Twin Cities Winter Adventure Guide: 15 Must-Try Activities for Your Family Bucket List
Winter in Minnesota is the perfect time to bundle up and explore. From outdoor adventures to cozy indoor experiences, there’s no shortage of kid-friendly winter activities in the Twin Cities to entertain everyone in your family. This guide highlights 15 must-try things to do with your kids in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and beyond this winter (including several fun winter day trips!).
Start your Minnesota winter bucket list by dining in an igloo. Or, attend a unique local winter event that celebrates the season.
Then, search for frozen waterfalls or venture out on a day trip together. Whether you want to fill your winter bucket list with indoor or outdoor ideas, this guide has something for every family. Ready to make the most of this winter?
Check out these 15 can’t-miss winter activities for families with kids of all ages in the Twin Cities!
Ice Skate at a Local Outdoor Rink
Ice skating is undoubtedly one of the most fun and kid-friendly winter activities in the Twin Cities! Most outdoor rinks in the Twin Cities offer free skating if you bring your own skates. Of course, many also have low-cost rental skates available when you don’t own your own pair.
For a magical experience, head to Central Park Ice Skating Loop in Maple Grove. This 810-foot refrigerated trail stays smooth even during warm spells and lights up beautifully at night. Or, glide along the picturesque canals at Centennial Lakes in Edina, surrounded by twinkling lights and cozy spots to warm up.
Looking for a classic Minneapolis outing? Check out Lake Nokomis, where families can skate on the same frozen surface that hosts the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships. Finally, The ROC in St. Louis Park, Groveland Ice Rink in Saint Paul, the Guidant John Rose Oval in Roseville, and the M Health Fairview Sports Center in Woodbury are great spots for families to skate this season.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skater, ice skating is a great way to enjoy Minnesota’s winter charm and a little fresh air with your family. Grab your skates and hit the ice this season!
Hike to a Frozen Waterfall
Hiking to a frozen waterfall is a must-do on any winter bucket list for Minnesota families. These three destinations are perfect for fun, outdoor winter activities near Minneapolis and Saint Paul with kids. Each hike combines outdoor adventure with unforgettable views of nature’s icy artistry. Let’s buddle up and explore these three exciting winter trails in search of frozen waterfalls!
Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis is a classic spot, offering a stunning view of its frozen cascade. While getting closer is tempting, remember that walking beyond the barriers is prohibited for safety reasons.
For a quieter experience, visit Hidden Falls Regional Park in Saint Paul. A short, kid-friendly hike leads to a serene frozen waterfall surrounded by nature. After you find the waterfall, walk along the Mississippi River in search of birds and unique ice flows.
For a winter day trip from the Twin Cities, head to Nerstrand Big Woods State Park near Northfield. We promise it is worth the drive! The park’s waterfall transforms into a magical frozen scene in winter. Kids will love exploring the trails and playing on the train-themed playground before or after your hike.
Go Snow Tubing Down Thrilling Runs
Snow tubing is a must for kid-friendly winter activities in the Twin Cities! No matter which hill you choose, these epic spots for outdoor winter activities in Minnesota promise families with kids of all ages endless fun in the snow!
Firstly, Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove offers well-groomed lanes and a convenient tow rope, making it a hassle-free adventure for families. Then, Green Acres in Lake Elmo provides a more intimate experience, with cozy vibes and a warming chalet to retreat to after tubing. Theodore Wirth Regional Park in Minneapolis is another family favorite, featuring fun tubing runs and sled rentals.
For an unforgettable thrill, head to the Bubly Tubing Park at Afton Alps in Afton. It boasts some of the biggest tubing hills in Minnesota, complete with a lift to whisk you back to the top. Alternatively, Buck Hill in Burnsville offers a high-energy experience with time slots you can book in advance.
Read our Guide to Snow Tubing for Minnesota Parents to find more (free and fee-based) snow tubing hills near the Twin Cities.
Saint Paul Winter Carnival, Saint Paul
Looking for fun things to do in the Twin Cities this winter with kids? The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is an exciting local event. In fact, this historic festival has been a family favorite since 1886! You can check the calendar ahead of time to plan which events you’d like to attend this year.
Kids will love exploring the Ice Castles and the Vulcan Snow Park, both held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Complete with snow sculptures and activities, both events offer winter fun for all ages. Then, at Rice Park, marvel at dazzling ice carving competitions and enjoy the magical glow of illuminated sculptures. Don’t miss cultural performances, hands-on crafts, and global food at the Landmark Center.
Best of all, many activities are free or low-cost, making this winter event ideal for families with kids of all ages. Bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and immerse your crew in this winter wonderland!
Twin Cities Winter Activities: Winter SKOLstice, Eagan
Don’t miss Winter SKOLstice at Viking Lakes in Eagan, running through February 23! This seasonal celebration offers something for everyone, with highlights like the Minnesota Ice Festival—featuring the world’s largest ice maze—double the size of last year! Families can also enjoy ice slides, thrones, and scavenger hunts for an adventure-filled day. Discover additional kid-friendly events when you check this season’s calendar.
You can also lace up your skates for fun on the 40,000-square-foot Mauer Chevrolet Ponds, perfect for skating, hockey, or curling. Feeling chilly? Head to the Warming Haus for live music, cozy vibes, and Tuesday Family Nights. These special family nights are even complete with cookie decorating, crafts, and food specials for kids. Talk about an abundance of kid-friendly winter activities in the Twin Cities!
Whether you conquer the maze, glide on the ice, or warm up with cozy indoor activities, Winter SKOLstice is a must-do for families looking to embrace Minnesota’s winter magic.
Keep reading to discover even more Twin Cities Winter Activities!
Ice Castles, Saint Paul
For a magical winter experience in Minnesota, head to the Ice Castles at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Saint Paul! This icy wonderland is packed with kid-friendly outdoor activities and breathtaking sights. Explore tunnels, caverns, and glacier-inspired archways, or race down thrilling ice slides that delight all ages.
Kids will love crawling through frosty passageways while parents admire intricate ice sculptures hand-carved by world-class artists. As you explore, don’t miss finding the frozen waterfalls! Finally, the Polar Pub offers winter-themed drinks for adults (21+).
The Ice Castles are undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Minnesota this winter with kids. Parking is free in the Robin Lot, with easy access from Hoyt Avenue into Gate 3. Check the Ice Castles website for weather updates and to grab your tickets.
Watch Curling from Moe’s at the Ice House
Add a visit to Moe’s Ice House in Blaine to your winter bucket list for Minnesota families for a truly unique experience! Located between Fogerty Arena and the Four Seasons Curling Club, this sports bar offers a casual, family-friendly vibe with a menu full of sharables, pizzas, and handhelds. The best part? You can watch live curling matches through the rink-view dining room while you enjoy your meal.
Looking to try curling yourself? The Four Seasons Curling Club offers “Learn to Curl” sessions for ages 12 and up and other family-friendly events. Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or stepping onto the ice, Moe’s Ice House and the surrounding arenas are a perfect way to enjoy winter in the Twin Cities with kids!
Visit a Local Candy Store
Winter adventures don’t get much sweeter than these! Add a tasty family visit to a local candy store to your Minnesota winter bucket list! There’s something magical about wandering through aisles of sugary delights, whether it’s colorful candies, artisanal chocolates, or nostalgic treats. Each store offers a unique charm, making candy shopping a sweet way to brighten winter with your family in the Twin Cities!
Stop by Tremblay’s Sweet Shop in Stillwater for classic fudge and saltwater taffy. Experience the interactive wonder of M&M’s Mall of America, complete with a Wall of Chocolate and custom M&M printing. Head to Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop in Spring Lake Park for craft sodas, nostalgic candies, and an old-school soda fountain. Finally, for a boutique experience, SweetLife Lane in White Bear Lake offers a mix of vintage and modern confections. No matter which location you choose, exploring the Twin Cities sweet spots is undoubtedly one of the most kid-friendly winter activities around!
Find more of our favorite local candy stores by reading about these Twin Cities Candy Stores: 12 Sweet Spots to Visit.
Take a Road Trip to LARK Toys, Kellogg
Looking for an exciting, kid-centered winter day trip from Minneapolis for families? Head to LARK Toys in Kellogg. Just under two hours from the Twin Cities, this family-owned toy store is one of the country’s largest independent specialty toy stores. It has over 20,000 square feet of toys, books, puzzles, and handcrafted wooden treasures for all ages. A visit to LARK Toys will amaze kids of all ages (not to mention the kids at heart!).
Kids can explore play areas throughout the store and ride the hand-carved carousel. Plus, vintage toys are on display along Memory Lane. For a sweet treat, stop by the on-site café for fudge, ice cream, or a hot meal. Whether you’re looking to shop or play, LARK Toys offers a memorable experience for families.
Find more of our top picks for the best local toy stores by reading about these Toy Stores In The Twin Cities.
See Animals Play in the Snow
Looking for kid-friendly winter activities in the Twin Cities with indoor and outdoor options? Head to a local zoo to observe animals, explore indoor gardens, and learn something new together! Como Park Zoo & Conservatory and the Minnesota Zoo offer winter visits the whole family will love. Whether you’re seeing animals play in the snow or exploring indoor exhibits, both zoos provide fun and educational winter activities for families with kids of all ages.
At Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in Saint Paul, you can warm up in the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, where you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to a tropical paradise. After exploring the lush gardens and indoor zoo exhibits, head outside to watch cold-loving animals like polar bears and wolves frolic in the snow. And best of all, Como Zoo is free (donations encouraged)!
For a full winter zoo experience, the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley offers plenty of snow-filled fun. Many animals, like reindeer and caribou, love the winter weather and are extra playful in the snow. Inside, the Tropics Trail transports you to a warm 78-degree oasis, perfect for escaping the chill. Then, don’t miss the Discovery Bay touch tank, where you can get up close with bat rays.
Eat in a Kid-Friendly Igloo
One of the most unique things to do in Minnesota this winter is dining inside a cozy igloo with your kids! You can experience winter’s magic at two family-friendly igloo dining spots near the Twin Cities: Pier 500 in Hudson, Wisconsin, and Dukes on 7 in Minnetonka. These pop-up igloos are perfect for a memorable family meal this season. Plus, they are decked out with seasonal lights and decorations. You and your kids will feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life snow globe! These igloos also typically offer special kid-friendly menus with treats like s’mores desserts, making them a hit with all ages.
At Pier 500, you can reserve a small igloo for up to four people or a larger one for a larger group. Both include a food and beverage minimum. For dinner, enjoy everything from handhelds to steak, salmon, and rotisserie chicken. A dedicated kids’ menu has extensive options like meatloaf, chicken tenders, spaghetti, and more. The igloos are also available for Sunday Brunch.
Dukes on 7 also offers this magical experience, with a specially crafted menu just for igloo dining and a dedicated kids’ menu. Available for groups up to 8, they have a food and beverage minimum for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
These seasonal experiences are perfect for your family’s Minnesota winter bucket list, turning a simple meal into a fun and festive adventure! Reservations are required at both locations and can be made online.
Explore a Free Museum Together
Exploring a free museum is the perfect way to enjoy kid-friendly winter activities in the Twin Cities! Luckily, there are several options for families to choose from when searching for indoor activities this season.
The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) has an incredible collection of art from around the world. It also has a Family Center where little ones can enjoy hands-on activities. Don’t miss the monthly Family Day, which features art projects, storytelling, and interactive tours.
For a unique experience, head to the Minnesota State Capitol in Saint Paul. The Capitol provides free, guided, and self-guided tours of this historic building. The tour event highlights its marble staircases and stunning dome (the second-largest self-supported marble dome in the world!).
If you’re in downtown Saint Paul, check out the Landmark Center, home to several free museums, including the Schubert Club Music Museum. Here, kids can play several global instruments. Afterward, head to the lobby to explore the “Uncle Sam Worked Here” exhibit. Finally, the Minnesota Museum of American Art is another fantastic stop in downtown Saint Paul. This free art museum offers vibrant, interactive exhibits that spark creativity in kids of all ages.
With so many engaging, free museums to choose from in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, you’ll find plenty of educational and fun winter outings for the whole family!
Ride a Train at the Jackson Street Roundhouse
If you’re looking for indoor activities for families in Minnesota this winter, the Minnesota Transportation Museum is a must-visit! Located just north of downtown Saint Paul, it’s a perfect spot for young train enthusiasts and their parents.
Start at the Jackson Street Roundhouse, where you can explore 50 historic train cars, including dining and sleeping cars. Kids will love walking through the hallways of these old cars and learning about their history along the way. There are even model trains racing on tracks, and kids can get hands-on at train tables to create their own routes.
On Saturdays, admission includes a 10-15-minute ride on a real, 100-year-old train—an exciting experience for kids to feel the rhythmic sway of a historic ride. The museum offers special tot time on Wednesday mornings for toddlers, making it one of the best kid-friendly winter activities for littles in Saint Paul. Whether exploring trains or riding one, this museum is a fun and educational way to spend a winter day with your family!
Take a Winter Day Trip
You don’t have to travel far to find winter fun, but sometimes it’s worth getting out of the Twin Cities and exploring a bit further afield. Here are a few of our favorite winter day trips from Minneapolis for families–all under two hours away.
For a scenic and fun-filled day along the St. Croix River, head to Stillwater. Here, you can enjoy outdoor ice skating with views of the historic lift bridge. Afterward, explore local shops or warm up with hot cocoa at a downtown cafe. Northfield also offers outdoor activities and cozy indoor spots for all ages. Go in search of frozen waterfalls at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, or try snowshoeing at the Arb at Carleton College. Add stops at Content Books and Little Joy Coffee to warm up with a hot beverage and a new book.
For a more action-packed trip, head to Rochester. You can enjoy cross-country skiing at Quarry Hill Nature Center or snow tubing at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch near the city. Then, add a stop at Spark, Children’s Museum, for indoor exploration and hands-on fun. Finally, Mankato is another fantastic option, with outdoor ice skating, sledding, and snowshoeing through Minneopa State Park. For indoor fun, check out the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota or the Wow! Zone Family Entertainment Center.
Whether you’re seeking snowy adventures or exciting indoor finds, these day trips offer something for every family searching for fun winter things to do near Minneapolis and Saint Paul with kids.
Discover even more of our favorite family outings by reading about these Winter Day Trip Ideas Near the Twin Cities for Families.
Plan & Book a Waterpark Resort Staycation
Hoping for a weekend filled with kid-friendly winter activities in the Twin Cities? A waterpark resort staycation is the perfect winter bucket list activity for Minnesota families! Skip the long drive and stay close to home while enjoying hours of splashy fun at one of the many indoor waterparks near Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
The Venetian Indoor Water Park in Maple Grove offers exciting tube slides, a toddler area, a floating obstacle course, and an arcade and whirlpool for relaxation. For more thrills, head to Wild Woods Water Park in Elk River. Just 30 minutes from Minneapolis, your family will adore the winding lazy river and water basketball. The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in Lakeville also offers a cozy waterpark experience and easy access to nearby attractions like Buck Hill and the Minnesota Zoo.
If you want a splurge-worthy experience, check out the Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington. Here, you’ll have endless activities, including water slides, an arcade, and more exclusive activities for hotel guests.
Whether you’re after a quick getaway or a full-fledged waterpark adventure, these local resorts with waterparks offer endless fun for families this winter! Find our top picks for local indoor waterparks by reading this Minnesota Water Park Staycations article.
Enjoy Completing Your Families Twin Cities Winter Activities Bucket List!
As the winter season takes hold, the Twin Cities offer many indoor and outdoor activities for families to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking winter day trip ideas from Minneapolis and Saint Paul or looking for fun kid-friendly winter activities inside the Twin Cities metro, you’ll find something to suit every interest on this list.
From exploring snowy trails to learning something new together at one of our free museums, Minnesota’s winter offerings provide endless opportunities for family fun.
Add these 15 must-try Minnesota activities to your family’s winter bucket list. As you check things off, you’ll quickly see how many winter activities Minnesota has for families with kids!
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.
