Fun Things to Do in the Twin Cities for Families this January
This January, the Twin Cities offers a fresh start to the year with endless family fun events for all ages. Whether you want to stay cozy indoors or embrace the brisk winter air and snow, there are plenty of exciting things to do with kids in the Twin Cities this January. Families have a lot to look forward to this month, from exciting January events to creative ways to spend quality time at home. This month is packed with opportunities to make lasting memories!
Warm up with a visit to a local museum, discover outdoor events near Minneapolis and Saint Paul, or bundle up for outdoor fun at the local skating rink. Take the chance to enjoy free things to do this January in the Twin Cities with kids, too, from game nights to sledding. No matter what adventure you choose, this month is full of joy and connection for your family.
Here are our top picks for Things to Do in the Twin Cities for Families this January!
Take a Twirl and Go Ice Skating
Ice skating is a winter classic and undoubtedly one of the best things to do in the Twin Cities with kids in January! Head to the Central Park Ice Skating Loop in Maple Grove for a magical experience on its 810-foot refrigerated trail, which is perfect for kids and open even during warmer spells. Or visit the iconic Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis, where kids can skate on the same frozen expanse that hosts the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships.
For a picture-perfect outing, check out Centennial Lakes in Edina, where frozen canals and twinkling lights create an enchanting backdrop for family fun. All three spots offer free skating if you bring your skates, with rentals available at select locations. Ice skating is not just a fun, kid-friendly winter activity near Minneapolis—it’s a chance to get outside and create lasting memories with your kids this winter!
Guide to Twin Cities Best Outdoor Ice Rinks Here>>>
Find Fun Ways to Play Outside Together
When it comes to free things to do in the Twin Cities with kids this January, playing in the snow is a no-brainer! Build snowmen, make snow angels, or head to a local playground. Make it an extra fun outing by grabbing a spray bottle and food coloring in the water to paint the snow. Head to one of Minnesota’s epic snow tubing hills for a real thrill with kids this winter!
Wondering where to go snow tubing with kids? Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove is a favorite, with well-maintained lanes and a tow rope to pull you back up—no trudging required! For a smaller-scale adventure, Green Acres in Lake Elmo offers a cozy, family-friendly tubing experience with a warming chalet nearby. Theodore Wirth Regional Park in Minneapolis is another family favorite for its fun runs and loaner sled availability. Some tubing hills may charge a small fee, but it’s well worth it for the excitement and smiles.
Alternatively, if you’re staying close to home, you can transform your neighborhood sledding hill into a tubing course for DIY fun. Whether sliding, painting, or building snowmen, winter play in Minnesota creates unforgettable moments for kids and parents alike.
Find more snow tubing hills near the Twin Cities by reading our Guide to Snow Tubing for Minnesota winters.
Saint Paul Winter Carnival, Saint Paul
2026 Dates: January 22 – February 1
Looking for fun events for families in the Twin Cities this January? Don’t miss the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, a tradition since 1886 and the nation’s oldest winter festival! From January 21 to February 1, 2026, the “Coolest Celebration on Earth” transforms Saint Paul into a winter wonderland with kid-friendly winter activities in Minneapolis and beyond.
Enjoy dozens of free events, like dazzling ice carving competitions at Rice Park, the adventurous Vulcan Snow Park at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, and cultural performances at Landmark Center. Families will also love the hands-on crafts, global food booths, and the magical nighttime glow of Rice Park’s ice sculptures. The final day, February 2, features extended fun at the Ice Park and Snow Park. Click here to find the event schedule.
With most activities free or low-cost, the Winter Carnival is a can’t-miss event for family-friendly winter fun in Minnesota. Bundle up and join the celebration!
Related Article: Your Family’s Guide to Winter Fun in Minnesota
Winter SKOLstice, Eagan
Address: 2685 Vikings Cir, Eagan, MN 55121
2026 Dates: Now – January 25
For fun things to do in the Twin Cities with kids in January, Winter SKOLstice in Eagan is a must! This seasonal celebration runs through January and into early February, with activities for all ages. The Minnesota Ice Festival is a standout event, boasting an ice maze! Families can enjoy thrilling multi-lane ice slides, ice thrones, scavenger hunts, and more.
Tuesday Family Nights at the Warming Haus are perfect for kids, featuring cookie decorating, kid-friendly crafts, and food specials in a cozy setting. Then, even more outdoor fun continues at the Mauer Pond Hockey Rinks. This 40,000 square feet of ice is open for skating, hockey, and curling. No matter when you decide to go, Winter SKOLstice is chock-full of opportunities to get cozy and learn to love winter together.
Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival, Minneapolis
Address: 4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
The Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival is a soaring highlight for kid-friendly winter things to do in Minneapolis! During the event, the sky over frozen Lake Harriet will come alive with kites of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Bring your own kite or purchase one onsite to join the colorful fun. Marvel at the massive kites flown overhead and enjoy ice-fishing lessons from Tips Outdoors. Kids will also love the free marshmallow roast. Meanwhile, food trucks are also available and offer tasty treats to warm everyone up!
A new free shuttle service from Calhoun Executive Lot ensures easy access. This free, family-friendly event, hosted by the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board, Linden Hills Neighborhood Council, and East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association, is a winter tradition not to miss. Bundle up and experience one of the most unique events in the Twin Cities this January for families!
Art Shanty Projects, Minneapolis
2026 Dates: January 17 – February
Does your family love art and getting creative together? Then, this event has to be on your January bucket list! The Art Shanty Projects transform a frozen Minneapolis lake into a colorful, temporary art village! For four weekends in January and February, artists construct DIY shanties on ice, creating a whimsical, interactive space where visitors can explore engaging performances, hands-on art, and imaginative installations.
Kids will love the playful and creative atmosphere, while parents can marvel at how artists embrace Minnesota’s winter landscape. This one-of-a-kind event combines art, community, and the magic of winter for an unforgettable experience.
Bundle up and bring your sense of adventure as you wander through this vibrant, icy wonderland. Dates and lake locations vary, so check their website for updates and plan your visit to this uniquely Minnesotan celebration of art and winter! It is undoubtedly one of the best events for families in the Twin Cities this January.
Ice Castles, Saint Paul (State Fair Grounds)
1750 Randall Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108
2026 Dates: estimate opening early January – February
If you’re looking for kid-friendly outdoor activities in Saint Paul this winter, don’t miss Ice Castles at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds! This enchanting winter wonderland features breathtaking ice slides, tunnels, and caverns, creating a fairy tale escape for all ages.
Kids will love crawling through icy passageways and racing down slides, while parents can marvel at intricate ice sculptures carved by world-class artists. The magic doesn’t stop there—explore frozen waterfalls, glacier-inspired archways, and a polar pub offering winter-themed drinks for the grown-ups.
Ice Castles will open in January (weather permitting) and promise an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Check their website for up-to-date opening details and snag your tickets early!
World Snow Celebration, Stillwater
2026 Dates: January 13 – 25
This January, Stillwater will transform into a winter art gallery as teams from around the world compete in the World Snow Sculpting Championship. Sanctioned by the Association Internationale de Sculpture sur Neige et Glace, this prestigious event invites talented artists to craft awe-inspiring sculptures from massive snowblocks, vying for prize money and the world champion title.
A standout among events in the Twin Cities this January for families, the championship offers more than just incredible art. Enjoy ceremonies, social activities, and a people’s choice award, making it a fun experience for all ages. Bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and witness the magic of snow sculpting while exploring the charming streets of Stillwater.
Stay tuned for updates as the event nears, and don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate winter creativity at its finest!
Keep reading to discover more January events in the Twin Cities!
Girafees Can’t Dance, Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins
January 23 – February 26, 2026
If you have littles at home, this winter’s musical season brings a heartwarming story full of rhythm, movement, and encouragement to life at Stages Theatre Company! Gerald the giraffe dreams of dancing, but with his skinny legs and knobbly knees, even walking feels like a challenge.
Set on the breathtaking West African Savanna, this delightful musical follows Gerald as dancers from around the world arrive for the Annual Jungle Dance. With the help of his wise and supportive friend, Cricket, Gerald discovers that finding your own music is sometimes all it takes to shine. Featuring playful animal antics, dazzling songs, and dance styles from across the globe, this joyful production celebrates friendship, confidence, and embracing what makes you unique. It’s a feel-good musical perfect for audiences of all ages—especially young dreamers who love music and movement.
This playful performance at Stages Theatre Company in January is one of the best things to do with kids in the Twin Cities. It offers a fantastic opportunity to introduce young theatergoers to the magic of live performances.
Visit a Local Kid-Friendly Museum in the Twin Cities
Learning something new together can be a fun way to turn a chilly winter day into a great family outing! Add visiting a local museum to your agenda this month. It’s one of our favorite things to do with kids in Minnesota in January! The Twin Cities has several incredible kid-friendly museums, each offering interactive exhibits and fun experiences.
Kick off your museum adventures at the Minnesota Children’s Museum in St. Paul, where kids can climb, build, and explore hands-on exhibits like The Scramble and Our World. Then, head to the Science Museum of Minnesota. Here, curious kiddos can dive into the world of dinosaurs, the Mississippi River, and more through engaging displays. Finish your January museum tour at the Bell Museum, where nature and space collide in wildlife dioramas and immersive planetarium shows. These museums offer fantastic winter fun for kids of all ages!
Looking for even more exciting indoor activities near Minneapolis for kids? Check out our guide to the 13 Must-Visit Museums in the Twin Cities!
Go Bowling
Looking for fun indoor activities near Minneapolis for kids this winter? Bowling is a great way to stay active and entertained as a family! The Twin Cities offers several family-friendly bowling spots, from Apple Valley to Blaine, perfect for a fun outing. Consider Town Hall Lanes in Minneapolis, which features a 10-lane bowling alley and a full-service pub with delicious food. Kids can enjoy automatic bumpers, while parents can bowl without them. Then, Bryant-Lake Bow, also in Minneapolis, combines a vintage 1950s bowling alley with a theater and restaurant, offering affordable fun starting at $4.50/game. The retro atmosphere and locally inspired menu make it a family favorite.
Alternatively, Sun Ray Lanes in Saint Paul boasts 24 lanes, a game room, and kid-friendly amenities like automatic scoring and ramps. It’s a perfect spot for bowlers of all ages, with a full-service menu to keep everyone fueled. They also offer adaptive programming for all abilities. Meanwhile, Bogart’s Entertainment Center in Apple Valley is a family-owned venue offering 24 lanes, arcade games, and a kids’ menu.
These bowling alleys and others throughout the Twin Cities metro area are excellent things to do with kids this January, offering fun, food, and entertainment for the whole family!
Guide to Twin Cities Best Bowling Alleys Here>>>
Have a Family Board Game Night
One of our favorite free things to do this January in the Twin Cities with kids is organizing a cozy family board game night! It’s a great way to bond while staying warm indoors and enjoying a night at home. Gather your favorite games, or try a new one the whole family can enjoy. Many local libraries even offer free board games to borrow, giving you access to a wide variety without spending a dime! Of course, you can always dust off old favorites you have at home, too.
Choose classic games like Monopoly or Scrabble or explore newer options like Ticket to Ride or Codenames. Remember to have some snacks and hot cocoa on hand to keep the fun going all evening. For added excitement, turn your game night into a mini-tournament. You can even include small prizes for the winners. This activity provides endless entertainment and helps kids develop critical thinking, strategy, and good sportsmanship.
Plan & Book a Waterpark Resort Staycation
Need to get out of the house but still stay close to home? Book a waterpark staycation near the Twin Cities! These local hotels with indoor waterparks near Minneapolis and Saint Paul are FILLED with kid-friendly winter activities. Staying at a nearby waterpark resort is a fantastic way to combine fun with relaxation this winter without worrying too much about snow-filled roads.
Check out the Venetian Indoor Water Park at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in Maple Grove. Families can enjoy two tube slides, a toddler area with mini slides, and a floating obstacle course. This weekends-only waterpark also has a whirlpool, arcade, and nearby dining options for a stress-free getaway. Then, the Wild Woods Water Park in Elk River offers an exciting, themed experience with four-story slides, a lazy river, and a water basketball. There’s an arcade and a Family Fun Zone with mini-golf and giant billiards—just 30 minutes from Minneapolis.
Alternatively, for a more classic family getaway, the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in Lakeville is easily accessible to nearby attractions like Buck Hill or the Minnesota Zoo. It also features a cozy indoor waterpark perfect for kids of all ages. For the ultimate splurge, however, the Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington offers a woodsy-themed resort and water park with water slides and other attractions open only to hotel guests.
Discover our favorite local indoor waterparks by reading about the top Minnesota Water Park Staycations. They are undoubtedly amongst the best indoor activities near Minneapolis and Saint Paul for families with kids who need a little winter escape!
Visit the Show & Tell Exhibit for Kids
At the Walker Art Center through April 5, 2026.
If you’re looking for a fresh indoor adventure to kick off the new year, the Walker Art Center has just the thing for families this January. Their newest kids-focused exhibit, “Show & Tell,” was designed with young imaginations in mind—and it feels tailor-made for cold Minnesota days when you need somewhere fun (and warm!) to explore.
Created especially for kids, this interactive exhibit goes beyond traditional art viewing. Families will discover a giant puzzle, a cozy reading room, hidden nooks to peek through, short films to watch, and hands-on art-making opportunities. One standout favorite is the huge half-moon-shaped play structure, built for climbing and active play. Best of all, it’s budget-friendly too—admission is free every Thursday night and the first Saturday of each month. “Show & Tell” is open through April 5, making it a perfect addition to your winter events calendar.
Have Fun Exploring the Twin Cities this January with Your Kids!
We hope this list of events and fun things to do in the Twin Cities this January helps you plan an exciting family outing with your kids! From festive outdoor events to cozy indoor activities near Minneapolis and Saint Paul, there’s something for every family on this list. Whether you choose a day of bowling, a snow-dusted outdoor event, or a kid-friendly play, we hope you have a blast exploring the many kid-friendly things across the Twin Cities this winter!
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.
