Things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul this weekend!
This Twin Cities Family Weekend Guide covers the weekend of November 19-20, 2022. To find our most recent guide, click here.
You’d better watch out! The holiday season will be descending upon the Twin Cities this weekend. We’ve highlighted some festive events to get you in the spirit. For more ideas on things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids, hop over to our NOVEMBER FAMILY 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 you need a break from it.
Early Holiday Events This Weekend in the twin cities
Find Santa this weekend in the Twin Cities
Bachman’s Santa & Albert’s Annual Holiday Play
6010 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Have fun interacting with Santa and Albert! We are hoping to see the duo perform in this year’s edition of Bachman’s annual holiday play. The plays are about 20 minutes long and include caroling and photo opps with Santa & Albert. Starts November 19 and runs weekends through December 18, 2022.
Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s
8400 Hudson Rd, Woodbury, MN 55125
Make your reservation to meet with Santa and get a free photo! Plus, browse Santa’s Toy Shop and take in the other fun attractions at Cabela’s. Nov 5-Dec 24, 2022.
The Santa Experience at Mall of America
Mall of America Level, 2131 Lindau Lane, Bloomington, MN 55425
Book your appointment with Santa Claus at the Mall. Packages for purchase. Nov 19-Dec 24, 2022.
Twin Cities Holiday Shopping Events This Weekend
Make it the year to shop local or choose handcrafted gifts (we know grandparents love those most!) While we appreciate it’s not always a festive event to bring the kids along to tackle the holiday gift list, these events keep the whole family in mind with entertainment and other diversions. You may even find Santa!
Stillwater Christmas at the Courthouse
The historic courthouse will be all decorated for the season. To entertain kids while shopping: there’s a scavenger hunt around the courthouse they might enjoy. Saturday, November 19 & Sunday, November 20, 2022. This event is just one of many for families during Stillwater’s 2022 Hometown For the Holidays season, running through December 31.
Holiday Walk in the Woods Open House
The Woods Gifts | Woodbury & Maple Grove locations
Visit with Santa and his reindeer at this annual Holiday shopping event. Activities include a visit from Santa and (Maple Grove only) his reindeer. November 19, 2022, 9am-3pm.
More Holiday Events This weekend in the Twin Cities
Holiday Night Trains at twin City model railroad museum
668 Transfer Rd Ste. 8, St Paul, MN 55114
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. Saturdays, November 5, 2022-Feb 2023. $15/pp.
Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer The musical: Pay-What-You-Can-Day
Stages Theater, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343 Hopkins
The tickets (up to 6) must be reserved in advance by calling the box office. The day of the performance you make a donation of any amount on your way into the theater. This program strives to make theatre accessible to all families. November 22, 2022. 4pm show only.
Find our complete 2022 guide to the holidays in minneapolis-St paul, the twin cities.
fun outdoor activities in the parks this weekend in the twin cities
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: All About Turkeys
Turkey Talk Naturalist Program
Fort Snelling State Park
Turkeys can often be spotted at Fort Snelling State Park. In this family-friendly program you’ll learn to “talk turkey”, and find out more about these park residents. Dress for the weather and meet at the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center. Nov 19, 2022. 10am, FREE, but $7 vehicle permit required for park entry.
Let’s Talk Turkey at Dodge nature Center
365 Marie Ave W, West St Paul, MN 55118
Learn all about turkeys, including the ones who inhabit the nature center preserve. Program is designed for all ages. Pre-registration required. November 19, 2022, 1-2pm. $5/pp.
Turkey Program at Westwood Hills Nature Center
8300 W Franklin Ave, St Louis Park, MN 55426
Program includes a hike, a craft and hands-on learning about turkeys. Follow the link to register. November 20, 3-4:30pm. $5-$8/pp.
Free Family Fun Day: Turkey Talk
Richardson Nature Center, 8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Learn fun turkey facts, take home a turkey coloring page and try to spot a turkey from the wildlife viewing room. November 20, 2022, 3-4pm. FREE, drop in.
Featured Twin Cities Park Events this weekend
FREE FAMILY FUN DAY WITH THREE RIVERS PARKS
Drop in for free family nature programming – make sure to dress for the outdoors as well as spending time indoors exploring the hands-on exhibits. All programs held on November 20, 2022:
- MISSISSIPPI GATEWAY REGIONAL PARK, Brooklyn Park: Meet the Animal Ambassadors, 1-3pm.
- RICHARSON NATURE CENTER, Bloomington: Turkey Talk, 3-4pm.
FAMILY NATURE EXPLORATION SATURDAYS
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. This weekend’s theme animal survival during the winter. Kids will enjoy the indoor exhibits and outdoor nature play area. November 19, 2022, 10-11am. FREE.
more ideas for things to do this weekend in the twin cities with kids
National Family Volunteer Day – Saturday, November 19, 2022
There isn’t a day on the calendar that’s not a great time to put into practice the idea of giving back, but Thanksgiving time might make a special impact on kids. If it doesn’t fit the schedule this weekend, we’ve got a list of FUN volunteering opportunities that can be taken on as a family both at and away from home. Check the link for details.
NEED INDOOR ACTIVITY IDEAS?
If it’s time to head indoors with the kids but still want to get out of the house, here are a couple ideas:
TRY A NEW INDOOR PLAYGROUND
For Minnesota parents it’s a must to know where to escape the elements and still keep those kids active and having fun. During the months of November through March we feature the best indoor playgrounds in the Minneapolis-St Paul area in the hopes of helping you discover something new: This week we highlight the KUBE Indoor Playground in Plymouth. Kids Ultimate Backyard Experience (or KUBE) brings backyard fun indoors with playhouses, ramps, slides towers with ladders. Best for ages 2-12. $5-$6/child. Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Avenue North, Plymouth, MN 55447.
FIND OUR ULTIMATE LIST OF TWIN CITIES-AREA INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS!
Lattes & LEGOS at Snapology Discovery Center
2649 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Lattes & LEGOS® is back! Enjoy 1 delicious beverage from Bob’s Java Hut (next door to Snapology) while your kiddo plays at Snapology for a reduced price! Either bring your drink over to the Discovery Center to build with your child, or if they are 5+, drop them off while you enjoy your coffee or tea over at Bob’s. November 20, 2022, 9-11:30am. $12/child.
STORYTIME IN THE GALLERY
Museum of Russian Art, 5500 Stevens Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Currently, the museum is offering a FREE Storytime in the Gallery the third Saturday of the month with no charge for adults to accompany their kids. Take home a copy of the story (this month it’s “The Nutcracker” for the holidays) and explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt. Please pre-register. November 19, 2022, 10:30am.
CRAFT & CREATE FOR FREE!
Lowe’s Kids Workshop
Participating Lowe’s locations invite young makers to the store Saturday to build a dancing turkey toy. Please register for a timeslot in advance. November 19, 2022, 9am-12pm. FREE.
MICHAELS SUNDAY MAKEBREAK
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 pretty pinecone table decoration. November 20, 2022, 2-4pm.
Need more indoor activity ideas? Try these to combat boredom if you’re stuck at home:
- 75 Fun Indoor Games for Kids: Boredom Busters for All Ages
- Make a Crafty DIY Turkey for Thanksgiving
- 6 Websites That Make Screen Time into Family Time
- FFTC’s Guide to Family Boredom Busters
Find hundreds more things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul with kids!