Things to do in the Twin Cities Northeast Metro this weekend – with kids & family!
This Weekend Family Guide includes events and activities near the Twin Cities, Minnesota, communities of Blaine, Centerville, Forest Lake, Fridley, Hugo, Lino Lakes, Maplewood, Mounds View, New Brighton, Roseville, Oakdale, Scandia, Shoreview, St Anthony, Stillwater, Vadnais Heights & White Bear Lake.Â
This guide covers the weekend of April 27-28, 2024. Not finding the city you’re searching for? We also cover fun family events in the areas of:
Welcome to spring in the Twin Cities!
Fresh and fun family ideas for the season hand-picked for you and yours. You can find a bouquet here in our weekend guide and even more ideas over in our GUIDE TO SPRING IN THE TWIN CITIES. We try to keep it stocked with options to fit your family’s needs, tastes, size and budget no matter the season or reason. And make a stop on our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR for a complete listing of weekend events.
Schubert Club Music Museum
FamilyJam is a new free program for kids and families at the Schubert Club Music Museum in St. Paul's Landmark Center which comprises short 25-30 minute concerts followed by Music Museum activities, including hands-on instrument playing, instrument demonstrations and musician meet and greets. All FamilyJam concerts and Music Museum admission are free. Registration is required.
Twin Cities Northeast Metro Family Fun Calendar
Fun activities in the Twin Cities Northeast Metro parks this weekend
The following is just a sampling of all we’re keeping track of 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 Northeast Metro parks.
It’s Arbor Day in the Twin Cities!
Friday, April 26th is Arbor Day in 2024, a day dedicated to celebrating the beauty and importance of trees. Many Arbor Day events are marked in our TWIN CITIES WEEKLY ACTIVITY GUIDE, such as the Minneapolis Arbor Day Celebration. Hosted by McRae Park, families and kids can join in tree-themed activities, listen to live music and choose dinner from food trucks. April 26, 2024, 4-8 pm. FREE.
Here are a few more Arbor Day events taking place this Saturday in other communities around the Twin Cities:
Valley Eco Fair
Pioneer Park, 515 2nd St N, Stillwater, MN 55082
Family entertainment, games and activities that encouraging sustainable living plus vendors and food trucks in the park. Let’s hope for awesome spring weather! April 27, 2024, 11am-3pm. FREE.
More spring events this weekend in the parks
Roseville Kite Day in the Park
Rosebrook Park, 2590 Fry St, Roseville MN
Bring your own kite to fly or pick up one of 350 free kites and help fill the sky with spring colors. April 27, 2024, 10am-12pm. FREE. GET READY FOR SUMMER! Rosebrook Park is the only city park in Roseville with a wading pool free and open to the public. Plans are on the table to replace the wading pool with a splash pad in the future, but for now kids can still enjoy a dip between Memorial Day and Labor Day. We rate Rosebrook one of the 10 BEST PARKS IN ROSEVILLE, MINNESOTA, TO EXPLORE THIS SUMMER!
Silverwood Park International Sculpture Day TourÂ
In honor of this designated day, take a guided tour of the park’s quirky sculptures then try your hand at creating your own with guidance from local artists. April 27, 2024. Tour from 10-11am & art from 1-3pm. FREE. FIND MORE TWIN CITIES SCULPTURE PARKS TO EXPLORE ART THIS SUMMER!
Try visiting a new state park or nature center!
Check out the links on our big list of Twin Cities nature & interpretive centers for details. All of these locations have outdoor trails to hike and fun indoor exhibits. 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. For more about these, find our list of the best Twin Cities Nature Playgrounds.
Free admission to Minnesota State ParksÂ
Did you know there are 9 Minnesota State Parks & State Recreation Areas within an hour’s drive of the center of Minneapolis-St Paul? This Saturday, the vehicle fee is waived in honor of Earth Day. Interested in a state park in the Northeast Metro? Here are two we recommend:
Wild River State Park
39797 Park Trail, Center City, MN 55012
Bringing your family? You’ll be happy to know there park offers an easy paved bike trail, a self-guided hike along the river & free loaner equipment like GPS units; birding and fishing tools & kids discovery kits. The visitor center has exhibits and a large deck overlooking the St Croix River.
SPECIAL EVENT: To celebrate Earth Day, Wild River is hosting EarthFest 2024 this Saturday! Kids can absolutely get involved in bird walks, live music to picnic to, and naturalist presentations. April 27, 2024, 7:30am-5pm. FREE.
William O’Brien State Park
16821 O Brien Trail N, Marine on St Croix, MN 55047
Also on the banks of the St Croix river, the park hosts family programming year-round and a location close to Stillwater-area attractions to make a day or weekend of it. Our family has enjoyed hiking, biking, swimming, paddling and tent camping at William O’Brien State Park.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids – Northeast Metro
Meet the Spring Farm Babies!
Waldoch Farm Open House
8174 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes, MN, 55014
Kids can plant a spring pot and visit the baby farm animals in the Joyer Barnyard. Free this weekend only – a great deal because as soon as the Adventure Farm officially opens for the summer (June 15) it will be at the admission price of $11/pp. April 27-28, 2024.
FIND ALL THE SWEET MINNESOTA FARM BABIES THIS SPRING!
Goldfish Swim School Free Trial Event
7055 10th Street N Suite 100 Oakdale, MN 55128
With summer swim season ahead, come get yourself a free 30-minute swim lesson at your child’s skill level. Make sure to register ahead of time. April 27, 2024, 2-4pm.
