Wintry mix Thursday night, another storm Friday

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Most school children in Minnesota have this coming Thursday and Friday off, a break that happens every year to coincide with a teachers' convention in St. Paul.  

These four days are often called "MEA Weekend." The weekend is not just a chance for some teachers to brush up on skills.  Many families have also come to depend on the break as a last chance to get away before the winter.  

As Minnesotans prepare for the annual four-day MEA break, MPR News host Tom Weber asked Stephanie Ash, who edits Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine and the 

 blog, and elementary school teacher Tim Kennedy, who writes 

, for their tips and took calls and online suggestions from you. 


Fall is a great time to visit colleges since they are in session and can give your prospective higher ed learner a glimpse into campus life and learning. 

The Gopher women's soccer team is strong this year and play Michigan State Thursday. The Gopher women's volleyball team is also impressive this year and they play Saturday.  

Sherlock Holmes and the Clocktower Mystery

 launches Thursday at the science museum. If you go, 

Humpback Whales - Narrated by Ewan McGregor - Official IMAX Trailer - 4K

 are good bad weather backup options once you are there. 

 goes right through town. Unwind with a show at the 


Catch the train from Winona or St. Paul to 

. See a show, eat some great food, walk the shore of Lake Michigan and explore 


Bring a warm sleeping bag and plenty of layers for cold nights. Crisp bug-free days and abundant wildlife define the BWCA experience this time of year. 

Less adventurous travelers should consider renting a 

 festival in Grand Marias, lookout for Murray the Moose photo bombing your selfies.


Use the long weekend to make the 500-mile trek from the Twin Cities to visit the rugged 

 takes over the State Fair Grounds with lots to do for all ages, and it is free.

Twin Cities Harvest Festival & Maze #brooklynpark #cornmaze #harvestfestival

Take a stroll in the towering corn maze at the 


Hire a well-trained middle-schooler or high schooler to watch your kids. They are off of school and could probably use the money.  

There are also camps but they require some flexibility. The camps typically run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Here are two ideas:

Lifestyle

Education News

Shows

MPR News with Tom Weber

Tom Weber Feature

MPR News Staff

Author

"MEA weekend" means most school children in Minnesota have this coming Thursday and Friday off. Here are a few ideas to make the most of another great fall weekend.

Most school children in Minnesota have this coming Thursday and Friday off, a break that happens every year to coincide with a teachers' convention in St. Paul.

These four days are often called "MEA Weekend." The weekend is not just a chance for some teachers to brush up on skills.  Many families have also come to depend on the break as a last-chance to get away before the winter.

As Minnesotans prepare for the annual four-day MEA break, we chat with local experts to brainstorm some great places to visit and things to do with your kids. Should it be educational? Adventurous? Indoor? Outdoor? We'll cover it all.

Guests:
- Stephanie Ash, Editor Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine, "Juice Box" blog.
-Tim Kennedy writes for MinnyApple.com, and is an elementary school teacher

What to do on MEA weekend

Photo courtesy Annemarie Rodriguez

The entertainment network where videos and personalities get really big, really fast. Download Vine to watch videos, remixes and trends before they blow up.

10 things to do with your kids on MEA weekend

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox