Unforgettable MEA Weekend Adventures Await in the Twin Cities Gateway!

The air is crisp, the leaves are putting on their spectacular autumn show, and the much-anticipated MEA weekend is just around the corner! From October 16th to 19th, schools are out, and it’s the perfect opportunity to create some cherished family memories. Look no further than the Twin Cities Gateway, a hub of family-friendly fun with a fantastic array of activities to keep everyone entertained, no matter the weather. Here’s a peek at some of the exciting adventures you can embark on during your four-day weekend.

Embrace the Autumn Outdoors

When the sun is shining, there’s no better place to be than outside, soaking up the gorgeous Minnesota fall.

• Get into the Spooky Spirit in Anoka: As the “Halloween Capital of the World,” Anoka is a must-visit during October. The city comes alive with festive decorations and a contagious spooky spirit. While the grand parades are often the weekend after MEA, the festive atmosphere is in full swing. Check out local businesses for window displays and enjoy the charming, historic downtown.
• Explore Nature’s Playground at Springbrook Nature Center: For a refreshing dose of nature, head to Fridley’s Springbrook Nature Center. With miles of hiking trails that wind through diverse habitats and floating boardwalks that take you over wetlands, it’s an immersive experience for all ages. Don’t miss the interpretive center, where you can meet live animals and engage with interactive exhibits.
• Pick the Perfect Pumpkin and Navigate a Corn Maze: A quintessential fall experience is a trip to a local farm. The Twin Cities Gateway area boasts several options, like the Anoka County Farms in Ham Lake, where you can find a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and other seasonal attractions.

Thrilling Indoor Fun

If the weather takes a turn, or you’re simply in the mood for some indoor excitement, the Twin Cities Gateway has you covered.

• Reach for the Sky at an Adventure Park: Let the kids burn off that extra energy at one of the area’s fantastic indoor adventure parks. In Coon Rapids, Urban Air Adventure Park offers everything from climbing walls and ropes courses to a slam dunk zone. Meanwhile, Zero Gravity Adventure Park in Mounds View will have you flipping into foam pits and conquering a ninja obstacle course.
• Make a Splash at Tropics Waterpark: Who says you can’t enjoy a waterpark in October? The indoor, tropically-themed Tropics Waterpark in Shoreview offers a warm escape. With areas designed for all ages, from the “Bamboo Bay” for the little ones to thrilling waterslides for the bigger kids (and adults!), it’s a guaranteed day of fun.
• Lace-Up for Bowling or Skating: For a classic family outing, you can’t go wrong with bowling or roller skating. The Mermaid in Mounds View and Bowlero in Blaine offer kid-friendly bowling with all the amenities. Or, glide around the rink to fun music at Cheap Skate in Coon Rapids.

No matter what you choose to do, the Twin Cities Gateway is your destination for a memorable and fun-filled MEA weekend. So gather the family, get out there, and enjoy all that this wonderful season has to offer!