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 January 20-21, 2024 Not finding the city you’re searching for? We also cover fun family events in the areas of:
What we appreciate after the holidays have wrapped is frugal entertainment. Most of our ideas for this weekend’s list of things to do in the Twin Cities are FREE or low-cost to attend. For more wintry inspiration, 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 while having a good time doing it.
Winter festivals this weekend in the Twin Cities Northwest Metro
The festival front is quiet down in the Twin Cities Northwest Metro this weekend (note that the Ice Castles festival in Maple Grove has been pushed out a few more days to January 24). If you’re keen on an outdoor celebration of all things chilled, we recommend a few other communities north of Minneapolis & St Paul:
- FRIDLEY: Springbrook Nature Center Winterfest – Fun in the snow (we hope) includes kicksledding, snowshoeing and games plus cozy stuff like smores, a bonfire and hot cocoa. January 20, 2024, 11am-2pm. FREE admission.
- NEW BRIGHTON: Brave the BRRR – Hunt for gnomes, browse an indoor winter market, see the Bartz Brothers newest snow creation! January 20-21, 2024, 11am-7pm.
For further planning, don’t forget that our Twin Cities Winter Festival Family Calendar keeps track of the best Twin Cities’ seasonal celebrations from top-to-bottom, side-to-side of the Metro area.
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 the parks.
Some fun family ideas for this weekend:
Winter events at Historic Eidem Farm
This weekend, take to the farm by snowshoe or sled (providing there’s enough of the ground covered) and warm up by a campfire. Both events are held Saturday, January 20, 2024:
- Snowshoes & Smores – Hot cocoa and smores provided after you hike the winter farm trails. Please register. 10-11:30am, $5/pp.
- Winter Snow Days at the Farm – Borrow snowshoes or a kicksled to trek around the historic property, or simply play in the snow. 12-3pm. FREE.
Kicksledding Adventure at French Regional Park
12605 Rockford Rd, Plymouth, MN 55441
Take a whirl – or rather, a slide – on a Scandinavian-style sled. If conditions won’t permit, enjoy a hike followed by a campfire and smores. Reservations required. January 20, 2024, 1-2:30pm. $6/pp.
Family Ice Fishing Day at Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake, Robbinsdale MN
Ever been? Why not give it a try! Learn about and try your hand at ice fishing with an expert – all equipment provided. Class meets on the shoreline nearest Chowen Ave No. & Shoreline Drive on Crystal Lake. January 20, 2024. Two sessions: 10am-1pm & 2-5pm. FREE, but must register.
Free Family Fun Day at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
10360 W River Rd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444
This weekend, observe birds at the outdoor feeders and play games to learn about native birds in winter. Learn more about MISSISSIPPI GATEWAY REGIONAL PARK. January 21, 2024, 1-2:30pm. FREE admission.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids – Northwest Metro
Get crafty & creative this weekend
Family Art Day with Rumriver Art Center
2665 4th Ave #103, Anoka, MN 55303
Take a free art class from resident mentors. Must register in advance, spots fill quickly. You can choose to be placed on the waitlist, or plan ahead for next month. January 20, 2024, 10-11am.
Lowe’s Kids Workshop – My First DIY Toolbox
2700 Main St NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55448
11201 Fountains Dr, Maple Grove, MN 55369
3205 Vicksburg Ln N, Plymouth, MN 55447
Free Lowe’s kids workshops are geared towards your “mini-DIYer” about age 4-11. Caregivers will need to supervise. This month at Lowe’s in West St Paul, build a small toolbox. Learn more about Lowe’s Kids Workshops. January 20, 2024, 10am. FREE.
