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, Forest Lake, Fridley, Hugo, Lino Lakes, Maplewood, Mounds View, New Brighton, Roseville, Oakdale, Shoreview, St Anthony, Vadnais Heights & White Bear Lake.
This guide covers the weekend of November 25-26, 2023 – the weekend after Thanksgiving. Not finding the city you’re searching for? We also cover fun family events in the areas of:
The Twin Cities are ushering in the holiday season in earnest now. FFTC, full of the spirit, has highlighted some festive events in the Northeast Metro to get you inspired in the weeks to come. For more family weekend ideas hop over to our THANKSGIVING IN THE TWIN CITIES GUIDE, our NOVEMBER FAMILY GUIDE or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR.
Holiday events this weekend in the Twin Cities Northeast Metro
Find Santa this weekend in the Twin Cities Northeast Metro
Breakfast with Santa at Lino Lakes Fire Station
7741 Lake Dr., Lino Lakes, MN
Yum! Join Santa in partnering for a breakfast fundraiser at the fire station. November 25, 2023, 8:30-10:30am. Suggested donation of $5/pp.
Santa Photos at Forgotten Star Brewing
38 Northern Stacks Dr, Fridley, MN 55421
Come one, come all, bring your littles or your pals. Photos with Santa at the brewery. November 25, 2023, 12-4pm. FREE.
Strolling Santa at Blaine’s Winter Celebration
Tom Ryan Park, 10802 Town Square Drive NE, Blaine, MN 55449
Santa and his reindeer will be strolling Blaine’s winter celebration (but won’t be available for individual visits or photos this year). November 26, 2023; 4:30pm-7:30pm.
Santa Claus at Forest Lake Masonic Lodge
119 8th Ave SE, Forest Lake, MN 55025
Photos, cookies and cocoa with Santa Claus – free for kids and families, sponsored by the Forest Lake Masons. November 26, 2023, 12-3pm. FREE. Find more places to spot Santa in the Twin Cities!
Shine on: Christmas & holiday lights events this weekend in the Twin Cities Northeast Metro
Taylors Falls Lighting Festival
Downtown Taylors Falls, Minnesota
The annual tree lighting takes place at 6pm downtown. Festival highlights include the Santa Parade, Christmas at the Folsom House, storytime with Mrs. Claus and wagon rides. November 24-26, 2023.
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.
Gnomesgiving Gnome Hunt
Sunny Square Park, 2200 Sunnyside Terrace, New Brighton, MN 55112
Get outdoors and see if you can spy all 15 gnomes hidden among the new playground equipment and other enhanced park features. Post a photo to Facebook to be entered in a gift card drawing. Gnomes will be hiding thru November 29, 2023.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids – Northeast Metro
Cozy with sweets & treats
Blue Sun Soda & Sweet Shop Turns 8!
1625 County Highway 10 Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
In celebration of the sweet shop’s 8th birthday you can take free tours (12 & 1:30pm), taste free soda and shop for specials. My kids like the old-fashioned arcade games and pinball. November 25, 2023, 11am-7pm.
Need indoor activity ideas? Try a new indoor playground or open gym
4580 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126
For Minnesota parents it’s essential to know where to escape the elements and still keep the kids active and happy. During the months of November through March we try to highlight the best indoor playgrounds in the Minneapolis-St Paul area in the hopes of helping you add a new space to your list: This weekend we feature TROPICAL ADVENTURES INDOOR PLAYGROUND in Shoreview. My littles have had a ball climbing through the jungle-themed apparatus with its customary slides and caves. Make a day of visiting the Shoreview Community Center by hitting Tropics Indoor Waterpark (extra charges apply). $6.25-$6.75/child. FIND OUR ULTIMATE LIST OF TWIN CITIES-AREA INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS!
