Hey listeners, bundle up and dive into the winter magic happening right now in Minneapolis-Saint Paul—it's Wednesday, January 14, and the Twin Cities are bursting with free family fun, icy adventures, and live tunes to chase away the chill. Kick off your day at the Minneapolis Institute of Art with their stunning ice sculptures inspired by the collection, on view from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2400 Third Ave S—admission is always free, so wander the courtyard, then warm up inside with the originals, as the Minneapolis Institute of Art highlights. Families with little ones, head to Wee Wednesdays at Walker Art Center's pop-up in Midtown Global Market, 920 E Lake St, from 10 a.m. to noon—think art, music, storytelling, and creative play for preschoolers, all free according to Family Fun Twin Cities.
Swing by the Minnesota Institute of Art's Discovery Day too, same spot, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., for hands-on art stations perfect for grades 3-6—no registration needed. Music lovers, catch Music Under Glass featuring Jack Knife & The Sharps at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory this afternoon, a cozy conservatory gig blending tunes with tropical vibes, per the Star Tribune event listing. Over in St. Paul, the Children's Pool Hour at Great River Water Park, 270 Lexington Pkwy N, runs 9-10 a.m. for just $8 per person—ideal splash time for kids.
Tomorrow, Thursday, January 15, lace up for the Princess Skate-a-Long at Centennial Lakes Park in Edina, 7499 France Ave S, 4-6 p.m.—skate with royalty for free, rentals $10, Family Fun Twin Cities reports. Preschoolers will love Little Explorers at Como Zoo, 1225 Estabrook Dr, 10 a.m. to noon, packed with crafts and games. Nature fans, join storytime and a guided walk at Theodore Wirth Park's Trailhead, 1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, 10-10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-noon, free.
Friday and Saturday bring Fire & Ice at McRae Park, 906 E 47th St in Minneapolis, 6-7:30 p.m. on the 16th—free skating, bonfire, hot cocoa, and face painting. Don't miss Kids at the Castle: Snow at the American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, 9-10 a.m. on the 16th and 17th, $15 per family including museum access, with music and play for ages 2-5. Pokémon fans, hit the free PokeConnect Card Show at Maplewood Mall in St. Paul all weekend, trading rares and collectibles. Saturday's got MacPhail Center's free Jolly Pops family concert at 501 S 2nd St, 10 a.m.-noon, and First Avenue's Best New Bands showcase. Cap the weekend with Charlie Parr at the Turf Club Sunday night.
There's non-stop glow parties at Zero Gravity Adventure Park Fridays and Saturdays, 6-9 p.m., and the Viking Lakes Ice Festival in Eagan with sculptures, skating, and food trucks. Check websites for updates, as events can shift.
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