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.
This guide covers the weekend of April 27-28, 2024. Not locating the city you’re looking for? We also cover tons of fun family events in the areas of:
Welcome to spring in the Twin Cities!
For more ideas on spending spring family time together this EARTH DAY weekend, hippity hop over to our APRIL FAMILY GUIDE, our ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SPRING IN THE TWIN CITIES or our 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:
It’s Arbor Day in the Twin Cities!
Arbor Day, a traditional springtime holiday, celebrates not only the beauty but also the purpose of trees. Community events typically involve a stewardship piece, giving families a chance to plant a tree, for instance, or educational programs. Find out what’s happening in the Southwest Metro and other areas in our TWIN CITIES ARBOR DAY EVENTS GUIDE.
Edina Arbor Day Tree Planting Celebration
Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Avenue South, Edina, MN 55424
A family-friendly tree-planting event for Arbor Day. Bring gloves, wear sturdy shoes and dress for dirt. Some fun things for families to do: make some eco-art with Edina Art Center, live music and beverage tastings. Please note, this is a Friday afternoon activity. May we add that if it’s lovely out, you might choose to linger in CENTENNIAL LAKES PARK. The park’s paddle boats and outdoor lawn games (putting course and lawn bowling – great for tweens and teens) are just getting warmed up for the season. April 26, 2024, 12- 4pm. FREE.
Eden Prairie Arbor Day Walk and Green Fair
Staring Lake Park, 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Join a walk and then peruse the Green Fair vendors for ideas on how to reduce your carbon footprint. Bring a picnic and let the kids enjoy the playground while you are there. April 27, 2024; 10am-1pm.
Savage Arbor Day Celebration
McColl Pond Environmental Learning & Event Center, 13550 Dakota Ave, Savage
The City of Savage is back with its annual Arbor Day celebration at McColl Pond. Participate in hands-on activities including a bald eagle demonstration by the Raptor Center. April 27, 2024; 10am-11:30am. FREE.
Visit a new Minnesota State Park FREE!
Did you know there are 9 Minnesota State Parks & State Recreation Areas within an hour’s drive of the Twin Cities? Admission is free for all on Saturday in honor of Earth Day. Hit the link to explore – we’ve hit up all of them and recommend what not to miss in each with kids.
More spring park events this weekend in the Twin Cities Southwest MetroÂ
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! Reservations recommended as they tend to fill fast. April 27, 2024, 9:30am-12pm. $6/pp.
Smith Park Challenge Course & Playground Grand Opening
8155 Park Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55420
It’s always excited to get news like this as we’re heading into summer park season! All ages who crave a challenge will enjoy this new obstacle-course style playground in Bloomington, very similar to those found in SCHAPER PARK (Golden Valley) and GRASSMAN PARK (Jordan). At the grand opening event, KidsDance DJ will be there to provide entertainment and Eggroll Queen will hand out free eggrolls to the first 100 guests. April 27, 2024, 10am-1pm. FREE.
Free Family Fun Day at Richardson Nature Center
Richardson Nature Center, 8737 E Bush Lake Road, Bloomington MN
This weekend, create a May Day basket and spend time outdoors in the park, searching for signs of spring. April 28, 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, learn all about the bison and its importance to the Dakota people. April 27, 2024. Drop in from 1-4pm, FREE or suggested donation of $2/pp.
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. April 27, 2024, 10am-1pm. FREE.
Saturday Morning on the Farm
Gale Woods Farm, 7210 County Rd 110 W, Minnetrista, MN 55364
This wonderful working farm is a great place for kids to get close and in barns (that’s my delighted daughter pictured). Read about a spring visit to the farm here. Spots will fill quickly. If you can’t make it to one of the farm tours, stop over for a self-guided walk around the grounds. Make and take with you a fiber craft. April 20, 2024, drop in between 9:30am-12pm. $6/pp.
Find more chances to meet fuzzy Minnesota farm babies!
Annual Kite Fly at Louisiana Oaks Park
3520 Louisiana Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55426
Let’s go fly a kite! FREE kites thanks to the Kiwanis Club while supplies last. April 27, 2024, 12-4pm. FREE.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids – Southwest Metro
International Day 2024 – Around the World in One Day
International School of Minnesota, 6385 Beach Road, Eden Prairie, MN
Take a global tour this weekend with the school’s annual cultural event: authentic food to sample, traditional music and dance performances, virtual reality experiences and a passport to stamp at interactive, educational booths. April 27, 2024, 11am-3pm. FREE and open to the public.
Artistry Theater: The Sound of Music
Bloomington Center for the Arts, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN, 55431
Watch all the classic songs that stirred your emotions since YOU were a kid – now introduce them to your own kids, live onstage. Shows April 27 at 2 & 7:30pm and April 28 at 2pm. 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. April 27, show at 1pm and April 28, shows at 1pm & 4pm. Tickets $17-$24.
