Memorial Day weekend is here and it’s expected to be in the 90s from Saturday to Monday! I even saw a forecast of 97 degree on Monday. Wow – summer came fast. Seems like spring was about a month long in Minnesota this year, doesn’t it?
I put together a list of activities in the Twin Cities, if you’re wanting to brave the hot weather with the kiddos. Or, if you want to stay cool, there are indoor events, and many wading pools and splash pads are open now (some have opened up earlier due to the heat!).
Outdoor Events
ALL WEEKEND
Minneapolis Wading Pools and Water Parks open Saturday. There are also some splash pads that are open including at Lakeside Commons Park and Beach in Blaine and Nicollet Commons Park in Burnsville.
Memorial Day Weekend at Fort Snelling. Over Memorial Day Weekend, explore the grounds and engage with the many stories that make up this location’s history. Included with site admission of $12 adults, $10 seniors, veterans/active military, college students, $6 ages 5-17, free age 4 and under, Native Americans, and MNHS members free. (NOTE: This is a great place for limited income families to get discounted admission!)
Memorial Day Weekend at The Landing. Shakopee. Meet Civil War veterans and learn how Memorial Day began in 1868 as “Decoration Day” to honor Union soldiers who died. A formal “Decoration Day” ceremony with brass band is held on Monday at 2 PM. Tractor-drawn wagons provide transportation through the park. Drop-ins welcome.
$8 ages 18-64
$5 ages 2-17 and 65+
Children under 2 free.
Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Sunday, May 27th
Pond Dakota House Open House. Bloomington. 1:30 – 4:00pm. Tours of the Gideon and Agnes Pond house will highlight the deep friendship, family ties, and collaboration in ministry which Dr. Thomas S. Williamson and the Pond brothers shared for more than 45 years, beginning when Dr. Williamson first met the brothers in late May of 1834. Free but $2 suggested donation. (Indoor/Outdoor activity)
Family Fun: Meet the Reptiles and Amphibians. Richardson Nature Center, Bloomington. 3:00 – 4:00pm. Free. (Indoor/Outdoor activity)
Monday, May 28th
Memorial Day Celebration. Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis. 10:30am. Join us at Lakewood as we honor Memorial Day by remembering the sacrifices of those who have served our country. The day will begin with a ceremony to honor veterans at 10:30 a.m. and continue in the afternoon with free history tours, exhibits and music. Free and open to the public.
Memorial Day Powwow. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, 43411 Oodena Dr., Onamia, MN 56359. 12:00 – 5:00pm. Bring the family and join museum staff and community members In this social gathering honoring veterans past and present. Experience firsthand the excitement and joy of a contemporary powwow.
Memorial Day Animal Show. Eastman Nature Center, Osseo. 1:00 – 4:00pm. Touch turtles, snakes, and salamanders, and learn why they’re special. Drop in anytime. Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. (Indoor/Outdoor activity)
Family Fun: Forest Play – Fort Building. Richardson Nature Center, Bloomington. 3:00 – 4:00pm. Free. (Indoor/Outdoor activity)
Opening Concerts of Music in the Parks. Lake Harriet Bandshell, Minneapolis. 5:30pm. View the full summer schedules.
Indoor Events
Saturday, May 26th
Dinosaur Train – Opening Day. Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul. Dinosaur Train: The Traveling Exhibit will open on Saturday, May 26th! Each area in the exhibit provides an opportunity for kids to play in environments they know from the popular PBS Kids show and to learn basic math and science concepts through hands-on activities. Be among the first to experience this engaging exhibit. Dinosaur Train: The Traveling Exhibit is included with your museum admission — no extra fee. The exhibit will be open through Sunday, Sept. 9. Don’t forget to use my discount code “TCFM” to save $2 per ticket every day online!
Minnesota Remembers! Mall of America. 10:00am – 5:00pm. Please join us on Saturday, May 26 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. for a Memorial Day celebration in the Rotunda featuring live music entertainment, Nestle Tollhouse cookie giveaways, red, white + blue themed face painting, meet + greets with our Security K9s, and many more fun activities!
Memorial Day Thrift Store Sales – Monday, May 28th, 2018
Now’s a great time of year to stock up on affordable clothing for the kids (and yourself) and other goods!
Arc’s Value Village – 50% Off Storewide! 9:00am to 7:00pm. Village Rewards members shop early – on Sunday, May 27th! (There is a fee to join.) See their Facebook event page.
Goodwill and Second Debut – On Saturday and Sunday, Save $5 for every $15 you spend. On Monday, take 50% off clothing. More details here.
Savers and Unique Thrift Stores – 50% off clothing, shoes, accessories, and bed & bath. 9:00am-9:00pm. Club Members shop the pre-sale on Sunday, May 27th! (It’s free to join – not a credit card.)
If you have another thrift store near you, be sure to check out their own specials and hours!