Less Travel, More Fun: Family Staycation in St. Paul

An Elevated Stay That Works For The Whole Family

Getting away as a family doesn’t require packing the car to the brim or planning a full day of travel. Sometimes, the best weekends are the ones that feel simple from the start — where everything you need is close by, everyone is comfortable, and the itinerary is relaxed enough for a restful time together.

At The Saint Paul Hotel, weekends like these come together quickly, with just enough to do and plenty of ways to personalize your fun family staycation in St. Paul.

Keep reading for our tips for how to plan a fun, flexible family staycation at The Saint Paul Hotel!

Make The Saint Paul Hotel your home base for the weekend. Our historic St. Paul hotel offers a setting that feels special and sophisticated for parents and comfortable and convenient for the whole crew.

For a practical setup, consider booking rooms that connect, or choose an Executive King or Ambassador Suite for extra space to spread out. Small touches — like pre-ordering milk and cookies or a bowl of fresh fruit and bottled water — set the tone for a celebratory family staycation in St. Paul.

Plan Your Fun and Keep It Flexible

Downtown St. Paul makes it easy to shape a great day together as you go, with plenty of nearby options to keep everyone engaged without stretching the schedule or stressing the small ones.

Start with something interactive like the Science Museum of Minnesota or the Minnesota Children’s Museum, where hands-on exhibits and activities keep kids of every age engaged. If you’re looking to get outside, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, Cherokee Park, and Hidden Falls offer space to explore and reset.

Want to stay in? Consider signing up for one of The Hotel’s family etiquette events for a shared experience that blends helpful manners and family fun.

Other great activity options for your family staycation in St. Paul include:

Minnesota Transportation Museum for train lovers
Can Can Wonderland for games, mini golf, and a playful, all-ages atmosphere
A St. Paul Saints or Minnesota United Loons game to add some sports to your family staycation in the Twin Cities

Whatever you choose, don’t forget to put flexibility first — and remember to relax!

St. Paul Family Staycation Meals Made Easy

When it comes time to eat, you’ll find no shortage of great family-friendly restaurants in Downtown St. Paul and nearby neighborhoods. For lunch or dinner, consider:

Cossetta’s for quick Italian and crowd-pleasing pizza
Boca Chica or El Burrito Mercado for shareable Latin dishes
Red Cow for burgers and milkshakes that go beyond the basics
Cafe Latte for something lighter — or sweeter
DeGidio’s or Pino’s Pizza for family-friendly, old-school Italian
Parlour Bar for an elevated but still approachable option
Cecil’s Deli for our favorite St. Paul deli sandwiches, salads, and sides

After a full day of activities, some easeful evening options might be just what the family needs. Head back to the hotel for in-room dining, or enjoy an evening meal at The St. Paul Grill. Settle in and snuggle up for a movie night or turn in early and enjoy the comfort of your room.

Mornings Made Easy & Relaxing

Before heading home, savor one more morning in the heart of downtown St. Paul. Enjoy breakfast in the comfort of your guest room with In-Room Dining, linger over a handcrafted coffee and fresh pastry at The Lobby Bar Café, or descend to The Drake for an elegant weekend brunch experience. For a classic Twin Cities tradition, make your way to Mickey’s Diner for an iconic St. Paul breakfast steeped in nostalgia and local charm.

A family staycation in St. Paul doesn’t need an overplanned itinerary to be impactful for everyone. With The Saint Paul Hotel as your home base and a handful of great activities, you can keep things simple and time together will still feel special.

Ready to plan your stay at the Twin Cities’ best historic hotel? Browse our current specials and packages and book your visit today.