Overview

Here in Minnesota, kids get a long weekend in October known to most as “MEA.” Use that school break for a folk school break and come on up for Family Weekend at North House! Fall weather, apple cider, and families learning crafts of all kinds on the shore of Lake Superior—what could be better?!

During Family Weekend, over a dozen classes are on offer, some for kids only, others for adults and kids to take together. From cooking to fiber arts, woodworking to blacksmithing, there is a skill to learn for everyone. The weekend includes both formal classes that require registration ahead of time as well as drop-in activities and evening programs that are free and require no pre-registration.

Event Details

Courses for Kids and Families

Family Weekend courses are open! Scroll down to the Course Offerings section to find all of our courses during Family Weekend and click on each course title to learn more and register.

Evening Activities

Soak in the crisp evenings by warm fires, participate in a glowing lantern walk, enjoy delightful outdoor games, a joyful contra dance, scrumptious cider, toasty s’mores, and more! All evening activities are free with no registration required.

Family Fun Night - Games, S’mores, and a Community Lantern Walk

Friday, October 17, 5-8pm

Cozy up around the campfire, we’ll provide the s’mores fixins. Instructor Jake Fee will lead drop-in outdoor games. Enjoy some tasty apple cider by the harbor and bring a picnic for extra fun. And new this year, light up the night with a special lantern walk led by artist Eva Adderley!

Community Lantern Walk and Lantern Workshops

Sign up for the Introduction to Lantern Puppets workshop happening on Thursday, October 16, or drop in to the family craft space Friday, October 17, where anyone and everyone can make a little lantern for free. Everyone is welcome to join the Lantern Walk at 7pm. We’ll stroll from the North House campus to Harbor Park and back, delighting onlookers as we go!

Drop-in Family Activities and Lantern Making

Friday, October 17, 5-8pm

There's a lot to do in Grand Marais on MEA weekend! If you can't squeeze a class in, stop by for a quick visit to the Blue Building and make and take craft activities. In addition to family-friendly drop-in crafts and some moose-themed activities all weekend, on Friday, create your own fabric and wire lantern for the Lantern Walk that evening!

Family Fun Night - Contra Dance

Saturday, October 18, 6-9pm

Kick up your heels at a friendly community contra dance. There will be live music and a caller to teach you—no experience needed. Easier dances will be featured at the start of the night. Come on your own or bring the whole family.