Things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul this weekend!
This March Twin Cities Family Weekend Guide covers the weekend of March 18-19, 2023. To find our most recent guide, click here.
The weather will continue to be kind for us this weekend! For more ideas, hop over to our MARCH FAMILY GUIDE or our packed FAMILY FUN CALENDAR. We keep it stocked with options to fit your family’s needs – whether you’re keeping close to home — or it’s time for a break from it.
PLANNING FOR SPRING BREAK THIS WEEK?
There is plenty of stuff to do if you plan to be a tourist in your very own Minneapolis-St Paul metro this Spring Break. Think mini golf, trampolines, scavenger hunts, rock climbing, museums and more. Get some inspiration from our 2023 GUIDE TO SPRING BREAK IN THE TWIN CITIES.
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 parks across the Minneapolis-St Paul metro.
SOME FUN FAMILY IDEAS FOR THIS WEEKEND
We’re upon the season of flowing sap and maple syrup in Minnesota. Get up close to observe this sweet process at an event at these Twin Cities parks or see our *sweet* weekend schedule below for MAPLE SYRUP FAMILY PROGRAMS:
Fort Snelling State Park maple syrup program
101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul, MN 55111
The park has a long annual tradition of offering maple syrup programs to Twin Cities-area folk and making them kid-friendly. Our family enjoys spending time in this, one of several urban-area Minnesota State Parks, mostly hiking and biking the trails along the Minnesota River. There’s exciting HISTORIC FORT SNELLING atop the bluff to explore, too (currently closed for the season but hiking around the buildings can be interesting). March 18-19, 2022. FREE admission, but a $7 park day permit is required. SORRY, THIS PROGRAM IS NOW FULL.
Sunday Special: Magical Maples at Wood Lake nature center
6710 Lake Shore Dr S, Richfield, MN 55423
Hike into the woods to help collect and boil syrup in a pot or boiling vessel, and learn a little history and how maple syrup is made. March 19, 2023, see website for times, $5/pp. SORRY, THIS PROGRAM IS NOW FULL.
Westwood Hills nature center maple syrup program
8300 W Franklin Ave, St Louis Park, MN 55426
Tap a tree, collect the sap and take it to the cooker. Discover how to turn sap to syrup. March 18, 2023. 10am-11:30am or 1pm-2:30pm, $5/person. Registration required.
Maple Syrup Festival at Baylor Regional Park
9406 10775, County Rd 33, Norwood Young America, MN 55397
Families can experience the process of maple syrup making from tapping to boiling during this program. All ages. March 18, 2023, 11am-3pm, $10/pp. Registration required.
Maple Syrup Festival at Eastman Nature Center
13351 Elm Creek Road, Dayton, MN 55369
Explore the Eastman sugarbush, help collect sap, watch maple syrup cooking at the cauldron and learn about maple syrup science, history and the impact of climate change. March 18, 2023, 1-4pm. FREE.
These programs are just a taste (pun intended) of all the maple syrup programs scheduled for this weekend! Consult our master list for the rest.
FEATURED TWIN CITIES PARK EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
Family Funday – First Day of Spring
North Mississippi Regional Park, 4900 Mississippi Ct, Minneapolis, MN, US 55430
Seek the signs of spring through nature and art activities and games. Registration required. March 18, 2023, 1-3pm. FREE.
North Mississippi Regional Park hides behind the I-94 freeway wall only a few miles north of the bustling downtown. It offers particularly close views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding woods and prairie. North Mississippi is the home of the CARL KROENING INTERPRETIVE CENTER and is a favorite of our team’s kids. You can read more about the interpretive center at the link above. A variety of free programs are offered year-round at the park and can be registered for at MPRB Online Recreation Services.
LAST CHANCE! Hyland Hills Ski Area Closing Weekend
8800 Chalet Road, Bloomington MN 55438
It’s your last chance to hit the slopes before winter is officially DONE at Hyland Hills. Ski and snowboard from 9am-5pm March 19, 2023.
MORE IDEAS FOR THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES WITH KIDS
St Patrick’s Day Weekend Fun!
It matters little if you are, in fact, Irish. All are welcome to join in the spirit the weekend following St Patrick’s Day in the Twin Cities. Some ideas to get you started:
FRIDAY EVENT! Can Can Wonderland Goes Green on the Green
Can Can Wonderland, 755 Prior Avenue North, Suite #4, Saint Paul, MN 55104
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Can Can Wonderland will turn all lights green on its putting green. Live Irish Music starts at 6pm by folk duo An Cuann and Sparkle Fox will offer face paint, glitter beards, and more from 6-8pm. The restaurant will offer food & drink specials all day. My kids absolutely love this indoor mini golf & arcade venue. Opens 11am on Friday, March 17. $12/cover for ages 6+. Mini golf $13-$15.
Ride the Shamrock Train
Minnesota Transportation Museum, 193 Pennsylvania Ave E, St Paul, MN 55130
Jackson Street Roundhouse will go green for St. Patty’s Day. Family fun will include 15 minute train rides, storytelling, hands on train fun and green snacks on the train. March 18, 2023 10am-pm. $$50/family; adults $16; seniors $13; children:$11; toddlers $8.
An Irish Day of Dance at Landmark Center
75 W 5th St, St Paul, MN 55102
Experience exciting Celtic music and dancing the day following St Patrick’s Day. March 19, 2023. $7-$9/pp.
While you’re exploring Landmark Center, stop in at the GALLERY OF WOOD ART with its kid-friendly “Touch This!” exhibit and the SCHUBERT CLUB MUSIC MUSEUM to see the instrument “cyclone” and hands-on activities. Admission to these museums is the bargain price of FREE!
More cozy indoor activities this weekend in the Twin Cities
Storytime in the Gallery
Museum of Russian Art, 5500 Stevens Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Currently, the museum is offering a FREE Storytime in the Gallery the third Saturday of the month with no charge for adults to accompany their kids. Take home a take-and-create bag. March 18, 10:30-11am.
Saturday Vibe with Leonardo’s Basement
George Latimer Central Library, 90 W 4th St, St Paul, MN 55102
Fresh, family entertainment – this weekend, makerspace Leonardo’s Basement hosts a “Build What YOU Want” event for kids. March 18, 2023, 11am-12pm. FREE.
So much more than shopping at SCHEELS!
8301 Flying Cloud Dr., Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Who knew you could spend the day being entertained at the sporting goods store? This generation’s variety features a 65-foot Ferris wheel, mini-bowling, a candy shop, archery range and arcade. No trouble getting the teens to join me on this outing! Visit anytime.
Always free to visit weekends
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden – adjacent to the Walker Art Center (free each first Saturday/month)
- Weisman Art Museum – located on the Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota
- 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.
