Things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul this weekend!
This April Twin Cities Family Weekend Guide covers the weekend of April 15-16, 2023. To find our most recent guide, click here.
For more ideas on spending family time together this weekend, hop over to our APRIL FAMILY GUIDE, our ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SPRING IN THE TWIN CITIES or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR. We keep it stocked with options to fit your family’s needs no matter your corner of the Minneapolis-St Paul metro.
FUN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN TWIN CITIES 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 parks across the Minneapolis-St Paul metro.
SOME FUN FAMILY IDEAS FOR THIS WEEKEND
Try visiting a new park or nature center!
Check out the links on our big list of Twin Cities nature & interpretive centers for details on which buildings are open; all of these locations have outdoor trails to hike. Did you know that several of these nature centers have natural playgrounds nestled within them? You can build with natural materials, climb, balance, even wade and garden at some of the more elaborate spaces. The featured photo this weekend comes from the nature play area at WARGO NATURE CENTER. Find our list of the best Twin Cities Nature Playgrounds.
FEATURED TWIN CITIES PARK EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
Free Family Fun Days with Three Rivers Parks
Free programming this weekend at Richardson Nature Center (Bloomington) & Mississippi Gateway Regional Park (Brooklyn Park). April 16, 2023, drop in anytime between 1-3pm.
Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden & Bird Sanctuary – Now open for the 2023 season!
1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405
This is a lovely, peaceful oasis within the sprawling THEODORE WIRTH REGIONAL PARK in Minneapolis. Hit the link to find tips for visiting and a printable scavenger hunt to take along.
Puppet Adventures & Let’s get stARTed
Silverwood Park, 2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN 55421
Dress to be outdoors; the program starts with a puppet show and follows with a nature themed art project. April 16, 2023, drop in between 1-3pm. FREE.
How about a spring scavenger hunt in the parks?
We’ve rounded up the best printable hunts across the Twin Cities to make the most of your park exploration.
MORE IDEAS FOR THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES WITH KIDS
Meet the Spring Farm Babies!
Down on the Dodge Farm Tour
1701 Charlton St, West St Paul, MN 55118
Time to meet the babies in the big red barn – lambs, chicks and piglets! Please register online for this mostly-outdoors event. It’s a very popular activity and will likely sell out, however, if you’re not able to secure tickets, consider that the farm operates within a public nature preserve and you’re welcome to explore the trails and peek at the working farm for free during park hours. April 15, 2023, $7/pp.
Saturday Morning on the Farm
Gale Woods Farm, 7210 County Rd 110 W, Minnetrista, MN 55364
This wonderful working farm is a great place for kids to get close and in barns (that’s my delighted daughter pictured). Read about a spring visit to the farm here. Spots will fill quickly. If you can’t make it to one of the farm tours, stop over for a self-guided walk around the grounds. Make and take with you a fiber craft. April 15, 2023, drop in between 9:30am-12pm. $6/pp.
Twin Cities Spring Baby Animals Festival
Located at 109th Ave and Hwy 169 in Brooklyn Park
A $13 wristband will include access to the fuzzy farm babies, the play area and a hayride. Pictured is my little one loving on the bunnies. Open Sat-Sun, April 15 & 16, 2023.
Find more chances to meet fuzzy Minnesota farm babies!
MORE FREE OR LOW COST THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES
Super Saturday storytimes
Storytime in the Gallery
Museum of Russian Art, 5500 Stevens Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55419
The museum occasionally offers a FREE Storytime in the Gallery with no charge for adults to accompany their kids. Explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt while you’re at it and bring a take-and-make kit home. Please register ahead. April 15, 2023, 10:30-11am.
Instrument Storytime at MacPhail Center for Music
501 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Celebrate the launch of the children’s book Everything a Drum with a special storytime and instrument exploration for kids. April 15, 2023, 8:45-11:45am. FREE.
Sporty Saturday
Super Saturday at InnerCity Tennis
4055 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55409
InnerCity Tennis’ Super Saturdays Program is a chance for Twin Cities families to bring kids of all ages to learn tennis fundamentals for from trained staff. The entire 12 court facility is provided for this program at no charge. April 15, 2023, 3-6pm. Learn more about Inner City Tennis programs for the family.
Spring-y Saturday
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
The Conservatory and Visitor Center of Como Park Zoo are particularly wonderful places to spend a chilly spring day. You’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a tropical vacation, particularly when you visit the colorful, balmy Spring Flower Show. The animal exhibits are heated, too. Reservations are currently required to visit; make yours early!
MUSEUMS WITH FREE ADMISSION
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden – adjacent to the Walker Art Center
- (free each first Saturday/month)
- Weisman Art Museum – located on the Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota
Find hundreds more things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul with kids!