Twin Cities Suburbs: 7 Family Winter Events for 2026

Winter in Minnesota is not just something we survive; it is something we celebrate. When the snow settles on the Twin Cities suburbs, our communities come alive with twinkling lights, frozen lakes, and warm gatherings.

If you are looking to get the kids out of the house this season, you don't need to drive into downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul. The suburbs are packed with incredible events designed specifically for families. From massive ice castles to cozy indoor markets, here are seven must-visit family-friendly events happening in the Twin Cities suburbs during the winter of 2026.

1. The Great Northern Ice Festival at Eagan
Location: Eagan, MN
Dates: Mid-January to Mid-February 2026

Eagan is taking center stage this year with its expanded Great Northern Ice Festival. While many locals know about the ice castles that occasionally pop up in the metro, Eagan's iteration for 2026 promises to be more interactive than ever.

This is an outdoor wonderland built entirely by hand using thousands of icicles. Families can explore ice slides, crawl through frozen tunnels, and take photos on ice thrones. This year, the organizers have added a "Glow Night" series on weekends, where the structures are illuminated with color-changing LED lights synchronized to music.

Why it’s special: It’s a sensory experience that feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Make sure to dress in layers—snow pants are a must for the slides!

2. Chotaire’s Winter Carnival in Maple Grove
Location: Central Park of Maple Grove
Dates: Late January 2026

Maple Grove's Central Park is a gem year-round, but it truly shines during their annual Winter Carnival. The 2026 event is centered around their famous ice skating loop, which is one of the best in the state.

The carnival features free skating (with rentals available), horse-drawn trolley rides through the park, and a medallion hunt that gets the whole community involved. For 2026, they are introducing a "Snow Sculpting Showdown" where local artists compete live. You can watch massive blocks of snow transform into animals and abstract shapes right before your eyes.

Why it’s special: The skating loop is refrigerated, meaning even if we have a rare warm day in January, the ice remains perfect for skating.

3. Burnsville’s "Polar Party" at Buck Hill
Location: Buck Hill, Burnsville
Dates: Early February 2026

If your family has a need for speed, head south to Burnsville. Buck Hill isn't just for skiing; their tubing hill is legendary. The "Polar Party" is a special weekend event where the tubing hill stays open late with a DJ spinning tunes at the bottom of the run.

Beyond tubing, the event features a bonfire pit for s’mores roasting and hot cocoa stations scattered around the base area. It is the perfect introduction to winter sports for kids who might not be ready for skis or snowboards yet but still want the thrill of the hill.

Why it’s special: It turns a standard tubing trip into a full-blown party atmosphere. The energy is contagious, and it's a great way to tire out energetic kids.

4. Wayzata Chilly Open & Cinema on the Lake
Location: Wayzata Bay, Lake Minnetonka
Dates: Mid-February 2026

Wayzata embraces the frozen luxury of Lake Minnetonka with the Chilly Open. While the golf tournament is the main draw for adults, the event has expanded its family offerings significantly for 2026.

The highlight for families is the "Cinema on the Lake." A massive inflatable screen is set up right on the frozen bay. Families can drive their cars onto the ice (ice thickness permitting) or set up lawn chairs with blankets to watch a classic family winter movie. There are also snow yoga sessions for kids and a kite-flying demonstration that fills the grey sky with color.

Why it’s special: Watching a movie while standing on a frozen lake is a uniquely Minnesotan experience that kids will brag about to their friends.

5. Woodbury’s Indoor Winter Market & Kids’ Expo
Location: M Health Fairview Sports Center, Woodbury
Dates: Select Weekends in January and February 2026

Sometimes, you just need to be inside. When the temperatures drop well below zero, Woodbury offers a fantastic retreat. The M Health Fairview Sports Center transforms its fieldhouse into a massive indoor market and play area.

This isn't just a craft fair. The 2026 season features a dedicated "Kids’ Expo" zone with giant inflatables, an indoor obstacle course, and interactive science experiments hosted by local educators. While the kids burn off energy, parents can browse local vendors selling winter produce, artisan breads, and handmade crafts.

Why it’s special: It’s a safe, warm environment where kids can run wild without bulky snowsuits. It’s the perfect cure for cabin fever.

6. Stillwater’s World Snow Sculpting Championship
Location: Lowell Park, Stillwater
Dates: Late January 2026

Technically on the edge of the metro, Stillwater is worth the drive. The World Snow Sculpting Championship has become a premier event, drawing teams from across the globe.

Walking through Lowell Park along the St. Croix River, you will see artistic masterpieces that defy gravity. The 2026 event includes a "MinneSnowta" family day, featuring sculpting workshops where kids can learn the basics of carving snow blocks using safe, kid-friendly tools. Afterward, you can warm up in one of the many historic cafes lining Main Street.

Why it’s special: This is world-class art accessible for free. The illuminated night viewing is particularly magical and less crowded than the daytime hours.

7. Blaine’s "Ham Lake Snowbowl" at the National Sports Center
Location: National Sports Center, Blaine
Dates: Early February 2026

Blaine is leveraging its massive sports infrastructure for winter fun. The Snowbowl takes place on the grounds of the National Sports Center and is action-packed.

The event features snowmobile stunts, dog sled rides, and a fat-tire bike race that is thrilling to watch. For the younger kids, there is a dedicated "Snow Box" (like a sandpit, but with snow) filled with toys and shovels. In 2026, they are adding a heated tent with live children's entertainment, including magicians and musicians.

Why it’s special: The variety of activities ensures there is something for every age group, from toddlers to teenagers.

Make the Most of Your Winter
Winter in the Twin Cities suburbs is brief but brilliant. These events offer a chance to connect with your community and create lasting memories with your children. Don’t let the cold keep you inside this year. Bundle up, grab some hand warmers, and explore the incredible activities happening right in your backyard.

Mark your calendars for these 2026 dates and get ready to embrace the bold north!