Things to do this week in the Twin Cities Southwest Metro with kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities Southwest Metro family activities for the week of July 13-17, 2026. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our TWIN CITIES SOUTHWEST METRO WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE. We’ve got you covered no matter your corner of the Minneapolis-St Paul Metro Area!
How to plan your family fun this week
More events this week around the Twin Cities Metro Area
Upcoming Twin Cities Southwest Metro Family Events
Saturday, July 18, 2026
⚈ 7:00 am - 12:00 pm: Richfield Farmers Market - Richfield Veterans Park, Richfield⚈ 8:00 am - 9:00 am: Fitness at the Beach (FREE) - East Bush Lake Park & Beach, Bloomington
⚈ 8:00 am - 10:00 pm: Hopkins Raspberry Festival - City of Hopkins, Hopkins
⚈ 8:30 am - 10:00 pm: Mound Spirit of the Lakes Festival - Surfside Park, Mound
⚈ 9:00 am - 1:00 pm: Bloomington Farmers Market - Bloomington Civic Plaza, Bloomington
⚈ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm: Lowry Bird Banding (FREE) - Lowry Nature Center, Victoria
⚈ 9:15 am - 10:45 am: SandVenture Splish & Splash Tot Time - SandVenture Aquatic Park, Shakopee
⚈ 9:30 am - 12:00 pm: Saturday Morning on the Farm - Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista
⚈ 9:30 am - 11:00 am: Shakopee CC Playtime - Pool - Shakopee Community Center, Shakopee
⚈ 9:30 am - 12:30 pm: Summer Arboretum Drop-In Discovery Booths - Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska
⚈ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm: Lowe's Kids Workshop: Mini Toy Box (FREE) - Lowe’s – Twin Cities Locations, Twin Cities
⚈ 10:00 am - 11:30 am: Pre-K Creative Play: Artasaurus - Eden Prairie Art Center, Eden Prairie
⚈ 10:00 am - 11:00 am: Richfield Pool Tot Time - Richfield Outdoor Pool, Richfield
⚈ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Twin Cities PBS at Your Library (FREE) - Excelsior Library, Excelsior
⚈ 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Poolapalooza Cardboard Boat Races - Richfield Outdoor Pool, Richfield
⚈ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Grimm Farm Open House (FREE) - Grimm Farm Historic Site, Victoria
⚈ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Historic Burwell House Tours (FREE) - Charles Burwell House, Minnetonka
⚈ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Pond House Living History Open House (FREE) - Pond-Dakota Mission Park, Bloomington
Sunday, July 19, 2026
⚈ 9:30 am - 11:00 am: Shakopee CC Playtime - Pool - Shakopee Community Center, Shakopee⚈ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Nature Discovery Day: Insect Investigation (FREE) - Old Cedar Avenue Bridge, Bloomington
⚈ 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm: Lowry Free Fun: Busy Beavers - Lowry Nature Center, Victoria
⚈ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Historic Burwell House Tours (FREE) - Charles Burwell House, Minnetonka
⚈ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Hopkins Raspberry Festival Grande Day Parade - City of Hopkins, Hopkins
⚈ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Richardson Drop-In Discoveries (FREE) - Richardson Nature Center, Bloomington
⚈ 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm: Bloomington Naturalist Program: Through the Eyes of Insects (FREE) - Pond-Dakota Mission Park, Bloomington
⚈ 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm: Raptors Up Close (FREE) - Lowry Nature Center, Victoria
⚈ 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm: BIG Open Skate Sunday - Bloomington Ice Garden, Bloomington
⚈ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Normandale Sunday Funday: Paul Holland Blues Band (FREE) - Normandale Lake Park, Bloomington
⚈ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Centennial Lakes Park Summer Entertainment (FREE) - Centennial Lakes Park, Edina
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities Southwest Metro on Monday, July 13, 2026
Monday kids entertainment in the parks
BLOOMINGTON Monday Morning Kids Series
Valley View Playfield, 9000 Portland Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420
Features family favorite entertainer Wendy’s Wiggle, Jiggle & Jam. July 13, 2026, 10:30-11:30am. FREE.
FIND ALL THE FREEBIES! Kids Summer Entertainment In the Parks will keep them busy while school’s on break.
Twin Cities Southwest Metro Tot Time Open Swims on Monday
Make sure to note for tot swims that each pool sets their own age limit to participate. These typically range from kids under 5-8 years of age so you’ll want to hit the link for details before heading out to swim. Also note that not each venue offers a discounted admission rate – but many do! FIND ALL THE DETAILS ON TWIN CITIES TOT SWIMS HERE!
EDINA Lil Lagoon Tot Time
4300 W 66th St, Edina, MN 55435
The zero-depth pool, complete with junior slides and splashy features, is always restricted to kids 8 and under with an adult from 10-11:30am. July 13, 2026, $11-$14/person.
RICHFIELD Pool Tot Time
630 E 66th St, Richfield, MN 55423
Tot Time is for ages 7 & under to enjoy the water an hour before the pool opens to the general public. $12/person w/ 50% caregiver discount for one person. July 13, 2026, 10-11am.
ST LOUIS PARKÂ Parent & Tot Time
3700 Monterey Dr, St Louis Park, MN 55416
St Louis Park Aquatic Park offers exclusive use of the shallow end of the pool with its splash features to kids ages 6 and under and their caregivers. Program runs Mon-Fri from 9:30-11am before the pool opens to the rest of the public. $10/residents; $15/non-residents.
RICHFIELD Park & Play
Veterans Park, 6335 Portland Avenue, Richfield, MN 55423
Richfield’s free Park & Play program rotates through four of the city’s parks and natural areas. Today, take a Storybook Hike throughout Veterans Park. July 13, 2026, 10am-12pm.
ST LOUIS PARK Small Wonders Trail Opening Day Festival
8300 W Franklin Ave, St Louis Park, MN 55426
The free public exhibit “Trail of Small Wonders” starts today at Westwood Hills Nature Center with an opening festival. Got kids fascinated with fairy and gnome homes? Come find them tucked into nooks on the outdoor nature trail. Explore the indoor exhibits, too. July 13, 2026, 4:30-8pm. FREE.
CHASKA Movie Monday
1661 Park Ridge Dr, Chaska, MN 55318
Catch a free movie this summer on Mondays at the Chaska Community Center theater. Please call ahead to check the week’s movie title at (952) 448-5633. July 13, 2026, 10am. FREE.
FIND OUR HUGE LIST OF FREE SUMMER MOVIES – INDOORS & OUT!
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities Southwest Metro on Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Tuesday kids entertainment in the parks
CHASKA Tuesday Kids Entertainment Series
3210 Chaska Blvd, Chaska, MN 55318
All ages can enjoy a performance by Miss Nina right along with the lovely swimming beach, splash pad and playground on Chaska Clayhole in Firemen’s Park. July 14, 2026, 6-7pm. FREE.
EDEN PRAIRIE Kidstock
14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Pack yourself a lunch and explore the large playground next to the Staring Lake amphitheater after the free kids entertainment – Heart & Soul Drum Academy. July 14, 2026, 10:30am.
RICHFIELD Tuesday Kids Entertainment
636 E 66th St, Richfield, MN 55423
Anthem Academy of Music presents a show at the bandshell at 10am. Plus, find a full day of fun at Richfield’s Veterans Park:
- Play a round of miniature golf at WHEEL FUN RENTALS MINI GOLF.
- Grab lunch or a treat at the PIZZA & MALT SHOP.
- Rent a tandem bike from WHEEL FUN RENTALS and pedal around Legion Lake.
- Play on the playground equipment. There’s a giant net to climb!
Twin Cities Southwest Metro Tot Time Open Swims on Tuesday
- EDINA Lil Lagoon Tot Time – 10-11:30am
- RICHFIELD Pool Tot Time – 10-11am
- ST LOUIS PARK Aquatic Park Parent & Tot Time – 9:30-11am
ST LOUIS PARK ‘n Play
Park ‘N Play mobile rec van will rotate through several parks each week bringing free games, crafts and activities geared toward kids ages 5-12. Tuesday’s schedule:
- 11am–12:30pm | Oak Hill Park (Also, Summer Eats Program 11am-12:30pm)
- 1-2:15pm | Browndale Park
- 2:30-3:10pm | Justad Park
- 4-6pm | Era on Excelsior Apartment Complex, 6922 Meadowbrook Blvd
EDINA Centennial Lakes Park Truck Day
7499 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435
It’s your big chance to see the city’s big trucks and equipment up close. Climb in, check them out and ask your questions! July 14, 2026, 10-11am. FREE.
TOUCH MORE TRUCKS! If you’ve got a kid who loves big rigs you will definitely want to check out our Twin Cities Touch-a-Truck Calendar so you don’t miss an event.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities Southwest Metro on Wednesday, July 15, 2026
ST LOUIS PARK Kids Summer Concert Series
3700 Monterey Dr, St Louis Park, MN 55416
After the free show – Tricia & the Toonies – stick around for lunch, a run around the playground or even a swim at St Louis Park Aquatic Center. The Park N’ Play van will be onsite from 10:45am to 11:45am with more free activities, games & crafts. July 15, 2026, 10-11am.
Twin Cities Southwest Metro Tot Time Open Swims on Wednesday
- EDINA Lil Lagoon Tot Time – 10-11:30am
- RICHFIELD Pool Tot Time – 10-11am
- ST LOUIS PARK Aquatic Park Parent & Tot Time – 9:30-11am
Featured Twin Cities Southwest Metro beach
BLOOMINGTONÂ Bush Lake Beach
9140 E Bush Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55438
Make a day of it at East Bush Lake Beach with close proximity to the ginormous HYLAND PLAY AREA and a visit to the RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER. Admission and parking are free. Open daily from sunrise to 10pm.
FIND THIS BEACH AND MORE OPTIONS ON OUR TWIN CITIES SOUTHWEST METRO GUIDE TO WATER FUN!
BLOOMINGTON Story Stroll at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
3815 American Blvd E , Bloomington, MN 55425
Take a short (less than a quarter mile) stroll at the refuge while following the pages of a children’s storybook. You’ll find more hands-on exhibits and books for kids inside the visitor center. July 15-19, 2026, 10am-5pm. FREE.
Twin Cities Southwest Metro summer festivals
HOPKINS Raspberry Festival
Day one of this community festival includes a kids fishing clinic, a scavenger hunt that will take you all over Hopkins and all the raspberry pie and desserts you can eat. July 15, 2026.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities Southwest Metro on Thursday, July 16, 2026
Thursday kids & family entertainment
EDINA Centennial Lakes Summer Entertainment
Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435
Centennial Lakes Park is a hub of family entertainment on Thursdays. Here’s what you can choose from today:
- Free Fishing Thursday for Kids: Gear and bait provided for kids between 9-10:30am & 3-7pm.
- Youth Entertainment Series: Will Hale & the Tadpole Parade performs at the amphitheater between 10-11am.
- Centennial Lakes Farmers Market: Opens today for your fresh shopping needs along with a pop-up Edina Art Cart for kids and live music on the plaza from 3-7pm.
Twin Cities Southwest Metro Tot Time Open Swims on Thursday
- EDINA Lil Lagoon Tot Time – 10-11:30am
- RICHFIELD Pool Tot Time – 10-11am
- SHAKOPEE CC Playtime at the Pool – 9-10:30am
- ST LOUIS PARK Aquatic Park Parent & Tot Time – 9:30-11am
Cool off at a Twin Cities splash pad in the Southwest Metro
It’s supposed to be a bit toasty this week – how about hitting up this free splash pad for a little relief from the heat? Find a bunch more on our list of 40+ TWIN CITIES SPLASH PADS & WADING POOLS.
ST LOUIS PARK Oak Hill Park
3201 Rhode Island Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55426
The deluxe and popular splash pad is free for residents but bring a few bucks if you’re not from the city – these splashers will pay $1/person.
Or make it a full beach day in the Southwest Metro
We can give you at least 26 reasons. They’re all neatly wrapped up in our GUIDE TO THE BEST BEACHES IN THE TWIN CITIES, thoughtfully organized by region of the Minneapolis-St Paul metro. Today we’re highlighting SHADY OAK BEACH & PLAY AREA. What makes it great? Sand carpeting much of the play area, for one, and 76-foot span of beach across the shoreline of a clear spring-fed lake. Visitors can also rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard. $6/pp or $3/pp after 6pm. 5200 Shady Oak Rd., Minnetonka, MN 55343.
VICTORIA Truck Rodeo
Victoria Recreation Center, 8475 Kochia Lane, Victoria MN 55386
Get close to the big trucks and machinery that keep the city running smoothly. July 16, 2026, 6-8pm. FREE.
Southwest Metro Thursday night concert lineup
- BLOOMINGTON Thursday Blockbuster Series – Normandale Lake Park
- CHANHASSEN Summer Concert Series – Lake Ann Park
- CHASKA Summer Concert Series – City Square Park
- EDEN PRAIRIE Starring at Staring – Staring Lake Park
- HOPKINS Sunset Series – Downtown Park
- SHAKOPEE Huber Park Performance Series – Huber Park
GET OUR HUGE LINEUP OF FREE SUMMER CONCERTS ACROSS THE TWIN CITIES METRO THIS SUMMER!
Twin Cities Southwest Metro summer festivals
MOUND Spirit of the Lakes Festival
2670 Commerce Blvd, Mound, MN, 55364
Thursday night activities: food trucks, a kids entrepreneur market and a boat-in movie: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. July 16, 2026.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities Southwest Metro on Friday, July 17, 2026
Cool off in the Twin Cities Southwest Metro
SHAKOPEE SandVenture Splish and Splash Tot Time
1101 Adams St S, Shakopee, MN 55379
Kids up to age 6 are invited to swim in the zero-depth entry and play on the sand beach before the waterpark opens to the rest of the public. July 17, 2026, 9:15-10:45am. Cost was $5 in 2025.
HOPKINS Movie Night at Maetzold Field
1215 1st St N, Hopkins, MN 55343
Part of Hopkins’ Raspberry Festival, a Friday night movie will be screened in the park: Angels In the Outfield. Concessions available for purchase or bring your own. July 17, 2026, 9pm. FREE.
Twin Cities Plan for the weekend: Southwest Metro festivals
