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 2022 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 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
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. Currently, the Zoo & Conservatory requires an advance reservation. Make yours today, they fill fast. 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 2023, 10am-12pm.
Silverwood Park Mid-Winter Melt
2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN 55421
Free winter activities in the park – perhaps ideal for your tweens and teens? Cosmic kicksledding on an illuminated lake, take a scavenger hunt for s’mores and warm up around a bonfire. February 2, 2023, 6-8pm.
Ramsey County Winter Recreation Sampler
Keller Regional Park, Maplewood & Lake McCarrons County Park, Roseville
Free winter fun for all ages! Try out kick-sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding and more. February 4-5 & 18-20, 2023. 12-4pm.
FOREVER WILD FAMILY FRIDAY: FUN on the Ice
Lebanon Hills Regional Park, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan MN
Try some free kicksledding on the ice. February 3, 2023, 6-7:30pm.
POND DAKOTA MISSION PARK 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. Saturdays, February 4-25, 2023.
FEBRUARY FREE FAMILY FUN DAYS WITH THREE RIVERS PARKS
Three Rivers Parks locations
Drop in for free nature programs at MISSISSIPPI GATEWAY REGIONAL PARK, EASTMAN NATURE CENTER & RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER. New themes each week. Sundays, February 5-26, 2023, 1-4pm. Please see schedule for details as not each week is exactly the same!
Sally Manzara Nature Center February Interpretive Drop In Events
Sunfish Lake Park & Sally Manzara Nature Center, 3554 Kelvin Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
No registration is needed, just show up to explore nature. Free programs this month include Feb 11 – Cryogenics with 3M Wizards & Feb 25-26 – Conifers. Plus, your kids will be entertained by the indoor exhibits. 10-11am.
Try FAMILY ICE FISHING for Free
Lake Rebecca, 415 Lock & Dam Road, Hastings, MN
Learn to ice fish with Park & Rec staff with equipment provided. Please register in advance. February 4, 2023, 9am-12pm.
PUPPET ART ADVENTURES at Silverwood Park
Silverwood Park, 2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN 55421
Take in a puppet show followed by make-and-take nature-inspired art. February 12, 2023, 1-3pm.
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 4-25, 2023, 10am-1pm.
FAMILY FUNDAY at NORTH MISSISSIPPI REGIONAL PARK
This month, it’s all about owls in Minnesota: dissect an owl pellet, do an owl craft and learn about how to spot the lovely birds. Drop-in program, but must register. February 26, 2023, 1-3pm.
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.
SPECIAL EVENT IN FEBRUARY! Harriet Alexander Nature Center Open House
2520 Dale St N, Roseville, MN 55113
Celebrate Chinese New Year and the year of the rabbit with free family activities. February 29, 2023, 12:30-4:30pm.
Twin Cities Winter Festivals with Free Admission in February 2023
THROUGH FEBRUARY 5, 2023: 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.
- Frozen Family Fun Night at Landmark Plaza. Feb 1.
- Winter Carnival Kids & Family Day – Feb 5 at Landmark Center.
February 3, 2023: Robbinsdale Fire on Ice
February 4, 2023: Anoka Winterfest
February 4, 2023: Apple Valley Mid-Winter Fest
February 4, 2023: Chanhassen Febuary Fest (Feb Fest) Cancelled in 2023.
February 4, 2023: Crystal Winterlude
February 4, 2023: Fire & Ice at Luxton Park
February 4, 2023: Plymouth Fire & Ice Festival
February 4, 2023: Columbia Heights SnowBLAST
February 4, 2023: Maple Grove Wonders of Winter
February 4-5, 2023: City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival
February 5, 2023: Minnetonka Kids Fest
February 11, 2023: Burnsville Polar Fest
February 11, 2022: Buffalo Kites on Ice
February 11, 2023: Brooklyn Park Winterfest
February 13-20, 2023: Stillwater Winterfest
February 18, 2023: Dodge Nature Center Winter Fun Festival
February 18, 2023: Embrace the North Festival (Coon Rapids)
TWIN CITIES February FREE FUN WITH ARTS & Crafts
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 pick up an art kit to take home. Tickets must be reserved online in advance. February 4, 2023, 10am-3pm.
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 4, 2023, 9am-12pm.
Minnesota Center for Book Arts: Love Local Open House
1011 S Washington Ave #100, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Homemade Valentines? We’ve made them here – try some screen printing, letter-press, button-maker and other activities to create custom cards. February 4, 2023, 10am-12pm.
Free Story & Art Time at Eden Prairie Art Center
7650 Equitable Drive, Eden Prairie, MN
Drop in for storytime & an art project. Mondays, February 6-27, 2023, 10-11:30am.
Minneapolis Institute of Art Family Day
2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Hands-on art activities, performances, demonstrations, special gallery tours and more considerations for young art viewers. February 12, 2023, 10am-4pm.
Free Family Art Day with Rumriver Art Center
Take a free art class right in the studio. You’ll want to make sure and register in advance as spots always fill up quickly. Ages 4 & up with caregivers. February 25, 2023, 10-11am.
Kids Craft To Go with Scott County Historical Society
Stop by the museum to pick up a take-home activity kit, instructions and supplies provided. Kits can be picked up Monday-Friday, February 21-25, from 9am-4pm.
More twin cities free family entertainment in February
Free Valentine’s Day Events
Jump over to our big list of Twin Cities Valentine’s Day events for kids and families.
Free Special Entertainment for Families!
Saturday Vibe at George Latimer Central Library
Fresh, family entertainment – music, storytelling, puppets and more. Check the schedule for more details. February 4, 2023, 11am-12pm.
Free Children’s Entertainment at Edinborough Park
Kid-friendly performances at the amphitheater. February 9, 2023, 11-11:45am.
Mall of America Toddler Tuesday
The longtime Toddler Tuesday program is now a monthly event. In February, it takes place on Valentine’s Day with a special party. February 14, 2023.
Ballet Tuesdays at Landmark Center
Landmark Center, 75 W 5th St, St Paul, MN 55102
Excerpts from the classics, perfect for budding ballerinas. February 14, 12pm.
Urban Expedition: Norway
Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W, St Paul MN 55102
Travel the globe and learn about a new culture without hopping a plane! Experience Norway through music, food, crafts and exhibits. February 26, 2023. 1-3pm.
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 26, 2023, 2pm.
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.
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!