When school’s out and the sun is shining, there’s nothing quite like a trip to an amusement park to bring the whole family together for a day full of laughter and adventure. Luckily for Burnsville families, there are plenty of exciting parks just a short drive away. Whether your kids love high-speed roller coasters, climbing walls, trampolines, or water slides, there’s something for everyone nearby. Here are five of the best amusement parks and entertainment centers near Burnsville, MN that are sure to become your family’s go-to spots for fun.
If you’re looking for the ultimate amusement park experience in Minnesota, Valleyfair in Shakopee is the place to be. Just 20 minutes from Burnsville, this park features more than 75 rides and attractions, including thrill rides for the brave and kid-friendly fun in Planet Snoopy. There’s also Soak City, a water park included with admission, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. From roller coasters like Wild Thing to bumper cars and splash pads, Valleyfair has something for every member of the family. You can easily spend an entire day here with food options, shaded rest areas, and live entertainment throughout the park.
Located inside the Mall of America in Bloomington, Nickelodeon Universe is a weather-proof paradise of fun for kids of all ages. With themed rides based on your children’s favorite characters like SpongeBob, Dora, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, this indoor amusement park keeps the excitement going all year long. It’s a great mix of gentle rides for toddlers and more intense attractions like the Avatar Airbender and SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge. Being indoors, it’s the perfect destination for rainy days, winter break, or when you want a quick escape without worrying about the forecast. Plus, it’s just 15 minutes from Burnsville!
If your kids have endless energy to burn, Big Air Burnsville is the perfect place to let them bounce it out. This indoor facility is packed with wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, ninja courses, climbing walls, and more. Big Air is great for a variety of ages and offers toddler-friendly zones as well as extreme attractions for older kids and teens. It’s a wonderful spot for birthday parties, family outings, or a spontaneous day of fun. Best of all, it’s right in Burnsville, so no long car rides are required!
Just up the road in Burnsville, Grand Slam is a local favorite for indoor family entertainment. This multi-attraction center features mini-golf, laser tag, bumper cars, an arcade, batting cages, and a video game zone. Kids can easily spend hours here hopping from one activity to the next. There’s even a snack bar for when hunger hits mid-play. It’s especially great for younger kids or families with a mix of age ranges, as there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you go for an afternoon or book it for a birthday bash, Grand Slam delivers a home-run of family fun.
Looking to cool down and make a splash? Cascade Bay in Eagan is a water-themed amusement park that brings all the fun of a tropical vacation just 10 minutes from Burnsville. With seven water slides, a lazy river, zero-depth entry pools, and a massive play area for kids, it’s a summer essential for families. Lifeguards are always on duty, and the park is designed with safety and accessibility in mind. Parents love the shaded picnic areas, and kids never want to leave the splash zones. Affordable pricing and convenient amenities make this an easy win for your summer bucket list.
With amusement parks like Valleyfair, Nickelodeon Universe, and Cascade Bay nearby—not to mention local gems like Big Air and Grand Slam—Burnsville families have no shortage of excitement to choose from. These parks offer everything from high-speed thrills to splashy fun and are perfect for weekend outings, special occasions, or anytime you want to bring on the smiles.
And while you’re building fun family memories, you can feel confident that your little ones are also thriving in a nurturing environment at Bright Beginnings Academy. Our early childhood education center in Burnsville offers exceptional programs for children ages six weeks through Pre-K, helping them grow in confidence, curiosity, and care.
So pack up the sunscreen, lace up your sneakers, and get ready for an adventure-filled summer!
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
