A Pride Month Guide to Minneapolis from a Local Family

“There’s an incredible community here,” shares Rebecca Albers, the principal violist of the Minnesota Orchestra. The welcoming nature of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area played a significant role in her and her wife, Maiya Papach, principal violist of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, choosing to settle in the city and start their family. “One thing we particularly cherish is that we’ve never felt ‘other’ here,” Albers expresses. “We feel safe and comfortable being ourselves.”

Minnesota's long-standing reputation for inclusivity dates back to 1972 when a small Pride demonstration took place on Nicollet Mall, a vibrant shopping and dining district in downtown Minneapolis. Two decades later, Minnesota became the first state in the U.S. to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Today, the annual Twin Cities Pride Festival, held each June in Minneapolis, is among the largest in the nation and features events throughout the city, including a concert by the Minnesota Orchestra showcasing works by LGBTQ+ composers. This year, the main event runs from June 28–30 along the Mall where it all began, culminating at Loring Park, where attendees can celebrate love and inclusivity with live music, dance performances, international food trucks, and family-friendly activities.

As parents to an 18-month-old and a four-year-old, Albers and Papach noted that Minneapolis-St. Paul offers plenty for families year-round. Kid-friendly activities abound, regardless of the weather, and they describe Minnesota as a “fair” place, which is crucial for them as queer parents. Their affection for the state deepened when they witnessed their neighbors rallying for marriage equality in 2013, a clear indication that their community would treat them with respect. Read on for their recommendations to create a memorable trip for all ages in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Enjoying parks, zoos, and lakes in Minneapolis and beyond

Albers and Papach frequently take their children to Lebanon Hills Regional Park, a sprawling 2,000-acre recreational area featuring trails, beaches, and sledding in nearby Eagan. They also love exploring Minnesota’s stunning state parks. When staying closer to home, the family enjoys visiting the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul (open every day of the year and always free) or checking out several of Minneapolis’ renowned lakes.

“My sister and my mom both live in Minneapolis, so we enjoy exploring the [Chain of Lakes] together,” shares Albers. The Chain of Lakes consists of five small lakes, each boasting sandy beaches and well-kept walking and biking paths. While motorized boats are not permitted, families can easily rent sailboats, kayaks, and canoes for a peaceful adventure in this picturesque setting.

At the southern end of the chain, the Lake Harriet Bandshell features regular concerts and movie screenings, making it a favorite family activity on warm summer evenings. While you’re there, enjoy a picnic with sandwiches, popcorn, and mini donuts from the bandshell’s restaurant, Bread & Pickle.

Family-friendly cultural experiences

“This community really values the arts, and it's amazing that we have not just one, but two world-class orchestras. That was a major reason for our move here, especially as musicians,” shares Papach. Be sure to check the Minnesota Orchestra’s calendar for their Young People’s Concert and Sensory-Friendly series, and remember that children under 17 can get free tickets to performances by the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.

“It’s not just about the music; there are so many wonderful museums,” she explains. “We take the kids to the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA), and it’s fantastic.” This prominent art museum has no admission fee and prides itself on being a space for art lovers of all ages. Its monthly Family Day and Mini MIA events feature gallery scavenger hunts, storytelling, and interactive activities that spark children's imaginations and creativity.

Beyond Minneapolis, there are numerous family-friendly activities. Albers and Papach are also members of the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Minnesota Children’s Museum, both located just blocks from the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, where Papach works. These two institutions offer educational activities and sensory play for young children to explore topics like Minnesota’s native wildlife and Mississippi River tugboats.

With such a nurturing environment for children and a welcoming community, the couple truly enjoys their life in Minneapolis-St. Paul. “We’re so glad we chose to settle here…it feels more like home than anywhere else for us,” shares Albers.

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