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 March 9-10, 2024. Not finding the city you’re searching for? We also cover fun family events in the areas of:
Welcome to March in the Twin Cities!
Can you feel that tinge of spring in the air? The one that says an explosion of outdoor activities is just around the corner? We’re featuring many of those this weekend in our roundup of Northeast Metro family fun. And most of what we’re listing here is FREE to attend! 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 needs, tastes, size and budget.
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.
Featured family fun ideas for this weekend: It’s maple syrup month!
March welcomes the season of bountiful sap and syrup in Minnesota. Our parks do this natural event up right with maple syrup programs for families across Twin Cities parks. We don’t know of any in the Northeast Metro this weekend but here’s what’s on the schedule in other communities. See our MAPLE SYRUP FAMILY PROGRAMS round-up for a complete listing:
- TWIN CITIES NORTHWEST METRO, Maple Grove: Journey Into the Sugarbush at Eastman Nature Center.
- TWIN CITIES SOUTHWEST METRO, West St Paul: Dodge Nature Center Pancake Breakfast. (FREE!)Â
- TWIN CITIES SOUTHWEST METRO, Eden Prairie: Maple Syrup Making at Eden Prairie Outdoor Center.
- TWIN CITIES SOUTHWEST METRO, Victoria: Journey Into the Sugarbush at Lowry Nature Center.Â
More park events this weekend in the Twin Cities Northeast Metro
Bird Hike at Big Marine Park Reserve
17495 Manning Trail N, Marine on St Croix, MN 55047
We recommend this activity as something to do with tweens or teens – take a guided bird hike and learn how to identify species by their song. Or just enjoy getting outside and searching for signs of spring at the park. Big Marine Park has a large playground if the weather’s right. March 9, 2024, 9-10:30am. Hike is free, a $7 vehicle permit is required to enter Washington County Parks.
New Brighton Spring Gnome Search
Vermont Park, 150 1st Ave SE, New Brighton MN
The gnomes are back at it in New Brighton Parks (did you catch their winter hunt at the golf course?) This time they’ve invaded Vermont Park and you’ll have to leave the path to discover them. As usual, snap a pic with them and post on socials to be entered into a prize drawing. Through March 21, 2024. FREE.
Oakdale Indoor Market & Discovery Center
4444 Hadley Avenue N, Oakdale, MN 55128
After browsing the indoor vendors to pick up tasty local treats, definitely stop in at the Discovery Center so kids can play around with natural objects and view an aquarium and a beehive. March 9, 2024, 9am-1pm. FREE admission.
Art & Nature Exploration at Silverwood Park
Silverwood Park, 2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN 55421
Start with storytime in the Great Hall, get hands-on with objects from nature and do a related art activity. If you like, join a naturalist afterwards for a guided hike.  March 10, 2024, 1-3pm. LEARN MORE ABOUT SILVERWOOD PARK.
More ideas for free things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids - Northeast Metro
Maker Kids Take-and-Make Kits
Stop into the Northeast Metro Ramsey County library branches in Maplewood, Mounds View, New Brighton and North St. Paul this weekend to pick up a take-home maker kit. FREE while supplies last. Choose from puzzle-making (designed for ages 5+) and spring craft kits (pre-K) available between 10-11am. March 9, 2024. FREE.
Family Fun Day at Forgotten Star
38 Northern Stacks Drive, Fridley, MN 55421
Especially if you’re a fan of local authors, listen up: here’s a chance to meet several, grab free ice cream sandwiches, get your face painted, play lawn games and take mascot photos. March 9, 2024, 12-5pm. FREE.
Safe Hands Rescue Meet & Greet
Bachmans Fridley, 8200 University Ave NE
Meet puppies in the greenhouse and learn about safe lawn care products. March 9, 2024, 11am-1pm. FREE.
Lakeshore Learning: World of Discovery
1721 Beam Ave A, Maplewood, MN 55109
Pick up a passport and “travel” around the globe learning about world habitats. As always, hands-on activities perfect for the eager-to-learn preschooler. March 9, drop in from 11am-3pm. FREE.