Things to do in the Twin Cities Northwest Metro this weekend – with kids & family!
This Weekend Family Guide includes events and activities near the Twin Cities, Minnesota, communities of Albertville, Andover, Anoka, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, Crystal, Elk River, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, Otsego, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Rogers & St Michael.
This guide covers the weekend of April 27-28, 2024. Not finding the city you’re searching for? We also cover fun family events in the areas of:
Welcome to spring in the Twin Cities!
We’re all in a spring fever here at FFTC to bring you fresh family fun ideas for the season. You can find a bouquet here in our weekend guide and even more ideas over in our GUIDE TO SPRING IN THE TWIN CITIES. We try to keep it stocked with options to fit your family’s needs, tastes, size and budget no matter the season or reason. And make a stop on our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR for a complete listing of weekend events before you sign off.
Fun outdoor activities in the Twin Cities Northwest 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 Northwest Metro parks.
It’s Arbor Day in the Twin Cities!
Arbor Day Celebration at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
10360 W River Rd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444
A park naturalist will lead visitors ages 8 & up on a hike to identify tree species and teach you how to do the same on future hikes of your own. Pre-registration required. April 27, 2024, 2-4pm, $6/pp.
Maple Grove Arbor Day Celebration
Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Activities include a raptor show, reptile & amphibian zoo and activities for kids. April 27, 2024, noon-3pm.
Robbinsdale Arbor Day Celebration
Lee Park, 3648-3738 Lee Ave N, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Celebrate Arbor Day with fun activities, including making tree posters, planting a tree, receive a free tree seedling and cleaning up the park, trail or watershed area. April 27, 2024; 9:30am.
Try visiting a new state park or nature center!
Check out the links on our big list of Twin Cities nature & interpretive centers for details. All of these locations have outdoor trails to hike and fun indoor exhibits. Did you know that several of these nature centers have natural playgrounds nestled within them? You can build with natural materials, climb, balance, even wade and garden at some of the more elaborate spaces. For more about these, find our list of the best Twin Cities Nature Playgrounds.
FEATURED THIS WEEKEND: Eastman Nature Center, Maple Grove
Eastman Nature Center is just one element of what makes Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove a great place to visit. Indoors, find a variety of hands-on exhibits for kids, a puppet theater and costumes for dressing up. Outdoors, find a sweet little nature play area. Upcoming events for families this weekend at Eastman Nature Center include:
- Spring Wildflower Hike – April 27, 2024 ($6/pp)
- Free Funday Sunday: Fabulous Frogs – April 28, 2024 (FREE)
Free Family Fun Day at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
This weekend, pick up an ID guide and map from the visitor center and take a spring wildflower hike. April 28, 2024, 1-3pm. FREE.
Free admission to Minnesota State ParksÂ
Did you know there are 9 Minnesota State Parks & State Recreation Areas within an hour’s drive of the Twin Cities? Admission is free for all on Saturday in honor of Earth Day. Hit the link to explore – we’ve hit up all of them and recommend what not to miss in each with kids. Find this beautiful state park up in the Twin Cities Northwest Metro:
Lake Maria State Park
11411 Clementa Avenue Northwest, Monticello, MN 55362
Families with little ones can come to Lake Maria State Park for picnicking, an easy self-guided interpretive hike, and nature observation.
More things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities - Northwest Metro
Twin Cities Spring Baby Animals Festival
Located at 109th Ave and Hwy 169 in Brooklyn Park
A $14 wristband will include access to the fuzzy farm babies, the play area and a hayride. Pictured is my little one loving on the bunnies. Open Sat-Sun, April 27-28, 2024, 9am-5pm. Find more chances to meet fuzzy Minnesota farm babies!
Crystal Police Department Open House
4141 Douglas Dr N, Crystal, MN 55427
This weekend in the Twin Cities Northwest Metro, check out a SWAT truck and more police vehicles, meet police and take a self-guided tour including visiting the K9 area, forensics lab, jail and training areas. April 27, 2024. 10am-1pm.
DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO GET CLOSE TO A BIG RIG! Find our Twin Cities Touch-a-Truck Calendar.
Avant Garden Bookstore: Children’s Storytime
215 E Main St, Anoka, MN 55303
Kids will enjoy a storytime just for them, their grown-ups might appreciate that that the bookstore is also a coffee shop. Ongoing Saturdays. April 27, 2024, 10am. FREE.