavors at halal-friendly spots across the city.
Where to Stay
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront
High-rise hotel overlooking the Mississippi with family-friendly rooms, an indoor pool, and easy walking access to the Science Museum, Children’s Museum, and riverfront paths.
$180-230/night
Best Western Plus Como Park Hotel
Converted historic train depot with warm wood interiors, an indoor pool, and quick access to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory and Midway’s halal-friendly restaurants.
$150-200/nightGood to Know
Keep Days in Compact Neighborhood Clusters
St. Paul’s attractions are spread out but easy to manage if you focus on one or two districts per day (Downtown Riverfront, Summit/Como, Mall of America) and avoid zig-zagging across the cities.
Halal Strategy: Halal Restaurants Plus Safe Picks
Use clearly halal-focused spots (Afro Deli, Holy Land, Fasika, Jambo Africa) for main meals, and when you need flexibility in mixed restaurants stick to fish and vegetarian dishes while confirming ingredients with staff.
Book Only a Few Things Ahead
Prebook any special museum exhibits or Mall of America attractions if you’re visiting on a weekend or holiday, but leave most of the schedule open so you can adjust based on weather and kids’ energy.
Dress for Indoor–Outdoor Switching
You’ll move between air-conditioned museums, indoor malls, and outdoor parks, so wear breathable layers, comfortable walking shoes, and bring a light jacket or hoodie for everyone.
Set Simple Daily Budgets
Give each child a small daily budget for souvenirs or arcade games and pick one 'big spend' activity per day, like the zoo, science museum, or rides, then keep everything else low-cost or free.
Your Day Trip Itinerary
Afro Deli & Grill (St. Paul)
Bright, casual Afro–Mediterranean spot with clearly labeled halal options; order the Somali steak sandwich, chicken fantastic, or veggie fantastic (all available halal).
1h · $12-20 per person
Holy Land Bakery, Grocery & Deli (St. Paul location)
Middle Eastern deli and grocery with a strong halal emphasis; go for chicken shawarma plates, gyro (halal beef/lamb), falafel, and mixed grill platters with rice and salad.
1h · $15-22 per person
Science Museum of Minnesota
Hands-on science museum with dinosaurs, interactive exhibits, and Mississippi River views; let the kids explore the experiment stations and catch the giant astronaut or dinosaur skeletons.
2h 30m · $25-30 per adult, $20-25 per child
Mississippi Riverfront Walk (Lower Landing Park to Raspberry Island)
After the museum, stroll along the riverfront paths, wander onto Raspberry Island for city views, and let the kids run around the green space.
1h · Free
Minnesota Children’s Museum
Three floors of interactive play zones with climbing structures, a pretend town, and creative building areas; best if your 8-year-old enjoys free play.
2h · $20-25 per personFasika Ethiopian Restaurant
Cozy Ethiopian spot with halal beef, lamb, and chicken; try the doro wat (spicy chicken stew), tibs (sautéed meat), and vegetarian combo served on injera.
1h 15m · $18-28 per personJambo Africa Restaurant
East African restaurant with halal meats; order goat stew, chicken suqaar, sambusas, and rice dishes packed with spices.
1h 15m · $18-25 per person
Cathedral of Saint Paul
Explore the grand interior, then walk around the grounds for sweeping views over the city and leafy surroundings.
45m · Free (donations welcomed)
Summit Avenue Mansion Walk
Walk east–west along Summit Avenue past historic mansions and big trees; optionally peek into the James J. Hill House visitor center if the family is interested.
1h · Free (Hill House tour extra if you choose it)
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Visit the (free) zoo to see giraffes, big cats, primates, and then wander the glass conservatory packed with tropical plants and ferns for a real jungle vibe.
3h · Free (suggested donation for zoo/conservatory)Como Lakeside Walk & Paddle (weather permitting)
Circle the lake on foot or rent a paddleboat if available; look for ducks, shaded paths, and playgrounds nearby.
1h · Free to walk; $$ for paddleboat rental15 activities across 3 days
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