Things to do in Minneapolis-St Paul this weekend!
This February Twin Cities Family Weekend Guide covers President’s Day Weekend, February 18-29, 2023. To find our most recent guide, click here.
If you’re hardy and brave, we have suggestions for outdoor activities, but also a mix of things to do this looong weekend indoors. There’s lots to choose from! For more ideas, hop over to our FEBRUARY FAMILY GUIDE or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR. We try to keep it stocked with options to fit your family’s needs – whether you’re keeping close to home — or want a break from it.
Winter festivals this weekend in the Twin Cities
Rounded up for you here are the best of the Twin Cities’ weekend winter festivals – ways to get out and play in the elements with your family! For more frosty festival fun jump over to our Twin Cities Winter Festival Family Calendar.
BROOKLYN PARK: Embrace the North Festival
North Mississippi Regional Park, 5116 N Mississippi Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55412
Try activities like snowshoeing, winter birding and frozen art, marshmallows over the fire, games, fat biking and more at this Twin Cities winter festival. February 18, 2023. Drop in anytime from 12-4pm. FREE.
COTTAGE GROVE: Blizzard Bash at Cottage Grove Ravine Park
9653 Keats Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Sample some fun, classic winter activities such as ice fishing, snowshoeing and kicksledding (all use of equipment free). Warm up at a bonfire and learn how to make an ice luminary. Food trucks onsite for purchase. February 18, 2023, 11am-4pm, FREE admission.
WEST ST PAUL: Dodge Nature Center Winter Fun Festival
1701 Charlton Street, West St. Paul, MN 55118
Live DJ, bonfires and outdoor heaters, horse-drawn sleigh rides, icy games, snow sports, nature activities and crafts. Food & beer available. February 18, 2023, 2-5pm, FREE.
FUN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN THE PARKS THIS WEEKEND
Featured here for the weekend is just a taste of all that’s going on across the incredible Twin Cities park systems. You can get more ideas on our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR or browse the links below to search for local fun events & things to do with kids this weekend in the parks.
SOME FUN FAMILY IDEAS FOR THIS WEEKEND
The lingering snow and the temps mean there’s plenty of winter left to enjoy. This weekend, try hitting up one of these sledding hills (free!) or snow tubing hills (not free). Or use our special ice skating rink-finder to find a spot to take a spin. Please make sure to double check operating hours before heading out!
FEATURED TWIN CITIES PARK EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
FEBRUARY FREE FAMILY FUN DAYS WITH THREE RIVERS PARKS
10360 W River Rd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444
Drop in for free nature programs at EASTMAN NATURE CENTER (Maple Grove) MISSISSIPPI GATEWAY REGIONAL PARK (Brooklyn Park) & RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER (Bloomington). New themes each week. February 19, 2023, drop in between 1-3pm (see link for schedule). FREE admission.
Living History Tours (with popcorn!) at Pond Dakota Mission Park
Pond Dakota Mission Park, 401 E 104th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Come by the historic Gideon Pond house in the park for tours, living history lessons and , this weekend, old-fashioned popcorn over the coals. February 18, 2023, 1-4pm. FREE, donations appreciated.
Eden Prairie Snowtime Saturdays
Eden Prairie Outdoor Center, 13765 Staring Lake Pkwy, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
On Snowtime Saturdays families can try out activities like ice fishing, snowshoeing, kick-sledding and cross-country skiing. Must register in advance, February 18, 2023. 10am-1pm. $12/family.
Many families feel more comfortable with a little extra armor during the Minnesota winters. We’ve beefed up our annual Winter Fun & Survival Guide to help you make the most of the season whether you want to get out and play or stay in and be cozy this weekend.
MORE IDEAS FOR THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES THIS WEEKEND WITH KIDS
If you’ve got the long Presidents Day weekend to while away with the kids, you might be looking for a way to get out and make the most of it. Personally, by mid-February I’m sick to death of outdoor activities and would prefer to pretend I’ve flown south. Here are some suggestions if you’re feeling likewise and are hoping for some cozy indoor ideas this weekend:
Keep it balmy at indoor Central Park
Thoughts of winter and snow will melt away in Woodbury’s CENTRAL PARK as you stroll around the landscaped rocks and tricking water fountains. Under one roof, kids can cozy up with books at a branch of the WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY and work off the wiggles at LOOKOUT RIDGE INDOOR PLAYGROUND.
Psst – this is just one of our ideas for cozy indoor play on our list of snow-free activities during the month of February!
Make it multi-cultural this weekend
Sundays at Landmark: Black Sea Odyssey
This program is easily the next best thing to visiting the Black Sea region of Europe – and certainly more budget-friendly. Learn about the culture through music, dance, and crafts; budget and very family-friendly. While you’re at the beautiful LANDMARK CENTER, pop in to the free SCHUBERT CLUB MUSEUM, a hidden gem that allows kids to experiment with a cacophony of musical instruments. February 18, 2023, 12-4pm. $4-$6/pp.
Kids at the Castle: Hearts & Hugs
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Your little ones will be awed by exploring a museum within a castle! This month’s theme is “Hearts & Hugs”. Plus, you’ll get the chance to check out the newest Family Gallery exhibit and all the attention put into making it super family-friendly. Read more about top family favorites at American Swedish Institute. February 18, 2023. $10/family for the program – must register in advance as space is limited and slots sell out. 9-10am.
Carnaval Brasileiro at Midtown Global Market
920 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Heat up mid-February with a Brazilian festival complete with traditional food, music, dance, art, and martial arts demonstrations. February 18, 2023, 11am-2pm. FREE admission & food for purchase at many vendors.
MORE FREE OR LOW COST THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES
Kids storytime this weekend!
Storytime in the gallery at Museum of Russian Art
Museum of Russian Art, 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. Take a “create bag” home and explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt. Please pre-register. February 18, 2023, 10:30am.
Storytime at Forgotten Star Brewing
Forgotten Star Brewing Co., 38 Northern Stacks Dr, Fridley, MN 55421
Yes, it’s storytime at the brewery – free and family-friendly! One hour of songs, movement, stories, and crafts. February 19, 2023, 11am-noon.
And free flicks, too!
Kids Dream Family Film Series
Join us Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (and President’s Day Monday) thru April 2, 2023, to view favorite family flicks! Head to your nearest participating Marcus Theatres® location. 2 FREE tickets to the show are available this weekend – just click here to redeem vouchers.
- Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank – February 17-20, 2023. Popcorn & drink specials: $3/each. Participating theatres include Marcus Oakdale, Rosemount and Southbridge Crossing (Shakopee) Cinemas.
ALWAYS FREE TO VISIT WEEKENDS
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden – adjacent to the Walker Art Center (free each first Saturday/month)
- Como Park Zoo & Conservatory – note that fall & winter hours are 10am-4pm.
Find hundreds more things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul with kids!
During this cold weather, find tons of fun indoor games for kids you can play right at home.