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Winter in Minnesota doesn’t have to mean staying indoors—or spending a fortune! As a Minnesota mom exploring the state with my tween daughter, I’m always on the lookout for fun, free ways to make the most of the season. From snowy adventures to cozy indoor activities, the Twin Cities are packed with family-friendly activities that won’t cost a dime. This guide features 11 of our favorite FREE winter things to do in the Twin Cities as a family, from nature centers and museums to ice skating and snowshoeing.
Whether you’re searching for free winter things to do in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, or the greater metro area with kids or just looking to keep the winter blues away, this list has you and your family covered. These indoor and outdoor ideas make it easy to enjoy all the best winter things to do with kids in Minnesota without breaking the bank. Let’s bundle up and explore!
Free OUTDOOR Things to Do this Winter in the Twin Cities with Kids
Looking for free winter things to do OUTSIDE in the Twin Cities with kids? Here are a few of our favorite ideas for playing in the snow this winter. Most have locations across the Twin Cities, while some are location-specific.
READ NEXT: 10 Outstanding Winter Day Trips near Minneapolis with Kids (all within about 90 minutes)
Nature Centers
Nature centers are undoubtedly some of Minnesota’s best free winter things to do with kids! My daughter and I love bundling up and hitting the trails for snowy hikes, spotting animal tracks, and breathing in that crisp winter air. Luckily, there are plenty to choose from across the Twin Cities! Many of our nature centers also have cozy indoor spaces where families can warm up and learn about local wildlife. Each one is free to enter (including the indoor areas). And, they often features affordable fee-based seasonal rentals like kicksleds or snowshoes. Whether it’s a brisk hike or snow-covered play, nature centers are a simple, free way to enjoy winter adventures together!
Here are a Few of Our Favorite Nature Centers in the Twin Cities
Tamarack Nature Center in White Bear Lake is perfect for winter exploring—its miles of trails are peaceful, and the Discovery Hollow Play Area invites kids to climb and play, even in the snow. The indoor exhibits continue to be open all winter. Finally, they also offer snowshoe rentals!
In Richfield, Wood Lake Nature Center offers quiet boardwalk paths through frozen marshes, ideal for winter birdwatching. The center also has a lovely nature play area with logs to stack and build forts. Snowshoe rentals are available on-site. The indoor exhibits feature live animals, books, and other learning opportunities.
Richardson Nature Center in Bloomington offers several miles of trails that meander through heavily wooded areas and along ponds and marshy areas. The epic outdoor nature playground features logs for balancing acts and a mud kitchen. Of course, the indoor area is not to be missed. It features books, live animals, a small play area, and more. Snowshoe rentals are available in the winter, too.
Finally, if you’re looking for kicksled rentals, try Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley or Westwood Hills Nature Center in St. Louis Park.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is one of our favorite free winter activities for kids in Minneapolis and across the Twin Cities! My daughter has loved learning to skate over the past few winters, and it has now grown into a family hobby. If you have your own skates, there are many free outdoor rinks across the Twin Cities. If not, each rink also offers rentals for a small fee.
Want to invest in your own pair of ice skates this winter? We love our ice skates from Riedell Skates (made in Red Wing, Minnesota!).
Here are a Few of Our Favorite Local Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks
Looking for wild ice in the Twin Cities? Many Minneapolis lakes, including Lake Nokomis, offer outdoor ice. Lake Nokomis is perfect for families looking to embrace classic Minnesota winter traditions. There is plenty of space for skating and pond hockey, while enjoying the winter landscape. Dress warmly, though; not all of the lakes offer warming houses.
Or, glide through the scenic skating loop at Central Park Ice Skating Loop in Maple Grove. One of the only refrigerated outdoor ice skating rinks in Minnesota, it is also one of the most reliable places to skate, regardless of the temperature. In the warming house, you’ll find an indoor fireplace and concessions with snacks.
Then, Centennial Lakes, with its winding canals and twinkling lights, is especially magical at night. For an extra treat, you can warm up by the fireplace or grab a snack at the indoor concessions.
Many communities also have outdoor rinks at local parks. Running Park, a hidden gem in Bloomington, offers multiple rinks and additional winter activities like sledding and playgrounds, making it ideal for families with younger children.
These rinks provide smooth ice, charming settings, and lots of space for families to skate at their own pace. Skating at these local spots is not only fun and active but also a great way to enjoy the fresh air all winter long.
Winter Hiking or Snowshoeing
Hiking and snowshoeing are great winter things to do with kids in Minnesota. In fact, there are plenty of family-friendly trails across the metro.
Explore the scenic trails around Lake Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet for easy, accessible hikes with beautiful lake views. For a more adventurous outing, head to Lebanon Hills Regional Park, where you’ll find snowshoe rentals and miles of trails through serene woods. Or, try your luck at finding wintering swans at Vadnais-Sucker Lake Regional Park. There is even a playground at the trail head for extra playtime in the snow!
Then, Minnehaha Regional Park is perfect for families looking to see frozen waterfalls and enjoy winter’s magic up close. Just note that you CANNOT walk to the frozen falls (even if you see others doing it—crossing the barrier is prohibited by the park). Hidden Falls Regional Park in Saint Paul is another stunning spot for a short hike with the reward of a quiet, frozen waterfall.
Alternatively, the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge offers peaceful trails for spotting wildlife against a snowy backdrop. They also have an indoor interpretive center, which, when open, provides explorer backpacks that kids can borrow for use on the trails. Plus, they have a few indoor exhibits and an observation area. Whether walking, hiking, or snowshoeing, these locations provide outdoor fun and beautiful winter scenery for the whole family.
Note: If you don’t have your own snowshoes but want to try them out, head to your local nature center (see the list above). Many of them provide rentals for a small fee.
READ NEXT: A Family Guide to 6 Exciting State Parks near Minneapolis with Kids
Playgrounds
Winter playgrounds are SO underrated, but they’re genuinely some of our favorite free outdoor winter things to do in the Twin Cities with kids. The snow-covered equipment adds a fun, seasonal twist to traditional playground play. The best part? They can be found almost everywhere in Minnesota!
At places like Augburg Park in Richfield or Como Park in Saint Paul, kids can climb, slide, and swing while enjoying fresh air and snow play. Many playgrounds also feature sledding hills.
Afterward, warm up with hot cocoa or a treat at a nearby café. Whether it’s snowy or sunny, winter playgrounds are a low-key yet exciting way to spend some outdoor time together, no matter the temperature!
READ NEXT: How to Dress Kids for a Minnesota Winter (by a Mom Who Knows!)
Franconia Sculpture Park
Franconia Sculpture Park is one of our favorite winter day trips and a thrilling pick for free outdoor winter things to do near the Twin Cities with kids! Just 45 minutes from Minneapolis in Shafer, this 50-acre outdoor museum becomes a magical winter wonderland in the snow.
Snow-covered sculptures create a whimsical landscape, and the wide, open paths are perfect for kids to roam, run, and explore. My daughter loves discovering new sculptures and imagining their stories as we wander through the frosty trails. Some installations are even interactive, adding an extra layer of fun.
We bundle up, bring hot cocoa, and enjoy the colorful, snowy scenery. Franconia Sculpture Park is open every day of the year and is always free (though donations are appreciated). From exploring giant sculptures to simply creating joyful family moments in the snow, Franconia Sculpture Park is a must for creative family adventures!
Stock Up on Winter Gear for the Whole Family
Free INDOOR Things to Do this Winter in the Twin Cities with Kids
Did you know there are several free indoor activities for kids in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and across the Twin Cities metro this winter? From museums and zoos to local libraries, families can plan plenty of fun and free outings in Minnesota this winter.
READ NEXT: 8 EPIC Bucket List Winter Getaways in Minnesota for Families to Play in the Snow
Minnesota Museum of American Art
For a cozy and creative winter outing, visit the Minnesota Museum of American Art—one of the best free museums in Saint Paul for families. Located in the Historic Pioneer Endicott building in downtown Saint Paul, this museum (fondly called “the M”) showcases vibrant, thought-provoking exhibitions that spark curiosity in kids of all ages.
Little artists will love exploring colorful displays and unique window galleries that blend art and storytelling in fun, interactive ways. With over 5,000 pieces highlighting diverse American artists, there’s plenty to inspire young imaginations, making it one of my favorite free winter things to do in the Twin Cities with kids.
Plus, admission is free, making it a budget-friendly way to spend a winter afternoon. Open Thursday through Sunday, the M is a perfect spot for families looking to stay warm while enjoying art and creativity together.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
If you’re looking for free winter things to do with kids in Saint Paul, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is the perfect spot to warm up and enjoy a family day out. On chilly days, step into the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and feel like you’ve escaped to the tropics. My daughter loves spotting koi fish in the indoor pond and wandering through the lush gardens filled with exotic plants.
When you’re ready to explore more, visit the zoo’s indoor exhibits to visit tropical frogs, sloths, and reptiles—perfect for staying warm while learning about wildlife. Outside, bundled-up families can still enjoy watching cold-loving animals like polar bears and wolves in their snowy habitats.
Best of all, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is free (though donations are encouraged), making it a budget-friendly way to spend a winter day. Whether it’s soaking up the greenery or visiting the animals, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory offers a fun, warm winter escape for families!
Local Libraries
When winter chills set in, local libraries offer some of the best free indoor activities for kids in the Twin Cities. In addition to books, many libraries feature dedicated play zones where children can build, create, and explore.
Hennepin County Library branches have vibrant play areas, while Saint Paul Public Library offers interactive spaces designed for hands-on learning. Storytimes, craft sessions, and kid-friendly events add even more ways to keep kids engaged. Local libraries are the perfect spot for families to unwind—kids can play and discover, while parents enjoy a quiet moment with a good book.
With welcoming spaces all across the metro, visiting a local library is an easy, cozy way to spend a cold winter day without spending a dime! While not every local library is created equal when it comes to indoor play areas, there are many options across the Twin Cities for families this winter! Check websites ahead of time to ensure availability meets your needs.
Here are a few libraries in the Twin Cities with excellent play areas for kids:
- Sun Ray Library, Saint Paul
- Highland Park Library, Saint Paul
- George Latimer Central Library, downtown Saint Paul
- Minneapolis Central Library, Minneapolis
- Eden Prairie Library, Eden Prairie
- Augsburg Library, Richfield (currently closed for renovation, but one of our personal favorites!)
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Winter is the perfect time for kids to explore free museums in the Twin Cities! When it’s too cold to play outside, museums offer a warm and engaging escape for all ages. The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is a must-visit, with its massive collection of over 90,000 pieces from around the world. The museum features several permanent and visiting exhibits that will surely inspire all ages. As you wander through the many exhibits, enjoy everything from ancient artifacts to colorful contemporary art.
Mia also offers a Family Center where little ones can take a break with creative, hands-on activities. Don’t miss Family Day on the second Sunday of each month—free events include art projects, storytelling, and interactive gallery tours designed for all ages.
Tour the Minnesota State Capitol
Need ideas for fun, educational, and free winter things to do in Saint Paul with kids? A tour of the Minnesota State Capitol is a great way to spend a chilly day! Your family will love exploring this stunning building, from its grand marble staircases to the massive golden horses (the Quadriga) perched on the roof.
Free guided tours run Monday through Saturday and offer an engaging look at Minnesota’s history, art, and government. Kids are often amazed by the soaring dome—the second-largest self-supported marble dome in the world! If the weather cooperates, you might even get to step out onto the roof for a closer look at the golden statues.
Prefer to explore at your own pace? Self-guided tours are also available. Whether admiring the artwork or learning how laws are made in Minnesota, the State Capitol makes for a fascinating winter adventure for the whole family.
Landmark Center + On-Site Museums
Head to the Landmark Center in downtown Saint Paul for a cozy, hands-on winter day out! With its grand architecture and soaring ceilings, this historic building is home to several free museums in the Twin Cities for kids.
Families can explore the Schubert Club Music Museum, where kids can play instruments from around the world and engage with interactive exhibits. Then, don’t miss the “Uncle Sam Worked Here” exhibit on the first floor, which shares stories of the building’s past as a post office and courthouse. The Gallery of Wood Art and the Heritage Organization of Romanian Americans in Minnesota offer even more to discover.
Visiting the Landmark Center is one of the best free winter things to do in Saint Paul with kids, offering hands-on fun and plenty of space to explore indoors. With eight unique museums and exhibits under one roof, the Landmark Center turns a cold day into a warm family adventure! Just be sure to check the open hours before your visit; not every museum is open daily (though they are all free to visit).
Parking information can be found here.
Have Fun Exploring these Free Things to Do in the Twin Cities this Winter with Your Kids!
The free winter things to do in Minneapolis and Saint Paul with kids are endless (these are just a few of my faves!), whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or staying cozy indoors. From ice skating on scenic lakes to visiting interactive museums, this list of free things to do in the Twin Cities this winter offers something for every family with kids of all ages. I hope this article helps your family enjoy a memorable outing together, exploring some of the best winter things to do in Minnesota. So bundle up, get out there, and make the most of winter together!
Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.
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