As winter’s grip loosens on Minnesota, families across the Twin Cities are eagerly planning their Spring Break adventures for March-April 2025. If you’re looking to entertain energetic youngsters or impress discerning teens, the Minneapolis-St. Paul area offers countless opportunities to craft a memorable staycation right in your own backyard. From indoor attractions that provide shelter from unpredictable spring weather to seasonal outdoor activities celebrating the changing season, local families can experience vacation-worthy fun without the hassle of extensive travel.
Why venture far when the Twin Cities transform into a playground of possibilities during spring break? Parents seeking budget-friendly options will find a wealth of free and low-cost activities alongside special seasonal programming designed specifically for families on break.
With many school districts scheduling time off throughout March and early April, local venues have responded with extended hours and special events to accommodate families looking to make the most of their time together. This guide highlights the best the metro area has to offer, allowing you to be tourists in your own hometown.
When Minnesota weather proves unpredictable, indoor entertainment options become the backbone of any successful spring break planning. Can Can Wonderland in St. Paul stands out as an unforgettable experience, featuring artist-designed miniature golf holes ($15 per person) alongside a vintage arcade included in the cover charge ($10-16 depending on day).
The playful atmosphere appeals to all ages, with an on-site malt shop and brewery ensuring refreshments are readily available. Open Tuesday through Sunday, this former warehouse transformed into a creative playground delivers hours of entertainment regardless of what Mother Nature has in store.
Science enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Science Museum of Minnesota, where permanent exhibits and limited-time displays engage curious minds. Regular admission runs $12-15 per person, with additional options for Omnitheater films ($9.95 each). Families with train-loving children should mark their calendars for March 5th, when the Jackson Street Roundhouse hosts their special “Tots & Trains” event ($6-11 per person) featuring real train cars to explore, interactive tables, crafts, and storytimes.
For cost-conscious families, the Landmark Center and George Latimer Central Library in downtown St. Paul offer free admission, with convenient proximity to Rice Park’s sculptures and weekend meter-free parking options.
When cabin fever strikes, embrace Minnesota’s transitional season with outdoor activities designed for spring’s variable conditions. Maple syruping events capture the essence of the season, with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum hosting their signature Maple Fest on March 22 ($15-25 for adults, $5 for children ages 3-10).
Visitors can learn about the tapping process, sample fresh maple treats, and explore the Arboretum’s extensive grounds. For a free alternative, Harriet Alexander Nature Center in Roseville presents “It’s Tapping Time!” on March 22-23, featuring stations for tree identification, demonstrations of sap collection and processing, and family-friendly maple sampling opportunities.
Nature centers throughout the Twin Cities provide the perfect balance of indoor exhibits and outdoor exploration for unpredictable spring weather. Como Zoo & Conservatory offers a tropical escape with their heated indoor gardens and animal enclosures (free admission, donations appreciated), with special “Lil’ Explorer Thursday” programming on March 6 focused on junior gardeners.
Families can also design personalized outdoor adventures through the metro’s extensive park system, with self-guided scavenger hunts available at various locations. For those wanting to witness the season changing, nature centers across Minneapolis and St. Paul maintain trails and indoor exhibits that highlight seasonal transitions while providing shelter if temperatures drop unexpectedly.
No spring break would be complete without celebrating the season’s special events. St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) brings Irish festivities throughout the Twin Cities, with family-friendly parades in both Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Saint Patrick’s Day Irish Celebration offers immersion in Irish culture through music, dance, and vendors ($7-9 per person), while the St. Paul parade travels from Rice Park to Mears Park beginning at noon. Minneapolis follows with an evening parade at 6 pm and the optional Blarney Blast at Murzyn Hall ($10 for ages 12+, $5 for ages 6-11, free for under 5).
For families looking to venture slightly beyond the immediate metro area, several rewarding day trips await. Duluth and the North Shore offer breathtaking Lake Superior views and attractions like the Great Lakes Aquarium and Canal Park’s Maritime Museum, though visitors should dress warmly as lake temperatures remain chilly.
Southern Minnesota presents charming river towns like Red Wing and Wabasha, perfect for single-day explorations. As Easter approaches in early April, the metro area hosts dozens of egg hunts and bunny-themed events – a listing organized by region helps families find celebrations in their neighborhood or explore new parts of the Cities while participating in this spring tradition.
