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 March 16-17, 2024. Not locating the city you’re looking for? We also cover tons of fun family events in the areas of:
Welcome to March in the Twin Cities!
March your way into an ideal a mix of things to do this weekend indoors and out. For more ideas, hop over to our March Family Guide or our Family Fun Calendar. We try to keep it stocked with options to fit your family’s needs, tastes, size and budget.
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.
Featured family fun ideas for this weekend: It’s maple syrup month!
Maple syrup events continue trickling into the Southwest Metro area this weekend. Observe this sweet process at an sap-to-syrup program at one of these Twin Cities parks or see our weekend schedule below for MAPLE SYRUP FAMILY PROGRAMS:
Maple Syrup Making at Eden Prairie Outdoor Center
13765 Staring Lake Parkway, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Families will learn the history of maple syruping and participating in making a makuk container. Registration required. Activity #187212. March 16, 2024, 2pm-3:30pm; $12/family.
Gale Woods Farm Maple Syrup Festival
7210 County Road 110 West, Minnetrista, MN 55364
At the annual maple syrup festival families can collect sap at the charming and very much real-working GALE WOODS FARM, watch maple syrup cooking and sample syrup on pancakes. March 16, 2024, 1-4pm. $8/pp.
Hands-on History – Maple Sugaring at Cleary Lake
18106 Texas Avenue, Prior Lake, MN 55372
This historical interpreter-led program explores the cultural significance of maple syrup while getting hands-on (and taste) experience. Reservations required. Learn more about CLEARY LAKE REGIONAL PARK in Prior Lake. March 16 & 17, 2024. $6/pp.
Magical Maples at Wood Lake
6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield 55423
WOOD LAKE NATURE CENTER, a quiet oasis in Richfield, offers a Sunday Special this weekend featuring a hike into the woods to help collect and boil syrup. Learn a little history about how maple syrup is made, too. Pre-register to guarantee your spot. Walk-ins as space permits – fills quickly. March 17, 2024, spots from 1-4pm. $5/pp.
MORE MAPLE SYRUP THIS WEEKEND: With the mild winter we’ve had, the sap has been flowing extra early. Find more tapping programs in the Twin Cities Metro this weekend on this quicklist or our guide to MAPLE SYRUP PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES:
- TWIN CITIES NORTHWEST METRO, Maple Grove: Journey Into the Sugarbush at Eastman Nature Center.
- TWIN CITIES NORTHEAST METRO, White Bear Lake: Sap to Syrup at Tamarack Nature Center.
- TWIN CITIES SOUTHEAST METRO, Hastings: Maple Syruping at Carpenter Nature Center
FIND OUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO FAMILY MAPLE SYRUP PROGRAMS IN THE TWIN CITIES.
More activities in Twin Cities Southwest Metro parks this weekend
Living History Tours at Pond Dakota Mission Park
Pond Dakota Mission Park, 401 E 104th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
This weekend, learn about the Dakota language and art styles and make-and-take a Dakota art project. Tour the historic Pond House and hike around the park property if you want to stretch your legs. March 16, 2024, 1-4pm. FREE, donations appreciated.
Free Family Fun Day at Richardson: Storytime By the Fire
Richardson Nature Center, 8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
This weekend, a naturalist will have a warm campfire crackling and nature stories to be both read aloud and independently. Learn more about all the kid-friendly details at RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER. March 17, 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. March 16, 2024, 10am-1pm. FREE.
Wood Lake Nature Center: Saturday Live Animal Hour
6708 Lake Shore Dr S, Richfield, MN 55423
Learn about some of the amphibians and reptiles that inhabit the nature center and make a craft to take home. March 16, 2024, 10-11am. $5/pp.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids – Southwest Metro
Legacy Toys Easter Egg Hunt
Mall of America, Bloomington
Southdale Center, Edina
Kids are invited to search for up to five eggs hidden around the toy shop to redeem for a treat or prize. There will also be crafts, a family photo booth and games. March 16, 2024, 10am-2pm. FREE.
Spring Fling with the Easter Bunny
Eden Prairie Center, 8251 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Events at the Spring Fling include a kid-friendly comedy show by Mixed Nuts (10:15am), an appearance by the Easter Bunny (11am) and balloon animals and glitter tattoos. (11am-1pm). All activities are free. March 16, FREE.
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 be present to supervise. This month at Lowe’s in Shakopee, build a flower-shaped bird feeder. Learn more about Lowe’s Kids Workshops. March 16, 2024, 10am-1pm. FREE.
Teddy Bear Band Picnic at Prior Lake Library
16210 Eagle Creek Ave SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372
Fam-favorite band the Teddy Bear Band perform as special guests as the conclusion of the library’s “Rhythm and Song” series. Expect music you can dance to, crafts and picnic games. March 16, 2024, 10:30am-12pm. FREE.
Little Roos Boutique: Princess Tea Party with Cinderella & Tiana
122 Pioneer Trail, Chaska MN
Your ticket includes a tea party refreshments plus photo opps with the princess, music and dancing and storytime. Tickets are limited. March 16, 2024, 1-2pm. $25/child.
So much more than shopping at SCHEELS!
8301 Flying Cloud Dr., Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Who knew you could spend the day being entertained at the sporting goods store? This generation’s variety features a 65-foot Ferris wheel, mini-bowling, a candy shop, archery range and arcade. No trouble getting the teens to join me on this outing! Visit anytime.
