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 February 17-18, 2024 — President’s Day Weekend in the Twin Cities. Not locating the city you’re looking for? We also cover tons of fun family events in the areas of:
As parents with twelve kids between our team, we understand that a school break does not always equal instant family fun. Extra days at home means we kick it into extra advance-planning mode to bring you suggestions for both indoor and outdoor activities over President’s Day weekend in the Twin Cities. Choose from kid-friendly live entertainment to art and nature activities and ways to get your body moving and grooving. For more ideas, hop over to our FEBRUARY FAMILY GUIDE or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR.Â
Winter festivals this weekend in the Twin Cities Southwest Metro
Winter festivals have slowed down to merely a trickle by President’s Day Weekend in the Twin Cities – on a given normal year we’re typically sick and tired of piling on the layers and (in some cases) forcing ourselves to embrace the cold. Just a smattering of celebrations holding onto the season in the metro – you’ll need to leave the Southwest area to find them:
- COTTAGE GROVE: Blizzard Bash – The classics will be cancelled (ice fishing, kicksledding) but the event in Ravine Park may go on. Stay tuned. February 17, 11am-4pm.
- OTSEGO: Winter Festival – Events requiring snow (dogsledding, snowman-building) won’t happen, but the medallion hunt may proceed. February 17, 10am-2pm. FREE.
- STILLWATER: Winterfest – Kids activities at the Loft at Studio J, a hot air balloon basket and fireworks. February 17, 2024.
Find all the frost-less details on our TWIN CITIES WINTER FESTIVAL 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.
Parks events that don’t require snow this President’s Day Weekend!
Living History Tours at Pond Dakota Mission Park
Pond Dakota Mission Park, 401 E 104th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Come by the historic Gideon Pond house in the park for tours, living history lessons and, this weekend, simple frontier puzzles with buttons and string. There are extensive trails to hike around the park property if you want to stretch your legs. February 17, 2024, 1-4pm. FREE, donations appreciated.
Free Family Fun Day at Richardson: Reptiles
Richardson Nature Center, , 8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Exploring the indoor exhibits along with the interesting reptile species that call the nature center home. Learn more about all the kid-friendly details at RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER. February 18, 2024, 3-4pm. FREE.
Nature Rocks! Outdoor Center Open House
Eden Prairie Outdoor Center, 13765 Staring Lake Parkway
Drop in to meet the resident animals, learn about programs and events. February 17, 2024, 10am-1pm. FREE.
Wood Lake Nature Center: Saturday Live Animal Hour
6708 Lake Shore Dr S, Minneapolis, MN 55423
Learn about some of the amphibians and reptiles that inhabit the nature center and make a craft to take home. February 17, 2024, 10-11am. $5/pp.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids – Southwest Metro
Sustainable Winter Crafts at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
3815 American Blvd E, Minneapolis, MN 55425
Stay indoors at the refuge and be cozy if you choose and craft a nature journal from scratch. Use natural materials from around the visitor center to decorate. There are interesting indoor exhibits, too. February 18, 1-3pm. FREE.
Jolly Pops at Prior Lake Library
16210 Eagle Creek Ave SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372
Fam-favorite band the Jolly Pops perform as special guests to kick off the library’s “Rhythm and Song” series. Expect music you can dance to, a musical obstacle course and crafts. February 17, 10:30am-12pm. FREE.
Building Together at Lakeshore Learning
5699 W 16th St, St Louis Park, MN 55416
Hands-on STEM fun this month includes a design and building challenge kids can work on in pairs to earn a small prize. No registration, just walk in and explore the store. February 17, 2024, 11am-3pm. FREE.
Sunday Funday Valentine Kids Craft at Ullsperger Brewing
2314 Louisiana Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Each Sunday in February features a free valentine craft to keep kids busy while parents snag a minute to chill (?) February 18, 2024, 11am-8pm.
Marcus Theatres Kids Dream Family Film Series
8380 Hansen Avenue, Shakopee, MN 55379
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 Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken. February 16-19, 2024.Â