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 18-19, 2023 – the weekend before Thanksgiving. Not finding the city you’re searching for? We also cover fun family events in the areas of:
- Twin Cities Southeast Metro
- Twin Cities Southwest Metro
You’d better watch out! Here comes the holiday season descending upon the Twin Cities this weekend. We’ve collected several festive events in the Northeast Metro to help get you in the spirit. For more inspiration on things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids, hop over to our NOVEMBER FAMILY GUIDE or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR.
Twin Cities Northeast Metro Family Fun Calendar
Holiday events this weekend in the Twin Cities Northeast Metro
Family-friendly Twin Cities holiday shopping events this weekend
Make it the year to shop local or choose the handcrafted gifts the grandparents love. We can appreciate it’s not always a festive event to bring the kids along to tackle the holiday gift list, but you might find these events to be entertaining for the whole family. You may even find Santa!
Minnesota Waldorf School Holiday Fair & Market
70 East County Road B, Maplewood, MN 55117
The annual Holiday Fair & Artisan Market is ringing in 40 years. Admission to shop the wares is free; some children’s activities have a fee and others, such as the puppet shows and live music, are free. You’re sure to find something handmade and unique. November 18, 2023, 10am-4pm.
Neighborhood Toy Store Day at Legacy Toys
Rosedale Center, Roseville
Sweeten up the holiday shopping experience by picking out gifts from an independent toy shop plus, special this Saturday, crafts, day-only specials and toy demos. November 18, 2023, 11am-7pm.
Don’t forget to plan ahead for Thanksgiving break!
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.
Turkey Fun at Springbrook Nature Center
Free fun in Fridley right before Thanksgiving! Sign up (use the link) for one session of Turkey Bingo, play turkey-themed games, make a craft and take an outdoor scavenger hunt. Learn more about what you find find indoors and out at SPRINGBROOK NATURE CENTER. November 18, 2023, 2-4pm. FREE.
Preparing for Winter – Hibernation at William O’Brien State Park
16821 O Brien Trail N, Marine on St Croix, MN 55047
A family-friendly and all ages program that takes a look at the way park animals prepare for their long winter’s rest. Plus a fun science experiment. Meet at the visitor center. If time permits, there are some gentle hiking trails in the park. WILLIAM O’BRIEN STATE PARK is one of 9 Minnesota State Parks within an hour’s drive of the Twin Cities Metro. November 18, 2023, 10:30-11:30am. $7/vehicle permit.
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 or open gym
New Brighton Community Center, 400 10th St NW, New Brighton, MN 55112
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 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. 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. November 18, 10:15am-12:15pm. $2/child or $4/family.
Cozy up at an indoor storytime
Storytime at Forgotten Star
38 Northern Stacks Drive, Fridley, MN 55421
Author Sideena Grace reads her children’s story Adventures with Sideena: ABCs in Space, 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. November 19, 2023, 11am-12pm. FREE.
Get crafty & creative this weekend
White Bear Center for the Arts Community Day
4971 Long Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
The theme is “gratitude”, the art activities are free and appropriate for all ages and there are refreshments! Registration required at the link. November 18, 2023, 1-3pm. FREE.
Holiday crafting at Gammelgarden Museum
20880 Olinda Trail North, Scandia, MN
Choose from two crafting sessions at this sweet Swedish living-history site: kids and adults can create up to 4 holiday decorations or ornaments with provided supplies and enjoy beverages and treats. November 18, 2023, 1:30-3pm, $20/pp or $36/adult-child pair.
Movies screening this weekend
Trolls Band Together: Super Fan Event
Marcus Oakdale Cinema, 5677 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128
The trolls return for the holiday season! A ticket to this special movie event includes admission to the show, beverage choice, a Trolls collectible Mineez Toy and mini poster and activities before the screening. November 18, 2023, 10am show. $16-$20/pp.