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 January 6-7, 2024. Not finding the city you’re searching for? We also cover fun family events in the areas of:
Start 2024 off right with a lively mix of indoor and outdoor activities to choose from this weekend. We sure appreciate a whole lot of frugal fun after the holidays have wrapped – so most ideas you’ll find here are free or low cost. For more ideas, 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. close to home — or want a break from it.
Fun outdoor activities in the Twin Cities Northeast Metro parks this weekendÂ
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: Go without snow!
Over here at FFTC, the lack of white stuff is kind of a hot-button issue – no one enjoys shoveling the walk or higher heating bills, but an absence of snow and chill makes it futile to promote all the great winter outdoor activity material we have prepared. But we press on – just like these two cities are doing – and make the most of it:
New Brighton Brave the BRRR
Brightwood Hills Golf Course, 1975 Silver Lake Rd NW, New Brighton
Come out any day between Jan 4-29 to search for 15 gnomes hidden along the path (and enter for the chance to win a prize). Fri-Sun starting January 5 you can shop an indoor market (3-7pm) and there should be activities hosted by the parks dept (these will be weather dependent). The biggest draw will be another massive Bartz snow sculpture – but creation has been pushed to mid-January. Stay tuned for the unveiling!
Wintertime in Stillwater
Stillwater’s riverside LOWELL PARK is front and center to several classically cool happenings this weekend. Can’t make it out on short notice? That just fine – these events are meant to be enjoyed throughout the winter months (and they don’t require snow!).
Water Inn’s free ice skating rink opens – Not a large rink, but well maintained and close to downtown and free public parking lots. It’s located right behind the Water Street Inn. Note that the rink is free, but there are no skate rentals available or a warming house. The ice rink is available starting January 6-February 25, 2024. Located behind 101 Water St S, Stillwater, MN 55082
Water Street Inn ice skating rink – glide within view of the Chestnut Street lights and the Stillwater Lift Bridge!
Winter lights display – Chestnut Street in historic downtown Stillwater has 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! Come see for yourself while exploring the downtown shops and spots to grab dinner. Lighting up now thru February 2024, 5-10pm nightly.
Find more of the best things to do in Stillwater this winter with kids!
Snow tubing update in the Northeast Metro
The two major (and only – could someone reach out and correct me if this is wrong?) snow tubing venues in the Twin Cities Northeast Metro are currently busy at work trying to manufacture the stuff Mother Nature hasn’t yet blessed us with.
- GREEN ACRES, Lake Elmo: Tubing is currently closed. Should conditions allow it to open for the weekend, tubing slots are from 11am-5pm, $20/2 hrs.
BADLANDS SNOW PARK, Hudson: As of this publishing, tubing sessions are not being scheduled. If this changes for the weekend, 3-hr passes are $23/pp.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids – Northeast Metro
Need indoor activity ideas? Try a new indoor playground
New Brighton Community Center, 400 10th St NW, New Brighton, MN 55112
For Minnesota parents it’s absolutely essential to understand we can escape the elements and still keep the kids active and content. During the frigid winter months we try to highlight the best indoor playgrounds in the Minneapolis-St Paul area in the hopes you’ll find add a new space to your list: This weekend we feature Eagles Nest Indoor Playground in New Brighton. Kids will go nuts for the web tower, slides, playable giant piano keys, a tight rope, and a hanging foam forest. There’s a dedicated space for toddlers and crawlers, too. Admission $8/child up to age 12.Â
MORE INDOOR PLAY SPACES IN THE TWIN CITIES NORTHEAST METRO:
- BLAINE & OAKDALE: SkyZone Indoor Trampoline Park
- HUDSON, WI: Giggle Factory & Jungle Gym Indoor Playground
- MOUNDS VIEW: InnerActive Playground & Zero Gravity Adventure Park
- SHOREVIEW: Tropical Adventures
FIND OUR ULTIMATE LIST OF TWIN CITIES-AREA INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS!
Family Tot Time Open Gym at Hayes Elementary
615 Mississippi St NE, Fridley, MN 55432
As it cools off outside, heat up indoors with large-motor activities such as balls, hoops, scooters and jump ropes. January 6, 2024, 10:15am-12:15pm. $2/child or $4/family.
Cozy up at an indoor storytime
Tales in the Taproom at Northern Soda
Northern Soda, 601 Campus Dr #10b, New Brighton, MN 55112
Local author and WCCO journalist Shayla Reeves will read from her children’s book Echo In the Distance, written about Dr King’s famous speech. Enjoy some on-tap craft soda while you’re at it. January 7, 2024, 2-3pm. FREE.