Things To Do This Weekend in the Twin Cities Southwest Metro - Family Fun Twin Cities (2024)

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 Memorial Day weekend of May 25-27, 2024. Not locating the city you’re looking for? We also cover tons of fun family events in the areas of:

It’s Memorial Day Weekend in the Twin Cities!

For more ideas and inspo on spending family time together this Memorial Day weekend, check our MAY FAMILY EVENTS GUIDE or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR. We also encourage you to enjoy some sunny summer break planning with our TWIN CITIES SUMMER FUN GUIDE.

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:

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 keep that in mind when making plans. This weekend, braid your own coaster-sized mini rug to take home. May 25, 2024. Drop in from 1-4pm, FREE or suggested donation of $2/pp.

Nature Novice: Introduction to Archery

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Old Cedar Avenue, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420
Try out a new skill on the cusp of summer! Naturalists will guide participants in learning how to use a bow and arrow and then facilitate a little archery practice. Sign up is required as space is limited (there are a few walk-in slots). If you don’t get a spot, this portion of the wildlife refuge is great for a little scenic hike followed by some free time in the nature play area. May 25, 2024, 2-3pm. FREE.

Free Family Fun Day at Richardson Nature Center

Richardson Nature Center, 8737 E Bush Lake Road, Bloomington MN
This weekend, learn all about dragonflies and damselflies from park staff. You can even try to catch some if you like on the pond. While outdoors, your kids might like to have some free play, run-around time in the nature exploration area. May 26, 2024, 1-3pm. FREE.

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 will be creating a nature journal and making bark and leaf rubbings. DO NOT MISS the breathtaking spring tulips on display in the gardens. Ongoing Sundays in May, 10am-1pm. Adults/$20, under 16 admitted FREE.

Centennial Lakes Park Attractions

7499 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435
Attractions open Memorial Day Weekend include the park’s lawn bowling, paddle boats, ($20/45 min) and the putting course (they call it “golf in miniature”. $10/18 holes). Plus, you might get lucky and spot a member of the Edina Model Yacht club!

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.May 25, 2024, 10am-1pm. FREE.

Wheel Fun Rentals at Veterans Park

6335 Portland Ave South, Richfield, Minnesota 55423
Explore Richfield Veteran’s Park by surrey or tandem bike. Hop on and make stops around the grounds: there’s a playground, 18-hole miniature golf course open this weekend, a little pizza-and-malt shop, and if you visit on Saturday between 8am-noon, a farmers market. Wheel Fun hours 10am-9pm all weekend.

Swimming season: Beaches, pools, waterparks & splash pads opening Memorial Day Weekend 2024

Why not start the summer out strong with a trip to the beach over Memorial Day Weekend? Many in the Minneapolis & St Paul metro are open for FREE swimming, splashing and all-around FUN. You’ll find all those details in SPLASH HAPPY: A GUIDE TO WATER FUN IN THE TWIN CITIES. Find our local Southwest Metro splashing spaces here:

BURNSVILLE

• CRYSTAL BEACH –1101 Crystal Lake Road East, Burnsville, MN55337
• NICOLLET COMMONS PARK water feature – 12550 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville, MN 55337.

EDEN PRAIRIE

• City of Eden Prairie opens two beaches this weekend, one at RILEY LAKE PARK, the other at ROUND LAKE PARK.

THREE RIVERS PARKS DISTRICT

• Three Rivers Parks manages several free swimming beaches in the Twin Cities Southwest Metro: BRYANT LAKE REGIONAL PARK BEACH (Eden Prairie), the LAKE MINNETONKA SWIM POND,CEDAR LAKE FARM REGIONAL PARK BEACH (New Prague), CLEARY LAKE REGIONAL PARK BEACH (Prior Lake)and CARVER PARK RESERVE BEACH (Victoria).

Soak City Waterpark

1 Valley Fair Dr, Shakopee, MN 55379
Soak City, Valleyfair’s exciting waterpark, opens this weekend! Admission to Soak City is included in your park ticket and the kids, like ours, will love the waterslides, the lazy river, the wave pool, cabanas and more. We recommend grabbing a Valleyfair Silver Pass for unlimited visits – the early bird price is available until June 10. Opens May 25, 2024.

Memorial Day weekend living history programs – Southwest Metro

Memorial Day at Excelsior Streetcar Line

Water Street between Third & George, Excelsior
If it isn’t enough of a thrill for you or your kids to ride a historic streetcar, if you bring along a veteran, they get to ride FREE today. May 27, 2024, 10am-4pm. $3/pp.

Historic Wayzata Train Depot Museum

402 Lake St E, Wayzata, MN 55391
Got a little (or big) train lover in the family? Head out to the HISTORIC WAYZATA TRAIN DEPOT MUSEUM. My kids loved the hands-on exhibits inside and the sweet model train layout outdoors. Open weekends from 12-4pm with free admission.

Things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul over Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day Weekend is May 25-27, 2024. Sticking around town for the holiday? We’ve got some weekend suggestions that are sure to be memorable.