Extended Family Road Trip from Minneapolis to New Orleans with River City Stops and Waterparks

Day 1: Minneapolis to Saint Paul

Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Hen House Eatery

Start the trip with a classic American breakfast suited for the family in Minneapolis.
USD20 per person, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Saint Paul

Short drive to neighboring Saint Paul to kick off exploration alongside the river.
USD0, 0h15m

10:00am

Visit the Minnesota State Capitol

Explore beautiful architecture with free guided tours explaining the state's history.
USD0, 1h

11:30am

Water Park of America

Indoor waterpark offering slides and wave pools for family fun, open 10am-8pm.
USD30 per person, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at The Bulldog Northeast

Casual dining with family-friendly pub food and a lively atmosphere.
USD15 per person, 1h

3:30pm

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

Free zoo and gardens offering a peaceful nature break for the family.
USD0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Check-in at The Saint Paul Hotel

Historic, family-oriented hotel in downtown Saint Paul with comfy amenities.
USD200 per night, N/A

6:30pm

Dinner at Meritage Restaurant

Farm-to-table Southern-inspired cuisine in a family-friendly setting.
USD30 per person, 1h30m
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Day 2: Saint Paul to La Crosse

Saint Paul, Minnesota to La Crosse, Wisconsin on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at French Meadow Bakery & Cafe

Organic and healthy breakfast options for the family near downtown.
USD18 per person, 1h

8:45am

Drive to La Crosse

Scenic 2.5-hour drive along the Mississippi River southbound.
USD0, 2h30m

11:30am

Riverside Park

Relax with river views, play areas, and walking trails perfect for kids.
USD0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern

Enjoy waterfront dining with burgers, sandwiches, and fresh fish options.
USD20 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Grandad Bluff Waterpark

Seasonal outdoor waterpark with slides and splash zones to cool off.
USD12 per person, 2h

4:30pm

Check-in at Radisson La Crosse

Comfortable family hotel with indoor pool and convenient location.
USD150 per night, N/A

6:30pm

Dinner at Pearl Street Brewery

Casual dining with craft beers and a family-friendly environment.
USD25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 3: La Crosse to Dubuque

La Crosse, Wisconsin to Dubuque, Iowa on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at JavaVino

Cozy café offering tasty breakfast and coffee for families.
USD15 per person, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Dubuque

1-hour drive south along the river to Dubuque, exploring rich river culture.
USD0, 1h

9:45am

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Interactive exhibits and aquariums focusing on river ecology and history.
USD14 adult, USD10 child, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Bridges Restaurant

Family-friendly spot serving American classics with river views.
USD20 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Open green space and gardens perfect for kids to run and explore.
USD0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Grand Harbor Resort Indoor Waterpark

Indoor waterpark with pools and slides for family fun in Dubuque.
USD20 per person (day pass), 2h

6:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Julien Dubuque

Historic downtown hotel offering comfortable accommodations for families.
USD170 per night, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Vinny Vanucchi's

Cozy Italian restaurant with hearty meals and desserts children love.
USD25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 4: Dubuque to Quad Cities

Dubuque, Iowa to Davenport/ Rock Island, Illinois on June 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Asbury Eagle's Nest Coffee

Enjoy quality coffee and pastries in a family-friendly setting near Dubuque.
USD15 per person, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Quad Cities

About 1.5-hour drive southeast along the Mississippi River to Davenport/Rock Island.
USD0, 1h30m

10:15am

Explore Vander Veer Botanical Park

A beautiful riverside park with gardens and playgrounds perfect for families.
USD0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Front Street Brewery

Family-friendly brewery and restaurant with great pizza and local brews.
USD20 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Figge Art Museum

Art museum with collections and interactive kids' programs in the Quad Cities.
USD10 per adult, USD5 per child, 1h30m

3:30pm

Water fun at Splash Landing Waterpark

Outdoor waterpark with pools and slides, open seasonally in Davenport.
USD15 per person, 2h

5:30pm

Check-in at Radisson on John Deere Commons

Comfortable hotel with family amenities and central location.
USD160 per night, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at The Machine Shed

Rustic, family-friendly restaurant featuring hearty Midwestern plates.
USD25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 5: Quad Cities to St. Louis

Quad Cities to St. Louis, Missouri on June 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Brew Bros Coffee

Great coffee and morning treats to energize the family before departure.
USD15 per person, 1h

8:00am

Drive to St. Louis

A roughly 4.5-hour drive down the river corridor to St. Louis.
USD0, 4h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pappy's Smokehouse

Savor family-loved Memphis-style BBQ with a casual vibe in St. Louis.
USD20 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Gateway Arch National Park

Ride to the top of the iconic Arch with impeccable river and city views.
USD18 adult, USD9 child, 2h

4:30pm

Union Station & Aquaport Waterpark

Visit the St. Louis Aquarium and cool off at the adjacent indoor waterpark.
Aquarium USD18 adult, USD15 child; Aquaport USD10 per person, 2h

7:00pm

Check-in at The Westin St. Louis

Comfortable riverfront hotel near attractions, perfect for family stay.
USD200 per night, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Blueberry Hill

Lively family-themed dining with burgers and entertainment.
USD25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 6: Leisure Day in St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Rooster

Popular brunch spot with family-friendly hearty options.
USD18 per person, 1h

9:30am

Visit Saint Louis Zoo

One of the best free zoos in the nation with extensive animal exhibits great for kids.
USD0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Living Room Restaurant

Casual dining with an eclectic menu appealing to all ages.
USD20 per person, 1h

2:00pm

City Museum

Unique interactive playground and art space for kids and adults.
USD15 per person, 3h

5:30pm

Rest at hotel

Relax after a fun-filled day exploring St. Louis.
USD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sugarfire Smoke House

Puerto BBQ favorites and family-friendly atmosphere with great desserts.
USD25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 7: St. Louis to Cape Girardeau

St. Louis, Missouri to Cape Girardeau, Missouri on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Rooster

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before departing St. Louis.
USD18 per person, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Cape Girardeau

2-hour river drive to quaint Cape Girardeau.
USD0, 2h

11:30am

Cape Girardeau Heritage Museum

Explore local history with interactive exhibits for all ages.
USD5 per adult, free under 12, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Katy's Kitchen

Southern comfort food in a cozy, family-oriented setting.
USD18 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Cape Splash Water Park

Outdoor seasonal waterpark perfect for kids to enjoy slides and pools.
USD12 per person, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in at Drury Inn & Suites Cape Girardeau

Family-friendly hotel with indoor pool and free breakfast.
USD145 per night, N/A

6:30pm

Dinner at Little Beirut Restaurant & Hookah Lounge

Mediterranean cuisine with diverse and family-friendly menu options.
USD20 per person, 1h30m
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Day 8: Cape Girardeau to Memphis

Cape Girardeau to Memphis, Tennessee on June 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy free breakfast at Drury Inn before departure.
USD0, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Memphis

3.5-hour drive continue south along Mississippi River to Memphis.
USD0, 3h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Central BBQ

Famous Memphis barbecue with family-friendly atmosphere.
USD20 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Memphis Zoo

Extensive wildlife exhibits and family-friendly activities open daily 9am-5pm.
USD16 adult, USD12 child, 2h

3:45pm

Shelby Farms Park Splash Pad

Free water splash pads and playgrounds in a vast urban park.
USD0, 1h15m

5:00pm

Check-in at Peabody Memphis

Historic hotel known for its ducks, great for families.
USD220 per night, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

Casual legendary fried chicken spot perfect for family dinners.
USD18 per person, 1h30m
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Day 9: Leisure Day in Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bluff City Coffee

Cozy café with breakfast sandwiches and coffee near downtown.
USD15 per person, 1h

9:30am

Graceland Mansion

Visit Elvis Presley’s home with guided tours for music fans of all ages.
USD28 adult, USD15 child, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Arcade Restaurant

Oldest café in Memphis offering classic Southern meals and a friendly vibe.
USD20 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Children’s Museum of Memphis

Interactive and fun learning activities for young children, open 9am-5pm.
USD9 per person, 2h

4:00pm

Evening riverfront stroll at Tom Lee Park

Relax with views of the Mississippi River and playground for kids.
USD0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar

Casual dining with diverse menu options suitable for families.
USD30 per person, 1h30m
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Day 10: Memphis to Helena

Memphis, Tennessee to Helena, Arkansas on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy hotel breakfast before a shorter driving day.
USD0, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Helena, Arkansas

Approximate 1.5-hour drive south following the river to Helena.
USD0, 1h30m

10:15am

Delta Cultural Center

Family-oriented museum showcasing local heritage and blues music history.
USD6 adult, USD3 child, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Rosati’s Pizza

Family pizza place with casual relaxed environment.
USD15 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Crowley’s Ridge State Park

Enjoy nature trails and a small water park area for children to play and explore.
USD0, 2h

4:00pm

Check-in at Holiday Inn Express Helena

Comfortable family-friendly lodging with pool and breakfast included.
USD135 per night, N/A

6:00pm

Dinner at Bald eagles Bar & Grill

Family-friendly restaurant serving American cuisine in Helena.
USD20 per person, 1h30m
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Day 11: Helena to Vicksburg

Helena, Arkansas to Vicksburg, Mississippi on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hen House Cafe

Cozy rural café offering local breakfast classics.
USD12 per person, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Vicksburg

Approximate 2.5-hour drive south along the Mississippi River corridor.
USD0, 2h30m

11:15am

Vicksburg National Military Park

Explore pivotal Civil War battlefield with visitor center and outdoor exhibits.
USD0, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Walnut Hills Restaurant

Southern homestyle cooking with a welcoming family atmosphere.
USD18 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Vicksburg Water Works Waterpark

Seasonal outdoor waterpark ideal for kids to relax and have fun.
USD8 per person, 2h

5:30pm

Check-in at The Grapevine Bed & Breakfast

Quaint accommodation close to main attractions, family-friendly vibe.
USD140 per night, N/A

6:30pm

Dinner at Rusty's Riverfront Grill

Relaxed dining with river views and a menu appealing to all ages.
USD25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 12: Vicksburg to Baton Rouge

Vicksburg, Mississippi to Baton Rouge, Louisiana on June 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Coffee Shop

Traditional breakfast fare to start your day in Vicksburg.
USD15 per person, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Baton Rouge

Approximate 2-hour drive along the lower Mississippi River into Louisiana's capital.
USD0, 2h

10:15am

Louisiana State Capitol

Tour the tallest Capitol building and enjoy observation deck views.
USD0, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Parrain's Seafood Restaurant

Fresh seafood and southern flavors in a family-friendly setting.
USD20 per person, 1h

1:00pm

LSU Rural Life Museum

Outdoor museum with hands-on exhibits about historical Louisiana life.
USD0, 1h30m

3:00pm

Splash Kingdom Waterpark

Waterpark with slides, lazy river, and splash areas for family fun.
USD25 per person, 2h

5:30pm

Check-in at Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Central family-friendly hotel with pool and easy access to attractions.
USD180 per night, N/A

6:30pm

Dinner at The Chimes

Eclectic menu focusing on Louisiana favorites with kid-friendly options.
USD25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 13: Leisure Day in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge, Louisiana on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Magpie Cafe

Local favorite for fresh breakfast and great coffee in a relaxed setting.
USD15 per person, 1h

9:30am

Visit the USS Kidd

Tour a WWII-era destroyer museum perfect for curious kids and history lovers.
USD10 per adult, USD5 per child, 1h30m

11:15am

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Explore wildlife exhibits and nature trails in this family-friendly park.
USD0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Boudreaux's Louisiana Kitchen

Experience authentic Cajun and Creole dishes welcoming for children.
USD20 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Louisiana Art & Science Museum

Enjoy interactive science exhibits and art galleries for the family.
USD8 per person, 2h

5:00pm

Rest at hotel

Relax before dinner after an educational day.
USD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Parrain's Seafood Restaurant

Revisit favorite local seafood spot for relaxed dining with kids.
USD25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 14: Baton Rouge to Lafayette

Baton Rouge to Lafayette, Louisiana on July 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Front Porch Cafe

Casual farm-to-table breakfast perfect for families before travel.
USD15 per person, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Lafayette

Approximate 1.5-hour drive to Cajun country with cultural attractions.
USD0, 1h30m

10:15am

Acadian Cultural Center

Get one of the best introductions to Cajun heritage with kid-friendly exhibits.
USD5 per adult, USD3 per child, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Prejean's Restaurant

Famous for Cajun dishes served in a family-focused environment.
USD20 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Girard Park and Splash Pad

Outdoor park with great playgrounds and splash zones popular with families.
USD0, 2h

4:00pm

Check-in at Hyatt Place Lafayette

Modern hotel with family amenities and indoor pool.
USD150 per night, N/A

6:30pm

Dinner at Randol's Cajun Kitchen

Authentic Cajun cuisine with kid-pleasing options in a casual setting.
USD20 per person, 1h30m
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Day 15: Lafayette to New Orleans

Lafayette to New Orleans, Louisiana on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The French Press

Popular breakfast spot with locally sourced ingredients for families.
USD18 per person, 1h

8:30am

Drive to New Orleans

1.5-hour drive into vibrant New Orleans for the final leg.
USD0, 1h30m

10:15am

Hotel Check-in at Hotel Monteleone

Family-friendly historic hotel in the French Quarter, ideal base for exploration.
USD250 per night, N/A

11:00am

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

Fascinating marine exhibits and river creatures entertaining for all ages.
USD30 adult, USD20 child, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Cafe du Monde

Iconic spot for beignets and coffee, a must-try for families.
USD10 per person, 1h

3:00pm

City Park Splash Fountain

Free splash park in New Orleans’ largest urban park, great for kids.
USD0, 1h

4:30pm

Walk at Woldenberg Park

Relax by the Mississippi River with playgrounds and lively street performers.
USD0, 1h

5:30pm

Rest at hotel

Refresh after a full afternoon exploring.
USD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Deanie's Seafood

Casual Cajun and seafood dining with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
USD30 per person, 1h30m
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Day 16: Explore New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Willa Jean

Southern-style bakery and café perfect for a family start to the day.
USD18 per person, 1h

9:30am

Visit Audubon Zoo

Extensive zoological park featuring exhibits and a train ride, open daily 9am-5pm.
USD25 adult, USD20 child, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Camellia Grill

Classic diner with kid-friendly menu in the Garden District.
USD20 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Visit City Park and Storyland

Fun fairy tale-themed playground and gardens perfect for young children.
USD0, 2h

5:00pm

Rest at hotel

Relax and refresh before evening activities.
USD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Mother's Restaurant

Authentic New Orleans comfort food in a casual, welcoming setting.
USD25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 17: New Orleans Leisure and Festivities

New Orleans, Louisiana on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Beignet

Enjoy beignets and breakfast classics in a French Quarter setting.
USD15 per person, 1h

9:30am

New Orleans Museum of Art

Explore art collections and sculpture garden, great for cultural exposure.
USD15 per adult, free for children under 12, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Coop's Place

Family-friendly Cajun and Creole dishes in a lively casual setting.
USD20 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Louis Armstrong Park

Open space often hosting music and local celebrations, ideal for families to enjoy.
USD0, 2h

4:00pm

Rest and prepare for fireworks

Enjoy downtime before evening festivities.
USD0, 2h

6:30pm

Watch July 4th Fireworks at the Riverfront

Join the family-friendly July 4th celebrations with fireworks over the Mississippi River.
USD0, 2h
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Day 18: Departure Day

New Orleans, Louisiana on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Willa Jean

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before departure.
USD18 per person, 1h

9:30am

Packing and check-out

Prepare for departure from New Orleans.
USD0, 1h
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