An Overflowing Cornucopia of Kids’ Activities to Fall in Love With This Autumn!
Once the humid heat of summer in Minnesota has passed and the crisp, cool air of fall arrives, the picture-perfect opportunities to get out and make memories with the kids are endless. In the Twin Cities, nearly every weekend is filled with activities that offer something for everyone, including these amazing events for families!
Sever’s Fall Festival
Weekends (and MEA) September 14th – October 27th
Shakopee, MN
Established in 1997, Sever’s Fall Festival is the Midwest’s original fall festival and home to the area’s favorite corn maze. With more than 30 family-friendly attractions and activities and a variety of food and drink options, there is something for everyone, ESPECIALLY the kids. Venture into the corn maze or brave the giant slide. You can also meet and pet animals in the petting zoo before watching the pig races and wildlife shows! The kids can also wear themselves out in the corn pits, jumping pillows, zip lines, and tire mountain. Sever’s is the perfect place for fresh air fun this fall.
Learn more at: https://www.seversfallfestival.com/
Minnesota Oktoberfest
September 20th & 21st
Delano, MN
This third annual Oktoberfest celebration in Delano is more than just unique brews. It’s also overflowing with activities for the kids! On Saturday, families can check out Oktoberfest Markt, featuring 40 local vendors, concessions, traditional German fare from St. Peter Lutheran Church, and Food Trucks. Also on Saturday, Delano High School students from the Orange Crush Robotics Team are offering free kids activities, including a canvas and watercolor painting area, bouncy houses, tug-of-war, cornhole, interaction with Jimi the Polka Pirate, and more!
Check out the details at: https://stpeterlc.org/events/minnesota-oktoberfest-2024/
Lantern Lighting Ceremony
Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis
September 20th & 21st
In its 10th year, the Lantern Lighting Celebration at Lakewood Cemetery offers young and old an opportunity to remember lost loved ones and celebrate their lives by decorating a paper lantern and floating it out at dusk onto Lakewood’s beautiful Jo Pond. Regardless of whether they have someone remembered at Lakewood, everyone is invited to come to the event and decorate a lantern with favorite pictures and messages to their loved ones. As the sun sets, the ceremony begins with everyone releasing their lanterns while the names of loved ones are read aloud, accompanied by the moving sound of bagpipes. The effect of the candlelit lanterns floating on the pond is breathtaking and magical, connecting people to their loved ones and others who have gathered to grieve and remember.
Throughout the event, guests can enjoy live music, food and refreshments from local food vendors, and the beauty of Lakewood’s scenic grounds.
Learn more at: https://www.lakewoodcemetery.org/event/lantern-lighting-celebration/
Dutton Days
Big Rock Creek in St. Croix Falls
September 28th
The sprawling and stunning property of Big Rock Creek in St. Croix Falls is the backdrop for this second annual event centered around the incredibly popular show Yellowstone and the family that navigates the treacherous landscape of Montana’s largest contiguous ranch set against the stunning backdrop of Yellowstone National Park. The event offers opportunities for kids to experience the ranching lifestyle with wood fire cooking, rope demonstrations, pony rides, barn dancing, face painting, and horses all over the property!
Learn more at: https://bigrockcreekwi.com/events/dutton-days-sept-28th/
Victoria Burrow & Oakdale Burrow
All Year Round!
Victoria Burrow, located in Victoria, and Oakdale Burrow in Oakdale, are filled with countless ways to keep the kids active, engaged, and having a blast. Activities include axe throwing, arcade games, foosball, pinball, mini golf, sports simulators, laser tag, ropes courses, and more. Plus, the menu at The Burrow is filled with kid-friendly favorites like burgers, pizzas, tacos, mac n’ cheese, cheese curds, and a super yummy dessert selection. Check out The Burrow on a rainy, cold fall day, and keep it on your list for options when our Minnesota winter sets in!
Learn more about The Burrow and the activities/menu at each location here: https://www.theburrowmn.com
Related Article: 9 of the Best Colorful Fall Road Trips in Minnesota
