7 Minneapolis Group Activities That Are Perfect For Your Next Outing

Minneapolis Group Activities - Watch Baseball

Are you looking for fun Minneapolis group activities for an upcoming family getaway, friend weekend, or workplace bonding experience? The city is full of opportunities for fun and interesting outings and excursions.

Many of the best group activities in Minneapolis will even bring out a little friendly competition. Don’t plan your next group outing or team building event without first checking out this list of fun group activities Minneapolis residents and visitors can plan!

 

1) Book A Group Tour On Beautiful Lake Minnetonka

A visit to Lake Minnetonka is a highlight of any visit to the Twin Cities. Spanning nearly 15,000 acres, this sparkling oasis is home to one of the liveliest ecosystems in the Minneapolis area. Those lucky enough to get on the water enjoy access to 23 separated named bays and wildlife areas.

What’s the best way to explore Lake Minnetonka while in the Twin Cities? They say that the group that peddles together stays together! That’s why you need to consider a lake tour if you’re looking for a little inspiration for your upcoming outing!

PaddleTap Part Boats offers one of the best group activities in Minneapolis. How does boarding one of three unique party boats to spend the day with friends or family sound? Here’s what’s possible when you choose the #1 cruise company on Lake Minnetonka:

  • Depart from downtown Excelsior with plans to enjoy amazing local bars and restaurants before or after your cruise experience.

  • Enjoy a tiki-themed cruise boat that’s perfect if you’re looking for Minneapolis group activities for birthday parties or bachelorette parties.

  • Keep things sophisticated with our Pedal Tavern water cruise. Yes, you get to pedal to help power the boat across the lake during this experience!

  • Enjoy amazing views of the lake from a 100-square-foot upper deck aboard our LazyTap vessel.

With so many vessels and themes to choose from, PaddleTap is the best choice for fun group activities in the Minneapolis area! While our public cruises require no minimum for your group, we also provide small-group cruises that are suited for corporate events or private parties.

Stop wondering how you’ll plan a perfect day for friends or a fun team building activity! Book your spot with PaddleTap today for memories that will last a lifetime!

 

2) Tour The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden For A Fun Day With The Family

If you’re looking for a group activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, a visit to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is perfect. Everyone can take in amazing views here at their preferred pace. There’s also no pressure about squeezing this stop into your busy itinerary because the garden is open to the public daily from 6 a.m. to midnight.

This 11-acre garden in the city’s Lowry Hill neighborhood holds the distinction of being the largest urban sculpture garden in the country. Visitors enjoy more than 40 pieces of public art. The garden also has restrooms and accessible walking paths.

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is not just about the art; it’s also a fantastic place to enjoy a picnic or simply relax on the lush lawns. Kids can run around and explore, while adults can take a moment to appreciate the beauty surrounding them. It’s a wonderful way to spend quality time together as a family!

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring your camera! The vibrant sculptures and stunning landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for memorable family photos.

 

3) Choose Exciting Team Building Activities Focused On Communication Skills

As one of the nation’s largest commercial hubs, Minneapolis attracts its fair share of professionals looking for corporate team building activities. If you’re tasked with booking an activity for an entire team or department on behalf of your company, you’ll be happy to hear that there are several options for private team building events in Minneapolis that everyone will enjoy.

Here are some suggestions for team building activities in Minneapolis:

  • Escape rooms – Minneapolis has more than a dozen companies offering escape rooms. Popular ones include Mission Manor Escape Rooms, The Escape Game Minneapolis, Zero Hour Escape Rooms, and Trapped Puzzle Rooms. An escape room provides a fun and interactive way to flex communication muscles and work together using problem solving skills while cracking the codes on mysterious puzzle adventures.

  • Indoor rock climbing – This offers a great opportunity for team building while building trust and confidence. The go-to spot for indoor rock climbing around here is the Minneapolis Bouldering Project. Enjoy more than 40,000 square feet of bouldering in a state-of-the-art facility while team building.

  • Axe throwing – This activity works great for team bonding because there’s plenty of downtime between tosses for conversation. While it’s a fun activity that requires some skill and effort, you don’t need to be athletic or have any experience to participate. Tops spots in Minneapolis for some old-fashioned axe throwing include FlannelJax’s and Bad Axe Throwing.

  • Virtual reality – If you’re looking for a world class VR experience that you can do with the team, Sandbox VR in nearby Eden Prairie is the best around! This is a full-body VR experience that lets you interact with up to six group members at a time.

Pro Tip: When contacting businesses or venues offering team building activities, inquire about special options for private events. Many will offer exclusive rooms or VIP treatment for private team building events. You may even be able to get a group rate.

 

4) See A Game With The Crew

Welcome to the home of the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Minnesota Twins! Based on the season, you may be able to score tickets to a football game, basketball game, or baseball game at one of the city’s big venues. Look for home tickets at Target Field or U.S. Bank Stadium. There’s always college sports if you can’t snag pro tickets.

Attending a game with your crew is more than just watching sports; it’s about the electric atmosphere, the cheers of the crowd, and the shared excitement of rooting for your team. Don your favorite jerseys, grab some snacks, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with being part of the action.

Pro Tip: Arrive early to soak in the pre-game festivities! Many venues offer fun activities, live music, and food vendors that can enhance your game day experience.

 

5) Go On A Culinary Adventure And Enjoy Fabulous Food With Some Cooking Classes With Your Besties

There’s nothing like bonding over a love of food! As a world-class city, Minneapolis offers its share of amazing restaurants and chefs. If you’re looking for a popular and convenient option right in the center of the city, Cooks of Crocus Hill comes highly recommended.

Students can pop in for a wide variety of classes and training options in a professional prep kitchen. When you come for a full meal experience, you get to prepare a portion of the food that will be served at the end. Cooks of Crocus Hill also serves amazing coffee, sandwiches, and dessert for walk-in visitors. If your experience awakens your love of cooking, there’s even a specialty cooking supply store.

If you’re looking specifically for a culinary experience that includes a wine tasting, this same company offers “wine dinner” events at a nearby location in nearby Edina, MN. Call ahead to ask about private parties if you’re coming with a group!

 

6) Eat Delicious Fair Food With Friends In North Loop

A great meal out is sometimes the best group activity. While your visit may not coincide with the world-famous Minnesota State Fair that takes place in August, you can still experience authentic fair food while visiting Minneapolis.

That’s because a spot called Graze Provisions offers year-round fair food from popular vendors. This industrial-style marketplace is filled with eclectic food stands and bars serving beer and cocktails. There’s even a dog-friendly rooftop patio where you can enjoy your food.

Gathering with friends at Graze Provisions is a delightful way to experience nostalgic flavors while creating new memories. From deep-fried treats to sweet desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, the lively atmosphere and unique food options make it a perfect spot to relax and catch up with your crew.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on trying the seasonal specialties! Graze Provisions often features limited-time dishes that capture the essence of fair food, so be sure to ask about any unique offerings during your visit.

 

7) Enjoy A Lively Outing At An Indoor Amusement Park For A Kid’s Birthday

Looking for fun group activities that both kids and adults can enjoy? There’s a popular spot called Zero Gravity Trampoline Park where you can pounce on massive trampolines, play laser tag, scale the indoor climbing wall, and more! This is a great option if you’re looking for a birthday party idea in Minneapolis that works regardless of the weather.

Zero Gravity Trampoline Park is not just for the kids; adults can join in on the fun too. It’s a fantastic way to unleash your inner child, plus, the laughter and excitement make for unforgettable birthday memories!

Pro Tip: Consider booking a party package in advance! This way, you can secure a dedicated space for your celebration and enjoy added perks like food and drinks, making the day even more special for the birthday star.

 

Fun Group Activities Are Everywhere In Minneapolis

Planning Minneapolis group fun or private team building events doesn’t have to be taxing! In a city with so much culture and natural beauty, finding an amazing way to make memories is easy.

PaddleTap is here to help you plan an unforgettable excursion on Lake Minnetonka that your group will never forget. Our team is here to help you choose the right cruise itinerary and work out every detail with no stress. Contact us to start planning today!

Duration
1 hour 40 minutes
Group Size
Up to 14

PaddlePub-Downtown Excelsior (20 Minutes from Minneapolis!)

PaddleTap is proud to offer private tours on our only downtown Excelsior powered party boat! These one of a kind Pedal Taverns can be rented out on Excelsior Bay! Remember the "peddling" is 100% optional. You do not have to pedal if you don't want too as every boat comes with a gas motor!

Our Paddle Pub Party Boats, holds a maximum of 15 people! By combing both you have have up to 30 people. This is great for private cruises who want to depart out of the award winning downtown Excelsior which is only 20 minutes from Minneapolis! Our PaddlePub boats have gas motors, which makes peddling 100% optional! With recent upgrades on these vessels we now have bathrooms on all boats!

Plenty of local bars and restaurant’s walking distance before or after your cruise such as:
-Maynards
-Excelsior Brewing
-Haskells (also a liquor store for any last minute items)
-Lago Tacos or The Suburban that are walking distance from our pickup location!

This is definitely the spot on the lake with the most action. You can even see the famous “Big Island” on your cruise if you ask your captain!
What to know:

100 minutes long
Bluetooth music
BYOB
Bathroom on Board
Departs out of Downtown Excelsior
250 square feet of usable room
Holds up to 15 guests
Pricing: $35-$49/person Private Cruise (10 or more required tickets to make it private)
25 HSP Gas Motor
Peddling (optional)
**Sunday Funday is $35/person lowest option all season**

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$35
Duration
1 hour 40 minutes
Group Size
Up to 18

TikiTap-Back Channel Brewing on Lake Minnetonka

Our 100 minute cruise our Tiki Pub (yes, its a Tiki Themed Party Pontoon Boat and has ZERO pedals) boat offer the perfect scenic escape! It's our #1 Boat Tour for Bachelorette Parties!

This adventure is perfect for any corporate event, private birthday party or just for fun on a bachelorette or bachelor parties!

We have two Tiki Boats for 2025 and the largest single boat we offer and is 26 feet long and almost 12 feet wide! These party boats include comfortable bar stool seating around the custom tiki bar, and seating for maximum of 18 total guests with plenty of walking room around the almost 300 square foot deck.

Enjoy our one of a kind Tiki Themed bar to rest your beer, wine, or cocktails.

Do you have any worry about a bathroom? Don’t! this boat does come equipped with a full bathroom for you to use.

Worried about rain? Don’t! We have a large canopy that covers 70% of the TikiTap! If this boat is open, book it soon as this is for sure the first one to be reserved.

Things to Know:

100 minutes long
Bluetooth music
BYOB
Bathroom on board
Departs out of Back Channel Brewing in Spring Park
300 square feet of usable room
Holds up to 18 guests per boat (Yes you can combine multiple boats for larger groups)
Pricing: $39-$55/person Private Cruise (10 or more required tickets to make it private)
135 HSP Gas Motors on both vessels

8 Reviews verify
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$39
Duration
1 hour 40 minutes
Group Size
Up to 18

LazyTap Double Deck-Back Channel Brewing-Lake Minnetonka (18 person boat)

PaddleTap’s #1 boat tour! For the people who like to take it easy on the lake! Our LazyTap Party Boat ride has your name written all over it. This is our only double deck party boat that is massive! PaddleTap offers one boat for 2025, so don't wait to book! This boat can hold up to 18 guests!

Both boats offers two levels and covers at least 300 of deck space on the main level with an additional 100 square feet on the upper deck! This boat has zero pedals and is the true lazy experience that can hold up to 18 total guests!

These boats offer a private party bar down the middle for you to load up with your own drinks and bench seating all the way down on both sides.

We have a large wide open space in the front where people can move around and take in the views, or sit in our comfy seating all around.

The LazyTap has a large 150 HSP motor, we can cover a fair amount of lake to enjoy everything that Lake Minnetonka offers! Our pickups are out of Back Channel Brewing, Lord Fletchers, Downtown Excelsior or Wayzata

What to know:

Private boat captain
100 minutes long
Bluetooth music
BYOB
Bathroom on board
Departs out of Back Channel Brewing in Spring Park
400 square feet of usable room (two levels)
Holds up to 18 guests
Pricing: $39-$55/person Private Cruise (10 or more required tickets to make it private)
150 HSP Gas Motor
Zero Pedals (not even an option here, time to be Lazy!)

22 Reviews verify
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$39
Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
10 to 18

2.5 hour Private Tour-Private Tour Back Channel Brewing (18 max)

PaddleTaps longest tour of the season-2 hours and 30 minutes! This tour is new for 2024, and only being offered starting in June of 2024.

Explore Lake Minnetonka in the fall where the leaves start changing. Explore the channels and bays that the larger charter boats cannot offer. Bring your own beverages, some snacks and let us drive you around West Arm/Seaton Channel/Cooks Bay for 2.5 hour on the water, our longest cruises of the year! We will get up and close to some of the best fall colors Lake Minnetonka offers. This tour will have a bathroom on board as well with bluetooth music.

This tour will either be on our largest 30 foot LazyTap double deck boat, or the 25 foot TikiTap boat. Depending on boat availability with other tours being offered"

Pricing is $70/person for the 2.5 hours, and private bookings require 8 tickets to be purchased as a down-payments are utlizied before the season starts to reserve your boat. But you are more than welcome to book as many seats as you need up to the boat maximum of 18 guests.

Duration
1 hour 40 minutes
Group Size
Up to 14

Small Group/Public Tour (All Boats)

Do you have a smaller group? Or just don't want to rent the entire boat? Book our per seat boating option! Perfect for those smaller groups who still want to go out and celebrate that Birthday/Bachelorette or even just a night out! This option does have a requirement of of 6 guests to guarantee it will go out. But you only pay for as many seats as you want. This option is not guaranteed private, and it is very likely you will be paired with other people! (we offer private cruises that start with 8 ppl-18 ppl)

This public option is only available out of our Back Channel Brewing Location (LazyTap or TikiPubs) and downtown Excelsior on our original Pedal Tavern Boat Cruise.

Duration
1 hour 40 minutes
Group Size
Up to 18

Private Tours (All Boats)

PaddleTap is proud to offer private tours on all of our party boats! These one-of-a-kind Tiki Boats, Pedal Taverns, or Party Pontoons can be rented out on Excelsior Bay or Seaton Channel! Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Minnetonka!

Take a peek at all our boating options and which locations they start from. You will truly love this experience for any Bachelorette, Birthday or Corporate outing!

All private tours are charged on a per person fee. Prices range from $35-$55/person. We operate 7 days a week, higher priced tickets are during more prime boat days (Friday-Saturday) and Mid July -Mid August.

10 Tickets or more are required to reserve a private boat. We have a public option that is $55/person if you have less than 10.

Our Lowest cost boat is our PaddlePub out of downtown Excelsior ($35/person) the rest of our boats are closer to $39-$49 most days

Duration
2 to 3 hours
Group Size
2 to 12

Electric Duffy Boat Rental (Downtown Excelsior)

Enjoy the newest boat rental on Lake Minnetonka. Departing daily out of downtown Excelsior. Walking distance from many local bars and restaurants. Enjoy the only eco friendly, battery operated Duffy boat rentals on Lake Minnetonka. Slowly cruise around Excelsior bay in style and enjoy the calm waters of the no wake areas of St. Albans and Excelsior Bay. This boat does not have a boat captain provided, and the renter is required to drive the boat. Don't worry about an agenda and drive at your own pace. Boat rentals are allowed for small groups and large groups. Large groups can hold up to 12 guests. As pricing is based off of the boat and if you want a small or large group rental. Rentals can last anywhere from 2-3 hour long, you decide when you book! For more information checkout our sister company www.Electricshores.co to learn more!