Things to do in the Twin Cities Northwest Metro this weekend – with kids & family!
This Weekend Family Guide includes events and activities near the Twin Cities, Minnesota, communities of Albertville, Andover, Anoka, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, Crystal, Dayton, Elk River, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, Osseo, Otsego, Plymouth, Ramsey, Robbinsdale, Rogers & St Michael.
This guide covers the weekend of March 14-15, 2026. Not finding the city you’re searching for? We also cover fun family events in the areas of:
Twin Cities Northwest Metro events for families
Sunday, March 15, 2026
⚈ 8:00 am - 10:00 am: Third-Sunday Sensory Friendly Play - Urban Air Plymouth, Plymouth⚈ 10:00 am - 9:00 pm: Snow Tubing at Elm Creek - Elm Creek Winter Recreation Area, Maple Grove
⚈ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Cheap Skate Sunday Funday - Cheap Skate, Coon Rapids
⚈ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Eastman Free Funday Sunday: Maple Tapping - Eastman Nature Center, Maple Grove
⚈ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: French Park Free Family Fun Day - French Regional Park, Plymouth
⚈ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Baker Maple Syruping - Baker Outdoor Learning Center, Maple Plain
Welcome to March in the Twin Cities!
In March we’re springing on you a fresh mix of things to do this weekend indoors and out. For more ideas, hop over to our March Family Guide or our Family Fun Calendar. We try to keep it stocked with options to fit your family’s size, budget, styles and other needs.Â
Fun outdoor activities in the Twin Cities Northwest 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 Northwest Metro parks.
Featured family fun ideas for this weekend: It’s maple syrup month!
We’re upon the season of flowing sap and maple syrup in Minnesota. Get up close to observe this sweet process at an event at these Twin Cities parks or see our weekend schedule below for MAPLE SYRUP FAMILY PROGRAMS: in the Twin Cities Northwest Metro:
MAPLE GROVE Journey Into the Sugarbush at Eastman Nature Center
13351 Elm Creek Road, Dayton, MN 55369
EASTMAN NATURE CENTER is operated by Three Rivers Parks – a collection of park locations that traditionally offer an abundance of inexpensive, family-friendly opportunities to learn about maple syrup. This year, Eastman has scheduled a naturalist-led exploration of the sugarbush and the process of tapping maples trees and turning sap into syrup. Registration is required. March 14, 2026, 1-2:30pm or 3-4:30pm. $6/pp.
MAPLE PLAIN Maple Syruping at Baker Outdoor Learning Center
2309 Baker Park Road, Maple Plain, MN 55359
It’s worth a trip out to BAKER OUTDOOR LEARNING CENTER northwest of Minneapolis-St Paul to take in a spring maple syrup program. Learn about maple tree tapping and boiling sap into syrup. Then, taste test to see if you can tell grocery store syrup from the real stuff. Outdoor program. Registration is required by two days prior. March 15, 2026, two sessions. $6/pp.Â
MORE MAPLE SYRUP THIS WEEKENDÂ Find more tapping programs in the Twin Cities Metro this weekend on this quicklist:
- TWIN CITIES SOUTHEAST METRO, Hastings: Carpenter Nature Center Maple Syrup Program. March 14, 2026, 1-3pm. $8/pp
- TWIN CITIES SOUTHWEST METRO, Eden Prairie: Maple Syrup Making at Eden Prairie Outdoor Center. March 8, 2026, 1-2:30pm. $12/family.
More nature programs this weekend in the Twin Cities Northwest Metro
BROOKLYN PARK Geocaching for Smores at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
10360 W River Rd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444
This weekend, learn the basics of geocaching and use your new skills to hunt for smores ingredients in the park. Register ahead. March 14, 2026, 1-3pm. $6/pp.
PLYMOUTH Free Family Fun Day at French Regional Park
12605 Rockford Rd, Plymouth, MN 55441
This weekend, join a park naturalist for a guided walk on the trails. A few pairs of binoculars will be available to borrow so you can try to spot some early spring wildlife. No need to register, just show up before 2pm at the visitor center. March 15, 2026, 2-3pm. FREE.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids – Northwest Metro
OTSEGO Pot ‘O Gold Parent Survival Night
9075 Quantrelle Ave, Otsego, MN 55330
Prep for a St Patrick’s date night by reserving space for your kiddo at this special drop-off program. Themed “Pot ‘O Gold”, kids get to play obstacle course all over the equipment for hours of fun and enjoy a pizza dinner. March 14, 2026, 4:30-7:30pm. $40/child, member discount.
GOLDEN VALLEYÂ Animal Humane Society Rescue Readers
845 Meadow Ln N, Golden Valley, MN 55422
What a paw-esome way to give back with kids! How to go about booking your one-hour slot to read to a rescue animal: first, you’ll need to watch an orientation video online. Once trained, you can book your reading session. Only registered readers pay the fee (look at it as a donation to your furry friends) but an adult must be present. Grab your spot quickly as this is a popular way to give back. March 14, 2026, 9-10am & 10:30-11:30pm. $10/reader.
More free things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities Northwest Metro
ANOKAÂ Avant Garden Bookstore Saturday Story Hour
215 E Main St, Anoka, MN 55303
Kids will enjoy a storytime just for them and their grown-ups might appreciate that that the bookstore is also a coffee shop. March 14, 2026, 10-11am. FREE.