Things to do in Minneapolis-St Paul this weekend!
May 18-19, 2019
For more inspiration on spending family time together this weekend, check our May Family Guide or our Family Fun Calendar.
CELEBRATE SPRING WITH FESTIVALS
Holz Farm Spring Festival | Holz Farm Park, Eagan
Lots of old-fashioned farm fun to be had here and most of it included for the small admission fee of $2/pp: explore the chicken coop, do outdoor laundry, play in the corn box and churn some fresh butter in the farmhouse. Concessions are available for purchase. 5/19/19, 11am-4pm.
Art-A-Whirl | Northeast Minneapolis
Spanning the entire weekend, Art-A-Whirl, spread throughout the NE Minneapolis Arts District, is the ultimate open house for artist studios. Many offer hands-on activities or demonstrations that interest kids as well as their adults and there’s a free trolley service available to shuttle you between the galleries. Joy has taken her youngsters to this event (loved it) and encourages you to read Three Strategies for Doing Art-A-Whirl with Kids before bringing them along. 5/17/19-5/19/19, Fri 5-10pm, Sat 12-8pm, Sun 12-5pm. FREE admission.
Rock the Barn | Dodge Nature Center
This down-on-the-farm FUNdraiser benefits Dodge Nature Center’s preschool program. Wander through the barns and meet the animals, play old fashioned lawn games (tug-of-war, anyone?), help out with farm chores and spread out on the lawn for live music. 5/18/19, 3-7pm. $6/pp in advance or $8/door.
Find more family events on our Spring Family Festival Calendar.
BIG RIGS DAY – Saturday, May 18
Got kids who are just crazy about getting up close to big rigs? Circle SATURDAY on your calendar. What better way for kids to learn about essential city services than by clambering over snow plows and giant lawn mowers?
Bloomington: The Public Works open house will feature snowplow and tractor displays and rides, demos, interactive displays, prizes and refreshments. Kids can get a passport to collect stamps as they visit stations, then turn in completed passports for a prize. 9am-12pm. FREE.
Burnsville: This family-friendly event will allow kids to look at, sit on and touch many of the pieces of equipment the City uses to plow streets, keep water and sewer systems operating, parks looking good, trees pruned and more. Donuts and refreshments served. 9am-12pm. FREE.
Coon Rapids: Take a tour of the Public Works facility and see snowplows, tractors and other big rigs on display. Learn about the Recycling Center along with other services provided to the community. 10am-12pm. FREE.
West St Paul: Now held as part of the Harmon Park Festival, there will be display for kids to learn about the community and helping keep the neighborhood safe and will feature a fire truck and a police car for everyone to check out. 2-5pm. FREE.
White Bear Lake: See and tour police squads, fire trucks, big trucks, city street vehicles and more! Bring a nonperishable food item to fill up the food shelf truck. Please note: this event is held Friday, May 16 at Podvin Park, 5pm-7pm. FREE.
Woodbury: Meet fire fighters and EMS staff at the annual Fire Station Open House. Check out the trucks, try on the equipment and learn how to protect your family during a fire or emergency. 9am-11pm. FREE.
FREE MUSEUM DAYS
Sun, May 19: Target Free 3rd Sunday | Minnesota Children’s Museum, St Paul
Explore the newly renovated and expanded museum free! Keep in mind that this program is very popular and you may wait in line to be admitted. 9am-5pm.
Sun, May 19: Family Day at the M | Minnesota Museum of American Art, St Paul
Create puppets from sticks and spoons, learn paper-folding tricks, make wearable art and have fun in the instant photo booth. 1-4pm.
Always free to visit weekends: