Things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul this weekend!
This Twin Cities Family Weekend Guide covers events in Minneapolis & St Paul the weekend of January 6-7, 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 New Year and happy exploring, wherever your weekend may take you!
Start off the new year right with a mix of fun indoor, and outdoor activities to choose from. What we appreciate after the holidays have wrapped is frugal entertainment. Most of our ideas for this weekend’s list of things to do in the Twin Cities are FREE or low-cost to attend. For more ideas, hop over to our JANUARY FAMILY EVENTS GUIDE, our ULTIMATE WINTER FUN 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 want a break from it.
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.
SOME FUN FAMILY IDEAS FOR THIS WEEKEND: Go without snow!
So it wasn’t a white Christmas and it’s channeling a sloppy late fall outside these days but we can still enjoy being out and about – and not even have to add four layers!Â
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. January 6, 2024, 10am-12pm. FREE.
Featured Twin Cities park events this weekend
St Paul Gnome Winter Scavenger Hunt
St. Paul’s annual Gnome Hunt is back for another winter season. Use the online clues to find 8 gnomes hidden in eight different St. Paul parks locations. Once found, post a selfie with the Tree Gnome using hashtag #stpgnometakeov
Similar hunts in the Twin Cities Southwest Metro:
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids
Cozy indoor activities: arts, crafts & stories
Walker Art Center First Free Saturday
Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
It’s not always easy to enjoy art with little ones (or grade schoolers or tweens, for that matter), but the Walker attempts to make it a more inclusive experience during First Free Saturdays. The museum buzzes with art-making workshops, family films, scavenger hunts in the galleries and live performances that stretch young attention spans and might spark conversation about the art. Free gallery admission for the whole family. January 6, 2024, 10am-3pm.
Watercolor Painting for Kids
Rice Street Library, 1011 Rice St, St Paul, MN 55117
A COMPAS Arts teaching artist will guide kids (ages 7-11 recommended) in learning watercolor techniques as they create a nature-inspired masterpiece. Materials provided, no registration required. January 6, 2024, 3-5pm. FREE.
Home Depot Kids Workshops
1520 New Brighton Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Kids can put together simple DIY projects the first Saturday of the month for free. This month kids can craft a mini Home Depot delivery truck. January 6, 2024, 9am-12pm.
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. January 6, 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. January 6, 2024, 10:30-11am. FREE.
Kid-friendly museum visits
January First Free Sunday at Minnesota Children’s Museum
10 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102
Explore the top-to-bottom FUN and just for kids museum FREE of charge; you may have to wait in line for admission as this is a very popular event. Reserve your tickets online before they sell out! January 7, 2024. 9am-5pm.
Night Trains at Twin City Model Railroad Museum
668 Transfer Rd Ste. 8, St Paul, MN 55114 Â Â
The glowing and magical Night Trains run every Saturday night through February. Catch the tiny towns dressed for the holiday while you can. This is a charming museum that kids (and adults – or, at least, I do) will love! January 6, 2024, 3-7pm. $15/pp, 4 & under FREE.
Coffee and Creative Play at Snapology
2649 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Parents, need a quick break? Enjoy a delicious beverage from Bob’s Java Hut (next door to Snapology) while your child plays at Snapology. If they are 5-14, you can drop them off! Playtime at Snapology is a creative building experience that includes LEGO bricks, a race track, magnatiles, train tracks, k’nex, polydrons, marble mazes and more. January 7, 2024, 9-11:30am, $15/child, includes beverage.Â
Microgreens! Kids Cooking Class at Seward Co-op
317 E 38th St, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Kids ages 8-12 with a caregiver can sign up for this mini cooking class designed just for them. Bring a simple recipe home you will learn right in the store – this week, it’s mini-pizzas. Space is limited; if this session is sold out, the next will be Jan 20. January 6, 2024, 11am-12pm, $5/adults, kids FREE.
Arm yourself for winter with kids!
It WILL arrive one of these days, we promise. And when it does, many families feel more comfortable with a little extra armor. We’ve beefed up our annual ULTIMATE WINTER SURVIVAL GUIDE to help make the most of the season whether you want to get out and play or stay in and be cozy.Â
Always free to visit weekends
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- 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.
