Top 15 Things To Do In Apple Valley, Minnesota

things to do in Apple-Valley MN
Hannah
Hannah 
Updated
| 7 min read

Apple Valley, Minnesota is a relatively modern suburban city that is home to breathtaking horizons, rolling hills, and pristine lakes. It is located in the southernmost part of Minnesota’s Twin Cities far enough from the urban scene to have a plenty of open lands for parks and nature yet does not lack in metropolitan amenities. Aside from the green areas, Apple Valley also has an abundance of world-class museums, theatres, and art galleries. This city has the perfect balance of serene landscapes and high-end living and if you are looking for just that, check out our rundown of things to do in Apple Valley, Minnesota.

1. Let the kids run loose at Kelley Park


If you are traveling with your kids, do not forget to bring them to Kelley Park because they will surely love it. The park is notably known for Splash Pad season that begins on May or early June. Let your kids run around the pad, get soaking wet, and meet new friends during the hot summer days. If your kids are not a fan of the splashing, a good old playground is also available for them to enjoy. Lastly, the park also includes a grassy area where families can have lovely picnics, fly kites, and take a rest from all the playing.

Kelley Park

Address: 6855 Fortino St, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA

Website: Kelley Park

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

Price: Free

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2. Have a good time at Bogart's Entertainment Center

Starting May 15th to September 2nd, registered kids receive 2 free games of bowling every day all summer long through...

Posted by Bogart's Entertainment Center on Monday, 25 March 2019

Being true to its name, Bogart’s Entertainment Center is the place to be for a whole lot of entertainment and dining under one roof. The facility houses 24 AMF HPL Synthetic Lanes with automatic scoring, sand volleyball areas, billiards tables, and in-house restaurants. Bogart’s Entertainment Facility also holds tournaments and leagues for bowling, sand volleyball, and pool, and exciting events like trivia nights, karaoke nights, bingo, stand-up comedy, and live performances. To complete the fun, make sure to catch their happy hour where drinks are served at reasonable prices. Whether it’s a family trip or a not, Bogart’s Entertainment Center will surely give you a night to remember!

Bogart's Entertainment Center

Address: 14917 Garrett Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA

Website: Bogart’s Entertainment Center

Opening hours: Mon - Thu, Sun: 9am - 1am; Fri - Sat: 9am - 2am

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3. Make a splash at Apple Valley Aquatic Center

Posted by Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center on Tuesday, 25 June 2013

Summer never ends at the Apple Valley Aquatic Center! It boasts of a wide array of waterworks, picnic areas, and concession stands that will surely bring big time fun to kids and parents alike! Hop on a floatie and glide down their giant slide for a thrilling ride, just remember to have kids supervised if they want to try it, too. Swimming lessons are also offered, and water walking sessions are also available for a fee. The aquatic center also features a lazy river if you just want to take a relaxing dip, and wading pool perfect for small kids to have fun on their own.

Apple Valley Aquatic Center

Address: 14421 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA

Website: Apple Valley Aquatic Center

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 8pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm

Price: 6 - 10 USD

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4. Play some ball at Quarry Point Park


Another place to visit for the whole gang to break a sweat is at Quarry Point Park located in Pilot Knob, Apple Valley. The park’s main attractions are its enormous baseball and soccer fields which make playing a delight to locals and guests! A nice playground is also available for toddlers and younger kids that features a jungle gym, slides, monkey bars, cargo net, and more. Let the kids explore their strength, play and make friends with others, and just have fun at Quarry Point Park.

Quarry Point Park

Address: 15725 Pilot Knob Rd, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA

Website: Quarry Point Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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5. See the animals up-close at Minnesota Zoo

Haliaeetus leucocephalus -Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, Minnesota-8a
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alan Turkus used under CC BY 2.0

The Minnesota Zoo is a state agency that offers a unique visiting experience compared to other zoos. Immerse with animals in their living environment through the zoo’s six themed areas and three themed walking trails. Explore the animals of Minnesota as well as those from the tropics, the marine wildlife, and animals from Russia and the Kamchatka Peninsula. Aside from these, Minnesota Zoo also houses attractions like Splash Pad, Woodland Adventure, and even holds a music festival! You sure have not seen anything like this in a zoo. So go check out the Minnesota Zoo and have a day filled with learning and fun.

Minnesota Zoo

Address: 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA

Website: Minnesota Zoo

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 18 USD

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6. Score vintage items at Haupt Antiek Market

Posted by Haupt Antiek Market on Monday, 5 November 2018

The Haupt Antiek Market is a carefully curated, themed collection of vintage finds that boasts of one-of-a-kind items and many more! The market only opens four times in a week assuring customers of having a unique experience with every visit. This delightful vintage shop is filled with independent and creative antique dealers each having their own niche and guests dealers who showcase their rare finds. Haupt Antiek Market borrows inspiration from European flea markets and the community takes pride in offering their customers the vintage items they find during their travels as well. If you are a big fan of vintage and antiquated items, this is a one-stop-shop that you should not miss!

Haupt Antiek Market

Address: 7570 147th St W #400, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA

Website: Haupt Antiek Market

Opening hours: Thu: 9am - 8pm; Fri: 9am - 7pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Wed)

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7. Watch a live performance at Weesner Family Amphitheater


The Weesner Family Amphitheatre might be an outdoor stage that you have never been to primarily because it is located within the vicinity of the Minnesota Zoo. Watch a live performance of musical acts and more that are fit for a family evening out after a day of roaming and immersing with the animals of Minnesota at the zoo. If you are visiting between the months of July and August, make sure to catch the annual Music at the Zoo festival that has been held since 2010. This event showcases performance from local and known artists–get ready to make this the soundtrack of your summer!

Weesner Family Amphitheater

Address: 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 40 - 72 USD

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8. Play disc golf at Alimagnet Park


The Alimagnet Park located in Ridgeway Drive is a heavily-wooded 85-acre (34.3 ha) park that includes a lake frontage, canoe launch access, and natural trials.The park also features barbeque grill, outdoor volleyball court, playground, and picnic areas. Target baskets are erected in areas of the park for visitors to play their favorite game of disc golf. Alimagnet Park is one of the locals’ go-to places to play disc golf mainly because of the the amenities for the sport and the enormous space with a view.

Alimagnet Park

Address: 211 Ridgeview Dr, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA

Website: Alimagnet Park

Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free

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9. Go for a walk at Farquar Park


Apple Valley prides itself for its reserves of natural parks and trails amidst being an urban city. Another park that offers facilities for outdoor activities is Farquar Park conveniently located at the intersection of Pilot Knob and Diamond Path. The park is a well-groomed, 11-acre (4.4 ha) open area that features canoe launch access, horseshoe pitch, playground, volleyball court, skating rink, and a tennis court. Another best part of this park is that it also has bathroom facilities for guests’ convenience.

Farquar Park

Address: 13266 Pilot Knob Rd, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA

Website: Farquar Park

Opening hours: 12am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free

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10. Have a picnic by the lake at Cedar Isle Park

Posted by Apple Valley Parks & Recreation on Tuesday, 4 June 2019

Bring your food, a mat, and your whole family to the Cedar Isle Park and have a lovely picnic by the lake under a shady tree. Breathe in fresh air while catching up with the family and have a relaxing day at the outdoors. This 8.5-acre (3.4 ha) park includes amenities like a basketball court, an outdoor volleyball court, and a playground. Either you want a slow and relaxing day or an afternoon of activities, Cedar Isle Park is an ideal place to go to!

Cedar Isle Park

Address: 14400 Freeport Trail Apple Valley, MN 55124

Website: Cedar Isle Park

Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free

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11. Catch the game over a cold beer at Wild Bill's Sports Saloon

Catch the Gopher basketball game tomorrow on our Wall-To-Wall HDTVs with full sound! 〽️? PLUS, slam dunk your hunger with our Lunch Special beginning at 11am. Burgers start at just $5.99!

Posted by Wild Bill's Sports Saloon, Apple Valley, MN on Wednesday, 20 March 2019

Wild Bill’s Sports Saloon is known for the best sports viewing experience in Apple Valley. Featuring wall-to-wall HD TVs and surround sound system, this sports bar makes catching your favorite games more thrilling. To complete the amazing viewing experience, chow down on their famous wings with 22 house-made sauces, slow-roasted ribs, and hand-made burger patties. Do not forget to pair their appetizing menu with a cold beer and enjoy the game!

Wild Bill's Sports Saloon

Address: 15020 Glazier Ave Apple Valley, Minnesota

Website: Wild Bill’s Sports Saloon

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 2am; Sun: 10am - 2am

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12. Crack open a cold one at Celts Craft House

Posted by Celts Craft House on Thursday, 23 May 2019

When visiting a new place, one way to taste their authentic flavor is through craft beers. The best place to get it is at Celts Craft House. This craft beer house adopted the Irish Trinity Knot that represents the convergence of authentic food, craft beer, and hand-crafted cocktails. Try out their craft house wings and jalapeno chips then pair it with their wide array of tasty craft beers and cocktails. With their philosophy, an authentic gastronomic experience is guaranteed!

Celts Craft House

Address: 7083 153rd St W Apple Valley, Minnesota

Website: Celts Craft House

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri: 11am - 12am; Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 10am - 9pm

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13. Eat Italian food at Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom

Did you know you can view our beer menus online? Have your craft beer picked out before even stepping foot into the restaurant. https://oldchicago.com/locations/apple-valley/beer

Posted by Old Chicago on Saturday, 1 June 2019

Craving for some Italian food? Then dine in at the Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom that is a staple in the pizza scene in Apple Valley serving incredible fare that includes buffalo chicken rolls, provolone sticks, and their signature Sicilian pepperoni rolls. Try out their hand-tossed wings and their wide array of gourmet and gluten-free pizzas, especially the best-selling signature pizzas. The menu goes on and so does their ever-changing craft beers. Do not miss out on these mouth-watering foods when you travel to Apple Valley.

Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom

Address: 14998 Glazier Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA

Website: Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 2am

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14. Shop at Apple Valley Square

Posted by Apple Valley Square on Tuesday, 7 August 2018

Apple Valley Square recently underwent a major façade renovation and increased their roster of shops along the way. This shopping center can be visibly seen at County Road 42 and Cedar Avenue making it easier to go to. Shop from their large range of boutiques and dine from restaurant serving a different variety of cuisines. Whatever you might need from clothes, arts and crafts, household wares, and more, Apple Valley Square is here to provide it for you.

Apple Valley Square

Address: 7500-7600 West 150th Street, Apple Valley, MN 55124

Website: Apple Valley Square

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

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15. Get active at Johnny Cake Ridge Park East


Johnny Cake Ridge Park East features eight multiple fields for baseball, softball, and football. The park also has a baseball stadium where leagues and collegiate or high school games are held. Aside from the fields used for sporting events and other physical activities, the park also has barbecue and picnic areas, horseshoe pitch, and a playground. Truly enough, John Cake Ridge Park East has an enormous area for visitors to get active and bond with their families.

Address: 5800 140th St W, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA

Website: Johnny Cake Ridge Park East

Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free

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Experience the best of both worlds in Apple Valley

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Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Appraiser used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Apple Valley is an ideal place for family vacations or a quick hideaway. The city will always have something for someone, from recreational parks, zoos, restaurants, and entertainment centers. If you are looking for a place where you can enjoy the best of both worlds, get to this modern suburban city and fill your itinerary with the interesting things to do in Apple Valley, Minnesota listed above!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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A Filipino travel enthusiast who is passionate in experiencing life to its fullest and in going beyond her horizon. She has traveled to some parts of Asia, especially the islands of the...Read more

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