School’s out for MEA break so why not turn the long weekend into a family getaway?
If you’re searching for things to do during MEA break in Minnesota, you don’t have to travel far to make it feel like a vacation. Maple Grove offers an easy family getaway close to Minneapolis, with fun indoor waterparks, fall activities, shopping, restaurants and plenty to keep the kids entertained.
At the center of it all is Venetian Indoor Waterpark at Holiday Inn & Suites Maple Grove–Arbor Lakes, with special extended hours throughout MEA weekend.
Here’s how to make the most of your 2026 MEA break in Maple Grove.
Make a Splash at Venetian Indoor Waterpark
Forget about the October forecast. Inside Venetian Indoor Waterpark, it’s always waterpark weather.
Located inside Holiday Inn & Suites Maple Grove–Arbor Lakes, the 25,000-square-foot indoor waterpark gives families a warm, weather-proof place to play during MEA break.
Kids can race down two four-story waterslides, test their balance on the water walk, shoot hoops in the activity pool or explore the toddler-friendly area with smaller slides, water features and splash zones. There’s also a large whirlpool for some downtime between trips down the slides.
And because Venetian Indoor Waterpark is exclusively available to registered hotel guests, your waterpark experience is built right into your stay.
2026 MEA Break Extended Waterpark Hours
We’re adding extra waterpark time for the long weekend:
- Wednesday, October 14: 4:00–9:00 p.m.
- Thursday, October 15: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
- Friday, October 16: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
- Saturday, October 17: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
- Sunday, October 18: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
That means families can check in, unpack and get right to the fun — or build an entire MEA weekend getaway around the waterpark.
Turn MEA Break Into a Staycation
One of the best parts about staying at Holiday Inn & Suites Maple Grove is everything you’ll find nearby.
The hotel is located in The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, putting shopping, restaurants, entertainment and outdoor recreation just minutes away.
Spend a few hours exploring Maple Grove, then head back to the hotel for another round of waterslides. No complicated itinerary required.
Get Outside and Enjoy Minnesota Fall Colors
October is a great time to explore Minnesota outdoors, and Maple Grove has several family-friendly options nearby.
Elm Creek Park Reserve is a great choice for an MEA afternoon. The expansive park offers miles of trails through woods, wetlands and open spaces — perfect for a fall walk and a chance to enjoy the changing leaves.
For something closer to the heart of Maple Grove, visit Central Park of Maple Grove. The 44-acre park includes walking trails, open green space and a destination playground with seven play zones, four slides, a 24-foot climbing tower and a 120-foot climbing wall.
Pack a sweatshirt, grab a coffee and let the kids burn off a little energy before heading back to the waterpark.
Shop, Eat & Explore Arbor Lakes
Head over to The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes and the surrounding Arbor Lakes shopping district. You’ll find a mix of shops, restaurants and family-friendly places to explore, making it easy to spend an afternoon shopping or grab dinner without traveling far from the hotel.
It’s also a great option for parents who want to squeeze in a little shopping while the family is in town.
With everything from quick, kid-friendly meals to sit-down restaurants nearby, finding something everyone agrees on might actually be the easiest part of the weekend.
Build Your Perfect MEA Break Itinerary
Not sure how to fit it all in? Let us help!
Thursday: Arrive in Maple Grove, explore Arbor Lakes and kick off your getaway with an afternoon and evening at Venetian Indoor Waterpark.
Friday: Start the morning at the waterpark, head outside for a fall walk at Elm Creek Park Reserve or Central Park, grab dinner nearby and return for more swimming.
Saturday: Sleep in, shop and explore Arbor Lakes, then spend the rest of the day enjoying the waterpark.
Sunday: Squeeze in one last swim before the waterpark closes at noon and head home after a fun-filled Minnesota staycation.
Or skip the schedule entirely. That’s the beauty of having the waterpark right inside your hotel.
Ready to Make a Splash This MEA Break?
Pack the swimsuits and make Maple Grove your home base for MEA weekend.
Venetian Indoor Waterpark is available exclusively to registered guests of Holiday Inn & Suites Maple Grove–Arbor Lakes, so book your hotel stay to enjoy the waterpark and special extended MEA hours.
We’ll see you at the slides! 💦
Frequently Asked Questions About MEA Break at Venetian Indoor Waterpark
Is Venetian Indoor Waterpark open during MEA break 2026?
Yes! Venetian Indoor Waterpark will offer extended hours for MEA break October 14–18, 2026. The waterpark is open Wednesday from 4–9 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m.–9 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m.–noon.
Do you have to stay at the Holiday Inn to use Venetian Indoor Waterpark?
Yes. Venetian Indoor Waterpark is exclusively available to registered guests of Holiday Inn & Suites Maple Grove–Arbor Lakes. The waterpark is not open to the general public, making a hotel stay part of your MEA waterpark getaway.
Where is Venetian Indoor Waterpark?
Venetian Indoor Waterpark is located inside Holiday Inn & Suites Maple Grove–Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove, Minnesota, northwest of Minneapolis. Its Arbor Lakes location puts families close to shopping, restaurants, parks and other things to do in Maple Grove.
What is there to do at Venetian Indoor Waterpark?
The 25,000-square-foot indoor waterpark features two four-story waterslides, an activity pool, water basketball, a water walk, a toddler-friendly area with smaller slides and water features, and a large whirlpool.
What are some family-friendly things to do near the Holiday Inn in Maple Grove?
Families can explore Central Park of Maple Grove, Elm Creek Park Reserve, The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove Community Center and other shopping, dining and entertainment options throughout the Arbor Lakes area. Check out Experience Maple Grove’s website to see how to Shop, Dine, Play & Stay for a perfect MEA Weekend.
Is Maple Grove a good destination for an MEA weekend staycation?
Yes. Maple Grove is an easy getaway near Minneapolis because families can combine an indoor waterpark hotel stay with nearby fall activities, shopping, restaurants, parks and entertainment without having to travel far.
What should we pack for a weekend at Venetian Indoor Waterpark?
Bring swimsuits and your usual overnight essentials, plus layers and comfortable shoes if you plan to explore Maple Grove’s parks and outdoor attractions. Minnesota October weather can vary, which makes having an indoor waterpark at your hotel especially convenient.
When should we book our hotel for MEA weekend?
MEA break is a popular time for Minnesota family getaways, so booking your stay at Holiday Inn & Suites Maple Grove–Arbor Lakes in advance is recommended if Venetian Indoor Waterpark is part of your MEA plans.