Get ready for a fun-filled weekend in Minneapolis! We have exciting dinosaur adventures at the Convention Center, interactive play at the Walker Art Center, and a chance to catch the last glimpses of spring flowers. Don't miss the immersive fun of Forts! or the charming ballet adaptation of If You Give A Mouse A Cookie.
See our top picks
Institute of Art Family Day: Dragons & Monsters
Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA)
Free themed art, music, and demos at MIA on Sunday.
Free Open Swim Sundays at Great River Water Park
Great River Water Park
Indoor water park fun for all ages that is completely free on Sunday.
Thomas & Friends™: Explore the Rails!
Minnesota Children's Museum
Interactive Thomas exhibit perfect for younger train fans.
· March 7
4: This thrilling weekend combines huge dinosaur encounters with creative LEGO building activities. It’s a perfect blend of prehistoric awe and hands-on fun for kids of all ages.This massive multi-attraction event is happening all weekend long and covers both dinosaur lovers and LEGO builders.
: Get an early taste of spring with thousands of vibrant floral displays and horticultural exhibits. This is a beautiful, calm way to spend a morning away from the city bustle.It offers a welcome burst of early color indoors before the true Minnesota spring arrives.
: The beloved children's book comes to life in this charming ballet performance, complete with pre-show and post-show activities. It’s specifically designed for your youngest audience members.Specific showtimes are available Saturday and Sunday that fit early afternoon schedules.
FREE : Visit the free zoo and catch the tail end of the Winter Flower Show before it closes on March 15th. It’s an excellent, cheap way to see some nature indoors this weekend.It's free admission and a great chance to see the seasonal flower show before it ends.
· March 8
2: Experience up-close dinosaur encounters with incredibly realistic prehistoric creatures. This show has thrilled audiences worldwide, making it a memorable outing.It is a high-energy theatrical show featuring realistic dinosaurs running all weekend.
: Drop the kids off for creative building with LEGOs, magnatiles, and more while you grab a coffee next door. It’s a perfect, short break for parents on Sunday morning.This offers structured play for older kids (5-14) and allows parents a brief respite.
Also On· anytime this weekend
9: Young train enthusiasts can explore interactive exhibits featuring Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. Perfect for toddlers who love trains.It's a specific limited-run exhibit inside one of the region's best children's museums.
: Kids get to build creative spaces using sofas, blankets, and cardboard boxes in this highly imaginative adventure. This is the perfect indoor activity for letting creative energy run wild.This interactive experience is running both days of the weekend.
: Shop local vendors indoors as the market kicks off its season this Saturday morning. It’s a great spot to grab fresh goods and enjoy a lively atmosphere downtown.This appears to be the first Saturday market of the season for this location.
: Explore this interactive art exhibition created just for children at the renowned Walker Art Center. Sunday hours make it a great end-of-weekend activity.It’s a dedicated interactive experience designed specifically for children.
FREE : The museum opens up with art-making workshops, kids' films, scavenger hunts, and live performances. This is the best free event if you want high-quality art engagement.It's completely free, running for five hours on Saturday, and specifically geared toward kids' activities.
FREE : Kids can build a simple DIY leprechaun trap for free this Saturday morning. Great, quick activity if you're already running errands in the area.It's a seasonal, fun, and free crafting event on Saturday morning.
FREE : Mia hosts a free family day featuring hands-on art activities, live music, artist demos, and special tours centered around a Dragons & Monsters theme. A fantastic, free Sunday outing.A major cultural institution offering specialized, themed family programming for free on Sunday.
FREE : Take advantage of this free, drop-in art session where everyone gets to experiment and play with clay. Follow it up with a scavenger hunt through the galleries!This is a recurring free Saturday art session where the medium this month is clay.
FREE : Enjoy a completely free swim session on Sunday afternoon, featuring a zero-depth entry splash pool for little ones and two tube waterslides for older kids. Safety training is also offered.It’s a fantastic free activity in an indoor water park setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Minneapolis this weekend?
This weekend (Mar 07-08) there are several great free options including the Walker Art Center First Free Saturday: Kids Film Fair, the Home Depot Kids Workshop: Leprechaun Trap, the Art Play! – Clay Play! session at MIA, the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, and Free Open Swim Sundays at Great River Water Park.
Are there any dinosaur events happening March 7th or 8th?
Yes! Dinosaur World Live is running at the Children's Theatre Company on both Saturday and Sunday, and the Jurassic Quest x Brick Fest Live event is also happening all weekend at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
What is good for parents who need a quick break while the kids are entertained?
Check out Coffee and Creative Play at Snapology on Sunday morning, which allows parents to grab a drink while kids engage in supervised building activities for a few hours.
