Winter Minneapolis Activities
With the leaves turning and cooler winds blowing in, you might want to fly away for a beach vacation. Unfortunately, you cannot stay on vacation all winter. Instead, why not stay in the comfort of your own home while acting like a tourist? These mini-Minneapolis staycation ideas will keep you busy.
Free First Saturday: Painting Stories at Walker Art Center
The whole family will enjoy free admission to the gallery from 10 am to 3 pm on the first Saturday of each month. You and the kids can participate in a variety of family activities, live performances, films, gallery adventures, and crafts that are tailor made for ages 5 through 12. Alternate Activity: Museum of Russian Art
Tour the Ruins at Mill City Museum
Take a fascinating journey through time to what was once the world’s largest flour mill. Adults and kids will enjoy learning about the history of the mill, the explosion and fire that created the ruins, and the Minneapolis Riverfront District. Take tours, watch shows, and see panoramic views of St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge from the rooftop deck. Alternate Activity: Escape Games
Waterpark of America at Radisson Hotel
For a winter water weekend getaway, book a room at the Radisson Hotel and Indoor Waterpark of America. You’ll walk from room to waterslide without ever stepping outside. The waterpark features a mile-long family raft ride and the tallest waterslide in the country. The hotel has a spa, restaurants, and complimentary shuttle to the Mall of America. Alternate Activity: Minnehaha Falls Park
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Craving a nature fix? Como Park is the perfect place to explore the many exotic inside gardens, art sculptures, and animal exhibits. Fall and winter activities include live music, flower shows, animal events, and monthly photography days where holiday portraits can be taken using the beautiful gardens as a backdrop. Donations are requested for admission. Alternate Activty: Shafer Corn Maze
Anoka: The Halloween Capital of the World
Just north of the city you’ll find Anoka, the self-proclaimed Halloween Capital of the world. Throughout October, they host a wide variety of Halloween-themed events for the whole family. These include parades, cemetery tours, scavenger hunts, bingo, wine tastings, pet costume contests, haunted houses, and more. Alternate Activity: Zombie Pub Crawl
Ice Skating at The Depot Rink
Open Thanksgiving weekend through the beginning of March, you can take a spin on the ice at the historic downtown Minneapolis train shed. For a romantic night with your sweetie or warm winter activity with the kids, this indoor rink with views of the city is the place to be. Alternate Activity: Loppet Urban Cross Country Ski Festival
Saint Paul Winter Carnival at Rice Park
This free outdoor carnival takes place January 28 thru February 7 at Rice Park in Saint Paul. The carnival has something for everyone, including a parade, marathon run, ice castle sculptures, disc golf tournament, snow plow competition, ice bar, and all kinds of fun activities for kids and adults. Alternate Activity: 16th Annual Winter Kite Festival
