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 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 Southwest Metro
- Twin Cities Southeast Metro
You’d better watch out! The holiday season will be descending in earnest upon the Twin Cities this weekend. We’ve highlighted some festive events to get you in the spirit. For more ideas on things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids, hop over to our NOVEMBER FAMILY GUIDE or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR. We try to keep it stocked with options to fit your family’s needs no matter the season.
Holiday events this weekend in the Twin Cities Northwest Metro
Find Santa this weekend in the Twin Cities
Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s Rogers
20200 Rogers Dr, Rogers, MN 55374
Make your reservation to meet with Santa and get your free holiday photo. Plus, browse Santa’s Toy Shop and take in the other fun attractions at Cabela’s Rogers. Thru December 24, 2023. Find more places to spot Santa in the Twin Cities!
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!
Holiday Walk in the Woods Open House
The Woods Gifts, 15825 95th Ave N, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Meet with Santa and his reindeer at this annual holiday shopping event. You can queue for Santa starting at 8:30am, the reindeer roll in at 11. There’ll be a donut truck to keep things tasty while you shop. November 18, 2023, 9am-3pm.
Don’t forget to plan ahead for Thanksgiving break!
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
The weekend’s free fun introduces you up-close to a toad, lets you feed a turtle and see the other animal who inhabit the visitor center. 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.
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
Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Avenue North, Plymouth, MN 55447.
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 highlight the KUBE Indoor Playground in Plymouth. Kids Ultimate Backyard Experience (or KUBE) brings backyard fun indoors with playhouses, ramps, slides towers with ladders. Best for ages 2-12. $5-$6/child.
SPECIAL EVENT: This Sunday is Sensory-Friendly Sunday at the KUBE. Please pre-register. You can expect a quieter environment, softer lights and other accommodations for kids to thrive. November 19, 2023, 8:30-10:30am.
FIND OUR ULTIMATE LIST OF TWIN CITIES-AREA INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS!
Craft the day away
Free Family Art Day + MORE at Rumriver Art Center
2665 4th Ave #103, Anoka, MN 55303
For kids ages 4+ with their caregiver – sign up to take a FREE art class (donations appreciated). Lessons are typically themed to the season. Spots fill quickly. November 18, 2023, 10-11am.
SPECIAL EVENT: Didn’t grab a space for a free lesson? Next best thing is Rumriver’s Make-and-Take-Saturday. This weekend you can make a lid ornament to hang on the tree for just $5. 10am-12pm. If that’s not enough to satisfy your need for art, you can do some holiday shopping at Rumriver’s Holiday Show & Shop until 3pm.
Lowe’s Kids Workshop – Thanksgiving Turkey Photo Holder
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, create a Thanksgiving memento. Learn more about Lowe’s Kids Workshops. November 18, 2023, 10am. FREE.
Play some indoor games as a family
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!
