Twin Cities Guide to Family Activities this Weekend: May 4-5, 2024
Things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul this weekend!
This Twin Cities Family Weekend Guide covers events in Minneapolis & St Paul the weekend of May 4-5, 2024. Want to discover family fun this weekend across the Twin Cities Metro Area? Browse our guides for the Northwest, Northeast, Southwest & Southeast communities. Happy exploring, wherever your weekend may take you!
Welcome to May in the Twin Cities!
For more inspiration on spending family time together this weekend, check our MAY FAMILY EVENTS GUIDE, our ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SPRING IN THE TWIN CITIES or our well-stocked FAMILY FUN CALENDAR.
Where are you looking for family fun?
Schubert Club Music Museum
FamilyJam is a new free program for kids and families at the Schubert Club Music Museum in St. Paul's Landmark Center which comprises short 25-30 minute concerts followed by Music Museum activities, including hands-on instrument playing, instrument demonstrations and musician meet and greets. All FamilyJam concerts and Music Museum admission are free. Registration is required.
Fun activities in the parks this weekend in Minneapolis & St Paul
Featured here for the weekend is just a taste of all that’s going on across the incredible Twin Cities park systems. You can get more ideas on our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR or browse the links below to search for local fun events & things to do with kids this weekend in parks across the Minneapolis-St Paul metro. Featured Twin Cities park events this weekend include:
Try visiting a new park or nature center
Check out the links on our big list of Twin Cities nature & interpretive centers for details on which buildings are open; all of these locations have outdoor trails to hike. Did you know that several of these nature centers have natural playgrounds nestled within them? You can build with natural materials, climb, balance, even wade and garden at some of the more elaborate spaces. This weekend we’re featuring family fun at this Minneapolis sanctuary:
Garden Storytime at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
ELOISE BUTLER WILDFLOWER GARDEN & BIRD SANCTUARY in Minneapolis has opened its trails for the season. Storytime and activities for kids are hosted at the visitor center. Print out and bring along this scavenger hunt! May 4, 2024, 3-3:30pm. FREE.
P.S. We LOVE scavenger hunts! So much, in fact, that we’ve collected a big list of the best ones across parks in the Twin Cities!
Visit a Minnesota State Park
Eight Minnesota state parks are located within 60 miles of the heart of Minneapolis and St Paul; an hour’s drive or less. The current cost of a daily vehicle permit is $7. We share a few highlights of each HERE.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids – Minneapolis & St Paul
Meet the spring Minnesota farm babies
You do need to travel just a little out of the heart of Minneapolis-St Paul to find the sweet spring farm babies. But it’s worth it. Here are a couple events we recommend:
FINAL WEEKEND! Twin Cities Spring Baby Animals Festival
Located at 109th Ave and Hwy 169 in Brooklyn Park
A $14 wristband will include access to the fuzzy farm babies, the play area and a hayride. Pictured is my little one loving on the bunnies. Final weekend May 4-5, 2024.
Minnesota Zoo’s Farm Babies
The barn is back open in 2024 for you to meet all the fuzzy, cuddly newborns. Tickets are included with Zoo admission. $14-$20/pp plus $7 parking.
FIND MORE CHANCES TO MEET FUZZY MINNESOTA FARM BABIES!
Visit a fresh farmers market
Three Minneapolis-area farmers markets open this Saturday, May 4, for all your fresh spring must-have and locally-grown products. You can find at least 35 more markets listed in our roundup of TWIN CITIES FAMILY-FRIENDLY FARMERS MARKETS.
Mill City Farmers Market
750 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Family fun: On the second and fourth Saturdays of each months, Kids can participate in POP, sample the vegetable of the month and earn a $2 token. Storytime with the Guthrie will be on the second Saturday of the month this year. 8am-1pm.
Make a day: This is our favorite farmers market to hit up in the Minneapolis-St Paul area because of the easy walk to so many family attractions. After you shop, you’re only steps from the super kid-friendly MILL CITY MUSEUM. Or, if you’d rather stay outdoors, my kids enjoy crossing the Mississippi River at the STONE ARCH BRIDGE and exploring Mill Ruins Park (located below street level). For the best view of St Anthony Falls, try stopping in at the St Anthony Falls Lock and Dam Visitor Center. Open during the summer months, tours and admission to the indoor exhibits are free.
Celebrate Star Wars Day
“May the Fourth Be With You” at Can Can Wonderland Mini Golf
755 Prior Ave N Suite #004, St Paul, MN 55104
Fan family activities include a Star Wars themed arcade game corner featuring Pod Racers and Jedi lightsaber training. Test your skills and see if you’re truly worthy of the Force! Add on a round of mini golf at the super cool, artist-designed indoor course for an extra charge. May 4, 2024, under 21 permitted 7-9pm. Cover charge of $14/pp, 5 & under free.
Chugga chugga!
Choo Choo Bob’s Grand Opening Weekend at Union Depot
214 4th Street E, St Paul MN
We are thrilled to see the wonderful Choo Choo Bob’s Train Shop return to its original hometown of St Paul after being located in St Louis Park the past few years. Even more exciting, the shop and play space will move into brand new digs at the lovely Union Depot downtown. This weekend, in honor of the grand opening, snag half-price admission to play at the train tables, listen to live music and welcome back storytime with the esteemed Engineer Paul (Friday only). May 4-5, 2024, 10am-5pm. Play admission $5/kids, $1/adults.
More free or low cost things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory: Como Quest
1225 Estabrook Drive, Saint Paul, MN 55103
The zoo and conservatory, with their exotic animal and plant species, are always free to visit. This activity, however, is a fundraiser for Como Friends and involves forming a team to solve puzzles around the gardens and animal exhibits. You’re sure to learn all kinds of interesting facts and have fun contributing to the upkeep of this wonderful free zoo. Register at the link. May 4, 2024. $20/team.
Walker Art Center First Free Saturday
725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Free gallery admission for the whole family every first Saturday of the month plus art activities designed for kids. Don’t forget to explore the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden! May 4, 2024, 10am-3pm.
Home Depot Kids Workshops
1520 New Brighton Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55413
The first Saturday of each month is workshop day at Home Depot. Kids get a kit to build, apron and pin while supplies last; adults must accompany their kids. Please pre-register. This weekend, kids can build a flower picture frame. May 4, 2024, 9am-12pm.
MORE TWIN CITIES HOME DEPOT LOCATIONS: You’ll also find the Kids Workshops at more than 15 Home Depot locations in the Twin Cities Metro.
Michaels Sunday Makebreak
Participating Michaels stores across the Twin Cities are offering free weekend “Makebreak” classes and “Take & Make” Kids Club crafts. They’re simple, yet could lend a nice personal touch to a small gift. This weekend, purchase a canvas and Michaels will supply the paint and brushes and instruction. May 5, 2024, 2-4pm.
First Free Sunday at Minnesota Children’s Museum
10 West Seventh Street, St. Paul, MN 55102
Explore three floors of completely hands-on exhibits for kids FREE courtesy Securian Financial. Tickets are in limited supply so snag yours fast! May 4, 2024, 10am.
Minnesota Twins: Sunday Kids Day
Target Field, 1 Twins Way, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Super fun and special things to do for kids on Sundays through Labor Day: Target turns the lawn inside Gate 34 into Bullseye Backyard. Kids 12 and younger can run the bases postgame and come hungry ’cause US Bank Kids Meals are half off (just $4). We have all kinds of cool info about taking kids to the ballgame on our FUN AT TARGET FIELD page. May 5, 2024, 1pm. Tickets start at $18.
Saturday Vibe: Sportsplay with Kidokinetics
George Latimer Central Library, 90 West 4th Street, Saint Paul MN 55102
Special guest Kidokinetics will get kids moving with a warm up, intro to a sport, some free play time and a cool down session. There’s even a simple anatomy and physiology lesson. Hang around and explore the preschool math-themed Play & Learn area. May 4, 2024, 11am-12pm. FREE.
First Chapter Storytime at Next Chapter Bookseller
38 Snelling Ave S, Saint Paul, MN 55105
A picture book read-aloud plus related activity just for kids. May 4, 2024, 10:30-11am. FREE.
Museums with free admission
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden – adjacent to the Walker Art Center
- (free each first Saturday/month)
- Weisman Art Museum – located on the Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota
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Boulevard Bar & Grille
3395 Coon Rapids Boulevard, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Day/Time: Sunday, All Day
Deal: Kids Eat Free. Kids 12 eat free from the kids menu – one child’s meal with each adult entrée purchased.
Verified: 7/19/22
Broadway Pizza
11822 Aberdeen Street NE, Blaine MN 55449; (763) 755-5080
3420 129th Ave NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55448; (763) 421-2503
13705 27th Avenue North, Plymouth, MN 55441; (763) 551-0155
21431 141st Avenue N, Rogers, MN 55374; (763) 428-3013
Day/Time: Monday, 5pm-7:30pm
Deal: Free kids menu item with purchase of an adult entrée.
Verified: 3/5/24
Broadway Pizza
11186 Commerce Drive, Champlin, MN 55316; (763) 433-9228
Day/Time: Tuesday, 5pm-7:30pm
Deal: Free kids menu item with purchase of an adult entrée.
Verified: 3/5/24
Chatters Restaurant & Bar
4181 Cedar Street, Monticello, MN 55362 (763) 271-0070
Day/Time: Tuesdays; 4pm-Close
Deal: Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal, 1 child per adult.
Verified: 2/18/22
Lucy’s Burgers
4365 Pheasant Ridge Dr. NE. Ste. #102, Blaine, MN 55449; (763) 762-7140
Day/Time: Mondays, 5pm-8pm
Deal: One free kid’s meal per paying adult.
Verified: 3/5/24
Pizza Ranch
13797 Jay Street NW, Andover, MN 55304; (763) 710-4555
12443 Champlin Drive, Champlin, MN 55316; (763) 444-1344
19141 Freeport St NW, Elk River, MN 55330; (763) 441-3000
Day/Time: Tuesdays, 4pm-7:30 (or 8pm depending on location)
Deal: Kid’s Night: One child 12 & under per paying adult.
Verified: 2/18/22
Robert’s at Medina
500 Hwy 55, Medina, MN 55340; (763) 478-6661
Day/Time: Tuesdays @ 4pm
Deal: Enjoy a FREE kids meal with the purchase of an adult entree!
Verified: 2/4/24
Space Aliens Grill & Bar
11166 CR-37, Albertville, MN 55301; (763) 497-6718
Day/Time: Tuesday Evenings
Deal: $2.99 kids pizza & free game card with purchase of an adult meal.
Verified: 2/24/24
Sunshine Factory Restaurant
4100 Vinewood Lane, Plymouth MN, 55442; 763-535-7000
Day/Time: Sundays after 4pm
Deal: Kids eat free – kids 10 & under get one free meal per adult meal purchased. Not valid for teams or large groups.
Verified: 3/5/24
Willy McCoy’s
5651 La Centre Ave, Albertville, MN 55301; (763) 515-3600
13655 Martin St NW, Andover, MN 55304; (763) 767-6333
12450 Business Park Blvd N, Champlin, MN 55301; (763) 422-5020
6415 Highway 10 NW, Ramsey, MN 55303; (763) 717-8916
Day/Time: Sundays, 5-8pm
Deal: One free kid’s meal per adult entrée purchased. Also 95¢ wings all day.
Verified: 3/5/24
