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 Memorial Day weekend of May 23-24, 2026. Not locating the city you’re looking for? We also cover tons of fun family events in the areas of:
It’s Memorial Day Weekend in the Twin Cities!
For more inspiration on spending family time together this Memorial Day weekend, check our MAY FAMILY EVENTS GUIDE or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR. We also encourage you to enjoy some fun-in-the-sun planning with our TWIN CITIES SUMMER FUN GUIDE.
Fun outdoor activities in the Twin Cities Southeast Metro parks this weekendÂ
We’re bringing you the scoop on dozens of spring outdoor activities this weekend in Twin Cities parks carefully curated on our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR. Our top picks for the Southeast Metro:
HASTINGS Animal Ambassador Meet-and-Greet at Carpenter Nature Center
12805 St. Croix Trail, Hastings, MN 55033
Drop in to Carpenter Nature Center on Sundays to meet animal ambassadors and watch training sessions with naturalist Elsa. A different animal program (see link for schedule) starts at 10am, 12pm and 2:30pm. May 24, 2026. FREE.
WEST ST PAUL Story Trail at Thompson County Park
360 Butler Ave E, West St Paul, MN 55118
Walk at your own pace around Thompson Lake while reading picture book pages displayed along the trail. Do NOT miss the inclusive playground! May 22-25, 2026.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids – Southeast Metro
Swimming season: Southeast Metro beaches, pools, waterparks & splash pads opening Memorial Day Weekend
Spend the holiday weekend at the beach! Several in the Minneapolis & St Paul Southeast Metro are open strictly for the purpose of swimming, splashing and FUN starting Memorial Day Weekend. You’ll find our complete listing in SPLASH HAPPY: A GUIDE TO WATER FUN IN THE TWIN CITIES.
BURNSVILLEÂ
- CRYSTAL BEACH
- NICOLLET COMMONS PARK water feature
DAKOTA COUNTY BEACHES
- Dakota County manages SCHULZE LAKE BEACH within Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Eagan and LAKE BYLLESBY BEACH if you drive a little further south to Cannon Falls. Both are free to swim at.
WASHINGTON COUNTY BEACHES
- Washington County manages POINT DOUGLAS BEACH and ST CROIX BLUFFS BEACH, both in Hastings. A $7 vehicle permit is required in Washington County parks (with the exception of the first Tuesday of each month – AND Point Douglas Beach is FREE).
Find more Twin Cities outdoor swimming pools & waterparks to splash the summer away!
MENDOTA Sibley Historic Site ToursÂ
1357 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Mendota, MN 55120
The historic site re-opens Friday, May 22 and note it offers tours through the holiday weekend, including Memorial Day. Discover the historic trading post nestled in one of Minnesota’s first settlements. One-hour tours kick off from 1-4pm. May 22-24, 2026. $6-$10/pp.
WOODBURYÂ Animal Humane Society Rescue Readers
9785 Hudson Rd, Woodbury, MN, 55125
What a paw-esome way to give back with kids! How to go about booking your one-hour slot to read to a rescue animal: first, you’ll need to watch an orientation video online. Once trained, you can book your reading session. Only registered readers pay the fee (look at it as a donation to your furry friends) but an adult must be present. Grab your spot quickly as this is a popular way to give back. May 23, 2026, 10:30am. $10/reader.