Fun Things to Do in the Twin Cities this November for Families: At Home, Events, and Fun Things to Do with Kids
This November, the Twin Cities is bursting with fun family adventures waiting to be discovered. Whether you want to stay warm indoors or embrace the late autumn chill, there’s no shortage of fun events and things to do with your kids across the Twin Cities in November.
This month, from festive events to creative at-home activities, is packed with opportunities to make lasting memories before the holiday rush kicks in. Explore local traditions like the Hmong New Year, warm up with a cup of cocoa after visiting a local nature center, or dive into cozy indoor activities near Minneapolis and Saint Paul for kids. No matter what November adventures you choose, you will create moments of joy and fun for everyone in your family.
Here are our top picks for the 11 best kid-friendly things to do near Minneapolis and Saint Paul this November, including events, at-home activities, and more!
Find Our Picks for Twin Cities November Events
The European Christmas Market Opens on Friday, November 28
Kick off the holiday season at the European Christmas Market in Saint Paul, starting Friday, November 28. Located at Union Depot, this beloved tradition runs for four weekends (ending December 21) and offers a unique holiday experience for the whole family.
Be sure to watch their website for updated information on opening day celebrations and activities. This is undoubtedly one of the best events in the Twin Cities this November for families!
During your visit, browse 70+ vendors offering handmade European crafts and unique gifts, enjoy live entertainment, and savor delicious European-inspired treats like Glühwein (spiced mulled wine). Kids will love the Holiday Train, Carousel, and craft activities, making this a fun and festive outing for all ages.
With its cozy atmosphere and family-friendly activities, the European Christmas Market is the perfect place to shop, eat, and celebrate the season in the heart of Saint Paul.
Finally, dress for the weather; this event is almost entirely outside.
Visit a Nature Center
Exploring nature centers in the Twin Cities is an exciting November adventure for families with kids of all ages. Each location offers its own unique mix of kid-friendly hiking trails, natural playgrounds, and indoor exhibits that make it easy to connect with nature.
Tamarack Nature Center in White Bear Lake is a must-visit for families! On warmer days, kids will love the Discovery Hollow play area, where they can climb rocks and explore a whimsical hobbit house.
Then, Dodge Nature Center in West St. Paul offers scenic trails through prairies and forests, perfect for spotting wildlife and birds now that the leaves have dropped.
Over at Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley, you’ll find boardwalks winding through diverse landscapes, plus interactive exhibits inside.
These nature centers are educational and provide fun, free family experiences. Whether your family loves hiking, wildlife spotting, or just spending time outdoors, nature centers offer some of the top kid-friendly things to do near Minneapolis this fall!
Read more about our favorite 8 Best Nature Centers in the Twin Cities for Families.
Play Turkey Bingo Together
Turkey Bingo is a fun and festive way to bring extra excitement to your Thanksgiving celebrations! You can create your own Thanksgiving-themed bingo cards, snag a set online, or attend a local Turkey Bingo event in the Twin Cities.
If you’re creating your own cards, instead of numbers, fill the spaces with events, foods, or other things that might happen during your holiday. You can include fun things like hugs from beloved family members, someone taking a nap, or football on TV. Use beans, buttons, or coins as markers; the first person to fill a row wins!
This playful twist on a classic game is perfect for entertaining kids and adults while waiting for the turkey to cook. Just be sure each card looks a little different!
If you don’t want to create your own boards, Amazon and Etsy carry them.
Enjoy Free Admission to Minnesota State Parks on Friday, November 28
On Friday, November 29, enjoy free admission to all Minnesota State Parks and embark on a family hike! Late fall is one of the best times to explore the changing Minnesota landscapes. While the brightest leaves of the season may have already fallen, November’s stick season brings its own magic. Plus, hiking is undoubtedly one of the best free things to do this November near the Twin Cities with kids!
Whether you’re wandering trails through Minnesota’s prairies and woodlands or the towering bluffs of the Mississippi River, hiking is a fantastic way to connect with nature and burn off some extra energy this month. Kids will love stomping through fallen leaves and spotting wildlife.
With no vehicle permit required on November 28, it’s a perfect, budget-friendly activity for families looking to get outside and explore.
Wondering which park to explore? Here are a few of our favorite Minnesota State Parks near the Twin Cites for families:
- Interstate State Park near Taylors Falls
- Wild River State Park near Taylors Falls
- Frontenac State Park near Red Wing
- Nerstrand Big Woods State Park near Northfield
- Fort Snelling State Park in Saint Paul
- Lake Maria State Park in Monticello
- Afton State Park in Hastings
- William O’Brien State Park in Marine on St Croix
Complete a Turkey Trot or 5K as a Family
Participating in a Turkey Trot or 5K is one of the best November activities for kids in the Twin Cities. These festive races are a great way to get active as a family while embracing the Thanksgiving spirit.
Many local Turkey Trots in Minneapolis offer plenty of kid-friendly fun, so everyone can join in on the excitement. Consider dressing up in holiday costumes—think turkey hats or pumpkin pie outfits—for extra fun. A 5K is perfect for beginners and families, so no need to worry about pace. Just make sure to train with a few walks or jogs before race day and dress in layers for the unpredictable fall weather.
It’s an energizing way to bond, get outside, and celebrate the season together!
Here are a few Turkey Trots happening in the Twin Cities this November:
- Turkey Trot St. Paul 6K & 10K
- Chanhassen Turkey Trot 5K Run & Walk
- Tonka Turkey Trot
- Rochester Turkey Trot 5K Run & Walk
- Turkey Day 5K | TCM – Minneapolis
Celebrate Hmong New Year Together
2025 Dates: Saturday, November 29 & 30
Looking for fun events in the Twin Cities this November for families? Join the fun at the 45th Annual Hmong New Year celebration at the Saint Paul River Centre! This vibrant festival is a fantastic way for families to immerse themselves in the rich Hmong culture through food, clothing, language, music, and dance. Enjoy dance and singing competitions throughout the event, eat traditional foods, and shop vibrant vendors.
Traditionally marking the end of the harvest season in Southeast Asia, Hmong New Year celebrates Hmong heritage and inspires new generations.
This family-friendly event offers a beautiful opportunity to connect with Minnesota’s Hmong community while creating lasting memories together.
Kiwanis Holiday Lights Opening Night Parade on Friday, November 28
Start the holiday season with the Kiwanis Holiday Lights Opening Night Parade on Friday, November 28, at Sibley Park in Mankato! This festive event runs through December 31, 2025, and is free to attend. The opening parade begins at 6 p.m. with a brief Lighting Ceremony. Afterward, families are encouraged to walk through the enchanting displays together.
Throughout the season, walk or drive through a spectacular display of holiday lights and enjoy the magic of the season while helping those in need—non-perishable food and cash donations are appreciated. Families can soak up the holiday spirit with twinkling lights, cheerful music, and a warm community vibe.
For many families, this opening parade and ceremony is a must-do November event near the Twin Cities to kick off the holidays!
Visit Super Neon
Looking for unique indoor activities near Minneapolis for kids? Step into the mesmerizing world of Super Neon, a multi-sensory fun space!. This immersive art experience features six colorful and neon lit rooms located in Bloomington’s Mall of America. Each room is filled to the brim with stunning combinations of light, color, sound, and motion. From glowing neon signs to colorful rainstorms and tree groves, every room delivers a unique, lightshow that delights all ages.
Blending a kaleidoscope of color with a funhouse environment, Super Neon offers a one-of-a-kind adventure that celebrates creativity and infinite possibilities.
Whether you’re a fan of bold visual experiences or looking for something truly out of the ordinary, Super Neon is an unforgettable stop for the family this November!
Make a Pie or Dessert from Scratch with Your Kids
After a fun day at the local orchard or pumpkin patch, keep the fall festivities going by baking with your freshly picked produce together. Baking is one of our favorite things to do at home with kids in November in the Twin Cities. If you want to bake with a pumpkin from scratch, just be sure to grab a pie pumpkin!
The possibilities are endless, whether you’re whipping up a classic apple pie, a cozy apple crisp, or a spiced pumpkin bread. Involve the kids in the kitchen—let them mix ingredients, roll out dough, or sprinkle cinnamon on top. Not only will your home fill with the comforting aromas of fall, but you’ll also enjoy some tasty treats together.
Baking with your own produce is a sweet way to celebrate the season!
Related Article: Check out this delicious Deep Dish Apple Pie recipe.
Keep a Gratitude Journal with Your Kids
Looking for free things to do this November in the Twin Cities with kids? Keeping a gratitude journal with your kids is a fun and meaningful way to help them develop kindness, positivity, and resilience this month. It can also be a great way to strengthen family bonds and share family stories!
You don’t have to stick to traditional journaling—get creative with it and use supplies you already have around the house. Use prompts like “What made you smile today?” or “Who did something kind for you?” to spark conversations. You can even write these prompts on paper and pull one out at dinner for a family gratitude discussion. Other ideas include going on a gratitude scavenger hunt or drawing what you’re thankful for.
However, you approach it by practicing gratitude together, which helps kids build essential life skills while creating memorable family moments.
Have a Coffee + Play Date
A family coffee and play date is the perfect way to enjoy a cozy November morning with your kids. Head to one of the Twin Cities’ many charming cafés, grab a warm cup of your favorite brew, and relax while your kids play. Cozy coffee dates are amongst the best indoor activities for families near Minneapolis and Saint Paul this November!
Some local coffee shops even offer seasonal fall drinks or flights, perfect for sipping while you soak in the late autumn vibes. Pick a spot with a dedicated play area to make it even more fun for the little ones. Many Twin Cities cafés are family-friendly and offer spaces where kids can be themselves. When you’re looking for a few low-key, kid-friendly things to do in the Twin Cities this fall, here are a few of our favorite local coffee shops with play areas:
- Sovereign Grounds in Minneapolis
- Dunn Bros in Linden Hills and at 50th and Xerxes in Minneapolis (both have small play areas)
- Agra Culture Coffee Shop & Cafe in Minneapolis (located inside MIA)
- Corner Coffee in Minneapolis (Camden location has a small play area)
- Rebe’s Play Cafe in Saint Paul
- Ginkgo Coffeehouse in Saint Paul
- Minisota Play Café in Maple Grove
- Compassion Coffee in Anoka
- Owl’s Nest Cafe in Jordan
Have Fun this November with Your Kids!
We hope this list of events and fun things to do in the Twin Cities this November 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 nature center, coffee shop with a play area, or holiday event, we hope you have a blast exploring the many kid-friendly things to do across the Twin Cities this fall!
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.
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