Things to do in the Twin Cities Southeast Metro this weekend – with kids & family!
This Weekend Family Guide includes events and activities near the Twin Cities, Minnesota, communities of Afton, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Cottage Grove, Eagan, Farmington, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Mendota Heights, Rosemount, West St Paul & Woodbury.
This guide covers the weekend of August 1-2, 2026. Not locating the city you’re looking for? We also cover tons of fun family events in the areas of:
Twin Cities Southeast Metro events for families
Sunday, August 2, 2026
⚈ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm: Woodbury Performances In the Park (FREE) - Woodbury Central Park, Woodbury⚈ 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm: Minnesota Zoo's Wanderlight - Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley
Welcome to August in the Twin Cities!
As always, you can check our AUGUST FAMILY GUIDE, our 2026 ULTIMATE TWIN CITIES SUMMER FUN GUIDE or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR for more fun ideas on what to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with your kids!
Twin Cities festivals this weekend for the familyÂ
The Twin Cities Southeast Metro is quiet this weekend on the festival front. But that doesn’t mean that other corners of the MSP aren’t busy kicking up their heels. Plan ahead for the last of the Minnesota summer festivals, including the great MINNESOTA STATE FAIR, in our TWIN CITIES AUGUST FESTIVAL GUIDE.
MORE FESTIVALS THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES
- HANOVER Harvest Festival
- LITTLE CANADA Canadian Days
- MINNEAPOLIS Powderhorn Art Fair
- MINNEAPOLIS Uptown Art Fair
- ST ANTHONY VILLAGE Villagefest
- ST LOUIS PARK Slavic Experience
Cool off this weekend in the Twin Cities Southeast Metro
How to cool off family-style this weekend? We have the complete catalog of the best swimming beaches and splash spots in the Twin Cities metro area. You can find them all in SPLASH HAPPY: 2026 GUIDE TO BEACHES, POOLS, WATERPARKS & SPLASH PADS IN THE TWIN CITIES. Here are some of our top picks in the Twin Cities Southeast Metro:
Featured Twin Cities Southeast Metro waterpark
EAGAN Cascade Bay Water Park
1360 Civic Center Dr, Eagan, MN 55122
Cascade Bay is a fantastic destination to spend a hot summer day: sand and water play areas dedicated to little ones, water slides, a lazy river and a miniature golf course. Swimmers purchase either a half-day session ticket or all-day access ticket. Open through August 30, 2026. Admission: $11-$20.
Featured Twin Cities Southeast Metro splash pad
ROSEMOUNTÂ Central Park
2893 145th St W, Rosemount, MN 55068
The splash pad at Rosemount’s Central Park is wide, colorful and has a unique, hands-on water play feature called the Water Journey that kids love. There’s also a large, shaded picnic pavilion right next to the splash pad when it’s time for lunch.Â
FIND DOZENS MORE AWESOME TWIN CITIES SPLASH PADS TO CRUSH THE HEAT THIS SUMMER!
Fun outdoor activities in the Twin Cities Southeast Metro parks this weekend
We’re bringing you the scoop on dozens of summer outdoor activities this weekend in Twin Cities parks carefully curated on our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR. Our top picks for the Southeast Metro:
HASTINGS St Croix Bluffs Campfire Program
10191 St. Croix Trail S, Hastings, MN 55033
All are invited, registered campers and visitors alike, to a campfire program about bees presented by Pollinate MN. There is bench seating; you’re welcome to bring camp chairs or blankets. Also in the park are playgrounds near picnic areas if you’d like to make an evening of it. August 1, 2026, 7-8pm. FREE program with $7/vehicle permit.
LAKEVILLE Farmer Aaron’s Sunflower Festival
18810 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044
Not technically held in a park, but a beautiful, sunny reason to get outdoors and walk among the flowers. Your car’s admission includes access to the sunflower fields, a jump pad for kids, rescue dogs to meet and food trucks. August 1-2, 2026, open starting 9:30am. $20/car with 2+, $10/single.
MAPLEWOOD Borrow a Bike at Battle Creek Regional Park
2039-2099, US-61, Maplewood, MN 55109
Ramsey County Parks & Recreation will have bikes available to borrow in a variety of styles and sizes. Try one and bike your way around Battle Creek Park – this is the portion of Maplewood that extends into the Southeast Metro. Meet at the park pavilion, adjacent to a pretty cool playground. August 1, 2026, 11am-5pm.
More things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities Southeast Metro
HASTINGS Little Log House Pioneer Village Antique Power Show
21889 Michael Ave, Hastings, MN 55033
I’m quite the sucker for re-created historical villages – this one just outside of Hastings tops my living history bucket list! The public is invited inside only one weekend a year for the Antique Power Show, your big chance to marvel at dozens of restored buildings with ties to local communities plus take in re-enactments, a tractor pull and a parade. July 25-26, 2026. Admission is $12/adults, kids 12 & under FREE.
MORE FAMILY FUN IN HASTINGS, MINNESOTA: We’ve got the scoop on all the best things to do with kids in Hastings! From a scenic bike ride loop and a gorgeous waterfall to all the free family entertainment in the riverside park, check out this top ten list.
More free things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities Southeast Metro
APPLE VALLEY Roe Family Singers – Kids Concert
Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Made up of some of the coolest cats around, this super kid-friendly band performs a concert at the library. August 1, 2026, 11-11:45am. FREE.
SOUTHEAST METRO Home Depot Kids Workshop: Rocket Game
Home Depot, 3220 Denmark Ave, Eagan, MN 55121
1300 Mendota Rd E, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
8334 Tamarack Village, Woodbury, MN 55125
Kids can put together simple DIY projects the first Saturday of the month for free. August 1, 2026, 9am-12pm. FREE.
Plan ahead! Family events this week in the Twin Cities: August 3-7, 2026
