5 places to take the kids during Minnesota's MEA weekend
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Staying in town for MEA weekend? While I can't arrange child care, here are five events you can check out to get the family out of the house.
🚣 Friday: Get out in nature at a "Story Paddle" — a canoe trip through the Chain of Lakes with singing, wildlife spotting and a break at Wild Rumpus Books for story time and picnic lunches. No experience necessary, but kids must weigh at least 30 pounds. $40 adults, $30 youth
- Or, get in the water Friday night at Inver Grove Heights' "Dive-In" showing of "Moana 2," where kids can watch the movie from the pool. $10
👸 Saturday: Dress your littles in majestic attire for a Royal Tea Party at Pacifier in North Loop. Activities include food and drinks, crafts, a magical photo booth and prizes. Free
- Then, head east to Spooky Trains in St. Paul, where the Twin City Model Railroad Museum transforms into a Halloween wonderland with decorated train models, candy and costumes. $10
🤿 Sunday: Forget basket-weaving — "underwater pumpkin carvers" will be sculpting in costume surrounded by fish in the 300-foot-long Ocean Tunnel at Mall of America's Sea Life. Note: Carving is only at 11:30am and 1:30pm. Included with admission, which starts at $21.99
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🌙 See the Walker Art Center after hours at Friday night's preview party for the new exhibition "Dyani White Hawk: Love Language."
- The Sičangu Lakota artist's work includes expansive beaded paintings and sculptures, mosaics and video installations; the party will feature art-making activities inspired by the exhibit. $25
🌊 Owámni Falling Water Festival returns this Saturday, this time on both sides of the Mississippi River.
- The Indigenous cultural celebration highlights the significance of Owámniyomni (the Dakota name for the falls) and will feature food vendors, traditional games and a new audio tour with stories about the falls and their importance. Free
😳 Make your own creepy Halloween doll at CRAFT Thrift Store's workshop in West St. Paul Saturday night.
- The doll and all supplies will be provided, and visitors will learn techniques to paint, distress and style their doll into something that will haunt them and their ancestors for generations to come. $30
🍭 Trick-or-treat at any age at CiderWeen, Sociable Cider Werks' costumed makers market on Saturday. Over 50 artists will sell Halloween crafts while adults stop by and trick-or-treat. (Note: Kids can tag along.) Free