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, Elk River, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, Otsego, Plymouth, Rogers & St Michael.
This guide covers the weekend of November 25-26, 2023 – the weekend following Thanksgiving. Not finding the city you’re searching for? We also cover fun family events in the areas of:
The holidays have descended upon the Twin Cities! We’ve put together some ideas to spend the weekend after Thanksgiving with your near and dear ones – festive events to get you in the spirit. 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 Northwest Metro
Find Santa this weekend in the Twin Cities Northwest Metro
Santa’s Wonderland at Riverdale Village
12709 Riverdale Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, Minnesota 55448
OPENS TODAY! Bring your own camera to capture a moment with Santa. Admission is is $24.95 (or save $2 the first two Tuesdays and Wednesdays of the holiday season) per nuclear family or up to 3 friends. November 24-December 23, 2023.
Pictures with Santa & Mrs Claus at Rogers Flooring Avenue
21200 Rogers Drive, Rogers MN 55374
A free, popular event in Rogers to get pictures with Santa plus special guests his live reindeer and the Grinch (all guests Saturday only). Tickets are free but first-come, first-served. November 24-26, 2023. Fri 11am-3pm, Sat 9:30am-4pm & Sun 11am-3pm.
Santa & Mrs Claus Visit Albertville FYCC Winter Wonderland
5975 Main Avenue NE, Albertville, MN
Register for your chance to walk through the Winter Wonderland and meet with Santa, Mrs Claus and their elves. Space is limited, register ahead. November 25, 2023, 9-11am. $5/family.
Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s Rogers
20200 Rogers Drive, Rogers, MN 55374
Make your reservation to meet with Santa and get a free photo! Plus, browse Santa’s Toy Shop and take in the other fun attractions at Cabela’s. November 4-December 24, 2023. FREE. Find more places to spot Santa in the Twin Cities!
Twin Cities Christmas & holiday tree lighting events this weekend in the Northwest Metro
It’s about time for the Twin Cities to sparkle and shine! Several Minneapolis-St Paul Northwest Metro Area communities are lighting up their holiday trees this weekend in grand style. Here’s our Northwest Metro highlight; find our complete list of Twin Cities Tree Lighting Events.
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.
Free Family Fun Day at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
10360 W River Rd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444
This weekend, meet the animals that inhabit the visitor center. Touch a toad and feed a real turtle. While you’re in the park, make sure to cross the exciting Coon Rapids Dam to get a close-up view of the rushing Mississippi River. November 26, 2023, drop in between 1-3pm. FREE.
Free Family Fun Day at Eastman Nature Center
13351 Elm Creek Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Examine animal skulls and draw one using “nature journal style”. There’s a host of other indoor exhibits to check out at EASTMAN NATURE CENTER, too. Drop in anytime between 1-3pm. November 26, 2023. 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!
Craft the day away
Rumriver Art Center Make-and-Take Saturday
2665 4th Ave #103, Anoka, MN 55303
Didn’t grab a space for last weekend’s Free Family Art Day? Next best thing is Rumriver’s Make-and-Take-Saturdays. This weekend you can make a yarn shape ornament to hang on the tree for just $5. November 25, 2023, 10am-12pm.
Art Stories at Maple Grove Library
8001 Main St. N, Maple Grove, MN 55369
All ages can participate in a special storytime followed by an art project hosted by the Maple Grove Arts Center with materials provided. November 25, 2023, 9:30-11am. FREE.