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 January 13-14, 2024 — the weekend before MLK Jr Day. Not locating the city you’re looking for? We also cover tons of fun family events in the areas of:
Oh, hello there, frigid temperatures (finally). Snow cover or no, winter is upon us in the Twin Cities. How do we best go about making the most of it this weekend? Keep in mind that this is a long weekend for many families with at least Monday off of school in honor of Martin Luther King Day. Stock up on your weekend activity ideas for the Southwest Metro and greater Twin Cities area over on our JANUARY FAMILY EVENTS GUIDE, our ULTIMATE WINTER FUN GUIDE or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR.Â
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 an idea in the Southwest Metro community; make sure to check our calendar for a complete lineup:
Bloomington Winter Fete
Bloomington’s annual answer to a winter festival stretches all the way through January and half of February. This weekend’s events include an Introduction to Ice Fishing program at Bush Lake Beach (Sunday, Jan 14, 1-3pm. $20/pp) and free indoor ice skating at Bloomington Ice Garden (Jan 14, 4-6:45pm).
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 this weekend:
Events at Eden Prairie Outdoor Center this Saturday
Eden Prairie Outdoor Center, 13765 Staring Lake Parkway, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55347
NATURE ROCKS! OUTDOOR CENTER OPEN HOUSE: Drop in to meet the resident animals, learn about programs and events. January 13, 2024, 10am-1pm. FREE.
SNOWTIME SATURDAY: Outdoor recreation stations are set up to try activities like ice fishing, snowshoeing, kick-sledding and cross-country skiing. A bonfire is roaring to stay warm. January 13, 2024, 10-11am. $12/family, register and pay ahead.
St Louis Park Gnome Search
The hunt began January 2. Each Tuesday in January a different gnome will pop up in a city park and a clue will be released via social media channels. By week 5, all gnomes will move to one central location. Happy hunting – and park exploring!
Kicksledding Open Rink at Lowry
Lowry Nature Center, 7025 Nature Center Dr, Victoria, MN 55386
Equal parts sledding, skating and skiing, that’s how I’d try to describe this activity. My own kids have enjoyed it (see pic) on a frozen lake. Try one out at LOWRY NATURE CENTER. January 13, 2024, 12:30-2pm, $6/pp, reservations required.
Free Family Fun Day at Richardson: Snow Play
Richardson Nature Center, 8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Build your own snow creation outside the nature center, then warm up exploring the indoor exhibits. Learn more about RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER. January 14, 2024, 3-4pm.
Winter Activity Sampler at Cleary Lake
Cleary Lake Regional Park, 18106 Texas Ave, Prior Lake, MN 55372
Cross all your fingers and toes that there’s enough snow to enjoy activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing for FREE with instruction provided. Then, warm up at a bonfire. January 14, 2024, drop in between 10am-2pm.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids – Southwest Metro
Special Open Swim at Eden Prairie Community Center
16700 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55346
Included in admission to Open Swim today is a special inflatable obstacle course in the dive pool. Must be 8 years & up to participate. Register online for your 1.5-hr session. January 13, 2024, 1-6pm. $16.59/pp.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO WHILE I’M OUT IN EDEN PRAIRIE? FAMILY ATTRACTIONS CLOSE BY:
- PRAIRIE PLAY ZONE INDOOR PLAYGROUND: Kids play for half-price ($2.75-$3.75) weekends after 4pm. Located within the Eden Prairie Community Center.
- FUN AT SCHEELS SPORTING GOODS: Inexpensive family attractions include an indoor Ferris Wheel, mini-bowling, arcade games, a target game and a huge (taxidermy) animal display. We love it on a chilly day! Located within Eden Prairie Center.
Fleet Farm Free Birdhouse Build
1935 Levi Griffin Road, Carver, MN 55315
Kids and families can get crafty together assembling a birdhouse to house feathered friends during the winter. All supplies provided. January 13, 2024, 9am-1pm. FREE.
Princess Storytime at Pacifier Edina
4942 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55410
This weekend’s special storytime guest is Mulan – who will read to your little ones in the cozy shop. Plus music and a little dancing. January 13, 2024, 9-10am. FREE.