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, Chaska, Eden Prairie, Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka, New Hope, Richfield, Shakopee, St Louis Park, Victoria & Waconia.
This guide covers the weekend of November 18-19, 2023 – the weekend before Thanksgiving. Not locating the city you’re looking for? We also cover tons of fun family events in the areas of:
You’d better watch out! The holiday season is creeping up on the Twin Cities this weekend. We’ve selected some festive events in the Northwest Metro to help get you in the spirit that we feel your family might enjoy. For even more ideas on things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids, jump yourself over to our NOVEMBER FAMILY GUIDE or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR.
Holiday events this weekend in the Twin Cities Southwest Metro
Find Santa this weekend in the Twin Cities Southwest Metro
The Santa Experience Opens at Mall of America
Mall of America Level, 2131 Lindau Lane, Bloomington, MN 55425
It’s that time of year again – look to book your appointment with Santa Claus at the Mall of America. Packages available purchase. Starts November 18 through December 24, 2023.
PLAN AHEAD! The best day to visit might be Santa’s Arrival Ceremony in the North Atrium followed by a meet and mingle at the Candy Cane Institute. November 21, 2023, 6-8pm.
Santa’s Arrival Party at Eden Prairie Center
8251 Flying Cloud Drive Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344
Ho, ho, ho, kiddos – it’s time for stories, singalongs, and a chance to meet the Santa, the Ice Queen and Princess. You can RSVP at the link. November 18, 2023, 10:30am-12:30pm. FREE admission, photo packages available for purchase w/ reserved spot. Find more places to spot Santa in the Twin Cities!
Shine on: Christmas & holiday lights events in the Twin Cities Southwest Metro
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Winter Lights
3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318
OPENING WEEKEND! Take a glittering walking tour through the garden lights on the grounds of the Twin Cities’ favorite botanical gardens. New displays for 2023 include a color-changing tunnel, a Winter Village on Scarecrow Hill and a field of lit sunflowers, Don’t feel like bringing the kids along? We think this could make the perfect date night, too. This weekend through December 31, 2023, 5-10pm. $25/ages 15+.
Spirit of Winter – Festival of Lights
Sovereign Estate, 9950 N Shore Rd, Waconia, MN 55387
Get in the holiday spirit at this all-ages stroll through holiday lights displays and more outdoor attractions such as Candy Cane Lane, snow maze, boot hockey arena and a living Nativity. Santa will make a visit nightly. Food and beverage available for noshing. Runs November 17-December 30, 2023. Tickets $10/pp.
Kid-friendly holiday shopping events in the Twin Cities
Goats on the Plaza at Nolan Mains
3945 Market St Edina, MN 55424
It’s not a holiday shopping event per se, but the Nolan Mains Plaza is conveniently located near many fine shops and lunch spots in the 50th & France district. If you’re browsing in the area, stop in to snuggle, pet and feed baby goats. November 18, 2023, 10am-12pm. FREE, reserve your spot online. FIND MORE FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY SHOPPING EVENTS IN THE TWIN CITIES.
Don’t forget to plan ahead for Thanksgiving break!
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.
Free Family Fun Day: Fall Hike – Turkeys!
Richardson Nature Center, 8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Learn fun turkey facts, take a self-guided hike and try to spot a turkey from the wildlife viewing room. The RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER is a wonderful, hands-on place for kids to explore nature. November 19, 2023, 3-4pm. FREE, drop in.
Pond Dakota Mission Park Living History Open House
401 E 104th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Hands-on living history programs fun and free of charge. New themes each Saturday in November – this weekend, hand-write a letter to a loved one the pioneer way, supplies provided. Maybe a holiday greeting to the grandparents? November 18, 2023, drop in from 1-4pm.
Performing arts & entertainment this weekend
Beauty and the Beast, Jr: Pay-What-You-Can-Day
Stages Theater, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343 Hopkins
The tickets (up to 6) must be reserved in advance by calling the box office. The day of the performance you make a donation of any amount on your way into the theater. This program strives to make theatre accessible to all families. November 19, 2023. 4pm show only.
PLAN AHEAD FOR THE 2023 HOLIDAY SEASON – SEE WHAT’S ON STAGE FOR FAMILIES!
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids – Southwest Metro
Need indoor activity ideas? Try a new indoor playground
Edinborough Park, 7700 York Avenue South, Edina, MN 55435
For Minnesota parents it’s beyond necessary to keep ideas in your virtual back pocket for escaping the elements while keeping kids active. During the months of November through March we try to present the best indoor playgrounds in the Minneapolis-St Paul area in the hopes of helping you combat that cabin fever. This weekend we feature Adventure Peak, the massive indoor playpark inside Edinborough Park in Edina. With plenty of room to move, the kids are entertained for hours running back and forth between the soaring “peak” and the Great Hall, an activity room filled with balls, scooters and a bounce house. A small toddler area is included. Admission $9/child.
Shop & play independent at Neighborhood Toy Store Day
Consider “shopping small” and independent this holiday season. November is Neighborhood Toy Store Month (brand news to us) and a couple quality local businesses in the Twin Cities Southwest Metro could use our support. Fun events to lure in the shoppers:
Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store – Rob Stokes Live Music
1665 West End Boulevard, St. Louis Park, MN 55416
As if we needed another reason to love this independent train-centric toy shop. Singing all your favorite train tunes live on Saturdays while you shop. Admission includes the concert and the pay-to-play train tables for your little engineers. November 18, 11am-12pm. $10/child.
Little Roos – Face Painting & Fall Crafts
122 Pioneer Trail, Chaska, MN 55318
Come into the store this Saturday for face painting and fall crafts while you shop. Little Roos carries handmade children’s clothes, toys, and books. November 18, 2023, 10am-2pm.