We've made the call on the best family fun for February 28th and March 1st! You can catch a book launch at the American Swedish Institute, see Miyazaki’s Howl's Moving Castle for free at Walker Art Center, or head out for some late-winter nature fun like maple syruping.
See our top picks
First Free Sundays at Minnesota Children's Museum
Minnesota Children's Museum (St. Paul)
Free entry all day Sunday to explore three floors of exhibits.
Middle School Movie Club: Howl's Moving Castle
Walker Art Center
Free screening of a Ghibli classic plus free art making.
Thomas & Friends™: Explore the Rails!
Minnesota Children's Museum (St. Paul)
Final Sunday to visit the Thomas the Tank Engine exhibit.
· February 28
5: Meet celebrated author Kao Kalia Yang as she launches two new children's books. This is a great chance for younger kids to enjoy a story time featuring new titles.Family-focused book launch right in Minneapolis.
: Explore the history of flour mills through fun STEM activities perfect for all ages. This is a hands-on history lesson that kids usually love.Unique combination of local history and hands-on science for all ages.
FREE : If there is snow, this evening event promises sledding and snow painting. Stick around until 6:30 PM for the fire twirling show and warm up by the bonfires.Great local neighborhood event with a fire twirling show!
: Mickey and Minnie host this Disney On Ice adventure featuring characters from *Moana*, *Frozen*, and *Coco*. Great for a big weekend spectacle!Major touring show happening Saturday with three performance times.
: This play is specifically created for families to enjoy together at the Stages Theatre Company. It's a perfect dedicated indoor activity for Saturday.A performance explicitly noted as being 'for Families' running Saturday.
· March 1
3FIRST FREE SUNDAYS AT MINNESOTA CHILDREN'S MUSEUMFREE : Score free admission to the entire Children's Museum, which features three floors of kid-friendly exhibits. Remember to grab your tickets online since space can be limited.It’s the first Sunday of the month, meaning free entry to one of the best indoor play spots in the area.
MAPLE SYRUPING AT FORT SNELLING STATE PARK : Learn about the tradition of maple syrup production in this kid-friendly program at the State Park. You must register the day prior to attend.A great way to celebrate the very end of winter by learning how sap becomes syrup.
: This is your last chance to explore the incredible, massive ice sculpture displays before they melt away. It's a truly magical experience for kids who love tunnels and ice slides.This is listed as closing March 1st, making it a crucial 'last chance' activity for the weekend.
Also On· anytime this weekend
7FREE : Escape the dreary winter day by watching Hayao Miyazaki's *Howl's Moving Castle* on the big screen. You can stick around afterward to make art or check out the galleries, all for free.Free movie screening followed by free art activities at a major cultural center.
FREE : Enjoy a free swim session complete with a splash pool perfect for little ones and waterslides for older kids. They even offer water safety training mid-afternoon.Free way to burn off energy indoors on a Sunday!
: This is an interactive experience where kids get to build forts out of sofas, blankets, and cardboard boxes—basically, the coolest attic ever. Make sure to check the schedule for Saturday performance times.It's an interactive theatre experience focused on imaginative building.
FREE : Head to the Saint Paul Public Library for family entertainment that rotates between music, storytelling, puppets, and STEM activities. A nice, calm morning activity downtown.Free, central, and offers varied entertainment formats for young kids.
: Cinderella and Rapunzel are making a magical appearance while your little royals enjoy brunch. This is a special character meet-and-greet opportunity.Specific character brunch on Saturday morning is great for younger kids.
: If your kids love Thomas the Tank Engine, check out this special exhibit before it closes Sunday. It's an immersive experience centered around the favorite engines.This exhibit is listed as closing on March 1st, so this is the final Sunday to catch it.
: The Walker has an exhibition specifically designed for children. It's a great chance to engage with contemporary art in a kid-focused setting.An exhibition specifically curated for young visitors at a top Minneapolis art institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Minneapolis this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 28-01) there are 4 explicitly free events in the metro area: Middle School Movie Club: Howl's Moving Castle (Sat), Tangletown Winterfest (Sat), First Free Sundays at Minnesota Children's Museum (Sun), and Free Open Swim Sundays at Great River Water Park (Sun).
Are there any outdoor options this late in February?
Yes, check out the Maple Syruping event at Fort Snelling State Park on Sunday, or the Tangletown Winterfest on Saturday evening (weather permitting for sledding).
What's happening specifically on Sunday, March 1st?
Sunday is great for indoor activities like the free swim at Great River Water Park or the free admission day at the Minnesota Children's Museum. It's also the last day for Ice Castles Minnesota.
