Things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul this weekend!
This Twin Cities Family Weekend Guide covers events in Minneapolis & St Paul the weekend of February 24-25, 2024. Want to discover family fun this weekend across the Twin Cities Metro Area? Browse our guides for the Northwest, Northeast, Southwest & Southeast communities. Happy exploring, wherever your weekend may take you!
What month is this, anyway?
We’re not sure what to call the season these days – late winter? Early spring? Something that feels like the end of October but somehow the color palette is off. We regret not being able to showcase all of our snow-and-ice filled guides this month, but it’s not quite time to get excited about maple syrup and egg hunts. Until then, we’re still here rounding up the best family fun this side of March.
Fun activities in the parks this weekend in Minneapolis & St Paul
Featured here for the weekend is just a taste of all that’s going on 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.
Featured Twin Cities park events this weekend
Phalen Freeze Fest
Phalen Lakeside Activities Center, 1530 Phalen Drive, Saint Paul, MN 55106
It won’t be the Freeze Fest you recall from years back, but the festival will go on with hot beverages, seed planting, bird watching, an orienteering activities and outdoor games. February 24, 2024, 1-4pm, FREE.Â
Tangletown Winterfest at Fuller Park
4802 Grand Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
It’s anybody’s best guess what kinds of winter activities will still be happening at the festival, but a fire twirling show and toasty bonfire were on the lineup. February 24, 2024, 5-9pm. FREE.
Last call for outdoor ice time
All of my kids enjoy being out on the ice during the winter so as a frugal Minnesota mom I’ve been especially bummed not to be able to make our rounds of the free skating rinks across the Twin Cities this year. This is my daughter out on a local community rink in St Paul in chillier times.
One of the few remaining outdoor ice options in the Twin Cities is the CENTRAL PARK ICE LOOP in Maple Grove. The FREE smooth, serpentine loop is illuminated at night, too, and tunes are piped in. If you don’t have your own pair of skates, rentals are available for $7.50 at the cozy pavilion. 12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove, MN 55369.
More Twin Cities-area park events this weekend
Winter Play Day with Three Rivers Parks
Here’s a taste of the free “winter” fun coming at you across several participating Three Rivers Parks District locations: free rentals on cross-country skis, free passes for dog off-leash areas, cross-country ski trails and archery areas, campfires with s’mores and programs at select locations, and discounted rates on tubing, downhill skiing and snowboarding (if available). See the link for park locations. February 24, 2024.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids
Personally, by late February I’m sick to death of winter outdoor activities and would prefer to pretend I’ve flown south. Here are some suggestions if you’re feeling likewise and are hoping for some cozy indoor ideas this weekend: one idea for each day of February, but most can be used all month long – not to mention, into March!
FINAL WEEKEND! Night Trains at Twin City Model Railroad Museum
668 Transfer Rd Ste. 8, St Paul, MN 55114
This museum is such a gem. It’s not only the kids in my family who get excited over the scale model trains and layouts that copy dear Twin Cities landmarks. A visit any time of the year is worthwhile, but this weekend is the finale of Night Trains, when the lights are turned low and the decorated villages glow. February 24, 2024, 3-7pm. $15/pp.
Alice In Wonderland
Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Is your child ready for a day out at the theatre? This beloved story is best enjoyed, according to CTC, by kids ages 6 & up. If you haven’t, we recommend reading a version of the book with your kiddo prior to the performance. Then, join Alice as she tumbles down the rabbit hole to a curious new world. Shows this weekend: February 24, 11am & 2pm and February 25, 2 & 5pm, 2024. Tickets $15-$87.
Discounts: We understand theater tickets can be a splurge for the family. Rush tickets are $15-$25/pp. Lap passes available for kids 3 and under.
More free or low cost things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities
STEM Family Day at Mill City Museum
704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Activities throughout the museum tie in the history of flour mills on the riverfront to STEM. This place is a “blast” for kids! Special activities are included with museum admission. February 24, 2024, 11-3pm.
Urban Expedition: France
Landmark Center, 75 W 5th St, St Paul, MN 55102
Now in its 20th season, this program is easily the next best thing to visiting the rich historical sites around this country – and certainly more budget-friendly. Learn about the culture through music, dance, and crafts; free and very family-friendly. While you’re at the beautiful LANDMARK CENTER, pop in to the free SCHUBERT CLUB MUSEUM, a hidden gem that allows kids to experiment with a cacophony of musical instruments. February 25, 2024, 1-3pm.
Puppet-making Workshop with Heart of the Beast Theater
Midtown Global Market, 920 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
During these free Saturday workshops, Heart of the Beast will guide participants through building a human-sized puppet. Dress to get your hands messy! And keep in mind there are a bunch of delicious vendors to choose from at the market if you need a lunch break. February 24, 2024, 11am-2pm. FREE, but please reserve tickets online.
First Chapter Storytime at Next Chapter Bookseller
38 Snelling Ave S, Saint Paul, MN 55105
A picture book read-aloud plus related activity just for kids. February 24, 2024, 10:30-11am. FREE.
Kids Dream Family Film Series
Join us Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays thru April 2, 2023, to view favorite family flicks! Grab the family and head to your nearest participating Marcus Theatres® location. FREE tickets to the show are available this weekend – just click here to redeem vouchers. Participating theatres include Marcus Oakdale, Rosemount and Southbridge Crossing (Shakopee) Cinemas.
- Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie plays February 23 thru 25, 2024. Popcorn & drink specials: $3.50/each.
Try Hockey for Free Day in Minnesota
Northeast Ice Arena, 1306 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
On the fence about making the investment to put your kid in hockey? We understand. We’ve been there ourselves. And we highly recommend you give the sport a try for free first. The event gives kids (ages 4-9) a shot at experiencing the basics of hockey without financial commitment. Plus, coaches will be on hand to offer tips and provide equipment. Hit the link to find more participating locations outside Minneapolis and to register for your child’s spot. February 24, 2024, 9-10am.
Free Open Swim Sundays at Great River Water Park
270 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104
A special FREE open swim is hosted ongoing Sundays with water safety training provided from 3-3:25pm. The zero-depth entry splash pool is perfect for tots trying to get used to the water and there are two tube waterslides for the big kids. February 24, 2024, 12-5pm.
ALWAYS FREE TO VISIT WEEKENDS
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden – adjacent to the Walker Art Center (free each first Saturday/month)
- Como Park Zoo & Conservatory – note that fall & winter hours are 10am-4pm.
Find hundreds more things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul with kids!
During this cold weather, find tons of fun indoor games for kids you can play right at home.