With 12 children between them, the parents of the Family Fun Twin Cities team are always scouting out ways to score a good deal. February has us swooning with all the FREE family events and activities it has to offer. From Valentine’s Day events to festivals that do their best to embrace winter in Minnesota, here’s what the month ahead will bring.
For more ideas on how to find free Twin Cities events for kids and families in February visit our:
- FEBRUARY FAMILY GUIDE
- ULTIMATE TWIN CITIES 2024 WINTER FUN (AND SURVIVAL) GUIDE
- FAMILY FUN CALENDAR
- 28+ DAYS OF COZY INDOOR PLAY IN FEBRUARY
Want to find free things to do in the Minneapolis-St Paul area this weekend? Find our current WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE, packed with suggestions.
50 free things to do in the Twin Cities this February
Pick a season – it’s always the right one to put a few dollars back in your pocket and take advantage of all the free things to do in our exciting Twin Cities.
Twin Cities free outdoor winter fun in February
There is still an abundance of FREE family fun to be had out in Twin Cities-areas parks during the month of February, even though ice and snow can be unpredictable. Community free outdoor ice skating rinks are typically maintained through the middle of the month, many with warming facilities and lighting. You can browse our DIRECTORY OF FREE ICE RINKS IN THE PARKS HERE or click below on the graphic of our own little skaters. How about throwing a sled down one of the abundant TWIN CITIES SLEDDING HILLS? Make the most of the season before it’s in the rearview.
More free winter fun ideas in the parks – Minneapolis & St Paul
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Winter Checklist
1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
Seasonal events in February include the Winter Flower Show in the Conservatory’s sunken garden. Warm up with the indoor exhibits and remember, the animal viewing buildings are heated for a comfortable winter visit with Como’s critters. Suggested donation of $2/child & $3/adult, but all welcome whether or not you choose to donate. 10am-4pm.
More free winter fun at COMO PARK ZOO & CONSERVATORY: Don’t miss Como Lil’ Explorer Thursdays. Each themed week is packed with free games, art projects and sensory tables. Thursdays in February 2024, 10am-12pm.
February Family Funday at North Mississippi Regional Park
5116 N Mississippi Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55412
All about playing outdoors in the winter this month. Afterwards, warm up with hot cocoa and a craft indoors and explore the nature center exhibits. Drop-in program, but please register as space is limited. February 10, 2024, 10:30am-12pm.
Free fun in the Twin Cities North Metro parks
February Free Family Fun Days at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
10360 W River Rd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444
Free nature drop-in programming each Sunday in February thanks to Three Rivers Parks. Themes at Mississippi Gateway include meeting animals, observing birds and learning about animal skulls. Sundays in February, 2024, 1-3pm. Learn more about MISSISSIPPI GATEWAY REGIONAL PARK.
Silverwood Park Mid-Winter Melt
2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN 55421
Free winter activities in the park on a Friday night- perhaps ideal for your tweens and teens? Cosmic footgolf (similar to soccer) on an illuminated course, warm up around a bonfire, and try out indoor activities. February 2, 2024, 6-9pm.
Harriet Alexander Nature Center Open House
2520 Dale St N, Roseville, MN 55113
Drop by for indoor and outdoor winter activities. February 3, 2024, 10am-4pm.
Ramsey County Winter Recreation Sampler
Keller Regional Park, Maplewood & Lake McCarrons County Park, Roseville
Free winter fun for all ages (weather-dependent, of course, so don’t get hopes TOO high): try out kick-sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding and more. February 3-4 & 17-19, 2024. 11am-4pm.
February Puppet Art Adventures at Silverwood Park
2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN 55421
Take in a puppet show followed by make-and-take nature-inspired art. A hike with a park naturalist is scheduled from 2-3pm. February 11, 2024, 1-3pm. Learn more about SILVERWOOD PARK.
February Free Family Fun Day at Eastman Nature Center
13351 Elm Creek Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Free nature drop-in programming one select Saturday courtesy of Three Rivers Parks. February 17, 2024. Learn more about EASTMAN NATURE CENTER.
Free fun in the Twin Cities South Metro parks
Forever Wild Family Friday: Fun on the Ice
Lebanon Hills Regional Park, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan MN
Try some free kicksledding on the ice – weather permitting, of course. February 2, 2024, 6-7:30pm.
Pond Dakota Mission Park February Open Houses
Pond Dakota Mission Park, 401 E 104th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Hands-on living history programs fun and free of charge. New themes each week. The first Saturday in February is the Pond Dakota Winter History Festival. Saturdays, February 3-24, 2024.
February Free Family Fun Days at Richardson Nature Center
8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Drop in for free nature programs courtesy of Three Rivers Parks. Themes at Richardson Nature Center include learning about birds, reptiles and bugs. Sundays, February 4, 18 & 25, 2024. Learn more about RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER.
Free Family Ice Fishing
Lake Rebecca, 415 Lock & Dam Road, Hastings, MN
Learn to ice fish with Park & Rec staff with equipment provided. Please register in advance. February 17, 2024, 9am-12pm.
Free fun in the Twin Cities West Metro parks
Nature Rocks! Eden Prairie Outdoor Center Open House
Eden Prairie Outdoor Center, 13765 Staring Lake Parkway, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55347
Drop in to meet the resident animals, learn about programs and events. Saturdays, February 3-24, 2024, 10am-1pm.
Visit a free Twin Cities nature center
Nature and outdoor interpretive centers are wonderful places that offer free admission and hands-on exhibits and outdoor play opportunities most days of the week. Find our complete listing of TWIN CITIES NATURE CENTERS.
Twin Cities winter festivals with free admission in February 2024
THROUGH FEBRUARY 4, 2024: St Paul Winter Carnival
- Snow Park at the State Fairgrounds: Chill out at the Fair viewing the results of the Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competitions. Sculptures will be on display at the Fair through the run of Winter Carnival.
- Winter Carnival ice sculpture carving and displays in Rice Park.
- Winter Carnival Kids & Family Day at Landmark Plaza. February 3.
2.1.24: Brooklyn Park Zanewood Winter Fun Fest
2.2.24: Robbinsdale Fire on Ice
2.2-4.24: Hudson Hot Air Affair
2.3.24: Anoka Winterfest
2.3.24: Apple Valley Mid-Winter Fest
2.3.24: Crystal Winterlude
2.3.24: Columbia Heights SnowBLAST
2.3.24: Coon Rapids Snowflake Days
2.3.24: Maple Grove Wonders of Winter
2.3.24: Minneapolis Luxton Park Fire & Ice
2.3.24: Plymouth Fire & Ice Festival
2.3-4.24: City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival
2.4.24: Minnetonka Kids Fest
2.9.24: Minneapolis Frost Fest
2.9-10.24: Mendota Heights Frozen Fun Fest
2.10.24: Burnsville Polar Fest
2.10.24: Buffalo Kites on Ice
2.10.24: Brooklyn Park Winterfest
2.10.24: Ramsey Frost Fest
2.10.24: South St Paul Flannel Fest
2.17.24: Dodge Nature Center Winter Fun Festival
2.17.24: Otsego Winter Festival
2.17.24: Stillwater Winterfest
2.24.24: St Paul Phalen Freeze Fest
Twin Cities February free fun with arts & crafts
Home Depot Kids Workshops
Kids can put together simple DIY projects the first Saturday of the month for free. This month’s project is for Valentine’s Day and could make a sweet gift. February 3 2024, 9am-12pm.
Minnesota Center for Book Arts: Press Play
1011 S Washington Ave #100, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Formerly known as the “Love Local” Open House, the refreshed event is still designed to be family-friendly and free. Try out printing wood-type messages on various letter presses. February 3, 2024, 11am-3pm. FREE.
Michaels Sunday Makebreak
Participating Michaels stores across the Twin Cities are offering free weekend “Makebreak” classes and “Take & Make” Kids Club crafts. They’re simple, yet could lend a nice personal touch to a small gift. This weekend kids use watercolors to paint a picture frame. Sundays, February 4-25, 2024, 2-4pm. FREE.
Walker Art Center First Free Saturday
Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Activities are geared towards kids ages 6-12, but don’t let that stop you from bringing your littler ones! Free gallery admission for the whole family. Explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt and try some art activities. February 6, 2024, 10am-3pm.
Family Art Day with Rumriver Art Center
Take a free art class from resident mentors. Must register in advance, spots fill quickly. February 10, 2024, 10-11am.
Minneapolis Institute of Art Family Day
2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
Includes free hands-on art activities, live music and dance, artist demos and special tours designed for kids. February 11, 2024, 10am-5pm.
More Twin Cities free family entertainment in February
Saturday Vibe at George Latimer Central Library
Fresh, family entertainment – music, storytelling, puppets and more. Check the schedule for more details. Saturdays in February 3-24, 2024, 11am-12pm.
ArtStart Children’s Concert with St Paul Civic Symphony
Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, 1669 Arcade St, St Paul, MN 55106
The event begins at 2pm with art-making activities and follows with an interactive concert designed just for kids. February 4, 2024, 2pm.
Landmark Center cultural programs
Landmark Center, 75 W 5th St, St Paul, MN 55102
Landmark Center in St Paul is a beautiful, historic building stuffed with museums and exhibits and space to host cultural programs throughout the year. A look at what is presented in February 2024:
- Ballet Tuesdays – Excerpts from the classics, perfect for budding ballerinas. February 13, 2024, 12pm.
- Urban Expedition: Australia, New Zealand & France – Travel the globe without leaving St Paul – music, crafts, food & more. February 11 & 25, 2024, 1-3pm.
- KidsJam Workshop at Schubert Club Museum – A free, interactive musical program that exposes kids to a wide variety of cultural music. Plus, the physical museum is a free, hidden gem that allows kids to experiment with a cacophony of musical instruments. Registration required. February 29, 2024, 10:30am.
Mall of America Toddler Tuesday
The longtime Toddler Tuesday program is now a free monthly event. In February, it takes place right before Valentine’s Day with a special playdate. February 13, 2024, 10am-12pm.
Twin Cities museums with free admission
- American Swedish Institute – free each Thursday after 3pm.
- Minneapolis Institute of Art – FREE daily, plus Family Day is great for all ages.
- Walker Art Center, Minneapolis – FREE Thursday evenings & First Saturdays of each month
- Weisman Art Museum, Minneapolis – FREE daily
More free special events for families in February
Free Valentine’s Day events
Jump over to our big list of Twin Cities Valentine’s Day events for kids and families.
First Free Sundays at Minnesota Children’s Museum
Free days are BACK at the museum and we’re super excited about it! Explore the exhibits admission-free the first Sunday of each month thanks to Securian Financial. Make sure to grab your tickets in advance as space is limited and the program is popular. February 3, 2024, 9am-4pm.
Twin Cities museums with free admission
- Minneapolis Institute of Art – FREE daily, plus Family Day is great for all ages.
- Walker Art Center, Minneapolis – FREE Thursday evenings & First Saturdays of each month
- Weisman Art Museum, Minneapolis – FREE daily
Free weekly Twin Cities activities
Free abounds in the Twin Cities. Many local bookstores, libraries and other businesses offer free storytimes during the week. Local coffee shops & cafes serve parents with free dedicated play spaces. Nature centers are wonderful places that offer free admission and hands-on exhibits and outdoor play opportunities most days of the week. And dozens of St Paul & Minneapolis recreation centers offer free open gyms and tot times to run your littles ragged during the cooler months. Explore from our links below.
Storytime at Red Balloon Bookshop
891 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
Storyteller Angela hosts a free storytime at the charming bookshop perfect for 3s & under (but all welcome) each Wednesday & Thursday in February. 10:30am.
Museum of Russian Art: Storytime in the Gallery
5500 Stevens Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Currently, the museum is offering a FREE Storytime in the Gallery the third Saturday of the month with no charge for adults to accompany their kids. Explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt. March 16, 2024, 10:30-11am.
Thank you, Dominic.
We’ve all been in the same place and that is why this site has become a labor of love for all of us.
Thank you for putting a site like this together. It can take a great deal of effort to find activities for those looking to save money. I hope a warm hearted thank you from my family to all of yours on your team help inspire many more events posted in the future. If you ever need an addition to your effort I would gladly like to assist in what your doing. Take care!