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 20-21, 2024. Not locating the city you’re looking for? We also cover tons of fun family events in the areas of:
Who doesn’t appreciate a whole lot of frugal during the month after the holidays have wrapped up? Our team sure does, so we’ve made certain that most ideas for this weekend’s list of things to do in the Twin Cities are FREE or low-cost to attend. For more frigid-weather inspiration, hop over to our JANUARY FAMILY EVENTS GUIDE, our ULTIMATE WINTER FUN GUIDE or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR. We give it our best effort to keep it stocked with options to fit your family’s needs while having a good time doing it.
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 are a couple of ideas in the Southwest Metro community; consult our calendar for a complete lineup:
Bloomington Winter Fete: Ice Harvesting Day
Richardson Nature Center, 8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Learn how ice was traditionally harvested as part of Bloomington’s annual winter festival. Cut and weigh ice blocks, try a kicksled and more icy activities. Note: this is a free, very popular event – however, registration is not required this year. January 20, 2024, 10am-2pm. FREE.
Excelsior Arctic Fever
Downtown Excelsior, MN 55331
Freeman Park, 6000 Eureka Road, Shorewood, MN 55331
Manitou Park, 5418 Manitou Road, Tonka Bay, MN 55331
Outdoor activities include, sledding, sleighrides, skating and other classic winter fun, spread across three parks. FREE admission, some activities have a fee. January 19-20, 2024.
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.
Snowtime Saturday at Staring Lake
13765 Staring Lake Pkwy, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Try a bunch of winter outdoor activities at the Outdoor Center: cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and kick sleds. All equipment and brief instruction included. January 20, 2024, 10-11am. $12/family, must register one member.
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. January 20, 2024, 10am-1pm. FREE.
Blades & Bites at Westwood Park
3490 West 109th Street, Bloomington, MN 55431
Ice skate on the outdoor rink (limited number of loaners provided), play games and grab dinner from a food truck. January 20, 2024, 10am-2pm. FREE.
Twin Cities Southwest Metro winter activity update
As we’re all too aware, the snow and cold plan to stick around for awhile — at least for the next couple months or so. 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 Southwest metro sledding hills on our giant directory are situated in city parks. Most of the free ice skating rinks in the South Metro are flooded and ready to go, too. Get out and take a glide.
FEATURED RINK: Centennial Lakes Park Ice Rink
7499 France Ave. S. Edina, MN 55435
After an unseasonal delay, the pretty skating ponds and canals at the park are open for ice skating. Skating is free if you bring your own pair; rentals are available for $10. There’s a roomy warming chalet and concessions onsite.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids – Southwest Metro
Family Day at Minnetonka Fire Department
14550 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
This activity goes beyond cozy – it’s hot! Fire Station 1 is hosting an open house with the chance to get close to fire trucks, sample chili and cider and play on inflatable slides. January 20, 2024, 10am-1pm. FREE.
Find more touch-a-truck family outings on our community vehicle fair calendar!
Get crafty & creative this weekend
Lowe’s Kids Workshop – My First DIY Toolbox
4270 Dean Lakes Blvd, Shakopee, MN 55379
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 Shakopee, build a small toolbox. Learn more about Lowe’s Kids Workshops. January 20, 2024, 10am. 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 Smallfoot. January 19-21, 2024.