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.
This guide covers the weekend of January 20-21, 2024. Not finding the city you’re searching for? We also cover fun family events in the areas of:
What we appreciate after the holidays have wrapped is frugal entertainment. Most of our ideas for this weekend’s list of things to do in the Twin Cities are FREE or low-cost to attend. For more wintry inspiration, hop over to our JANUARY FAMILY EVENTS GUIDE, our ULTIMATE WINTER FUN GUIDE or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR. We try to keep it stocked with options to fit your family’s needs while having a good time doing it.
Winter festivals this weekend in the Twin Cities Northeast Metro
Rounded up for you are the best of the Twin Cities’ weekend winter festivals – ways to get out and play in the elements with your family! For more frosty festival fun jump over to our Twin Cities Winter Festival Family Calendar. It comprehensively covers events across the greater Twin Cities. Here we present a few options in the Northeast Metro.
New Brighton Brave the BRRR
Brightwood Hills Golf Course, 1975 Silver Lake Rd NW, New Brighton
Between now and January 29 you can search for 15 gnomes hidden along the path (and enter to win a prize). Fri-Sun starting shop an indoor market (3-7pm) and try out activities with the parks dept (as always, weather dependent). Plus, we’re sure you’re dying to know what kind of snow creation the Bartz Brothers have dreamed up this year. January 20-21, 2024.
Springbrook Nature Center Winterfest
100 85th Ave NW, Fridley, MN 55432
Past activities at this festival have included snowshoe and story hikes, carnival games, shelter building, bonfires and more. January 20, 2024, 12-3pm, FREE.
Fun outdoor activities in the Twin Cities Northeast Metro parks this weekend
We keep tabs on all kinds of outdoor activities hosted by local, county and regional park systems across the greater Twin Cities. The following are just a few of our suggestions this weekend. 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:
World Snow Sculpting Championships
201 Water St N, Stillwater, MN 55082
Stillwater’s riverside LOWELL PARK is front and center to even more classically cool happenings this weekend. Most importantly, it’s again time for sculptures to rise from great blocks of snow along the St Croix. You can come watch on Saturday until 2pm with awards at 4pm and a block party to follow from 6-9pm. Sunday is “Minnesnowta Nice Day” with a snowman hunt at local businesses, a snow slide, and Minnesota mascots. January 20-21, 2024. FREE admission.
More this weekend near Stillwater’s Lowell Park:
Water Inn’s free ice skating rink – Glide within view of the Chestnut Street lights, Stillwater Lift Bridge and the snow sculptures. Note that the rink is free, but there are no skate rentals available but there is a warming house this weekend only. Available now thru February 25, 2024. Located behind 101 Water St S, Stillwater, MN 55082.
Chestnut Street Winter lights display – The street is closed off to traffic and has been transformed into a winter wonderland. Last year, our family visited the free LED light show set to music one magical Friday night and had the whole street to ourselves! Lighting up now thru February 2024, 5-10pm nightly.
More outdoor winter activities in the Twin Cities Northeast Metro:
Try It: Ice Fishing at Silverwood Park
2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN 55421
Learn all about ice safety and fishing equipment with staff and try your line out on the lake. All ages can drop in anytime, though pre-registration preferred. January 21, 2024, 12-4pm. FREE.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids – Northeast Metro
Get crafty & creative this weekend
Lowe’s Kids Workshop – My First DIY Toolbox
11651 Ulysses St NE, Blaine, MN 55434
5888 Nova Scotia Ave, Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
Free Lowe’s kids workshops are geared towards your “mini-DIYer” about age 4-11. Caregivers will need to supervise. This month at Lowe’s, build a small toolbox. Learn more about Lowe’s Kids Workshops. January 20, 2024, 10am. FREE.
Marcus Theatres Kids Dream Family Film Series
5677 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128
Marcus Kids Dream series entitles ticket holder to two free passes to the movie of the weekend. You do need to get an e-voucher prior to the show! Grab popcorn and drink specials for just $3.50 each plus tax. This weekend screens Smallfoot. January 19-21, 2024.
Little Star Storytime at Forgotten Star
38 Northern Stacks Drive, Fridley, MN 55421
A children’s story followed by songs, crafts and the chance for littles to get bodies moving. Note this is held an hour before Forgotten Star opens, but beverages are served. Hosted by North Suburban Center for the Arts, a fine arts facility in Fridley. January 21, 2024, 11am-12pm. FREE.