Twin Cities Guide to Family Activities This Weekend: March 16-17, 2024

Things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul this weekend!

This Twin Cities Family Weekend Guide covers events in Minneapolis & St Paul the weekend of March 16-17, 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!

Welcome to March in the Twin Cities!

March your way into an ideal a mix of things to do this weekend indoors and out. For more ideas, hop over to our March Family Guide or our Family Fun Calendar. We try to keep it stocked with options to fit your family’s needs, tastes, size and budget.

Planning for Spring Break this weekend?

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 2024 GUIDE TO SPRING BREAK IN THE TWIN CITIES.

Spring Break in the Twin CIties

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 parks across the Minneapolis-St Paul metro. Featured Twin Cities park events this weekend include:

"Maple Syrup Time" Background shows golden color of maple syrup in the shape of a maple leaf.

Maple syrup family programs 

March is traditionally the best time to tap maple trees in Minnesota. The weather, particularly this winter, is ideal for maple sap when we reach that freeze/thaw period – where there are warmer daytime temperatures (near the 40s), but then below freezing temps overnight. Maple syrup family programs are warming up at parks and nature centers across the Twin Cities this weekend – sweet! Here’s the schedule; note that none of these are in Minneapolis or St Paul but in the surrounding suburbs:

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 (separate admission fee applies). Program space is limited so make sure to register ahead. March 17, 2024. FREE admission, but a $7 park day permit is required. 

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 or check our quick links here:

Volunteer showing girls how to tapa maple tree at a Warner Nature Center maple-syruping event, Minnesota

More park events this weekend

Hike with a Ranger at Crosby Farm Park

2595 Crosby Farm Rd, St Paul, MN 55116
It might not feel like winter but we can still try to spot signs of wildlife hunkering down for the season. A ranger will guide this all ages hike; make sure to dress to be outdoors. March 16, 2024, 10am-12pm. FREE.

More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids

Minneapolis & St Paul – 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. As the Twin Cities have deep Irish roots, they’ll be giving their nod this weekend with two parades! Find more activities in our ST PATRICK’S DAY ROUNDUP. Some ideas to get you started:

St. Paul’s St Patrick’s Day Parade

St Patrick’s Day is traditionally a time for the Irish in St Paul to show their deep roots and pride. March 16, 2024. Downtown St Paul, 12pm.

Minneapolis’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade 

40th Avenue NE & Van Buren St., Columbia Heights MN
The 54th annual parade kicks off at the above intersection at 6pm. March 16, 2024.

Text: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day: Background: shamrocks, rainbows, Irish dancers and two people drinking green shakes

 

Minnesota Transportation Museum: Ride the Shamrock Express

Minnesota Transportation Museum, 193 Pennsylvania Ave E, St Paul
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 16, 2024 10am-pm. $12-$20 or $60/family.

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 16, 2024. $7-$9/pp.
MORE FAMILY FUN AT LANDMARK: 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!
 

Girl trying bell tree at the Schubert Club Museum in Saint Paul, MN
FFTC kids making music at the Schubert Club Museum

Leprechaun Family Fun Day at Tinker & Nudge

3346 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN  55408
Want to try catching a leprechaun so they can lead you to that pot ‘o gold? First, you’ll need a decent trap. Craft one this weekend with cardboard and other materials, all included in the fee. March 17, 2024, 10-11:30am. $35/up to two kids, each kid after that $15.

More cozy indoor activities this weekend in the Twin Cities

Museum of Russian Art: 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 16, 2024, 10:30-11am. FREE.

Saturday Vibe Family Storytime

George Latimer Central Library, 90 West 4th Street, Saint Paul MN 55102
Storytime will include readings, puppets, singing, and activities aimed at toddlers and preschoolers. The library encourages you to hang around and explore their preschool math-themed Play & Learn area. Feel free to bring your older kids too – if they can be trusted in quiet spaces, the beautiful building is worth exploring. March 16, 2024, 11-11:30am. FREE.

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. March 16, 2024, 10:30-11am. FREE.

Red Balloon Book Launch Storytime

891 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
Local children’s author and illustrator team Laurie Purdie Salas and Kayla Harren read from their new book Oskar’s Voyage. And not only will a storytime commence but cake, crafts, and a boat parade. March 16, 2024, 10:30am. FREE, but please RVSP at the link.

Kids Yoga & Music Class at Midtown Global Market

920 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Limber up with a yoga class just for kids at 10:30 by the stage in the central court, then groove and sing along with a Rockin’ Robins Music mini-class at 11. You’ll want to stay and pick a lunch spot from one of the many delicious market vendors. March 16, 2024. FREE.

Free Open Swim Sundays at Great River Water Park

270 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104
A special FREE open swim will be hosted Sundays starting this weekend 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. March 17, 2024, 12-5pm.

More free or low cost things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory 

The Conservatory and Visitor Center of Como Park Zoo are particularly wonderful places to spend a chilly day on the verge of spring. You’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a tropical vacation! The animal exhibits are heated, too. Catch the Winter Flower Show before it withers away on March 17, 2024. All weekend, 10am-4pm, FREE admission.

Always free to visit weekends

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.

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