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 & Wayzata.
This guide covers the weekend of May 17-18, 2025. Not locating the city you’re looking for? We also cover tons of fun family events in the areas of:
Welcome to May in the Twin Cities!
For more inspiration on spending family time together this weekend, check our planning tools:
Spring festivals this weekend in the Twin Cities – Southwest Metro
Fresh family entertainment springs up all over town this weekend. Here’s a couple suggestions for the Twin Cities Southwest Metro; for our full list (all regions of the Metro) jump over to our 2025 TWIN CITIES SPRING FESTIVAL CALENDAR or keep reading for our quicklist:
HOPKINS Mainstreet Day
Arts and craft fair on the main drag plus live entertainment, food vendors and activities for kids. May 17, 2025, 9am-4pm, FREE admission.
MINNETRISTA Trista Day
7701 County Road 110 West, Minnetrista MN
So much for the community to enjoy: safety displays, a petting zoo, kids activities, free pony rides, an exciting helicopter landing, vendors, free popcorn and food trucks. May 17, 2025, 11am-2pm. FREE.
QUICKLIST OF MORE SPRING FESTIVALS THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES METRO:
- AFTON Belwin Bison Festival
- BROOKLYN PARK Eidem Farm’s Spring on the Farm
- EAGAN: Holz Farm Spring Festival
- MAPLEWOOD Minnesota Waldorf School May Faire
- MINNEAPOLIS Art-a-Whirl Weekend
- WEST ST PAUL Dodge Nature Center’s Rock the Barn
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. Some fun family ideas for you here:
BLOOMINGTON Free Family Fun Day at Richardson Nature Center
Richardson Nature Center, 8737 E Bush Lake Road, Bloomington MN
This weekend, learn all about local amphibians – maybe even meet one or two up close. You’ll like the kid-friendly indoor exhibits, too and spend some time in the outdoor nature exploration area. May 18, 2025, 1-3pm. FREE.
BURNSVILLE Jumpin’ To Spring
Alimagnet Park, 1200 Alimagnet Park Drive, Burnsville, MN, 55337
Literally jump your way into spring at this FREE, all-ages family event in the park. In addition to the inflatables there will be free food, music, crafts and interactive challenges. No need to register. May 17, 2025, 11am-2pm. FREE.
CHASKA Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: Drop-in Discovery Booths
3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318
As if you needed another reason to pick spring for your visit to the Arboretum, here’s one that’s especially kid-friendly: drop-in Discovery Booths will be set up with simple nature activities families can complete at their own pace. May’s activities include planting your own crop seed. DO NOT MISS the breathtaking spring tulips on display in the gardens. Ongoing Sundays in May, 10am-1pm. Adults/$20 (advance), under 16 admitted FREE.
EXCELSIOR Playground Grand Opening
6900 Hazeltine Boulevard, Excelsior, MN 55331
Lake Minnewashta Regional Park has a brand NEW playground! Come be among the first to enjoy it, play carnival games, get your face painted, try out the climbing wall and more free fun. May 17, 2025, 10am-1pm. FREE.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids – Southwest Metro
Meet the spring Minnesota farm babies!
MINNETRISTA Saturday Morning on the Farm
Gale Woods Farm, 7210 County Rd 110 W, Minnetrista, MN 55364
Explore the barn, gardens, greenhouses and pastures and visit the new spring animals! Make-and-take a a fiber craft for a small fee. May 17, 2025, 9:30am-12pm. $6/pp.
FIND MORE MINNESOTA FARM BABIES AROUND MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL
- FAWN-DOE-ROSA WILDLIFE PARK, St Croix Falls, WI: Daily admission
- MINNESOTA ZOO, Apple Valley: Farm Babies – final weekend!
Got kids that love big rigs?
We keep a calendar just so we can keep track of all the events in the Twin Cities where you and yours can get up close to big trucks and city service vehicles. Even, in some cases, get a behind the scenes peek at city facilities such as fire and police stations. We don’t have any events listed in the Twin Cities Southwest Metro this weekend but here are a few hosted by other communities (all Saturday, May 17):
- ARDEN HILLS Touch-a-Truck
- COON RAPIDS Public Works Open House
- FARMINGTON Police Open House
- INVER GROVE HEIGHTS Touch-a-Truck
RICHFIELD Farmers Market
Veterans Park, 64th Street & Portland Ave S, Richfield 55423
There is usually plenty for families to enjoy at the market in addition to perusing the produce, including art programs, story times, live music and more. May 17, 2025, 7am-12pm.
MAKE A DAY The Richfield Farmers Market is held in the same park as the Wheel Fun Rentals 18-hole mini golf course and malt shop. Kids will have a ball, plus there’s a large playground at Veterans Park.
More free & low cost things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities - Southwest Metro
CARVER Spring Bike Rodeo
801 Johnathan Carver Pkwy, Carver, MN, 55315
Navigate a bike obstacle course, get your helmet fit and bike checked, meet area First Responders and grab some free donuts. May 17, 2025, drop in between 9am-12pm. FREE.
RODEO ROUNDUP Find all of the wheel-y cool Twin Cities-area bike rodeos this season! Bike rodeos are best for ages 4-18 but all ages welcome.
ST LOUIS PARK Lakeshore Learning: The Magic Of Science
5699 W 16th St, St Louis Park, MN , 55416
Crafts, activities and storytime: create a container of “lava” and paint using paper clips and magnets at this open-house style event. May 17, 2025, 11am-3pm. FREE.
SHAKOPEE Lowe’s Kids Workshop
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 spinning trinket box. Learn more about Lowe’s Kids Workshops. May 17, 2025, 10am-1pm. FREE.
BLOOMINGTON Living History Open House at Pond Dakota Mission Park
401 E 104th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Each Saturday, history comes alive – often the programs are held outside so dress for the weather. Enjoy hands-on activities and walk on the trails. This weekend, make a beaded necklace with a Lakota artist. May 17, 2025. Drop in from 1-4pm, FREE or suggested donation of $2/pp.