March Weekend Family Fun: So Long, Winter!
Things to do in Minneapolis-St Paul this weekend!
March 16-17, 2019
Still embracing the chance to play in all that white stuff or are you over winter? Either way, we have ideas on how to spend your family time this weekend. For more inspiration, check our March Family Guide or our Family Fun Calendar.
ST PATRICK’S DAY PICKS
Two St Patrick’s Day parades march through the Twin Cities on March 16 to celebrate Irish heritage. Whether or not it’s in your blood, there’s plenty of spirit across the Twin Cities around St Patrick’s Day.
- St. Paul’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Rice Park, 12pm)
- Minneapolis’ 50 Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Marquette Ave, 6:30pm). Families are invited to participate in this parade ($25) or spectate for free.
- St. Patrick’s Day Irish Celebration | Landmark Center, St Paul | March 16,10am-5pm | $5-$7/pp | Regional and local Irish entertainment, Irish dance, Celtic vendors, Irish Cuisine, pipe bands and children’s crafts and entertainment. The fun continues on 3/17/19 with An Irish Day of Dance at Landmark, 11am-5pm, $5-$7/pp.
MAPLE SYRUP PICKS
Snow be darned, it’s the season of flowing sap and maple syrup. Get up close to observe this sweet process at an event at these Twin Cities parks or see our weekend picks below:
Sat, March 16: Maple Syrup Through History | The Landing, Shakopee
Families can visit with maple syrup makers from the past as they travel around the re-created historic village. 10am-2pm, $5-$8/pp.
Sat, March 16: Maple Syrup Fun | Gale Wood Farm, Minnetrista
Taste maple treats at this working farm and make a craft to take home. Activities are ongoing; stay an hour or the whole morning. 9:30am-noon, $5/pp.
Sun, March 17: Maple Syrup Festival | Wargo Nature Center, Lino Lakes
Learn about the tradition of gathering maple sap and cooking it down to make maple syrup and sugar. Make maple crafts and go on a scavenger hunt. Pre-registration required. 2-4pm, $5/pp+ vehicle fee.
HERE COMES SPRING!
Sat, Mar 16 & Sun, Mar 17: Hop Into Spring Weekend | Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St Paul
A trip to the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory can instantly lift the spirits in those first few fickle weeks of spring in Minnesota. Here’s what you can catch blooming this weekend: games, crafts, special zookeeper talks, activities with Xcel Energy, and the opening of the Spring Flower Show. 10am-4pm, FREE.
STILL INTO THE SNOW?
Sat, March 16: Free Play Snow Day | Three Rivers Parks
Make the best of our extended winter with FREE events across several Three Rivers Parks: free ski and snowshoe rentals, free beginner ski lessons, discounted tubing, free maple syrup programs, bonfires and more.
MORE IDEAS
Fri, March 15: March Star Party | Bell Museum
Have you made your way to the brand new Bell Museum yet? Here’s a chance to get a FREE taste of the new planetarium – and explore the night sky with the aid of pros and a telescope on the museum’s outdoor observation deck. The program is recommended for families with kids ages 7 & up. Reservations are required. 8-9:30pm.
Sun, March 17: 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.