MEA weekend: Things to do on staycation in Minnesota
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Most Minnesota public school students don’t have classes Thursday and Friday due to the annual October break known as “MEA weekend” — and many families are heading to the airport to kick off a vacation.
For those who are not traveling, there are plenty of activities closer to home that will keep kids entertained through the long weekend.
Outdoor fall fun
Scarecrows in the Gardens
Where: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska
Cost: $15 for non-members, free for children under 15
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, through Oct. 31
Scarecrows take over Scarecrow Hill at this seasonal display at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska. Regular admission tickets grant access to the entire arboretum, so families can spend the whole day checking out other displays.
Fall Festival at Big Springs Farm
Where: Big Springs Farm, Lanesboro
Cost: $12 ages 4 and up, free for children under 3
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 19, 20 and weekends through Oct. 29
With a 10-acre corn maze, giant slide, corn pit and more, there’s plenty of opportunities for children to release their extra energy at this festival in southeast Minnesota.
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Pinehaven Farm Festival
Where: Pinehaven Farm, Wyoming
Cost: $11-21, free for children under 2
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday to Sunday, Oct. 22 and Oct. 27 to 29.
Pinehaven Farm in the northern Twin Cities metro is open for MEA weekend and is hosting a fall celebration all weekend, complete with private bonfires for families, trolley rides, live music and more.
Moose Madness Family Festival
Where: Grand Marais
Cost: Free
Events happening through Saturday
The “Moose is Loose” this weekend on the North Shore! Moose-related events are scheduled through the weekend all around Grand Marais, including a scavenger hunt, medallion hunt, games and a scenery drive.
Oktoberween
Where: Freeborn County Fairgrounds, Albert Lea
Cost: $5 all ages (cash only at the gate)
Friday to Sundays through Oct. 29, 5 to 11 p.m. Oct. 31
Oktoberween has food and beer, live music, a kid carnival and a haunted house. What more could a person want from a festival?
Family-friendly performances
Movies at Twin Cities Film Fest
Where: ShowPlace Theatre and Kitchen, St. Louis Park
Cost: Free to $12, depending on film
Oct. 19 to 28
Twin Cities Film Fest is happening through Oct. 28, and there are some family-friendly movies showing this weekend. Check out the lineup on the festival website for more information.
‘The Day You Begin’ at Stages Theatre
Where: Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins
Cost: $16-26
Performances through Sunday
Catch the last performances of “The Day You Begin,” a musical for all ages at Stages Theatre Company through Sunday, Oct. 22.
‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ in Cottage Grove
Where: Shepard Farm at Dodge Nature Center, Cottage Grove
Cost: Free
5:30 p.m. Oct. 20 to 22
Locally Grown Theatre presents free, outdoor performances of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” through Sunday at Dodge Nature Center’s Shepard Farm site in Cottage Grove. Families may bring their own blankets, chairs and food.