Can’t-Miss April Events + Spring Things to Do in the Twin Cities with Kids
Spring is in full swing, bringing plenty of exciting events and things to do in the Twin Cities this April with kids! From adorable farm babies to dazzling circus performances, this month is packed with family fun around every corner. Let the Royal Canadian International Circus at MOA captivate your senses. Admire breathtaking floral displays at Art in Bloom at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Or, treat your little ones to a charming high tea experience designed just for them. Don’t forget to attend a local Earth Day event with your kids, too!
Whether you’re looking for April events in the Twin Cities or kid-friendly spring activities in Minneapolis and beyond, this list has something for every family.
Visit the New Farm Babies
One of the sweetest kid-friendly spring activities near Minneapolis is visiting newborn animals at local farms. While many places reopen in May, the ones mentioned here are already open or will reopen in April!
The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley welcomes spring with its beloved Farm Babies exhibit, where families can meet adorable piglets, lambs, calves, and more. For a hands-on experience, head to Govin’s Farm in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Kids can bottle-feed baby goats. And your family can also meet new chicks and wee piglets.
Gale Woods Farm in Minnetrista is another excellent spot for families this spring. Little ones can explore a real working farm and see baby animals up close! Whether you’re looking for a fun outdoor adventure or want to soak up some springtime cuteness, these farm visits are a must!
Go on an Easter Egg Hunt
One of the most exciting things to do with kids in the Twin Cities this April is hunting for colorful eggs at one of the many festive Easter events! With Easter falling on April 4, 2026, families can enjoy nearly a month of celebrations. There are endless options for Easter Egg hunts, Easter Bunny meet-and-greets, and even more seasonal events across the Twin Cities. Here are a few unique options to get you started.
Little ones will love searching for eggs in the grand Turnblad Mansion at the American Swedish Institute or discovering Romanian Easter traditions at the Landmark Center. Meanwhile, families can meet baby animals with the Easter Bunny in Maple Grove. Explore the Oakdale Nature Preserve’s Mystery Egg Hunt for an adventurous twist. Of course, you can also join the fun at the 50th & France Egg Hunt, where kids can plant spring bulbs and enjoy a scavenger hunt. Whether you’re looking for a classic egg hunt or a unique cultural experience, these Easter events in the Twin Cities with kids will make spring extra special!
Please note: Some of these events may require prior registration. Click the provided links for the most up-to-date information and any needed registration details.
Check out our calendar full of Easter Egg Hunts here.
Attend an Earth Day Event
Celebrate our planet with one of the many spring events in the Twin Cities for families in honor of Earth Day! While April 22 is the official date, events across the Twin Cities keep the celebration going all month long. There are several Earth Day events and clean-ups across the Twin Cities. Here are a few options across the metro area to get you started.
Families can join Como Zoo’s Party for the Planet for interactive activities, storytime, and conservation fun. Or, head to Harriet Alexander Nature Center for live music, crafts, and eco-friendly activities. Budding bird watchers will love the Earth Day Birding Festival at Carpenter Nature Center. Meanwhile, little nature lovers can create seed balls and meet live animals at Earth Day celebrations at Richardson Nature Center.
Take advantage of Free Entry Day at Minnesota State Parks on April 25 for a self-guided outdoor adventure and Earth Day celebration. Whether exploring the outdoors or learning about conservation, these April things to do in the Twin Cities with kids make it easy to celebrate Earth while enjoying the fresh spring air!
Visit a New-to-You Park or Playground
Exploring a new-to-you park or playground is one of the best free things to do this April in the Twin Cities with kids! Shoreview Commons Park is a must-visit if your family loves whimsical play areas. Its Dr. Seuss-like design offers a towering treehouse and a 50-foot zip line. Over in Maple Grove, Central Park provides seven unique play zones, including a 24-foot climbing tower and a 120-foot climbing wall, perfect for adventurous kids.
For an all-inclusive experience, Madison’s Place Playground in Woodbury features wheelchair-accessible equipment, sensory play areas, and shaded spaces for sunny spring days. If you’re looking for a playground with plenty of space to play and roam, Augsburg Adventure Park in Richfield boasts towering slides, a zip line, and a fully fenced-in, inclusive play space with plenty of seating and picnic areas. Outside the fenced-in area is ample green space, picnicking areas, and a scenic pond. With so many amazing playgrounds to explore, there’s always a fresh adventure waiting for your family this spring!
Then, read about our top picks for Playgrounds in the Twin Cities You Don’t Want to Miss!
Experience the Royal Canadian International Circus at MOA, Bloomington
Run Dates: April 10 – April 19, 2026
For a thrilling April thing to do in the Twin Cities with kids, don’t miss the Royal Canadian International Circus at the Mall of America! This high-energy spectacle under the Big Top features jaw-dropping performances, from the Flying Trapeze to the daring Double Wheel of Destiny. Families will be on the edge of their seats watching motorcycle daredevils race inside the Globe of Death, aerialists soaring high above, and acrobats defying gravity. With juggling, trampoline stunts, and laugh-out-loud comedy, this spring event in the Twin Cities for families is a can’t-miss April experience. Step right up and prepare to be amazed!
See The Wizard of Oz, based on the classic motion picture at Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis
Run Dates: April 21 – June 14, 2026
It’s not every day that a wild tornado whizzes right over your head, taking the house and the whole farm with it! Or that the entire world magically shifts from black and white to technicolor right before your very eyes. But there’s nothing everyday about a shoe-obsessed witch, flying monkeys, or a yellow brick road, either. Join Dorothy, her three oh-so-curious friends, and Toto (played by a real dog!) in this grand spectacle, featuring songs you know and love from the classic film! The Wizard of Oz is a must-see show this spring!
Arrive early on select nights for Preshow Adventures, where kids can participate in themed activities. Or, stay late on Autograph Nights to meet the cast. Whether you’re reliving the magic or experiencing it for the first time, this must-see production promises an unforgettable family outing for all ages!
Take a Hike in Search of Cascading Waterfalls
Spring is the perfect time to chase waterfalls. Recent snowmelt fuels the flow, so these scenic spots are at their best! One of the best free things to do this April in the Twin Cities with kids, a waterfall hike promises fresh air, adventure, and stunning views for all ages.
Hidden Falls Regional Park in St. Paul is a peaceful gem where little explorers can follow an easy trail to a tucked-away cascade. Keep the adventure going with paths along the Mississippi River. Minnehaha Falls roars to life in the spring, making it a must-see for families looking for kid-friendly spring things to do in Minneapolis.
For a wilder adventure, head south to Nerstrand Big Woods State Park (near Northfield), where Hidden Falls (yes, another one!) flows through a beautiful forest landscape. There is even a train-themed outdoor playground here! Bonus: Minnesota state parks offer free entry on April 26, making it the perfect day to hit these trails!
Cross the border into Wisconsin to discover Willow Falls at Willow River State Park, a breathtaking multi-tiered waterfall. Or, visit Wilke Glen and Cascade Falls in Osceola. Here, a short but stunning hike leads to a dramatic rock-walled cascade.
*Please note: Some of these trails may require an entrance fee for the day.
Take a Day Trip to the National Eagle Center, Wabasha
For an unforgettable wildlife experience, take a day trip to the National Eagle Center in Wabasha! One of the best things to do in Minnesota this April with kids is undoubtedly visiting this interactive center, which brings you face-to-face with live Bald Eagles. This area also offers incredible opportunities to see wild eagles soaring over the Mississippi River.
April is an exciting time to visit the National Eagle Center, with special eagle-viewing field trips focused on nesting Bald Eagles. The “Soar with the Eagles” Spring Hatch Festival features flying bird shows, hands-on exhibits, and family-friendly activities.
Explore two floors of engaging exhibits inside the center. This is also where you can meet the resident Eagle Ambassadors. You may even catch a glimpse of Perseus, the newest ambassador in training. With the high demand for programs, reserving tickets in advance is recommended. Whether you’re marveling at a majestic eagle up close or spotting one in the wild, this is a day trip kids and adults alike will remember!
See Art in Bloom at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis
Run Dates: April 23 – 26, 2026
One of the most vibrant events in the Twin Cities this April for families, Art in Bloom transforms the Minneapolis Institute of Art into a breathtaking floral wonderland! Over 100 florists create imaginative floral interpretations of artworks from Mia’s permanent collection.
This free festival is open to all ages. It offers guided tours, interactive exhibits, and more kid-friendly spring activities in Minneapolis, including hands-on activities for little art lovers. Wander through the museum, marvel at the fresh floral displays, and take in the beauty and fragrance of spring in full bloom. Art in Bloom is an unforgettable way to celebrate spring with your kids!
Keep reading to discover more April events in the Twin Cities!
Take Advantage of the Free Admission Day for the Minnesota Historical Society
Date: April 25, 2025
Mark your calendar for April 25, when the Minnesota Historical Society offers free admission to some of the state’s most fascinating historic sites and museums! This is one of the best things to do in the Twin Cities this April, allowing families with kids to explore places like Historic Fort Snelling, the Minnesota History Center, and Mill City Museum without an entry fee. You can even venture beyond the metro to see the stunning Split Rock Lighthouse, Jeffers Petroglyphs, or the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post for an unforgettable history-filled adventure.
While some tours and programming may be limited or unavailable on this day, there’s still plenty to see and do! Whether you’re interested in Minnesota’s past, exploring interactive exhibits, or soaking in the beauty of historic landmarks, this free-admission event is a fantastic way to experience the state’s rich history as a family.
Enjoy a Local High Tea Experience
Looking for a kid-friendly spring outing near Minneapolis and Saint Paul? Treat your family to an elegant and enchanting high tea experience with sweet treats and fancy teacups. Several high Tea experiences are available across the Twin Cities metro area. These three offer kids’ menu items in addition to the adult selection.
The Nicollet Island Inn in Minneapolis serves Springtime Tea with a beautiful tableside tea cart. Enjoy a rotating seasonal menu of sandwiches, pastries, and desserts. The staff will make helpful suggestions for children’s tea pairings. For a more playful twist, The Mad Hatter House of Curiosities and Tea Parlour offers an unpretentious and whimsical tea service. Here, kids’ tea is even a pink lemonade! First-timers need not worry about etiquette—sip, snack, and enjoy the charming atmosphere! Children’s tea at both of these locations is available to those 10 and under.
Finally, for young royalty, The Saint Paul Hotel’s Princess Etiquette Tea is a magical experience for kids ages 5-10. Little ones can dress in their favorite princess attire while learning how to act like royalty, dine with grace, and be a good friend—all while enjoying tea and dainty treats. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or want a unique weekend adventure, these high tea experiences bring a touch of elegance and fun to spring in the Twin Cities.
Please note: Advanced reservations are required at all three locations. They can be booked online.
Spring into April with these fun events in the Twin Cities with your kids!
No matter how you celebrate spring, there are plenty of fun things to do with your kids in the Twin Cities this April! From exploring new playgrounds and hiking trails to enjoying festive spring events in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and the greater Twin Cities area, families have tons of options to make lasting memories this season. We hope this guide helps you discover kid-friendly spring activities in Minneapolis and beyond. Have an unforgettable month of family fun and spring vibes!
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
