MEA Weekend (Fall Break) is already here, and if you’re a Minnesota parent, you know it’s the perfect time to make some fall memories!
Whether you’re hitting the road or staying close to home, there’s plenty of family fun to enjoy in Woodbury, Oakdale, Stillwater, Cottage Grove, and beyond. Here are the best MEA activities for families — from local favorites to Twin Cities adventures.
- 1. 🏫 Local MEA Activities
Keep it easy and local this MEA break! Check out these East Metro options for kids and families:- Cottage Grove Parks & Recreation – MEA Break Program at Glacial Valley Park, Oct 15–17, ages 5–13, 7:30 am–4:30 pm, $25/day. Games, arts & crafts, and outdoor fun. Pre-registration required.
- Woodbury Parks & Recreation – Sports, art workshops, science, and swimming.
- Oakdale Parks & Recreation – Art classes, open gyms, and family events throughout MEA week.
- Stillwater Community Education – No School Day camps and youth enrichment activities, perfect for working parents.
- SoWash Community Education – Creative options from sports to art classes and day camps during MEA break.
- 2. 🌳 Explore the Outdoors
Take advantage of crisp fall weather and vibrant Minnesota autumn colors with these fun outdoor activities for families:- Carver Lake Park (Woodbury) – Hike scenic trails and enjoy picnic spots surrounded by colorful foliage.
- Lake Elmo Park Reserve – Explore wide trails, open fields, and the beauty of fall leaves for a family-friendly adventure.
- Walk around Historic Town of Stillwater – Stroll along the charming streets and riverfront, enjoy boutique shops, local treats, and the beautiful fall colors along the St. Croix River.
- Fall Color Drive – Pack snacks and take a scenic drive through the St. Croix Valley for peak fall foliage.
- Nature Adventures – Try a scavenger hunt, leaf-collecting walk, or picnic at your local park or trail.
- Worth a Day Trip – Head north to Duluth to visit the Lake Superior Railroad Museum and hike nearby trails for a full day of family-friendly fall fun.
- 3. 🚂 Take a Scenic Train Ride to Red Wing
Enjoy a cozy and scenic fall getaway on the Amtrak from St. Paul to Red Wing (about 1 hour each way). Perfect for families looking for a fun, no-driving day trip with stunning fall colors:- Mississippi River Valley Views – Relax and enjoy brilliant autumn foliage from the comfort of your train seat.
- Explore Downtown Red Wing – Quaint shops, cafes, and picturesque streets to stroll with the family.
- Red Wing Shoes Museum – Learn about the iconic shoes and local history.
- Hanisch Bakery – Grab a donut or treat for the kids and adults alike.
- Barn Bluff Hike – Climb for panoramic views of the Mississippi River and Red Wing town.
- Ticket Info – One way starting at $17/person. Children 2–12 ride 50% off, infants ride free with an adult ticket. Train station conveniently located downtown.
- 4. 🤸 Play Indoors
Check out these indoor adventures perfect for fall break fun:- Lookout Ridge Indoor Playground (Woodbury) – Newly reopened and perfect for all-day climbing, sliding, and exploring.
- Hudson GNG Play Place (Hudson, WI) – Slides, jumps, and climbing fun for younger kids.
- Indoor Swimming – Splash around at Inver Grove Heights Aquatic Center, Great Wolf Lodge or Woodbury YMCA for warm water fun without the cold.
- Bowling - Head to local bowling alleys like The PINZ (Oakdale) or Park Grove Bowling (St. Paul Park)
- The Burrow (Oakdale) - a huge indoor fun hub with bowling, axe throwing, laser tag, mini golf, arcade games, and more
- Worth a Drive – Make it a mini adventure with Kids Empire Indoor Playground (Bloomington) or Shoreview Community Center, where the water park pass also includes indoor playground play.
- 5. 🎭 Go See a Show
Add some magic to MEA with theater: Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis offers extra showtimes for Treasure Island and The Enormous Crocodile. - 6. 🎨 Perfect for Hands-On Learning & Fall Fun
Explore these museums and zoos during MEA week:- Minnesota Children’s Museum – Interactive exhibits for all ages. Don’t miss the special Toddler Music Lab session on Oct. 17.
- Como Zoo – Always free and perfect for a relaxed family stroll with the kids.
- Minnesota Zoo – Explore the animals, enjoy the playground, and don’t miss the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular, where thousands of glowing pumpkins light up the trails for a fun, family-friendly fall adventure.
- 7. 🎬 Catch a Movie
Relax with popcorn and a cozy seat: Woodbury 10 Theatre ($5 Wednesdays, Matinee Discounts), Woodbury Alamo Drafthouse (Discounts available) or Marcus Theatres ($7 matinees). - 8. 🎃 Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Apple Orchard
Make MEA break extra festive with these local fall destinations:- Afton Apple Orchard – Enjoy hayrides, friendly farm animals, and apple picking for the whole family.
- Zywiec Garden Center – Celebrate MEA at their Fall Fun Fest with seasonal activities, decorations, and family-friendly fun.
- Worth the Drive: Dehn’s Pumpkins – Explore corn mazes, bounce houses, fall photo spots, and classic pumpkin patch fun for kids of all ages.🍂 Make sure to check out more local pumpkin patch and fall destinations by viewing our The Ultimate Fall Fun Guide
- 9. 🛍️ Spend a Day at Mall of America!
If you’re up for adventure beyond the East Metro, Mall of America is the ultimate MEA destination for family fun. Must-dos include:💡 Pro Tip: Check CertifiKID for discounts on Crayola Experience, mini golf, and other attractions.- 🎨 Crayola Experience – hands-on art, melted crayon crafts, colorful adventures.
- 🌈 Museum of Illusions – mind-bending photo ops.
- ⛳ Rock of Ages Blacklight Mini Golf – glowing, music-themed fun.
- 🏔️ Moose Mountain Adventure Golf – classic indoor mini golf.
- 🎢 Nickelodeon Universe – rides from toddlers to thrill-seekers, Nickelodeon Boo-niverse.
- ✨ Make it a fall break to remember! Whether exploring the St. Croix Valley, playing at an Indoor Playground, or visiting the Mall of America, there’s something for every family this MEA Week. Grab your camera, pack snacks, and get ready to make Minnesota fall memories your kids will never forget.
💌 Irene Zachman, Publisher
irenez@macaronikid.com
I’m a local mom and the publisher of Macaroni KID Woodbury–Oakdale–Cottage Grove–Stillwater, your go-to guide for family fun in the South East Metro! Each week, I curate a FREE weekly e-newsletter, update our website, and share local events, activities, and small business spotlights. Join our community—SUBSCRIBE TODAY and never miss out on family fun!
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