Spring break has arrived for many parents in the Twin Cities.
For families staying in town, there are plenty of activities that will make the week fly by, whether you’re looking for a staycation or just need to keep kids occupied for a few hours.
Dream of warmer weather at a conservatory
Force the issue and put thoughts of summer in your life by heading to a conservatory. The mossy, earthy-smelling Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is a reliable bet for a pleasant afternoon at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Plus, it’s a great chance to check out the recently revamped Sunken Garden and its spring flower show. There’s also the Meyer-Deats Conservatory over at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum .
Special events at the Walker Art Center
The Walker has programming geared toward younger audiences during spring break. It’s not a bad spot to go under any circumstances — it’s always free for people 18 and under — but here are the special events you’ll find at the museum this week.
- April 2: Teen Maker Break , 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
- April 3: Woven Textiles with Andy Jacobs (during free Thursday nights), 5–8 p.m.
- April 3: Art & Sound Lounge (during free Thursday nights), 5–8 p.m.
- April 5: Free First Saturdays: Earth Elements , 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Head to another museum
The Twin Cities is packed with museums, some of which offer free admission. The Minnesota Children’s Museum will be open on Monday during spring break (it’s normally closed on Mondays), and there’s plenty to see at the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Bakken Museum, Weisman Art Museum, Mill City Museum, and American Swedish Institute, among other places.
Here are a few special events taking place during the week.
- April 1: Makers Mornings (virtual) with American Swedish Institute
- April 2: Open Studio: Visual Verses at Weisman Art Museum
- April 3: ” On the Shoulders of Giants” w/ films, DJs, and food trucks at Minneapolis Institute of Art
- April 4: Preschool Program: Easter Witches, Feathers, and Fun at American Swedish Institute
- April 4: Museum Nights at Science Museum of Minnesota
- April 5: Art Play! at Minneapolis Institute of Art
Get under the night sky at a Star party
Any clear night is an opportunity to stargaze with kids . However, if stargazing feels daunting and unfamiliar, join the Bell Museum for one of its free star parties , which will take place at 9 p.m. on April 4. Inside the museum, there are hands-on activities that will illuminate the night sky. Outside, experts have telescopes ready for young eyes and can help kids spot planets and other exciting night sky objects.
Movies, movies, movies
Here’s an easy one: Catch a movie. There are plenty of family movies in theaters right now ( Dog Man, Paddington in Peru, A Minecraft Movie, The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie ), but some theaters are hosting special screenings that will entertain younger audiences.
- March 29: Barbie (2023) at Minneapolis Institute of Art (free)
- Mar. 29–30: Flow (2024) at Riverview Theater
- March 30: The Mummy (1999) at Emagine Willow Creek
- Mar. 30–31: Grease (1978) at Oakdale Cinema, Parkwood Cinema, Rosemount Cinema, and West End Cinema
- March 31–April 3: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024) at Cinema Grill
- April 3: Hoosiers (1995) at Emagine Willow Creek
- April 3: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) at The Parkway Theater
- April 4: Dune (1984) at Alamo Drafthouse
- April 5: Spirited Away (2001) at The Parkway Theater
- April 6: Empire Records (1995) at Audrey Rose Vintage
- April 6: Little Big League (1994) at Niccolet Island Pavilion (free)
Get immersed in Sandbox VR
Sandbox VR , with locations in Eden Prairie and Roseville, offers a unique virtual reality gaming experience. It doesn’t last hours, if you’re looking to occupy kids for any length of time, but it will delight…