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 27-28, 2024. Not finding the city you’re searching for? We also cover fun family events in the areas of:
Winter has been running hot and cold on us this year, but nearing the end of January, its finally time to get earnest about those classic outdoor activities. We’re talking festivals filled with ways to travel across the snow, exhibitions glittering with ice, and also cozy add-ons like bonfires and hot cocoa. For more frozen inspiration, hop over to our JANUARY FAMILY EVENTS GUIDE, our ULTIMATE WINTER FUN GUIDE or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR. We give it our best effort 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
If you’re keen on an outdoor celebration of all things chilled, we recommend a few happenings in communities north of Minneapolis & St Paul this weekend:
MAPLE GROVEÂ Ice Castles
12500 82nd Ave N, Maple Grove, MN 55369
The magical Ice Castles will be held in Maple Grove this year. Once inside, explore the ice palaces for as long as you’d like! Open through early March or weather permitting. Read our review of Ice Castles here. $11-$23/pp. Now thru February 18, 2024. PLEASE NOTE: this event is weather dependent and may be postponed or cancelled.Â
GOLDEN VALLEY Winterfest
Wesley Park, Wesley Drive and Orkla, Golden Valley, MN 55427
Sledding, ice skating, hayrides, DJ, and a bonfire with marshmallow roasting. January 27, 2024, 12-2pm. FREE.
ELK RIVER WinterLight Festival at Living Waters
21246 Meadowvale Rd NW, Elk River, MN 55330
Winter activities galore: horse-drawn trolley rides, ice skating, hot cocoa and soup, a Snow Olympics and nighttime glow games. January 27, 2024, 3-9pm. FREE.
COON RAPIDS Snowflake Days
The medallion hunt kicks off and runs until the medallion has been found (deadline February 11). More Snowflake Days events to come over the next two weeks. January 27, 2024.
More Twin Cities-area community winter festivals this weekend:
- MINNEAPOLIS: Art Shanty Projects – artsy, interactive icehouses to play in. January 27 & 28, 2024, FREE.
- MINNEAPOLIS: Lake Harriet Kite Festival – January 27, 12-4pm.Â
- NEW BRIGHTON: Brave the BRRR – Gnome hunt, indoor market and the giant Bartz Brothers snow sculpture- come see what they created for 2024!
- SCANDIA: Vinterfest – Kicksledding and sled dogs, kids activities, outdoor showing of Frozen. January 27, 2024.
- ST PAUL: Winter Carnival – Vulcan Snowpark at the Fair, snow & ice sculptures and a grand parade. January 27-28, 2024.
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 weekendÂ
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:
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 28, 2024, 1-2:30pm. FREE admission.
Free Family Fun Day at Eastman Nature Center
13351 Elm Creek Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Learn all about winter birds and the uses for their beaks. There’s a bunch of other indoor exhibits to check out at EASTMAN NATURE CENTER, too. Drop in anytime between 1-3pm. January 28, 2024. FREE.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids – Northwest Metro
Need indoor activity ideas? Try a new indoor playground
Northtown Mall, 198 Northtown Dr NE, Blaine, MN 55434
16501 County Rd 30, Maple Grove, MN 55311
For Minnesota parents it’s a must to know where to escape the elements and still keep those kids active and having fun. During the months of November through March we feature the best indoor playgrounds in the Minneapolis-St Paul area in the hopes of helping you discover something new: This weekend we’re talking up SKYZONE TRAMPOLINE PARK – which has two locations in the Northwest Metro, in Blaine and Maple Grove. SkyZone is a blast (and a great workout!) at any age. Wall-to-wall trampolines, a bouncy basketball court, and a fly-in foam pit keep the energy burning over a school break. Activities vary at each location so make sure to check the website. 90-minute jump passes start at $23/pp.
FIND OUR ULTIMATE LIST OF TWIN CITIES-AREA INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS!
Play some indoor games as a family Thanksgiving weekend
Family Board Game Night at Highlander Games
3015 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Tired of the same old board games in the cupboard at home and seeking a refresh? Try before you buy at Highlander Games – you’re welcome to come browse their game library, stay and play. Ongoing Saturday nights, 4-6pm. FREE.
WEATHER KEEPING YOU IN? We have a giant list of more than 75 Indoor Games For Kids of all ages that you can set up right at home, often with materials on hand. Bookmark this for winter!
