Many programs and services are offered at the House to strengthen the sense of community, while providing emotional and financial support for the families. Programs are also offered to support each family member and the relationships within each family.

The Ronald McDonald House School is a contract alternative school, licensed through the Minneapolis Public Schools and staffed by the Ronald McDonald House. Fulltime instruction is provided for patients and siblings in grades K-12, allowing children to maintain academic performance while remaining together as a family.

The Cooks For Kids Program is a volunteer program in which organizations, groups and individuals prepare a home-cooked meal for our families each night at 5:30, as well as brunches on the weekends and Wednesday afternoon barbecues in the summer.

The Summer Activities Program offers families fun, engaging and educational activities when school is out.  Activities include bowling, swimming, canoeing, weekly trips to the library, building model rockets, field trips to Valley Fair and a boat ride on the St. Croix River.

Weekly Activity Nights provide families with fun and creative diversions such as arts and crafts, the bouncy house, movies and BINGO. These activities offer an opportunity for families to build a community with each other. In addition to these regular activities, several others are offered. Special activities and parties are planned around each holiday, including a summer Luau, a big spring egg hunt, a wonderful celebration of the Chinese New Year, a frighteningly fun Halloween Party and a special winter celebration in December.

After School Activities offer a fun afternoon for the children at the House. A variety of activities are offered including crafts, cooking yummy treats and Jammin’ with Jan, a program made possible through a partnership with MacPhail Center for Music.

Parent's Night In is held three times during the year, offering parents an evening to go on a "date.” A candlelight dinner is served at the House and childcare is provided for the children. Parent’s Night In provides parents with much needed time together to strengthen and nurture their commitment.

Transportation is offered to families twice a week for grocery and retail shopping.

Haircuts and Massages are provided monthly free of charge. Staff members from JUUT Salon Spas and Sister Rosalind’s Massage School donate their time to provide these services.

House Warmers assist families in their adjustment to the House. These volunteers make lunch for the children in our school, supervise recess, play with the children, help direct the afternoon and evening activities and help clean rooms.

The Family Resource Room and Library contains eight computers that provide free internet and e-mail access. A collection of medical resource materials and a comprehensive library of bibliotherapy materials is also available.

The Child Life Specialist on staff helps both patients and siblings understand and cope with their disease and treatment as well as being a resource for parents about these issues.