Don’t Miss These 10+ Must-Do Family Events in the Twin Cities This May!
Now that April showers have come and gone, it’s time to surround yourself with May flowers and plan exciting seasonal outings with your family. May in Minnesota is packed with family fun for all ages! To help you plan, we’ve rounded up 13 can’t-miss activities to make the most of this month with your kids. From cheering on the Minnesota Twins or Saint Paul Saints to casting a line during Minnesota’s Fishing Opener, there’s no shortage of May events and things to do with kids across the Twin Cities and beyond.
Pedal through spring blooms on a scenic bike ride. Explore local creativity at Art-A-Whirl in Northeast Minneapolis. And, plan a Memorial Day weekend getaway that your whole crew will love! Whether you’re searching for free things to do or unique events to mark the season, this article features some of our favorite kid-friendly ideas for May in the Twin Cities. Let’s make it a May to remember!
Batter Up! Cheer on the Twins or the Saint Paul Saints
Check individual schedules for home game dates in May.
Looking for classic May things to do in the Twin Cities with kids? Head to the ballpark! Whether you’re watching the Minnesota Twins at Target Field or catching a Saint Paul Saints game in Lowertown, baseball season offers affordable fun for all ages.
Saints tickets start at just $5, with flexible berm seating that appeals to many families. Plus, this minor league baseball stadium offers a lively Play Zone that’s perfect for younger kids. Don’t miss Mudonna the Pig or the free City of Baseball Museum. It’s packed with interactive exhibits for curious fans, young and old. If your family is new to baseball, Saints games are a great way to introduce them to the sport!
Over at Target Field, families can enjoy value-priced concessions while cheering on the Minnesota Twins. When kids need a break from the stands, explore TC’s Clubhouse play area (near Section 230). Snap a photo with T.C. Bear in the third inning, and challenge your kids to a quick game of mini-golf or bags on the concourse. Read our 2026 Guide to Seeing the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.
Both stadiums make it easy to bring little ones, with affordable family pricing, family restrooms and nursing areas, kid-friendly eats, and more. A baseball outing is the perfect way to spend a sunny spring day together!
Have a Picnic for “National Take Your Parents to the Playground Day”
May 17, 2026
Mark your calendar for National Take Your Parents to the Playground Day—the third Sunday in May—and celebrate with a family picnic at one of the metro’s many epic playgrounds. It’s one of the best free things to do in the Twin Cities this May with your kids!
Not sure where to go? There are so many great ones to choose from! From the whimsical, Seuss-like world of Shoreview Commons Park to the seven play zones at Maple Grove’s Central Park, many local playgrounds go way beyond your neighborhood jungle gym. Try Elm Creek Park Reserve for the thrilling dino dig! Or, Augsburg Adventure Park for the multi-story slides, ziplines, and more.
Pack a picnic, water, and a blanket to make a whole day of it, no matter which playground you choose! Then, let the kids lead the way. These parks are perfect for letting kids burn off energy while parents relax or join in on the fun. Plus, they offer plenty of seating, tables, and space to spread out. It’s an easy, screen-free way to connect as a family—and it won’t cost you a dime.
Read this article to discover even more destination playgrounds throughout the Twin Cities: Playgrounds in the Twin Cities You Don’t Want to Miss!
Celebrate Mom with a Mother’s Day Brunch
May 10, 2026
Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to treat Mom (or yourself, if you’re the Mom!) to a relaxing brunch—no cooking or cleanup required! While many restaurants haven’t announced their menus yet, local favorites like Bloomington Chophouse, Mother’s Day at Surly, Farmers Kitchen + Bar, Giulia, and Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar often roll out delicious Mother’s Day specials.
Want to keep it simple? Let the kids help plan a DIY brunch at home—think pancakes, fruit, and flowers. Enjoy it at home or pack it up for a picnic in a favorite park. Whether you’re dining out or soaking up the sunshine with a homemade spread, it’s all about spending time together.
Reel in the BIG One on Fishing Opener
May 9, 2026
The 2026 Minnesota Fishing Opener casts off on Saturday, May 9—perfect timing for a fun family outing! Every year, half a million Minnesotans head to lakes and rivers around the state to kick off walleye, northern pike, and sauger season. Minnesota’s Governor also has a long-standing tradition of hosting a Fishing Opener. This year, Crosslake will host the occasion! Luckily, you don’t need to go far to join the fun.
Local favorites like Lake Harriet, Lake Nokomis, Bush Lake, and Theodore Wirth Lake offer easy, kid-friendly spring fishing and things to do near Minneapolis. No boat? No problem. Many urban lakes have accessible shorelines and fishing piers.
Plus, kids 15 and under fish for free—no license required. Pack snacks, bring the tackle box, and enjoy a relaxing family experience by the water. Whether you catch the big one or just soak up the sunshine, it’s a classic Minnesota tradition and a great way to spend time outdoors together.
Check out the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Art Fair
2026 Dates: May 9 & 10
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Art Fair, one of the best May events in the Twin Cities for families! Held May 9 and 10, this free event features 150+ artist booths, live music, food, crafts, and a vibrant botanical market—all set against the iconic backdrop of Spoonbridge and Cherry.
Kids will love the wide-open spaces, colorful art, and hands-on fun, while parents can stroll, shop, and relax in a beautiful setting. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Art Fair is a fantastic way to enjoy a warm spring day with kids, explore one of Minneapolis’ most beloved parks, and support local makers. Bonus: it’s stroller-friendly and close to the Walker Art Center and Loring Park for even more to explore.
Enjoy Story Time with Engineer Paul at Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store
2026 Dates: Every Monday & Friday at 10:30 am
Looking for May things to do in the Twin Cities with toddlers and young kids? Head to Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store in Saint Paul for Story Time with Engineer Paul! Every Monday and Friday at 10:30 a.m., little engineers can enjoy train-themed stories, songs, and silly jokes during this interactive and educational event.
Admission includes storytime and access to the indoor play space filled with wooden railways, train tables, and more. Now located in Union Depot, this charming train store has been a local favorite since 2005. It is packed with train-themed gifts, toys, and model trains. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you’ll leave saying “Chugga chugga, choo choo!”
Take a Scenic Bike Ride Together
Looking for free things to do this May in the Twin Cities with kids? Grab your helmets and hit the trails for a scenic family bike ride! The Twin Cities metro is packed with kid-friendly bike routes. Not sure where to go? Here are a few recommendations to get you started!
Pedal lakeside on the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail. Roll through the city on the Cedar Lake Regional Trail. Or, discover marshlands and wooded bridges along the Luce Line State Trail. The flat and scenic Rush Creek Regional Trail for younger riders connects some of Hennepin County’s best parks. These paved or crushed gravel paths are perfect for trailer bikes, too. Need more kid-friendly bike trail ideas? Check Out These 9 Minnesota Bike Trails For Families!
Pack snacks, water, and sunscreen, and make a full day of it—many trails pass through playgrounds, picnic areas, and charming towns. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors and make memories together this month.
Attend the Hmong American Day Festival
2026 Dates: May 16 & 17
Don’t miss the Hmong American Day Festival—a free, two-day celebration packed with culture, food, and fun! One of the best free events in the Twin Cities for families, the event will be held May 16-17 at the Pan Asian Center (3001 White Bear Ave, Maplewood).
This vibrant event honors 50 years of Hmong heritage in the U.S. Families can enjoy live music and dance performances, kids’ activities, and more. Not to mention, rows of delicious food and merchandise vendors offering authentic flavors and crafts! As one of the most unique events in Minneapolis with kids, the Hmong American Day Festival is a great place to experience Hmong storytelling, tradition, and community in a joyful, family-friendly setting. Come hungry, stay curious, and celebrate the rich culture of Minnesota’s Hmong American community!
Celebrate Warm Weather with the Kickoff to Summer at the Fair
2026 Dates: May 21 – 24
Embrace the early days of summer at the Kickoff to Summer at the Fair. Located at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, this event is a growing favorite amongst the top things to do in May in the Twin Cities with kids! In fact, this family-friendly celebration brings out the best of the Great Minnesota Get Together, without the crowds.
Enjoy nearly 40 vendors serving up fan-favorite eats (yes, Deep-Fried Ranch Dressing is back!), live music, Giant Slide rides, yard games, history tours, and a brand-new puzzle hunt adventure. Kids will love meeting mascots Fairborne & Fairchild. Not to mention, exploring the Family Fun Zone, which features giant chess, sidewalk chalk, and more. Parents can browse 30+ Minnesota makers while enjoying the weather in a laid-back, patio-style atmosphere.
Admission includes entertainment, and there’s free parking! Want extra fun? Try your luck at the spin-to-win prize wheel on Thursday or Friday. Space is limited, so grab tickets early—this is one summer kickoff you won’t want to miss!
Keep reading to discover more May events Twin Cities!
See Do the Right Thing at Stages Theater
Running through May 10th
Searching for a theatrical family outing of epic proportions? Get tickets to Do the Right Thing at Stages Theatre in Hopkins!
Sometimes the smallest choices make the biggest impact.
It wasn’t just talent and time on the field that shaped Hall of Famer Joe Mauer—it was a simple decision to do the right thing that set off a ripple effect far beyond baseball. Based on the beloved children’s book by Joe Schmit, The Right Thing To Do is a lively, feel-good world-premiere musical about friendship, kindness, and making choices that matter.
With catchy songs, memorable characters, and a story that goes beyond the game, this heartwarming production shows how even the smallest act of kindness can bring people together and make a lasting difference.
Get Inspired at Art-A-Whirl
2026 Dates: May 15-17
Celebrating over 30 years of creativity at Art-A-Whirl, one of the top free things to do this May in the Twin Cities with kids! This self-guided studio tour experience invites you and your kids to explore Northeast Minneapolis like never before.
Visit 100+ locations—galleries, studios, and local businesses—where over 1,600 artists showcase painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry, and more. Kids will love the live demos, hands-on mini workshops, and interactive art experiences throughout the weekend. Ride the free trolley between stops, catch live music, and grab a bite at nearby restaurants and breweries.
Whether you’re admiring travel sketchbooks, watching socks made on vintage machines, or trying your hand at Gelli Plate printing, there’s something new and exciting to spark imaginations of all ages. Finally, be sure to stop by family-friendly favorites like the Northrup King or Flux Arts buildings. Art-A-Whirl is an inspiring way to connect with local artists and experience the joy of art together, making it one of our favorite May events in the Twin Cities for families.
Get a Unique Glimpse at the City through Doors Open Minneapolis
2026 Dates: May 9 & 10
Looking for a genuinely unique event in Minneapolis for families this spring? Doors Open Minneapolis is a must! Through this event, explore over 100 of the city’s most intriguing buildings—completely free. From backstage peeks at Orchestra Hall to vintage sausage-making at Kramarczuk’s and art-making with local creatives on the Northside, this event offers unforgettable behind-the-scenes access all across the city.
Perfect for curious kids and grown-ups alike, Doors Open is one of the best May things to do in the Twin Cities. Self-guided tours, art activities, live demos, and free goodies make this weekend a hit with kids of all ages and interests. You can easily hop between sites via public transit. Plus, enjoy complimentary snacks and helpful tips at the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center. Plan your weekend, pre-register to skip the lines, and get ready to see the city like never before!
Plan a Memorial Day Weekend Getaway with Your Family
Memorial Day is May 25, 2026
Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to kick off summer with a family getaway! Whether you want to stay close to the Twin Cities or hit the road, there are plenty of kid-friendly destinations within driving distance.
For a fun staycation, head to Bloomington. With the Mall of America, SEA LIFE, and Nickelodeon Universe, there’s no shortage of entertainment for all ages. Not to mention, plenty of kid-friendly hotels to turn it into a weekend escape.
Looking for outdoor adventure? Winona is a scenic two-hour drive along the Great River Road, offering hiking, canoeing, and boat tours on the Mississippi. If you’re up for a longer drive, Madison, WI is just four hours away and packed with family fun—from Capitol tours and the Dane County Farmers’ Market to interactive museums and sprawling parks.
Or venture to Des Moines, IA, where families love the Blank Park Zoo, Science Center of Iowa, and splashy summer parks. Whether you choose city exploration or lakeside relaxation, these weekend getaways offer the perfect mix of fun, kid-friendly activities, and memory-making for Minnesota families ready to embrace summer.
Read our 2026 Guide to Memorial Day Weekend Activities Around Minnesota for more ideas!
Have an a-MAY-zing Month in the Twin Cities with Your Kids!
May is brimming with exciting opportunities to get out and explore the Twin Cities (and beyond!) with your kids. Whether you’re checking out this month’s unique events near Minneapolis and Saint Paul, fishing with your kids, or enjoying the sunshine at a local park, there’s something for everyone. Many of the best May events and things to do in the Twin Cities for families with kids are budget-friendly too. Don’t miss out on the many free things to do this month, like playground picnics, art events, and more.
With so many kid-approved adventures on the calendar, May is the perfect time to make the most of spring and early summer in the Twin Cities together.
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 and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
