Things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul this weekend!
This February Twin Cities Family Weekend Guide covers February 25-26, 2023. To find our most recent guide, click here.
This weekend will be ideal for getting outside and enjoying some of the winter classics. We also offer a mix of things to do this weekend indoors. There’s lots to choose from! For more ideas, hop over to our FEBRUARY FAMILY GUIDE or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR. We try to keep it stocked with options to fit your family’s needs – whether you’re keeping close to home — or need a break from it.
FUN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN TWIN CITIES PARKS THIS WEEKEND
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.
SOME FUN FAMILY IDEAS FOR THIS WEEKEND
Sometimes, as February draws to a close, the snow and ice are retreating with it. Many of our favorite sledding hills are growing bare and the neighborhood ice rinks turning to puddles. However, with the dumping of snow the Twin Cities just received and chilly temps to come, there are still some options out there for classic winter fun in the parks.
FEATURED TWIN CITIES PARK EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
Free Play Snow Day with Three Rivers Parks
Here’s a taste of the free winter fun coming at you across 10 participating Three Rivers Parks District parks: free rentals on cross-country skis, snowshoes and sleds, free passes for dog off-leash areas, cross-country ski trails and archery areas, free kicksled demos, campfires with s’mores and programs at select locations, and discounted rates on tubing, downhill skiing and snowboarding. See the link for park locations. February 25, 2023.
Family Funday: Outrageous Owls
North Mississippi Regional Park, 4900 Mississippi Court Minneapolis, MN 55430
Dissect an owl pellet, make owl art, and find out how to look for owls in your neighborhood. Drop-in, but must register. February 26, 2023, 1-3pm.
EDEN PRAIRIE SNOWTIME SATURDAYS
Eden Prairie Outdoor Center, 13765 Staring Lake Pkwy, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
On Snowtime Saturdays families can try out activities like ice fishing, snowshoeing, kick-sledding and cross-country skiing. Must register in advance, February 25, 2023, 10am-1pm. $12/family.
MORE IDEAS FOR THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES WITH KIDS
Searching around for something to do with your tweens or teens to get them to set down their device and spend some time outdoors? “Snow tubing” is a set of magic words at our house. We recommend heading out to BADLANDS SNO-PARK in Hudson, Wisconsin. The conditions are great for this thrilling snow tubing spot just across the border. Thumbs up from my middle-and-high-school crew! Must reserve in advance. $21/3 hrs.
All of my kids enjoy being out on the ice during the winter, too, and as a frugal Minnesota mom we’re sure to make our rounds of the free skating rinks across the Twin Cities. This is my daughter out on a local community rink in St Paul, but as winter wanes we often have to resort to refrigerated rinks.
One free refrigerated rink we particularly recommend for beginner skaters is the CENTRAL PARK ICE LOOP in Maple Grove. The 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 at the cozy pavilion.
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!
Urban Expedition: Norway
Now in its 19th season, this program is easily the next best thing to visiting the Nordic 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 26, 2023, 1-3pm.
FINAL WEEKEND! Holiday 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 Holiday Night Trains, when the lights are turned low and the decorated villages glow. February 25, 2023, 3-7pm. $15/pp.
Play indoor games: Buildzi – A Fun Family Game That’ll Keep Kids Busy for Hours
What do you get when you combine Tetris and Minecraft into a party game? You get Buildzi! The Buildzi game is designed for one to eight players and uses brightly-colored, tetris-like blocks, cards and many variations of game play. There are lots of ways a family can play the game. It’s a super fun game to play on a cold winter day during the long weekend. Hit the link for directions, a video tutorial, and ways to order the game.
MORE FREE OR LOW COST THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES
STEM Family Day at Mill City Museum
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 25, 2023, 11-3pm.
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.
- Sing plays February 24 thru 26, 2023. Popcorn & drink specials: $3/each.
Participating theatres include Marcus Oakdale, Rosemount and Southbridge Crossing (Shakopee) Cinemas.
Try Hockey for Free Day in Minnesota
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 participating locations around the Twin Cities metro area. February 25, 2023.
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.