Things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul this weekend!
This Twin Cities Family Weekend Guide covers events in Minneapolis & St Paul the weekend of January 13-14, 2024 — the weekend before MLK Jr Day. Want to discover family fun this weekend across the Twin Cities Metro Area? Browse our guides for the Northwest, Northeast, Southwest & Southeast communities. Happy New Year and happy exploring, wherever your weekend may take you!
Woke up to a chill in your bones this morning? It’s official: winter is upon us in the Twin Cities. The task now is figuring out the best way to go about embracing it this weekend! Keep in mind that this is a long weekend for many kids, some with Friday & Monday off of school, to observe Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Day. For more activity ideas, hop over to our JANUARY FAMILY EVENTS GUIDE, our ULTIMATE WINTER FUN 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! Minneapolis and St Paul are not hosting any winter bashes this weekend but we have recommendations for festivities in other areas of the metro. For more details, please jump over to our Twin Cities Winter Festival Family Calendar. Quicklist here:
- EAGAN: Frosty Festival – Friday, January 12
- WHITE BEAR LAKE: White Bear Center For the Arts Winter Open House – Saturday, January 13
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.
Some fun family ideas for this weekend:
Tropical Snowfari Weekend at Como Zoo & Conservatory
1225 Estabrook Drive, St Paul MN 55103
Escape the cold this weekend and head someplace a little more balmy. Free special adds at Como during MLK break include crafts, games, a scavenger hunt and animal enrichment programs. Plus, on the 13th, the Winter Flower Show opens and brightens up the Conservatory. Our family loves to escape the winter for a couple hours at Como. January 13-15, 2024, 10am-4pm. FREE.
Family Funday at North Mississippi Regional Park
5116 N Mississippi Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55412
This month’s theme is all about squirrels. Hike to search for them, play a squirrel game and make a squirrel craft. January 13, 2024, 10:30am-12pm. FREE.
Winter activity update
It has been a disappointing year for outdoor winter enthusiasts so far (and we regret having to postpone touting our city sledding hills and skating rink-finder week after week — we pop them on here in case you want to plan for snowier, chillier days ahead). As of this writing, there isn’t much more than a dusting of snow on the ground. On a positive note, outdoor ice rinks in Minneapolis are currently being flooded in anticipation of skaters and over in St Paul the refrigerated rinks are now open as the community flooded rinks are being prepared. Here’s where you can find these skating spots:
- North Dale Park, 1414 St Albans St N, Saint Paul, MN 55117 (includes one refrigerated hockey rink)
- Palace Park, 781 Palace Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55102
- Phalen Park, 1000 E Wheelock Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55106 (includes one refrigerated hockey rink)
There are also a few refrigerated outdoor ice skating rinks in other parts of the Twin Cities Metro that offer very attractive options:
- MAPLE GROVE CENTRAL PARK ICE SKATING LOOP (free ice skating, rentals available for $7.50)
- ROSEVILLE OVAL ($9/pp, rentals $5)
- MINNETONKA – DICKS HOUSE OF SPORT ICE RINK (free open skate slots, rentals $3)
- WOODBURY M HEALTH FAIRVIEW CENTER ice rink (free skating)
Prefer to skate indoor this weekend? BLOOMINGTON ICE GARDEN is offering FREE skating on Sunday as part of the Bloomington Winter Fete. January 14, 2024, 4-6:45pm.
Observe Martin Luther King, Jr Day - in the Twin Cities
Martin Luther King, Jr Day is Monday, January 15, 2024 in the Twin Cities. Minneapolis does this holiday up right with free events at community recreation centers. For more ways to observe the day, jump over to our TWIN CITIES MLK GUIDE.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Powderhorn Recreation Center, 3400 15th Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55407
Powderhorn neighborhood’s family-friendly, 2-hour artist showcase featuring storytellers, visual artists and performing artists. January 15, 2024, 10am-2pm. FREE.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center, 4055 Nicollet Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55409
The annual presentation of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Living the Dream award. This year’s entertainment will be a musical performance by Nunnabove. January 15, 2024, 6:30-8pm, FREE. Learn more on the Minneapolis Parks website.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids
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.
Cozy indoor activities in Minneapolis & St Paul
Holiday Night Trains at Twin City Model Railroad Museum
A special holiday tradition at the Twin City Model Railroad Museum, the Night Trains season magically transforms the museum layouts. Buildings and street lights glow, and throughout the museum the layouts are adorned with Christmas lights. January 13, 2024, 3-7pm. $15/pp.
Minneapolis Institute of Art Family Day
2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
Includes hands-on art activities, live music and dance, artist demos and special tours designed for kids. January 14, 2024, 10am-5pm.
Michaels Sunday Makebreak
1620 New Brighton Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55413-1643
Participating Michaels stores across the Twin Cities are offering free weekend “Makebreak” classes and “Take & Make” Kids Club crafts. They’re simple, yet could lend a nice personal touch to a small gift. This weekend kids can craft a decoupage mason jar. January 14, 2024, 2-4pm. FREE.
University of Minnesota Physics Force Show
84 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Physicists demonstrate their science with crazy stunts that are fun for kids (and adults) to watch and learn from. The shows are $5/pp and reservations are required. Held at Northrop Auditorium. January 13, 2023, shows at 11am & 2pm.
Always free to visit weekends
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- 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.