Things to do in Minneapolis-St Paul this weekend!
JANUARY 18-20, 2020
For more inspiration, hop over to our Family Fun Events Calendar or our January Twin Cities Family Events Guide.
Not the weekend you’re searching for? Jump over to our Weekend Events Guide page.
OBSERVE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR DAY – Monday, Jan 20
Rev Dr Martin Luther King, Jr Celebrations in Minneapolis Parks – All Minneapolis Park observances are FREE, open to the public and appropriate for families. No reservations necessary.
3-4 pm: Central Gym
6:30-8pm: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center
WEEKEND OUTDOOR PICKS
For more frosty festival fun jump over to our Twin Cities Winter Festival Family Calendar.
Fri, Jan 17-Sun, Jan 19: Arctic Fever | Excelsior, Shorewood & Tonka Bay
Free pizza and fire dance demos (Fri), sledding, sleighrides, skating and other classic winter fun. FREE admission, some activities have a fee.
Sat, Jan 18: Art Shanty Projects | Lake Harriet, Minneapolis
Back for 2020! Not only are these 19 unique ice houses designed by local artists, they are strongly encouraged to be interactive and fun! Great for families with kids. Weekends only through Feb 9, 2020. 10am-4pm. FREE admission with donations encouraged.
Sat, Jan 18: Winter Blast | Staring Lake Park, Eden Prairie
Sledding, ice skating (BYO), crafts, outdoor games, and a bonfire. 11am-2pm, FREE.
Sat, Jan 18: Winterfest | Springbrook Nature Center, Fridley
Snowshoe & story hikes, carnival games, shelter building, and bonfires. 12-3pm, FREE.
Mon, Jan 20: Winter Play Day | Silverwood Park, St Anthony
How to entertain the kids while school’s out? Head to Silverwood Park for a FREE day of fun in the snow: kite-making, a snowman building contest, marshmallow roast and, when it’s time to warm up, an indoor concert. FREE kites to the first 40 kids who show; additional kites can be purchased for $6. 11am-4:30pm.
Mon, Jan 20: Free 3rd Monday | Minnesota Landscape Arborteum, Chaska | 8am-5pm
WEEKEND INDOOR PICKS
Target Free 3rd Sunday | Minnesota Children’s Museum, St Paul
Explore the newly renovated and expanded museum free! Keep in mind that this program is very popular and you may wait in line to be admitted. 9am-5pm.
MLK Jr Community Day | Minnesota History Center
Family day of music, poetry, and celebration. The VocalEssence youth choir will perform and families can drop in to work on art activities and service projects. 11-3pm, $6-12 museum admission.
Not sure your younger ones are up for a trip to the museum? Here’s why they’ll love it: Top Picks for Kids – Minnesota History Center.
Sat, Jan 18: MacPhail Free Family Music Series: Orkestar Bez Ime | Minneapolis
Open houses include concerts geared towards kids (including wiggle room and close proximity to the performers onstage), a chance to play with instruments, snacks and more. 10am & 11am concerts. FREE.
MORE IDEAS to keep you going this long weekend and beyond
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.
Across the Twin Cities sledding, ice skating, skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing spots are humming with activity. Skate FREE with a beautiful backdrop at:
- Wells Fargo WinterSkate | St Paul (skate rental $5 or one free pair w/ card)
- Minneapolis WinterSkate (free skating and rental)
- Skate the Star | Mall of America (free skating & rental but deposit required)
Always free to visit weekends
- 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
- 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.