12 Kid-Friendly Activities Near Bemidji

It’s always been a goal of ours to find new things for our kids to do on road trips. Many of our guests come from out of town, and it’s fun to suggest different activities to do with the kids. We’ve collected some of our favorites below (and this list will grow over time!)

Headwaters Science Center

Address: Headwaters Science Center, 413 Beltrami Ave NW, Bemidji, MN 56601
Time commitment: 2-3 hours
Bathrooms/amenities: Clean bathrooms, gift shop
Parking: Street parking is available on Beltrami Ave and 4th St

The Headwaters Science Center is a great destination for families, with exhibits that children and adults will both appreciate. This “small but mighty” center excels by offering a mix of engaging, hands-on science exhibits, where kids can dive into activities like creating giant bubbles and building with oversized blocks. One of the best features is their unique “reptile petting zoo” setup, allowing children safe and supervised encounters with fascinating creatures like snakes and lizards. The center employs exceptional staff who are friendly and attentive. Entry is affordable, and virtually no wait times. The Headwaters Science Center delivers incredible value for families looking for something to do in downtown Bemidji.

Watermark Art Center

Address: Watermark Art Center, 505 Bemidji Ave N, Bemidji, MN 56601
Time commitment: 30 min – 1 hour
Bathrooms/amenities: Restrooms with baby changing stations. Braille signage is throughout the center.
Parking: Parking lot available, and overflow parking is available on 5th

If you’re ever in Bemidji, you have to check out the Watermark Art Center. It’s free and constantly changing its amazing exhibits, with a special focus on Native American artists and incredible local talent (even from middle and high schoolers!). We love their beautiful, bright space, and the kiddos love peeking through the windows to see what’s new. Their gift shop is a treasure trove of unique finds from local artists, and they offer tons of classes and workshops for all ages. They also have a great Art Festival every year in July. The staff and volunteers are the best, making every visit super welcoming and truly a highlight in Bemidji.

Bemidji Bowl

Address: Bemidji Bowl, 3455 Laurel Dr NW, Bemidji, MN 56601
Time commitment: 1.5 to 3 hours
Bathrooms/amenities: Restrooms are available
Parking: Very large parking lot

Bemidji Bowl, which also houses “The Lodge” Pub and Pizza Eatery, is a fantastic spot for families looking for fun! We recommend this spot for a day out or birthday parties. You can choose between classic bowling or their “glow-n-bowl” room, which the kids love. The arcade is a huge hit with tons of games and prizes, perfect for keeping the kids entertained while you enjoy a game of pool or darts in the pub area. The pizza here consistently gets rave reviews, with many calling it the “best in town” due to its generous toppings and homemade feel. Bemidji Bowl is a great option for family fun that won’t break the bank.

Paul Bunyan Mall

Address: Paul Bunyan Mall, 1401 Paul Bunyan Dr NW, Bemidji, MN 56601
Time commitment: 1-2 hours
Bathrooms/amenities: Bathrooms are available
Parking: Very large parking lot

For families looking for a good time, the Paul Bunyan Mall shines with its fantastic arcade. There is the standard array of retail stores like JCPenney, Kohl’s, and Hobby Lobby. The mall is clean and has a variety of seating in the main areas. We’ve had friends even use the mall for winter exercise. There are massage chairs and a dedicated play area.

Evergreen Fun Park

Address: Evergreen Fun Park, 26468 US-71, Park Rapids, MN 56470
Time commitment: 2-3 hours
Bathrooms/amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, gift store, vending machines
Parking: Spacious parking lot

Evergreen Fun Park in Bemidji is a family-owned attraction known for friendly staff and a fun variety of activities. The escape rooms are a great activity, especially if you have older children. Evergreen Fun Park also has go-karts, mini-golf, laser tag, and an arcade. It’s worth checking out if you are in the area!

Paul Bunyan Animal Land

Address: Paul Bunyan Animal Land, 3857 Animal Land Dr SE, Bemidji, MN 56601
Time commitment: 1.5-2 hours
Bathrooms/amenities: Bathrooms, gift shop, and picnic area 
Parking: Large open area to park

Paul Bunyan Animal Land offers a distinct, hands-on animal experience. There are feeding opportunities, and kids can even pet tame deer. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the animals. Admission and treat prices are reasonable, making it a good option on a budget.

Character Challenge Course

Address: Character Challenge Course, 13218 County 40, Park Rapids, MN 56470
Time commitment: 1-4 hours
Bathrooms/amenities: 
Parking: Limited parking

This is a spot where your family (or even your work team!) can do exhilarating climbs and rope courses together. There is even a playground for the little ones! The staff is good at communicating safety guidelines and helping with guided sessions. They have a “Dojo cabin” for overnight stays, it is perfect for a family getaway or a unique spot for a wedding party.

Paul Bunyan Park

Address: Paul Bunyan Park, US-2 Old, Bemidji, MN 56601
Time commitment: 0.5-2 hours
Bathrooms/amenities: Picnic areas, dog-friendly features 
Parking: Plenty of parking

Paul Bunyan Park hosts one of the most recognizable landmarks in Bemidji: the giant statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. This is always a fun photo opportunity with family and a nice way to honor our area’s logging heritage. The park is nestled on the shores of Lake Bemidji. This means picturesque views and direct lake access from its docks. There is a modern playground that has a good variety of equipment and shaded areas in the summer. On the property, there is a well-maintained visitor center, complete with clean restrooms and a souvenir shop.

Charlie’s Ottertail Tubing

Address: Charlie’s Ottertail Tubing, 33503 MN-34, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Time commitment: 2-2.5 hours
Bathrooms/amenities: Bathrooms are available 
Parking: Good amount of parking

Charlie’s Ottertail Tubing is a family-owned, affordable river tubing experience on the Ottertail River. The tubing generally lasts around two hours at a leisurely pace, with options to tube all day for a single fee. The staff is friendly and uses a shuttle bus to drop tubers off up river. Charlie’s offers discounts for kids under 12 and military members. They even provide free tubes for pets and coolers!

Trowbridge Creek Zoo

Address: Trowbridge Creek Zoo, 50622 Co Hwy 17, Vergas, MN 56587
Time commitment: 2-3 hours
Bathrooms/amenities: Restrooms, picnic area 
Parking: Good parking 

This small, family-run zoo has a nice selection of animals, with hands-on feeding experiences. This is a very kid-friendly zoo, with short distances between exhibits, a playground, and plenty of benches. The animals are very interactive and playful. Recommend!

Cameron Park

Address: Cameron Park, 2609 Birchmont Dr NE, Bemidji, MN 56601
Time commitment: 1+ hours
Bathrooms/amenities: Bathrooms, outside showers to rinse off, picnic areas
Parking: Decent amount of parking 

Cameron Park in Bemidji is a public park on Lake Bemidji with a sandy beach and swimming area. There are outdoor showers, a playground, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and a covered pavilion available for use. The park also provides boat and kayak launches with plenty of parking, alongside (generally) clean restrooms. The park is quiet and a less crowded alternative to other local parks. It’s a good spot for sledding in the winter, too!

Itasca State Park

Address: Itasca State Park, 36750 Main Pk Dr, Park Rapids, MN 56470
Time commitment: 3+ hours
Bathrooms/amenities: Restaurant, Wi-Fi, campground, rentals
Parking: Plenty of parking

Itasca State Park made the list since it’s such a good activity to do with kids. There are well-maintained trails for hiking and biking, stunning lake views, and old-growth pine forests that are good for children to experience. The visitor center is clean and has helpful staff. The state park offers ample parking, numerous clean bathrooms, and well-kept campgrounds. Camping, cabin rentals, and various water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding are all great options, especially with older children. We recommend visiting during off-peak seasons to avoid the crowds!