Things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul this weekend!
This February Twin Cities Family Weekend Guide covers the weekend of February 10-11, 2024. To find our most recent guide, click here.
Spend some time with your favorite sweethearts the weekend ahead of Valentine’s Day with activities in the Twin Cities — many of them FREE or low-cost. For more inspiration, check our complete list of VALENTINE’S DAY FAMILY EVENTS, our FEBRUARY FAMILY GUIDE or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR.
Winter festivals this weekend in Minneapolis & St Paul – 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.
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Midtown Global Market
Midtown Global Market will host a free celebration for families to mark the 2024 Lunar New Year (Year of the Dragon). Activities will include crafts for kids, story time, educational presentations, dances by several local troupes and live music. February 10, 2024, 12-3pm.
More Twin Cities-area community winter festivals this weekend:
- BROOKLYN PARK: Winterfest – Minus the ice skating, there will be a touch-a-truck event, bonfire and treats. February 10, 2-4pm.
- BURNSVILLE: Polar Fest – Activities still on the schedule include free carriage rides, a DJ, bonfire and food trucks. February 10, 11am-2pm.
- MENDOTA HEIGHTS: Frozen Fun Fest – Family-friendly Cupid Crawl with a magic show and live music at Market Square. February 10, 5-8pm.
- RAMSEY: Frost Fest – Keep watch to see if the chili cook-off goes ahead as scheduled. February 10, 12-6pm.
Fun activities in the parks this weekend in Minneapolis & St Paul
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.
Featured Minneapolis park events this weekend:
Frost Fest
Pearl Park, 5144 13th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
A bit less frosty this year but still scheduled! Activities remaining will be a glowstick dance party, food trucks, a medallion hunt and bonfire with winter sports (hopefully) to return next year. Please note this is a FRIDAY night event. February 9, 2024, 6-8:30pm.
Featured St Paul park events this weekend:
Highland Area Free Open Skate
800 Snelling Ave S, St Paul, MN 55116
It’s a bummer the outdoor ice rinks have been shut down before they got much of a chance to see skaters this year. But there is still a free skating option in St Paul — indoors at the Schulz Highland Arena. Bonus: skate rental is free as well. February 11, 2024, 5:30-7pm.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids
Cozy indoor activities in Minneapolis & St Paul
Many families feel more comfortable with a little extra armor during the Minnesota winters. We’ve beefed up our annual Winter Break 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.
Family Day at Historic Fort Snelling
200 Tower Ave, St Paul, MN 55111
Programs planned that make learning about history intriguing and fun! Games, demos and other hands-on activities are offered in the new Plank Museum & Visitor Center and, if you wish, a guided tour of the fort is included in your ticket. In our experience, the fort is better explored at your own pace during the summer but definitely see it now if you get the chance. We often purchase a family membership to the Minnesota Historical Society so return visits are basically free. February 11, 2024, 10am-4pm. $8-$12/pp.
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. This month’s theme is Everyday Icons. February 11, 2024, 10am-5pm.
Ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a family
Show the love for your sweethearts big and little simply by spending time with each other. Need some ideas for what to do to celebrate a family Valentine’s Day in Minneapolis & St Paul? Read on for inspiration this weekend.
A valentine outing for families
Minnesota Transportation Museum “Love Train”
193 Pennsylvania Ave E, St Paul, MN 55130
Where can I craft DIY valentines?
The Valentines each kid earnestly made the year they were in kindergarten still adorn my little office walls and I love them dearly. Skip Hallmark and your own kiddos can craft homemade Valentines with these super family-friendly and local businesses:
Heartfelt Valentine Crafts
4306 Upton Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Stop into this sweet Linden Hills craft shop to make a homemade gift. Choose from crafts such as felted hearts, rolled candles and other potential valentine gifts. Reservations are recommended. Open 10am-12pm, Mon-Sat. Priced from $8-$30.
Studio Weekend at ARTrageous Adventures
2121 W 21st St, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Book a parent-child session to create a homemade Valentine project using studio materials – your kiddo provides the inspiration (and any mess is left behind). Saturday & Sunday 2-hr sessions available at 10am & 12pm. $25/pair.
Get our complete guide to Valentine’s Day events in the Twin Cities.
More free or low cost things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities
Urban Expedition: Australia & New Zealand
Travel to the south seas on a shoestring through Landmark Center’s program. Music, dance, crafts and traditions presented starting at 1pm. February 11, 2024. FREE.
Wish Work Puppet Series
2742 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Puppet theater specially designed for kids created by the puppeteers of Hinterhands Puppet Company. This weekend’s show is actually a series of shorts created by community members. See more at the link. February 10, 2024, 10:30-11:30am. Suggested donation of $5-$10/pp.
Red Balloon Bookshop: Clifford the Big Red Dog Storytime
891 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
A special storytime with Clifford in honor of his 61st birthday. Grab a photo with him after the reading. February 10, 2024, 9:30am. FREE.
InnerCity Tennis Super Saturday
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. February 10, 2024, 3-6pm. Learn more about Inner City Tennis programs for the family.
Free Open Swim Sundays at Great River Water Park
270 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104
A special FREE open swim will be hosted Sundays starting this weekend with water safety training provided from 3-3:25pm. The zero-depth entry splash pool is perfect for tots trying to get used to the water and there are two tube waterslides for the big kids. February 11, 2024, 12-5pm.
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.