Heads up, Minneapolis! This weekend (Jan 24-25) is packed with frosty fun, from massive snow sculptures in St. Paul to meeting live raptors. Skip the usual spots and check out these unique local happenings, like a Viking-era museum day or hunting for medals at the Snow Park!
Quick Picks
Snow Sculpture Competition Viewing
Vulcan Snow Park at the State Fairgrounds
Catch the massive snow sculptures being built and enjoy the maze—it’s free!
Night Trains at Twin City Model Railroad Museum
Twin City Model Railroad Museum
A perfect indoor escape watching detailed model trains run during special evening hours.
Vulcan Fun Day (Mini Medallion Hunt)
The Snow Park
Little ones will love the mini medallion hunt and fire truck rides this Sunday!
· January 24
7WINTER FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES: PANCAKE BREAKFAST, SLEDDING & SNOW SCULPTURESFREE : Get bundled up! There's a whole day of winter fun happening across different spots, including sledding, a snow sculpture contest, and even a cozy fort for the kids.It's a full-day, multi-location festival vibe featuring classic winter activities like sledding and a community snow contest.
GAMMELGARDEN MUSEUM ENCOUNTERS: SLED DOGS AND RAPTORSFREE : Ever wanted to get up close with sled dogs or see live raptors? The Gammelgarden Museum is hosting amazing wildlife encounters all day long.Super unique cultural/animal interaction happening at a local museum—definitely not a standard weekend offering.
ST. PAUL WINTER CARNIVAL: KING BOREAS GRANDE DAY PARADE : Catch the big Winter Carnival parade featuring King Boreas! It’s happening early afternoon on a new route this year.This is the signature parade event for one of the region's largest winter celebrations, happening Saturday afternoon.
ST. PAUL WINTER CARNIVAL SNOW SCULPTURE COMPETITION VIEWING & MAZEFREE : Head over to the State Fairgrounds to watch expert sculptors hard at work on massive snow creations. Bonus: there's a snow maze just for kids!Watching the sculpting happen this weekend is the best way to experience the art before it’s finished, plus the kids’ maze is a bonus.
LUMINISCENCE: IMMERSIVE LIGHT, SOUND & STORY CELEBRATION : Check out this cool immersive experience downtown at the Basilica this Saturday. It mixes light projections with sound and storytelling.It’s an artistic, sensory event happening at a famous local landmark—perfect for a unique Saturday night outing.
FAMILY STORYTIME SESSIONFREE : If you're near downtown St. Paul Saturday morning, stop by the Central Library for a relaxed family storytime.A classic, free, local library offering that’s easy to fit into any morning schedule.
2026 ST PAUL WINTER CARNIVAL - WINTER PLAY DAY : Part of the big St. Paul Winter Carnival, this day is dedicated purely to having fun outside in the snow at Crosby Farm Park.It's a specific, official day of play dedicated to enjoying the winter carnival atmosphere outdoors.
· January 25
4ST. PAUL WINTER CARNIVAL: VULCAN FUN DAY (FIRE TRUCKS & MEDALLION HUNT)FREE : Sunday at the Snow Park is for the littles! They’ve got Vulcan fire truck rides and a special mini medallion hunt just for kids.Specific hands-on activities geared toward younger kids (mini hunt and fire truck rides) on Sunday.
SUNDAYS AT LANDMARK: FREE CIVIC SYMPHONY CONCERTFREE : Need a calm Sunday afternoon activity? The Saint Paul Civic Symphony is playing free classical favorites at the Landmark Center.It's a free, high-quality cultural experience happening Sunday afternoon as part of the Winter Carnival celebrations.
NIGHT TRAINS AT TWIN CITY MODEL RAILROAD MUSEUM : Go see the incredible model trains running during their special Sunday evening hours. These displays are seriously detailed!Special evening hours make this feel like an exclusive event for train lovers this Sunday night.
HARRY POTTER SPINGO : Get your wands ready! They’re hosting a Harry Potter themed bingo/spingo event Sunday morning at Smash Park.Niche themed activity (Harry Potter + Spingo) is perfect for older kids or families looking for something different on Sunday morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Minneapolis this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 24-25), you can score big on free activities! Check out the Snow Sculpture Competition viewing and maze at the State Fairgrounds (minneapolis-4), or head to the free library storytime on Saturday (minneapolis-9).
Where can we see the best St. Paul Winter Carnival events on Saturday?
The biggest events Saturday are the King Boreas Grande Day Parade at 2 PM (minneapolis-3) and watching the huge snow sculptures being built at the State Fairgrounds (minneapolis-4).
Are there any unique, non-snow-related things to do with kids this weekend?
Yes! On Saturday, you can visit the Gammelgarden Museum to meet live sled dogs and raptors (minneapolis-2). On Sunday evening, catch the detailed model trains running at the Twin City Model Railroad Museum (minneapolis-8).