Things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul this weekend!
This May Twin Cities Family Weekend Guide covers the weekend of May 13-14, 2023 – Mother’s Day Weekend! Treat that most special of ladies – you call her Mom – to a day out this weekend. We’ve got some ideas around town to make her day extra special. For more inspiration on spending family time together this weekend, check our MAY FAMILY EVENTS GUIDE, our ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SPRING IN THE TWIN CITIES or our well-stocked FAMILY FUN CALENDAR.
TWIN CITIES MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND IDEAS
A great Mother’s Day gift could be as simple and spontaneous as a fun outing. Some ideas if you’re stumped:
Take a Mom Fishing Weekend
Mothers who are residents of Minnesota can fish without a license for species that have open fishing seasons. (Kids under 16 can fish without a license all the time). Dad will still need a license to fish (unless you choose a State Park). Find our list of the best fishing holes for families in the Twin Cities.
Take Mom to the Farmer’s Market
Mill City Farmers Market is a fantastic place to shop for fresh products and sightsee. We love this particular market for its location near all sorts of walkable, family-friendly attractions. Maybe Mom would like to shop for ingredients for a special dinner, then take a stroll across the STONE ARCH BRIDGE or around GOLD MEDAL PARK? Or make a day of it at the super fun MILL CITY MUSEUM!
FIND MORE FRESH FUN AT FARMERS MARKETS ACROSS THE TWIN CITIES THIS SPRING!
Twin City Model Railroad Hobby Show & Sale
Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave N, Falcon Heights, MN 55108
Operating train layouts plus Storytime with Engineer Paul (formerly of Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, for those who recall) at 10am and 12:30pm. May 13, 2023, 9am-2pm. $7/pp, kids under 8 FREE!
Pick out a sweet treat for Mom
Most Moms I know have a sweet tooth in there somewhere. Treat yours to a trip to one of our favorite independent candy stores. We love the retro-flavored Blue Sun Soda & Sweets Shop (Spring Lake Park, Richfield & Stillwater locations) and the goodies are endless at Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store (Jordan).
Go Out of This World with a planetarium show at the Bell Museum
Four intriguing shows to choose from, plus the museum to explore. Our kids love the made-over Bell Museum – have you checked it out yet? Learn more about taking kids here. You can bundle a show with the museum or purchase tickets separately. All weekend, $6-$17/pp. Reserve yours in advance.
Take Mom on a Bike Ride
I asked my tween daughter what SHE would choose to do on Mother’s Day and she picked a bike ride. Great idea! We have compiled a list of the Best Bike Trails for Families in Minneapolis & a version of St Paul’s Best Bike Trails for Families as well.
FUN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN THE PARKS THIS WEEKEND
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 parks across the Minneapolis-St Paul metro.
SOME FUN FAMILY IDEAS FOR THIS WEEKEND
Try visiting a new park or nature center
Check out the links on our big list of Twin Cities nature & interpretive centers for details on which buildings are open; all of these locations have outdoor trails to hike. Did you know that several of these nature centers have natural playgrounds nestled within them? You can build with natural materials, climb, balance, even wade and garden at some of the more elaborate spaces. This weekend’s featured photo comes from the nature play area at SPRINGBROOK NATURE CENTER in Fridley. Find our list of the best Twin Cities Nature Playgrounds.
Visit a Minnesota State Park
Eight Minnesota state parks are located within 60 miles of the heart of Minneapolis and St Paul; an hour’s drive or less. The current cost of a daily vehicle permit is $7. We share a few highlights of each HERE.
FEATURED TWIN CITIES PARK EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
SATURDAY MORNING ON THE FARM
Gale Woods Farm, 7210 County Rd 110 W, Minnetrista, MN 55364
Explore the barn, gardens, greenhouses and pastures and visit the new spring animals! May 13, 2023, 9:30am-12pm. $6/pp.
FIND MORE CHANCES TO MEET FUZZY MINNESOTA FARM BABIES!
Outdoor Fun & Art at Silverwood Park
Silverwood’s naturalists present Puppet Adventures around the park followed by a nature themed make-and-take craft. Take some time to explore the park’s sculpture trail. May 14, 2023, 1-3pm. FREE.
FREE FAMILY FUN DAY WITH THREE RIVERS PARKS
Join naturalists for free, drop-in and kid-friendly programming at MISSISSIPPI GATEWAY REGIONAL PARK (Brooklyn Park) and RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER (Bloomington). Explore the indoor exhibits while you’re at it. No reservations needed. May 14, 2023. 1-3pm. FREE.
MORE IDEAS FOR THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES WITH KIDS
Play a round of miniature golf
Did you know that 11 of the outdoor mini golf courses on our round up of the best in the Twin Cities have opened for the season? Choose between classic courses and inventive courses, beautifully artistic courses and techno courses, challenging putting courses for dad and pirate’s lair for son. We also have listed deals and coupons where we can.
ALWAYS FREE OR LOW COST THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES
Always free to visit weekends:
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Weisman Art Museum
- Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
- Caponi Art Park
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
