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 3-4, 2024. Not locating the city you’re looking for? We also cover tons of fun family events in the areas of:
It definitely has not been a “classic” winter this year. But that doesn’t mean we should abandon all hope of getting to participate in some of the classic winter activities. This is, after all, Minnesota. Home of the occasional April blizzard. No snow in the forecast this weekend, but we are still armed with suggestions for outdoor activities, but also a mix of things to do this weekend indoors. There’s lots to choose from! For more ideas, hop over to our FEBRUARY FAMILY GUIDE or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR.
Winter festivals this weekend in the Twin Cities Southwest Metro
Rounded up in our Twin Cities Winter Festival Family Calendar are the top picks of the Twin Cities’ seasonal celebrations – this weekend and beyond. Here’s a few ideas in the Southwest Metro community; consult our calendar for a complete lineup:
BLOOMINGTON Pond Dakota Winter History Fest
Pond Dakota Mission Park, 401 E 104th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Play outdoor winter frontier games, explore the park on a guided snowshoe hike, tour the historic Pond House and warm up by the campfire. February 3, 2024, drop in from 10am-2pm. FREE.
EDEN PRAIRIE Winter Blast
Staring Lake Park, 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55347
Sledding, ice skating (BYO skates), crafts, outdoor games, and a bonfire. February 3, 2024, 2-4:30pm. FREE admission.
MINNETONKA Kids Fest
Hopkins Pavilion, 11000 Excelsior Blvd., Hopkins
Free stuff to do: dog sled rides, horse-drawn trolley rides, face painting, ice sculptures, crafts and more. February 4, 2024, 11am-2:30pm.
More Twin Cities-area community winter festivals this weekend:
- APPLE VALLEY: Mid-Winter Fest – Frozen kite flying, horse-drawn wagon rides and fireworks. 3-7:30pm.
- COLUMBIA HEIGHTS: SnowBLAST – Mini pony rides, free popcorn & smores and winter activities (weather permitting). 4-7pm.
- CRYSTAL: Winterlude – RC car racing, music and outdoor winter activities (weather dependent). 11am-1pm.
- MAPLE GROVE: Wonders of Winter – Skate on the refrigerated rink, wagon rides and a firepit with smores. 1-4pm.
- MINNEAPOLIS: Art Shanty Projects – Interactive, artsy ice houses, fun for all ages. 10am-4pm.
- ST PAUL: Winter Carnival – Snow & ice sculptures and an indoor family fun night.
Fun outdoor activities in the Twin Cities Southwest Metro parks this weekend
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.
Kicksleds & Campfire
Richardson Nature Center, 8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Given the unseasonal weather forecast, we’re not betting this program will go on as scheduled. Kicksleds need ice or hard-packed snow to operate. February 3, 2024, 1-2pm. $6/pp.
Free Family Fun Day at Richardson: Backyard Birds
Richardson Nature Center
Exploring the indoor exhibits along with the interesting species that visit the outdoor feeders. Learn more about RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER. February 4, 2024, 3-4pm.
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 3, 2024, 10am-1pm. FREE.
Eden Prairie Snowtime Saturdays
Eden Prairie Outdoor Center, 13765 Staring Lake Pkwy, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
On Snowtime Saturdays families can try out activities like ice fishing, snowshoeing, kick-sledding and cross-country skiing. Must register in advance. February 3, 2024, 10am-1pm. $12/family.
Polar Party at Lowry Nature Center
Lowry Nature Center in Carver Park Reserve, 7025 Victoria Dr, Victoria, MN 55386
Celebrate winter at the park with snowshoeing, kicksledding, mini golf and bowling on ice. There’s a medallion hunt, too! Registration required. February 4, 2023, 1-4pm. $7/pp.
Twin Cities Southwest Metro winter activity update
As we’re all too aware, the snow and cold can be oh so fickle in Minnesota this time of year. As the adage goes, if you can’t beat it – pile on the layers and do your best to enjoy some good, old-fashioned Minnesota winter fun!
Exploring the Twin Cities’ best sledding hills & ice rinks
From bunny slides to steep thrills, we list sledding spots across the Minneapolis-St Paul metro by community in our sledding hill guide. Most of the free ice skating rinks in the South Metro have been flooded, too. We’d encourage you to get out and take a slide or glide – but this hasn’t been a typical winter and by this weekend, the rinks may have turned to puddles and the slopes back to brown. We’ll continue to monitor the outdoor activities this weekend.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids – Southwest Metro
Need indoor activity ideas? Try a new indoor play space
Edinborough Park, 7700 York Avenue South, Edina, MN 55435
For Minnesota parents it’s beyond necessary to keep ideas at the ready for escaping the elements while keeping kids in motion. During the cold months we try to promote the best indoor playgrounds in the Minneapolis-St Paul area, hoping to help relieve you of some of that cabin fever. This weekend we feature Adventure Peak, the huge indoor playpark within Edina’s Edinborough Park. With plenty of room to move, the kids are entertained for hours running back and forth between the soaring “peak” and the Great Hall, an activity room filled with balls, scooters and a bounce house. A small toddler area is included. Admission $10/child.
MORE TWIN CITIES SOUTHWEST METRO INDOOR PLAY SPACES:
- BLOOMINGTON: Kids Empire & Rainbow Play Systems
- CHASKA: Play Date
- EDEN PRAIRIE: Prairie Play Zone
- MINNETONKA: Be With Me Playseum & Williston Treehouse
- SHAKOPEE: The Lookout Indoor Playground
First Saturday Tots Winter Play Date in Richfield
Richfield Community Center, 7000 Nicollet Avenue, Richfield, MN 55423
More snug indoor play: In partnership with the Minneapolis Toy Library – the first Saturday of the month (Jan-May), borrow toys for free play from 9am-1pm. Drop in as you like. February 3, 2024. FREE.
Free First Saturday Art Lab
Edina Art Center, 4701 W 64th St, Edina, MN 55435
Register ahead, then drop in to make art from a variety of supplied materials the first Saturday of the month. Dabble, explore, try at no cost to you. February 3, 2024, 10am-12pm.
Tết/Vietnamese New Year
Southdale Library, 7001 York Ave. S., Edina, MN 55435
The Year of the Dragon kicks off with Vietnamese rituals, music, dances, Kung Fu and stories. Plus, make sticky rice cakes, decorate lucky envelopes and play dice games. February 4, 2024, 2-3:30pm. FREE.
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 Charlotte’s Web. February 2-4, 2024.
Home Depot Kids Workshops
400 W 79th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
13100 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
6301 Richfield Pkwy, Richfield, MN 55423
1701 Co Rd 18, Shakopee, MN 55379
5800 Cedar Lk Rd S, St Louis Park, MN 55416
Kids can put together simple DIY projects the first Saturday of the month for free. This month kids can craft a basket for valentines. February 3, 2024, 9am-12pm.
