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 23-24, 2024. Not locating the city you’re looking for? We also cover tons of fun family events in the areas of:
Welcome to spring in the Twin Cities!
For more ideas beyond this weekend guide we encourage you to spring on 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 – whatever the season or reason.
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 a sap-to-syrup program at one of these Twin Cities parks or see our weekend schedule below for MAPLE SYRUP FAMILY PROGRAMS:
Maple Sugaring at Pond Dakota Mission Park
Pond Dakota Mission Park, 401 E 104th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
This weekend, learn all about the maple syurping process from tree tapping to boiling down the sap to create something sweet. Tour the historic Pond House and hike around the park property. March 23, 2024, 1-4pm. FREE, donations appreciated.
Maplefest at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318
This year, there isn’t a pancake breakfast option but you can still come out to the Arboretum to learn about tree tapping and the maple syrup process. While at the Arboretum, there’s so much for families with kids to explore! March 23, 2024. 9am-2pm, $15/pp ages 15+.
Maple Syrup Moon & Spring Equinox at Eden Prairie Outdoor Center
13765 Staring Lake Parkway, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Learn about the Maple Syrup Moon while attending a night hike. Make sure to dress for the weather. Registration is required. March 23, 2024. $9/pp.
Maple Syrup Wrap Up at Wood Lake
Wood Lake Nature Center, 6710 Lake Shore Dr S, Richfield, MN 55423
Last chance to learn about maple syrup at Wood Lake this year. Help pull the taps and boil the last of the sap as the syrup season comes to an end. Space is limited and program may be full. March 24, 1-2:30pm & 3-4:30 pm. $5/pp.
Lowry Nature Center Maple Syrup Fest
7025 Victoria Drive, Victoria, MN 55386
Make maple sugar and syrup, watch a tree being tapped and learn about this tradition and stop by the Sugar Shack to taste the maple syrup. March 23, 2024. Slots from 1-4pm. $6/pp. 1pm-4pm.
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:
FIND OUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO FAMILY MAPLE SYRUP PROGRAMS IN THE TWIN CITIES.
More activities in Twin Cities Southwest Metro parks this weekend
Free Family Fun Day at Richardson: Insect Eaters
Richardson Nature Center, 8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
This weekend, a naturalist will teach visitors about native amphibians and how they help with insect control. Drop in between the scheduled hours. Learn more about all the kid-friendly details at RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER. March 24 2024, 3-4pm. FREE.
Nature Rocks! Eden Prairie Outdoor Center Open House
Eden Prairie Outdoor Center, 13765 Staring Lake Parkway, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55347
Drop in to meet the resident animals, learn about programs and events. March 23, 2024, 10am-1pm. FREE.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids – Southwest Metro
It’s about that time of year when our guides are overflowing with Easter egg hunt events popping up in all corners of the Twin Cities. What follows is just the rundown of what’s hopping in the Southwest Metro this weekend; you’ll want to browse our GIANT GUIDE TO TWIN CITIES EASTER EGG HUNTS for the complete list.
Pictures with the Easter Bunny at Little Roos
122 Pioneer Trl, Chaska, MN 55317
Book a sitting to have your child’s picture taken with the Easter Bunny. There will be a chance to custom stuff an Easter basket with goodies from the store too. March 23, 2024, 10am-3pm. $5/family.
Play Date “Littles” Easter Event
Play Date Indoor Play Space, 1018 Gateway Dr, Chaska, MN 55318
Indoor Easter egg hunt for kids ages 3 and under, featuring age appropriate activities, photo ops, and a treat bag. March 24, 2024. $25/child. Children 0-6 months and 2 adults per family are free with paid child.
Spring Eggstravaganza
Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, Minnesota 55345
BYO basket to the Minnetonka/Hopkins annual egg scavenger hunt. Plus photos with the Easter bunny, dancing, face painting, crafts, treats and games. Ages 1-9. March 23, 2024, 10-11:30am. $11/child.
Horse & Hunt Club Easter Bunny Breakfast
2920 220th St E, Prior Lake, MN 55372
Your ticket includes the breakfast meal plus a meet with the Easter Bunny, an egg hunt, face painting and a baby animal petting zoo. March 23, 2024, seatings from 9am-12pm. Adults/$22.95, under 13/$14.95.
Glendale Easter Egg-stravaganza
Glendale United Methodist Church, 13550 Glendale Rd, Savage, MN 55378
Easter fun for all ages in Savage: an egg hunt, baby animals, games and crafts. 10-11am, FREE.
Shakopee Easter Egg Hunt & Candy Grab
Tahpah Park & Joe Schleper Stadium, 1490 Adams Street South, Shakopee, MN 55379
Activities include games, crafts, and a big Easter egg hunt. Dress for the weather. This event will go rain, snow or shine. March 23, 2024. 1-2:30pm. Free. Drop In.
Shops at West End Bunny Bash
1625 West End Blvd, St Louis Park MN
An Easter egg hop hosted by participating retailers, a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny, a craft area, music and live bunnies to pet. March 23, 2024, 11am-2pm. FREE.
Waconia Community Easter Egg Hunt
City Square Park, South Spruce Street, Waconia, MN 55387
Treats, beverages, and greetings from the Easter Bunny in the park plus 3 egg hunts by age. March 24, 2024, 12:30-2pm. FREE, donations accepted for Waconia Gather & Grow Food Shelf.
More free & low cost ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities – Southwest Metro
The Galleria World of Wonder Floral Experience
Galleria Edina
OPENING WEEKEND! This year’s Galleria Floral Experience Into the Deep is perfect for anyone intrigued by the mysterious and beautiful world under the sea. Created by Bachman’s gardeners, guests of all ages can explore an immersive experience. March 24 – April 7, 2024 during open hours. FREE.