Adventure Unlimited: Exploring Maple Grove

This post is sponsored by Xfinity

Adventure Unlimited: Maple Grove

🗺️ Overview of Your Day

Maple Grove is one of those Twin Cities suburbs that totally surprises you—in the best way. Just 25 minutes northwest of Minneapolis, it’s the perfect blend of natural beauty, local flavor, and family-friendly fun. You’ll find stunning parks, creative play spaces, and hidden gems you’d probably miss without a local’s tip.

It’s close enough to feel like a quick escape but full of things to explore, making it an easy win for a low-stress day trip with kids. If you’re looking to branch out beyond your usual haunts around the metro, Maple Grove definitely deserves a spot on your list.

Make the most of your family-friendly day trip to Maple Grove with a “choose your own adventure” twist using the Passport provided! Whether your crew is all about nature trails, splash pads, local eats, or hidden gems, the Passport lets you chart your own course—collecting memories along the way. It’s a fun, flexible way to explore everything Maple Grove has to offer, with stops and surprises that appeal to kids and grown-ups alike.

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🚗 Getting There

Maple Grove is easily accessible via I-94 W, Highway 169 N, or Highway 610—an often overlooked, scenic route that avoids construction bottlenecks. While the I-94/I-494 interchange can experience slowdowns, most routes into Maple Grove are smooth, with clear signage and wide streets. Free parking is plentiful, especially near Central Park, Elm Creek, Arbor Lakes, and the Xfinity Store.

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🍩 Morning Kickoff: Breakfast or Coffee Spot

LOCATIONS

Original Pancake House: 6322 Vinewood Ln N, Maple Grove, MN 55311

Daily Dose Café & Espresso: 15517 Grove Cir N, Maple Grove, MN 55369

Uffda Donuts: 13716 Grove Dr, Maple Grove, MN 55311

Kick off your morning at The Original Pancake House, a family favorite for generous portions, fresh-squeezed juice, and kid-approved classics like chocolate chip pancakes.

If you’re in the mood for something cozy and local, make your way to Daily Dose Café & Espresso, tucked in the Rice Lake area. This hidden gem serves up thoughtfully crafted espresso drinks and house-baked goods in a charming, quiet atmosphere that locals adore.

If you’re craving something sweet and uniquely Minnesotan, head to Uffda Donuts for made-from-scratch donuts in playful flavors served out of their cheerful food truck-style shop. Their warm, fluffy donuts are a local favorite and a fun treat to start the day.

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🧗‍♂️ Morning Activity: Explore & Play

LOCATIONS

Central Park: 12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove, MN 55369

Elm Creek Park Reserve: 12400 James Deane Pkwy, Maple Grove, MN 55369

Eastman Nature Center: 13351 Elm Creek Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369

Weaver Lake Community Park: 8401 Maple Grove Pkwy, Maple Grove, MN 55311

While you are out and about, Xfinity customers can look for mobile hot spots in the area to save you on your data. Xfinity offers more than 23 million such hot spots across the country, including in Maple Grove, to help the whole family stay connected, wherever you go!

Maple Grove’s Central Park is a true community treasure. The interactive splash pad, modern playground, and flower-lined walking trails make it a great starting point for families with kids of all ages.

A short drive brings you to Elm Creek Park Reserve, and while its sprawling playground and nature trails are well-known (and our very favorite, the Elm Creek Swim Pond) many miss the serene Eastman Nature Center inside the park. Here, you’ll find indoor nature exhibits, quiet boardwalks, and seasonal programming—plus, they offer free nature kits for kids.

For a low-key local favorite, stop by Weaver Lake Community Park—an 80-acre spot packed with everything from a swimming beach and epic playgrounds to trails, ballfields, and picnic areas. It’s one of those places where you can spend the whole day outside with the kids and never run out of things to do.

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🥪 Lunchtime Favorites

LOCATIONS

3 Squares Restaurant: 12690 Arbor Lakes Pkwy N, Maple Grove, MN 55369

Crisp & Green: 11704 Elm Creek Blvd N, Maple Grove, MN 55369

NUPA – Mediterranean Grill: 11850 Elm Creek Blvd N #104, Maple Grove, MN 55369

When hunger hits, head to 3 Squares Restaurant for a relaxed sit-down meal with a patio, kids’ menu, and comfort food favorites like tots, sandwiches, and salads.

For a healthy fast-casual option, Minnesota company Crisp & Green lets everyone build their own salad or bowl, paired with smoothies and lemonades that hit the spot on warm days.

Want something with bold flavors? Nupa Mediterranean Grill is a fantastic family-friendly lunch spot, offering mouthwatering gyros, a fan-favorite chicken salad, and some of the best fries around. Nupa provides a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that delights both kids and adults alike.

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Before heading off to your next adventure, swing by the Xfinity Store. It’s a super easy stop and a game-changer for families. Check out their latest mobile plans that include a new unlimited, free line of Xfinity Mobile for a year to keep everyone connected—whether you’re snapping pics at the Interactive Fountain (see below) or pulling up directions to your next snack stop. Bonus: their premium parental controls on the Xfinity app and data options make it easy to manage screen time without drama. Plus, the store is bright, friendly, and quick to get in and out of—win!

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🎨 Afternoon Fun: Create or Recreate

LOCATIONS

MiniSota Play Café: 12055 Elm Creek Blvd N, Maple Grove, MN 55369

Slick City Action Park: 10900 Fountains Dr Suite 130, Maple Grove, MN 55369

Pints & Paddle: 15450 Grove Cir N, Maple Grove, MN 55369

Angel of Hope Garden – Maple Grove Arboretum: 9400 Fernbrook Ln N, Maple Grove, MN 55369

If you’re looking for a cozy spot where parents can sip coffee while little ones explore a thoughtfully designed play area, MiniSota Play Cafe is a perfect pick. This indoor play cafe combines a coffee and smoothie bar for adults with a creative play space for children. Kids can enjoy areas like a pretend post office and a mini ice cream truck. The facility requires socks in the play area and operates on a drop-in basis.

Slick City Action Park in Maple Grove is a total blast for kids—with giant slides, air courts, and a ninja course, there’s nonstop energy-burning fun for every age. It’s the kind of spot you can just drop into on a rainy day and instantly become the hero of the afternoon.

Craving something different or exploring with older kids? Pints & Paddle brings the fun with pickleball courts, a full bar, and a menu built for sharing. It’s a go-to hangout for friends and families alike—and they regularly host community events and leagues that keep the good vibes going.

And for a peaceful and lesser-known alternative, stroll through the Angel of Hope Garden in the Maple Grove Arboretum. Surrounded by native flowers and shaded paths, it’s a beautiful and reflective place to wind down after a busy morning.

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🍦 Sweet Treat Stop

LOCATIONS

Two Scoops: 215 Central Ave, Osseo, MN 55369

Nadia Cakes: 11650 Fountains Dr #207, Maple Grove, MN 55369

Paris Baguette: 7855 Elm Creek Blvd N, Maple Grove, MN 55369

Just a quick hop from Maple Grove, Two Scoops in Osseo is totally worth the drive for their rich, Midwest Famous Chocolate Shoppe ice cream (made in Madison, WI). It’s a cozy little spot that serves up seriously good scoops—and the kind of place you’ll want to come back to all summer long.

If cupcakes are more your speed, swing by Nadia Cakes in Arbor Lakes, a former Cupcake Wars winner with playful, over-the-top designs and flavors that are as photogenic as they are tasty.

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🛍️ Quick Shopping Stops

LOCATIONS

Xfinity Store by Comcast: 12217 Elm Creek Blvd N, Maple Grove, MN 55369

GoodThings: 12139 Elm Creek Blvd N #7093, Maple Grove, MN 55369

Grey Duck Games & Toys: 12445 Elm Creek Blvd N G-8, Maple Grove, MN 55369

Pop into the Xfinity Store by Comcast in Arbor Lakes to explore hands-on displays of a variety of the latest mobile devices, tablets and watches, including how to get a free line of Xfinity Mobile with unlimited data for a year! Or chat with an expert about Xfinity Internet and streaming services with a brand-new five-year price guarantee — all in a bright, modern, and friendly setting.

Nearby, GoodThings is a Maple Grove favorite, full of quirky games, crafts, gifts, and kitchen gadgets. Kids can find puzzles and toys while parents browse unique home finds.

Grey Duck Toys & Games in Maple Grove is one of those places you walk into and instantly feel like a kid again—wall-to-wall board games, puzzles, and hands-on fun for every age. It’s locally owned, super welcoming, and the kind of spot you can easily say yes to.

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🌳 Bonus Stops Nearby + DINNER!

LOCATIONS

Fish Lake Regional Park: 14900 Bass Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55311

Malone’s Bar & Grill: 12635 Elm Creek Blvd N, Maple Grove, MN 55369

The Lookout Bar & Grill: 8672 Pineview Ln N, Maple Grove, MN 55369

If you have time to spare, head to Fish Lake Regional Park, just minutes from town. You can walk trails, rent a kayak, or skip rocks along the quiet shoreline.

For a laid-back bite with local flavor, Malone’s Bar & Grill is a Maple Grove favorite. Known for its welcoming vibe and hearty menu, Malone’s also gives back through local fundraisers and youth sports sponsorships—making it more than just a neighborhood grill.

The Lookout Bar & Grill may look like a simple tavern, but it’s a Maple Grove institution. Their massive patio, volleyball courts, and casual menu make it perfect for an early dinner that still feels like fun.

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🧳 What to Pack & Plan Ahead

A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to making the most of a family day trip. From snacks to sunscreen, being ready for anything helps you stay in the moment—and turn your outing into an unforgettable adventure. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

— Sunscreen (and chapstick with SPF!)

— Bug spray

— Swimwear/swim shoes and a change of clothes

— Wet bags for swimwear

— Towels for drying off and for sitting on in the car

— External phone charger

— Sunglasses for the whole family

— SNACKS + water bottles

— Baby powder to help get sand off of little feet (trust us!)

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📸 Photo-Worthy Moments

LOCATION

Central Park: 12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove, MN 55369

Don’t miss the flower-ringed splash pad and art sculptures at Maple Grove Central Park, ideal for colorful family photos. The Interactive Fountain at Central Park in Maple Grove totally comes alive at night—lit up with color-changing lights, it’s basically made for Instagram. It’s the kind of spot where your kids will be running through the jets while you’re snapping that perfect golden-hour photo.

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