17 Best Birthday Ideas in Minneapolis in 2025

Whether it’s your birthday or you’re planning a celebration for someone else, looking for unique and fun birthday ideas in Minneapolis can sometimes be a challenge. Luckily, there’s no shortage of things to do in the city for a special occasion!

From experiencing a cooking class or indulging in a birthday dinner at one of Minneapolis’ top restaurants to trying an escape game adventure, there’s an activity for all interests. The city has many great options for kid’s birthday parties as well. No matter whose special day it may be, keep reading for a list of the top birthday ideas in Minneapolis that are guaranteed to create lasting memories. 

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• Birthday Ideas in Minneapolis for Foodies
• Best Restaurants for a Birthday Dinner in Minneapolis
• Birthday Ideas in Minneapolis for Adults
• Kids Birthday Party Ideas in Minneapolis
• Fun Birthday Party Ideas in Minneapolis

Birthday Ideas in Minneapolis for Foodies

1. Take a Cooking Class

Signing up for cooking classes in Minneapolis, where you can learn to make new dishes in a relaxed environment, is one of the best birthday ideas in Minneapolis for foodies. Classes are available for a variety of cuisines and skill levels and are instructed by professional chefs who will provide tips and tricks on creating an amazing birthday meal. 

2. Indulge in a Private Chef Meal 

Do you want a great birthday dinner but don’t want to go out? Then hiring a private chef in Minneapolis is the ideal birthday treat. With this birthday idea in Minneapolis, a professional chef will come to your home to create a fantastic meal of your choice. Best of all, they will also gather all the ingredients, do all the prep work and even clean up when they’re done, allowing you to relax and enjoy the special occasion. 

3. Enjoy Online Culinary Experiences

Again, you don’t have to leave home to enjoy a celebratory culinary experience. You can discover an array of things to do online that are just as fun as in-person events and are perfect for a relaxing birthday at home.

One of the best options for foodies is taking live and interactive online cooking classes led by world-class chefs. Another exciting choice is becoming your own bartender with online mixology classes during which you can learn how to mix classic and more unique cocktails and mocktails. These online experiences are also ideal for both small and large celebrations. 

Best Restaurants for a Birthday Dinner in Minneapolis

4. Gai Noi

Gai Noi offers fantastic Laotian cuisine, a type of food that many people may not be familiar with. If you love trying new things, this is one of the best restaurants in Minneapolis to visit for your birthday celebration. The restaurant offers several private dining rooms of various sizes and price points, so if you’re planning a large birthday party, this spot can accommodate you. Do note that if you don’t book private dining, Gai Noi is walk-in only, so make sure you arrive reasonably early to enjoy this birthday idea in Minneapolis. 

5. Borough

If you’re looking for a delicious and indulgent birthday dinner, many Minneapolis locals recommend Borough. Guests can expect contemporary American cuisine and tasty craft cocktails in a cozy and stylish space. There’s something for all tastes here, making dining at Borough an excellent birthday activity for almost everyone. Groups larger than 12 can also book private events.

6. P.S. Steak

Want to treat yourself to a fantastic steak for your birthday? In that case, going to P.S. Steak might be the best birthday idea in Minneapolis for you. This restaurant offers a wide variety of steaks and other treats, such as oysters and high-quality burgers. If you want your birthday dinner here, it’s best to make a reservation as this steakhouse is quite popular and tables book up quickly.  

Birthday Ideas in Minneapolis for Adults

7. Treat Yourself to a Luxury Spa Day

When it’s your birthday, you deserve to treat yourself, and you can do just that at one of Minneapolis' luxury spas. Indulge in massages and other pampering treatments at a day spa like Sabai Body Temple, allowing you to unwind and rejuvenate on your special day. Notably, this is one of the most romantic birthday date ideas to enjoy with your partner, whether it’s your birthday or theirs. 

8. Laugh All Night at a Comedy Show

If you love to laugh, check out a comedy show at Acme Comedy Company. Many comedians consider it one of the best comedy clubs in the country and it hosts a range of acts by both local up-and-coming talent and renowned comedians. Go with your partner or bring a few friends and have a lot of laughs with this memorable birthday idea in Minneapolis. 

9. Join a Minneapolis Brewery Tour

Minneapolis is home to many excellent breweries. As a result, brewery tours are abundantly available for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of the local brewery scene and tasting some excellent craft beers. Twin Cities Brewery Tours is one great option for such a tour. While enjoying this birthday idea in Minneapolis, you can sample an array of local beers and take in the relaxed brewery vibes while learning a thing or two about the industry. 

10. Go on a River Cruise

Taking a relaxing cruise along the Mississippi River and enjoying stunning views of the city skyline is one of the most laid-back and memorable birthday ideas in Minneapolis. There are a few providers to choose from, with the tours on the Minneapolis Queen being some of the most popular. Options include cocktail, brunch and dinner cruises, with private cruises also available for larger groups. 

Kids Birthday Party Ideas in Minneapolis

11. See Some Animals at the Minnesota Zoo 

Taking kids to the Minnesota Zoo is one of the most fun birthday ideas in Minneapolis for little ones. At the zoo, kids can see a variety of animals, enjoy zookeeper talks and even participate in special animal encounters. This is best for small groups as the park is quite large. As there are interesting activities for people of all ages, this can also be a great birthday idea in Minneapolis for adults. 

12. Play at The Fun Lab 

The Fun Lab is located just outside of Minneapolis, but it’s worth the brief drive for a day of excitement with the kids. The family amusement center features bumper cars, mini bowling and much more. The Fun Lab even offers special party packages, meaning taking advantage of this birthday idea in Minneapolis for children is easy as well as fun.

13. Bounce Around at a Trampoline Park

There are several trampoline parks in and near Minneapolis that are perfect for kids' parties. With this exciting and unique birthday idea in Minneapolis, the kids can bounce away pent-up energy while having a blast and creating tons of fun birthday memories.

14. Visit Kiddywampus

Kiddywampus is a children's toy store and creative play space in Minneapolis. While simply going to a toy store may not seem like the most exciting children’s birthday idea in Minneapolis, this venue has more to offer than just a retail space. They also host parties, with many different themes to choose from, including princess and Pokemon parties. After the main party, the kids can all pick out a cool new toy from the store. 

Fun Birthday Party Ideas in Minneapolis

15. Get Crafty With a Paint and Sip Party

With this birthday idea in Minneapolis, you’ll be able to get crafty while enjoying some drinks with your closest friends. At a paint and sip party, a talented instructor will guide you in painting a stunning artwork that you’ll get to take home. Many studios in Minneapolis offer painting sessions for private groups but you could also attend an open session if in a smaller birthday group. 

16. Tackle an Escape Room Adventure

Trying to break free from an escape room is a fantastic yet somewhat challenging birthday idea in Minneapolis for adults and older children alike. Escape room games offer the chance to bond with your friends as you work together to solve complex puzzles and escape within a set time frame. Most escape rooms have a two-person limit and can, on average, accommodate parties of eight to 10. 

17. Chill Out at Punch Bowl Social 

Want to have a party that makes you feel like a kid again while being geared for adults? Then heading to Punch Bowl Social is the perfect activity. This birthday idea in Minneapolis combines food and drinks with fun games for you and your friends to play.

You can have a few drinks and tasty snacks before competing at bowling, arcade games and more. Punch Bowl Social accommodates small groups (you can reserve a table or just walk in) and you can book a private event if you’re planning a larger birthday party.

So, which of these birthday ideas in Minneapolis is right for the special day you’re planning? From a moonlit river cruise to a fun day playing games and eating snacks, this list should have helped you pick the ideal birthday party idea, whether it’s for your celebration or a loved one’s birthday. 

For even more ways to explore Minneapolis and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.