Things to do in the Twin Cities Southwest Metro this weekend – with kids & family!
This Weekend Family Guide includes events and activities near the Twin Cities, Minnesota, communities of Bloomington, Burnsville, Chaska, Eden Prairie, Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka, New Hope, Prior Lake, Richfield, Shakopee, St Louis Park, Victoria, Waconia & Wayzata.
This guide covers the weekend of May 11-12, 2024. Not locating the city you’re looking for? We also cover tons of fun family events in the areas of:
Welcome to May in the Twin Cities!
We’ve arrived at Mother’s Day Weekend! Treat her special, maybe to a family day? We’ve got some ideas around town to make her day extra lovely. For more inspiration on spending family time together this weekend, check our MAY FAMILY EVENTS GUIDE, our ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SPRING IN THE TWIN CITIES or our well-stocked FAMILY FUN CALENDAR.
Schubert Club Music Museum
FamilyJam is a new free program for kids and families at the Schubert Club Music Museum in St. Paul's Landmark Center which comprises short 25-30 minute concerts followed by Music Museum activities, including hands-on instrument playing, instrument demonstrations and musician meet and greets. All FamilyJam concerts and Music Museum admission are free. Registration is required.
Twin Cities Southwest Metro Family Fun Calendar
Fun outdoor activities in the Twin Cities Southwest Metro parks this weekendÂ
We’ve got the details on dozens of outdoor activities presented by local, county and regional park systems across the greater Twin Cities. The following are a few of our best suggestions for activities near your neighborhood this weekend. You can get more ideas on our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR or peruse the links below to seek out local outdoor things to do with kids this weekend in the parks. Some fun family ideas for you here:
Free Family Fun Day at Richardson Nature Center
Richardson Nature Center, 8737 E Bush Lake Road, Bloomington MN
This weekend, learn all about bugs! Take a walk outdoors and search for them; staff has tools and a kit for identification. You’ll like the kid-friendly indoor exhibits, too. May 12, 2024, 1-3pm. FREE.
Open House at Pond Dakota Mission Park
401 E 104th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Each Saturday, history comes alive – often the programs are held outside so dress for the weather. Enjoy hands-on activities and walk on the trails. This weekend, it’s all about frontier woodworking. Watch a 19th century building demonstration and tour the historic home. May 11, 2024. Drop in from 1-4pm, FREE or suggested donation of $2/pp.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: Drop-in Discovery Booths
3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318
As if you needed another reason to pick spring for your visit to the Arboretum, here’s one that’s especially kid-friendly: drop-in Discovery Booths will be set up with simple nature activities families can complete at their own pace. May’s activities will be creating a nature journal and making bark and leaf rubbings. DO NOT MISS the breathtaking spring tulips on display in the gardens. Ongoing Sundays in May, 10am-1pm. Adults/$20, under 16 admitted FREE.
MORE AT THE ARB FOR MOTHER’S DAY: Go on a Mother’s Day Picnic among all the spring blooms. You can order your box lunch at the link, which includes admission to the Arboretum. May 12, 2024.
Nature Rocks! Eden Prairie Outdoor Center Open House
Eden Prairie Outdoor Center, 13765 Staring Lake Parkway, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55347
Drop in to meet the resident animals, learn about programs and events. May 11, 2024, 10am-1pm. FREE.
Wood Lake Nature Center: Sunday Special
6710 Lake Shore Dr S, Richfield, MN 55423
Another Mother’s Day idea to do with Mom: take a guided wildflower hike then help make homemade honey ice cream. There will be a chance for kids to decorate a card for Mom, too. Space is limited. May 12, 2024, 1-3pm.
Westwood Hills Spring Scavenger Hunt
Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W Franklin Ave, St Louis Park, MN 55426
The nature center is hosting its annual spring scavenger hunt. You’ll want to come explore both indoors and out. This activity is marked for ages 7 & up. May 11, 2024, 2:30-4pm. $6-$9/pp.
Arbor Day Celebration
Birchwood Park, 2701 Zarthan Ave. S, St. Louis Park, Minnesota 55416
The community Arbor Day celebrations continue in the southwest metro with music, an obstacle course, games, a guided tree walk and other activities centered around trees. May 11, 2024, 9am-12pm. FREE.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids – Southwest Metro
Meet the spring Minnesota farm babies!
Saturday Morning on the Farm
Gale Woods Farm, 7210 County Rd 110 W, Minnetrista, MN 55364
Explore the barn, gardens, greenhouses and pastures and visit the new spring animals! Make-and-take a a fiber craft for a small fee. May 11, 2024, 9:30am-12pm. $6/pp.
Spring Petting Zoo at The Mustard Seed
10,000 Great Plains Blvd, Chaska MN 55318
Hasse Farms Family brings their spring animals to the landscape center for you to pet. Come hungry, there’s also a taco food truck. May 12, 2024, 11am-3pm. FREE.
FIND MORE MINNESOTA FARM BABIES AROUND MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL:
- FAWN-DOE-ROSA WILDLIFE PARK, St Croix Falls, WI: Opening Weekend
- MINNESOTA ZOO, Apple Valley: Farm Babies at the Wells Fargo Family Farm
- OLIVER KELLEY FARM, Elk River: Springtime on the Farm
Valleyfair Opening Day
Valleyfair will opens its gates on May 12, marking the return of all your favorite thrills. Treat yourself and your family to a day filled with exhilarating rides, family-friendly attractions, games, and delicious food and drinks. From pulse-pounding coasters to squeal-worthy excitement for your littles, there’s something for
everyone at Valleyfair. With more than 75 rides and attractions, Valleyfair is the Twin Cities’ amusement park where families come to play the Minnesota way! Save on tickets at Valleyfair.com.
DID YOU KNOW? Valleyfair offers free Pre-K Passes for children ages 3 to 5. Learn more about the program and other seasonal updates.
Artistry Theater: The Sound of Music
Bloomington Center for the Arts, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN, 55431
FINAL WEEKEND! Watch all the classic songs that stirred your emotions since YOU were a kid – now introduce them to your own kids, live onstage. Shows May 11 at 2 & 7:30pm. Tickets $26-$56/pp.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical JR
1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
The super talented young actors at Stages Theatre present a live adaptation of the book by the same name – set to song! Runtime is approximately 75 minutes with no intermission. Appropriate for all ages. May 11 & 12 at 1pm. Tickets $17-$24.
More ideas for Mother's Day weekend in the Twin Cities
