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 January 20-21, 2024. Not locating the city you’re looking for? We also cover tons of fun family events in the areas of:
I think we can all get behind a lineup of frugal entertainment in the wake of the holidays. Accordingly, most of our ideas for this weekend’s list of things to do in the Twin Cities are FREE or low-cost to attend. Double up on your wintry inspiration over on our JANUARY FAMILY EVENTS GUIDE, our ULTIMATE WINTER FUN GUIDE or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR. We try hard to fill it with options to fit your family’s needs while having a good time doing it.
Winter festivals this weekend in the Twin Cities Southeast Metro
Rounded up in our Twin Cities Winter Festival Family Calendar are the best picks of the Twin Cities’ seasonal celebrations this weekend and beyond. In the Southeast Metro keep an eye on this Saturday festival:
Hastings Yeti Ice Sculpture Celebration
The Yeti reigns in Hastings this weekend. Scout them out all over town and post pics on your social channels to be entered in a grand prize drawing. Plus, an ice carving demo downtown, shopping and dining specials, tours of city hall and live music. January 20, 2024, 11am-4pm.
More Twin Cities-area community winter festivals this weekend:
- BLOOMINGTON: Winter Fete Ice Harvesting Day – Cut ice blocks from the pond, watch an ice rescue demo and kicksled. January 20, 2024, FREE.
- EXCELSIOR: Arctic Fever – “Arctic bowling”, a magic show and live reindeer. January 19-20, 2024.
- FRIDLEY: Springbrook Nature Center Winterfest – Fun in the snow (we hope) includes kicksledding, snowshoeing and games plus cozy stuff like smores, a bonfire and hot cocoa. January 20, 2024, 11am-2pm. FREE admission.
For further planning, don’t forget that our Twin Cities Winter Festival Family Calendar keeps track of the best Twin Cities’ seasonal celebrations from top to bottom of the Metro area.
Fun outdoor activities in the Twin Cities Southeast Metro parks this weekend
We’re bringing you the scoop on dozens of outdoor activities this weekend in Twin Cities parks carefully curated on our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR. Here’s a sampling of our top picks in your area of the metro:
Some fun family ideas for this weekend:
CSI – Critter Sighting Investigations at Dodge Nature Center
365 Marie Ave W, West St Paul, MN 55118
Solve puzzles, track clues and hone your observation skills while tracking a mystery critter loose at the Dodge Nature Center. Ages 8 & up w/ adult. Pre-registration required. January 20, 2024, 1-2:30pm. $7/pp.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids – Southeast Metro
Get crafty & creative this weekend
Lowe’s Kids Workshop – My First DIY Toolbox
1795 Robert St, West St Paul, MN 55118
Free Lowe’s kids workshops are geared towards your “mini-DIYer” about age 4-11. Caregivers will need to supervise. This month at Lowe’s in West St Paul, build a small toolbox. Learn more about Lowe’s Kids Workshops. January 20, 2024, 10am. FREE.
Princess Storytime at Pacifier Woodbury
9100 Hudson Rd a116, Woodbury, MN 55125
This weekend’s special storytime guest is Princess Anna from Frozen – who will read to your little ones in the cozy shop. Plus music and a little dancing. January 20, 2024, 9-10am. FREE.
Marcus Theatres Kids Dream Family Film Series
15280 Carrousel Way, Rosemount, MN 55068
Marcus Kids Dream series entitles ticket holder to two free passes to the movie of the weekend. You do need to get an e-voucher prior to the show! Grab popcorn and drink specials for just $3.50 each plus tax. This weekend screens Smallfoot. January 19-21, 2024.
Community Youth Sports Sampler
Apple Valley Community Center, 14603 Hayes Rd, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Not sure where to start looking at sports for your kid? Come dabble a little, try a few, talk to coaches and even get registered if interested. January 20, 2024, 12:30-2:30pm, FREE.
Eagan Goldish Swim School Open House
1278 Town Centre Dr #160, Eagan, MN 55123
Get to know Goldfish, take a swim assessment or just a quick dip plus activities outside of the water and plenty of staff to answer questions. January 20, 2024, 1:30-3pm. FREE.