Children at daycare

Best Daycare Centers in Minneapolis, MN

Compare 137 daycare centers in Minneapolis. Average rating: 4.39/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Minneapolis, Minnesota at a glance

Daycares
137
Avg rating
4.39/5
Parent reviews
867
Top rated (4.5+)
43

Minneapolis has 137 licensed daycares with 867 parent reviews averaging 4.39/5.43 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 51% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 55410 (avg 4.83 stars), while 55411 has the largest selection (15 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Minneapolis

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

  1. 1

    1430 W 28th St, Minneapolis, MN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 64 children

    Grace Neighborhood Nursery School receives consistently excellent reviews from parents who praise the warm, nurturing environment and highly trained, caring teachers. Parents highlight the play-based learning approach, strong community, enrichment programs, and convenient bus transportation as major strengths. Multiple families report their children thrived academically and socially, with strong preparation for kindergarten.

    Caring and highly trained teachersplay-based learningwarm and nurturing environmentstrong parent community
  2. 2

    2510 Cleveland St Ne, Minneapolis, MN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 20 children

    Neighborhood Children's House receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents who praise it as an exceptionally high-quality preschool. Parents highlight the caring, intentional teachers (especially director Alison), well-rounded curriculum blending academics with arts and social-emotional learning, and the warm, nurturing community environment. Multiple families report their children thrived and smoothly transitioned to kindergarten.

    Caring and consistent teachersintentional instructionblend of academics and artssocial-emotional learning
  3. 3

    2730 E 31st St, Minneapolis, MN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 15 children

    Bright Prospects is a cooperative preschool in Minneapolis with perfect 5-star ratings across all reviews. Parents consistently praise the experienced and caring teachers, play-based curriculum, beautiful classroom space, and strong sense of community fostered by the cooperative model. The required parent involvement through monthly volunteering and administrative participation is presented as a meaningful benefit rather than a burden.

    Skilled and caring teacherspl
  4. 4
    2nd Home Childcare LLC
    4.72 score
    5(13)

    2600 26th Ave S, #300, Minneapolis, MN · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 74 children

    2nd Home Childcare LLC, operated by Denice, receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents. Parents consistently praise Denice's warm, nurturing approach to childcare, structured yet flexible programming that balances learning with play, and reliable, consistent availability. Children show strong school readiness and long-term positive memories of their experience.

    Engaging activities and curriculumcreative crafts and learning materialsoutdoor play space (deckplayground
  5. 5

    1601 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 113 children

    Rayito de Sol Spanish Immersion receives universal praise from parents who highlight the caring, skilled teachers and strong Spanish language instruction. Parents report their children thrive academically and emotionally, with genuine excitement about attending daycare. The center is noted for its warm, family-like environment and NAEYC accreditation.

    Caring and passionate teachersSpanish immersion curriculumstrong language developmentfamily-like atmosphere
  6. 6

    115 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 47 children

    Bernie's Montessori School in Minneapolis receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents. All reviews are 5-star ratings praising the caring, experienced staff, strong academic instruction, and engaging activities including field trips. Parents consistently report their children are happy, thriving, and eager to attend.

    Caring and attentive teachersstrong academics and early literacy skillsMontessori approachengaging field trips and activities
  7. 7

    4901 Chowen Ave S, Minneapolis, MN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 50 children

    Lake Harriet United Methodist Preschool receives perfect ratings from parents who consistently praise the nurturing, engaging teaching staff and welcoming community environment. Parents highlight the play-based learning approach, strong social-emotional development, and excellent kindergarten preparation. Many families send multiple children and report lasting positive effects into elementary and high school.

    Caring and experienced teachersnurturing environmentplay-based learningsmall class sizes
  8. 8

    3312 Silver Lk Rd Ne, Minneapolis, MN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 149 children

    Parents consistently praise Nativity Child & Family Center for its exceptional staff, caring teachers, and strong community atmosphere. The center is noted for its quality curriculum, emphasis on school readiness, outdoor play, and well-maintained facilities. All recent reviews are 5-star ratings with overwhelmingly positive feedback.

    Caring and professional staffexcellent teachers and directorsfrequent parent communicationstrong curriculum
  9. 9

    2324 Emerson Ave S, Minneapolis, MN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 105 children

    Temple Israel Early Childhood Center has a 4.8/5 Google rating, though most recent reviews appear to relate to the synagogue facility itself rather than the daycare program. The limited daycare-specific feedback mentions children feeling safe and staff being attentive.

    Safe environment for childrenattentive staffwelcoming communitybeautiful facility with good acoustics and bright spaces
  10. 10

    5712 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

    Parents consistently praise HOPE Preschool and Child Care Center for its caring, attentive staff and nurturing environment. The center is noted for its creative programming, strong communication with families, and commitment to child development. All reviews are 5-star ratings highlighting parent satisfaction and children's enthusiasm for attending.

    Dedicated and compassionate teaching staffsafe and clean facilitiesexcellent parent communication via app with photos and videosenriching activities including yoga

Rating Distribution

Based on 85 daycares with Google ratings in Minneapolis

4.5 - 5.0
43
4.0 - 4.4
26
3.0 - 3.9
15
Below 3
1

What Parents Value Most

Top qualities mentioned across 867 reviews, analyzed by AI

1Clean facility
7
2Caring staff
6
3Field trips
5
4Safe environment
5
5Children excited to attend
4
6Welcoming atmosphere
4
7Strong leadership
3
8Inclusive environment
3

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Minneapolis zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
554106
4.83
3
5541911
4.67
6
554175
4.6
4
554189
4.49
3
5540310
4.47
2
5540711
4.4
3
5541115
4.31
4
554097
4.3
0
5540412
4.29
5
554145
4.23
1

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Minneapolis (15–529 children)

Small

up to 30 children

20

Medium

31–75 children

59

Large

76–150 children

54

Very Large

150+ children

4

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Minneapolis based on parent reviews

Grace Neighborhood Nursery School

5(20)

1430 W 28th St, Minneapolis, MN

Grace Neighborhood Nursery School receives consistently excellent reviews from parents who praise the warm, nurturing environment and highly trained, caring teachers. Parents highlight the play-based learning approach, strong community, enrichment programs, and convenient bus transportation as major strengths. Multiple families report their children thrived academically and socially, with strong preparation for kindergarten.

Caring and highly trained teachersplay-based learningwarm and nurturing environment

Neighborhood Children'S House

5(20)

2510 Cleveland St Ne, Minneapolis, MN

Neighborhood Children's House receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents who praise it as an exceptionally high-quality preschool. Parents highlight the caring, intentional teachers (especially director Alison), well-rounded curriculum blending academics with arts and social-emotional learning, and the warm, nurturing community environment. Multiple families report their children thrived and smoothly transitioned to kindergarten.

Caring and consistent teachersintentional instructionblend of academics and arts

Bright Prospects Cooperative Preschool

5(15)

2730 E 31st St, Minneapolis, MN

Bright Prospects is a cooperative preschool in Minneapolis with perfect 5-star ratings across all reviews. Parents consistently praise the experienced and caring teachers, play-based curriculum, beautiful classroom space, and strong sense of community fostered by the cooperative model. The required parent involvement through monthly volunteering and administrative participation is presented as a meaningful benefit rather than a burden.

Skilled and caring teacherspl

2nd Home Childcare LLC

5(13)

2600 26th Ave S, #300, Minneapolis, MN

2nd Home Childcare LLC, operated by Denice, receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents. Parents consistently praise Denice's warm, nurturing approach to childcare, structured yet flexible programming that balances learning with play, and reliable, consistent availability. Children show strong school readiness and long-term positive memories of their experience.

Engaging activities and curriculumcreative crafts and learning materialsoutdoor play space (deck

Rayito De Sol Spanish Immersion

4.9(20)

1601 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN

Rayito de Sol Spanish Immersion receives universal praise from parents who highlight the caring, skilled teachers and strong Spanish language instruction. Parents report their children thrive academically and emotionally, with genuine excitement about attending daycare. The center is noted for its warm, family-like environment and NAEYC accreditation.

Caring and passionate teachersSpanish immersion curriculumstrong language development

Bernie'S Montessori School

4.9(20)

115 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN

Bernie's Montessori School in Minneapolis receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents. All reviews are 5-star ratings praising the caring, experienced staff, strong academic instruction, and engaging activities including field trips. Parents consistently report their children are happy, thriving, and eager to attend.

Caring and attentive teachersstrong academics and early literacy skillsMontessori approach

Map

Browse by type in Minneapolis

Daycare Centers in Minneapolis, Minnesota

This directory highlights 137 childcare facilities across Minneapolis, offering a mix of neighborhood-based centers and specialized programs. Parents frequently highlight clean facilities, caring staff, and safe environments as key priorities when visiting these locations. The guide also points out standout areas like the 55408 zip code, which maintains a perfect average rating across its three centers.

Based on Google reviews, daycares in Minneapolis have an average rating of 4.39 out of 5 across 85 rated facilities, with 51% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Before or After School Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.97 stars. Our analysis covers 867 parent reviews. Parents in Minneapolis most frequently praise daycares for clean facility, caring staff, and field trips.

When choosing a daycare in Minneapolis, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Daycare Centers in Minneapolis

Showing 137 results

Ikram Child Care LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.1

Parents consistently praise IKRAM CHILD CARE LLC for its professional, caring staff and clean, safe environment. Children reportedly enjoy attending and develop socially and academically. The family-owned business is noted for treating clients with warmth and kindness.

Caring and nurturing staffclean and safe environmentchild social-emotional development
Address
3055 Old Highway 8, Ste 110, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 788-4722
Liban Child Care Center INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4

One parent describes Liban Child Care Center as an awesome facility that engages children through field trips, parties, park visits, arts and crafts, and new learning activities daily. The reviewer highlights the quality of the food and expresses strong appreciation for the teachers.

field tripspartiespark visits
Address
3504 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 978-3966
First Step Early Childhood Education Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4

Parents highlight the center's high accreditation and nurturing atmosphere, yet one family reports severe distress for their toddler, citing staff disengagement and inappropriate food sharing practices. This reviewer also notes unresolved tuition refund issues and ignored communication from management after withdrawing their child.

NAEYC and Parent Aware highest ratingsstrong learning outcomesdevelopment of social skills
Address
3036 University Ave Se, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 617-0191
Anew Dimension Child Enrichment Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4

One parent describes a loving environment where their grandchildren thrived as infants, while another reports leaving after witnessing a staff member physically dragging a preschool student by the arm. The few reviews so far highlight both strong emotional attachment and serious safety concerns.

loving caregood for infants
Address
1819 Minnehaha Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 339-2333
Glendale Early Childhood Family Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4
Address
96 St Marys Ave Se, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 874-7422
Mcknight Early Childhood Family Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4

McKnight Early Childhood Family Development Center has mixed reviews. Positive reviewers praise the school as one of the best and report satisfaction with their children's care over multiple years. However, negative reviews cite serious concerns including alleged physical abuse by staff, poor discipline procedures, rude teachers, unreliable transportation, and inconsistent management changes.

Long-term satisfaction from familiesquality care reported by some parentschildren able to communicate about their experiences
Address
4225 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 825-7422
Northside Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4

Parent feedback for this center is polarized, with one long-term attendee describing a highly recommended experience, while another details serious safety and discrimination concerns. The latter account cites unfiled incident reports for physical injuries, a mouse infestation, and a dismissive response to accommodation requests for a child with health needs.

Long-term satisfactionHighly recommended
Address
1000 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 204-8575
Seed Early Learning Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
4

One parent highlights the staff's dedication to kindergarten preparation, while another praises the center as an ideal start for educational success. Conversely, a single negative review describes the facility as being in 'complete shambles' and in urgent need of a complete rebuild inside and out.

Great place to start educational success
Address
1300 Olson Memorial Hwy, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 374-3178
We Love Kids
Child Daycare & Preschools
4

Multiple parents highlight the nurturing staff, clean facility, and strong educational outcomes, noting that the center accommodates infants and supports family transitions. Conversely, one review criticizes the center for yelling, withholding drinks, and neglecting sensitive children during drop-off.

nurturing staffaccommodates infantsclean and tidy facility
Address
5408 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 823-7921
First Daycare Center LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

One parent reports that their child returned with bedbug bites and describes the drop-off driver as rude. Additionally, the reviewer states the center incorrectly charged the state for two weeks after leaving and improperly used their grant funds.

Address
1433 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 483-1239
Lucky Child Care Center LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

A few parents highlight the center's cleanliness and staff who treat children with care, while one review criticizes the instructional quality as lacking substantive teaching. The overall sentiment from the limited feedback is positive regarding the environment but mixed regarding educational outcomes.

clean environmentteachers who care for childrenmanagement is nice
Address
525 Lowry Ave Ne, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 232-7240
Caring For Children
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

Parents praise Caring for Children for attentive, caring staff who support each child's development and well-being. The center offers a well-planned curriculum with enrichment activities like music and soccer lessons, on-site cooking, and inclusive programming. One reviewer questioned the limited review history.

Attentive and caring staffpersonalized attention to each childbehavioral support and regulation strategies
Address
5835 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 866-1632
Smiles Child Care LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.8

Reviewers highlight this center-based daycare as providing great child care services, with one parent specifically calling it the best daycare available. The limited feedback currently available is entirely positive.

great child care servicesbest daycare
Address
4324 Lyndale Ave N, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 886-2932
People Serving People Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.8

People Serving People Children's Center is a shelter-based facility that provides housing, meals, and childcare services to families in need. Reviews consistently praise the compassionate, helpful staff and the practical resources available. Reviewers emphasize that success requires residents to actively participate in programs and follow rules rather than expect a permanent solution.

Compassionate and professional staffclean facilityfree meals provided (3 daily)
Address
614 S 3rd Street, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 277-0249
Agape I Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.7

Agape I Child Development Center receives consistently positive feedback from parents, who praise the caring and attentive staff, warm family-like environment, and individualized approach to child development. Parents report their children make significant developmental progress and feel safe while they work, and note that management goes above and beyond by providing community support and flexibility with family needs.

Caring and respectful staffwarm welcoming environmentindividualized attention to children
Address
2304 Emerson Ave N, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 287-9775
Mount Olivet Day Services
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.7

Mount Olivet Day Services receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from families, with most reviewers praising the attentive, compassionate staff and comprehensive care provided to residents. Families highlight the facility's cleanliness, consistent staffing, inclusive pricing, and personalized approach to care. One reviewer noted inconsistency in care quality across different floors and staff members.

Attentive and compassionate staffconsistent staffing with low turnoverinclusive pricing with meals and amenities included
Address
5517 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 821-3446
N.E. Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.6

N.E. Child Development Center receives mostly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring staff, experienced directors, and quality learning activities. However, one parent reported serious concerns about bullying, inadequate supervision, and discriminatory treatment of their minority daughter.

Experienced and compassionate directorscaring and attentive stafffrequent parent communication
Address
1700 Second St Ne, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 787-4025
Quality Learning Center INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.5
Address
1411 Nicollet Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 367-4053
Summit Early Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.5

Feedback for Summit Early Learning Center is sharply divided, with one parent praising Director Jackie's welcoming spirit while others report serious concerns regarding child safety and staff competence. Critics allege neglect, unexplained injuries, and aggressive behavior toward children with special needs, including threats to involve Child Protective Services.

Welcoming directorpositive atmosphere
Address
1015 Olson Memorial Hwy, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 377-9011
Elim Preschool/Elim Baptist Church
Church Daycare
3.4

Some parents report positive experiences, highlighting qualified staff, effective kindergarten preparation, and an inclusive, play-based environment. Conversely, other families describe severe issues including perceived racial bias, unprofessional teacher behavior, and inappropriate handling of blended family dynamics.

qualified teacherseffective kindergarten preparationinclusive environment
Address
685 13th Ave Ne, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 789-1063
Sunshine Child Care Center INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.3

One parent describes a positive experience, noting they want to work at the center. The small number of reviews limits the ability to draw broad conclusions about the facility's overall quality or operations.

desire to work at the center
Address
1822 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 367-4102
Baraka Child Care Center LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
3

One parent describes the childcare environment and children as happy and appropriate, but reports that the front office experience is poor due to staff who speak rudely and appear angry when answering simple questions.

happy childrenappropriate childcare environment
Address
1910 Chicago Ave So, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(952) 807-8845
It Starts With Luv Child Care
Child Daycare & Preschools
3

One parent highlights exceptional customer service, a family-like atmosphere, and engaging educational activities, while another notes that staff and facilities are amazing. Conversely, two separate reviewers report negative experiences, including being denied service due to alleged nepotism between owners and citing reckless driving by staff as a safety concern.

Exceptional customer servicefamily-like treatmentengaging educational toys and age-appropriate activities
Address
2604 42nd Ave N, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 644-4555
Star Child Development Center LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
3

One parent highlights the professional and caring staff despite the facility's less appealing exterior, while another criticizes the director for unprofessionalism, arbitrary operating hours, and unsanitary conditions.

professional staffcaring attitudeunderstanding management
Address
1915 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(952) 451-5418
C.H.I.L.D.
Child Daycare & Preschools
1

One parent reports that their grandson was discharged after only two weeks for being active, alleging racial bias and inappropriate labeling as special needs. The reviewer also claims staff failed to address injuries from another child biting the student and expressed concern about the center's long-standing treatment of families of color.

Address
2511 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 672-2526
New Horizon Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools

New Horizon Academy receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring and dedicated staff, particularly the director and teachers. Parents highlight excellent communication through daily updates and photos, smooth transitions between age groups, and a warm, welcoming environment. Children show strong attachment to teachers and thrive developmentally at the center.

caring and loving staffresponsive leadershipconsistent teachers
Address
111 Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 332-7866
Kinderberry Hill Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools

Kinderberry Hill Child Development Center receives consistently high praise from parents across all reviews. Parents highlight exceptional teacher quality, strong developmental outcomes in language and social skills, and a nurturing environment that prepares children well for future education. The center is noted for its low teacher-to-student ratios and individualized, interest-based curriculum.

Knowledgeable and passionate teachersstrong language and social skill developmentlow teacher-to-student ratios
Address
50 S 6th St, Ste 260, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 436-1003
New Horizon Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools

New Horizon Academy receives consistently high praise from parents, with all five reviews rating the center 5/5 stars. Parents highlight the welcoming and caring staff who make children feel loved and at home, with notable developmental progress reported. The center is also commended for its communication methods and activities that help children thrive.

Welcoming and caring staffchild development and learningstaff goes above and beyond
Address
1310 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 455-0294
Minnehaha Learning Center INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2500 Minnehaha Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 819-6010
Five Star Early Learning Center LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
200 E Lyndale Ave N, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
(612) 203-2664

Page 3 of 5· 137 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 137 all daycares in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
Based on parent reviews, daycares in Minneapolis have an average Google rating of 4.39 out of 5 across 85 rated facilities. About 51% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Minneapolis, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with Minnesota's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Minnesota)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Minneapolis offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 128 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 5 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 4 facilities
Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.
Daycare costs in Minnesota typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Minneapolis for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Minneapolis must be licensed by Minnesota's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.
The 55408 zip code currently holds the highest average rating of 5/5 stars, based on data from three facilities located in that area.
Analysis of 867 parent reviews shows that families most frequently mention clean facilities, caring staff, and a safe environment as their primary positive experiences.
Out of the 85 facilities that have been rated on Google, 43 have achieved a rating of 4.5 stars or higher.