Plan a Family MEA Weekend in Eau Claire
Looking for the perfect fall getaway that’s close to home and packed with family fun? MEA Weekend, aka Minnesota’s Educator Academy break, is your golden opportunity to sneak in one more adventure before winter sets in. This year, MEA Weekend is October 16-19, 2025, and Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is just the spot to make the most of it. From hands-on museums and epic playgrounds to apple orchards, alpaca farms, and cozy fall vibes, Eau Claire is a quick drive that leads to big memories. This guide highlights some of Eau Claire’s best family-friendly attractions to help you plan an unforgettable family MEA weekend in Eau Claire.
Apple Orchards in Eau Claire
Mid-October is prime time for all the fall activities in Wisconsin, and it wouldn't be an autumn trip to Eau Claire without a visit to the apple orchards. Whether your family is in it for the delicious, locally-grown apple varieties or the state-of-the-art play exhibits, Eau Claire's orchard country is just the place to make family memories this fall!
Local favorites like Ferguson's Orchards offer u-pick apples, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and many new exhibits, including the ropes course, gem mining, kart racing, bubble station, apple canons, and farm animals. Ferguson's is also home to a farm store offering apple desserts, souvenirs, and pre-picked apples. Learn more about Ferguson's Orchard and why it's one of the top fall attractions here!
The Glass Orchard in Eau Claire is home to more apple picking and a stunning glass-blowing experience, right on the farm! Shop for beautiful glass pieces for fun fall gifts, or learn more about the orchard's glass classes here. Follow them on socials to see more glass sales and workshops during the holiday season.
4 Treasures Adventure Park
If you and the kids are in need of some indoor play, 4 Treasures Adventure Park is Eau Claire's ultimate new play zone that is a must-visit during your MEA weekend. This adventure park is more than slides and swings — it's a bright, colorful, and inspiring destination for kids' imaginations to take over and run wild!
The park is divided into sections appropriate for different age groups. At the 3 and Under Playground, toddlers can play in a safe and secure environment where access is strictly limited to 3 & under, along with spectating parents. The Little Play Town replicates a real town with a variety of little buildings like a post office, fire station, grocery store, and hospital. There's even a road with little bikes to see the town!
The Main Playground and Ninja Warrior Course spans across the majority of the play space, offering a three-story play structure with slides, tunnels, swings, ropes, hurdles, ninja walls, and other obstacles. Plus, the arcade is a destination for guests of all ages!
4 Treasures also offers a selection of concession food items and pizza orders to fill up the hungry kiddos. And the best part—adults attend the adventure park for FREE! Visit their website to learn more and to plan your visit.
Children's Museum of Eau Claire
Let curiosity lead the way at the Children's Museum of Eau Claire, where learning and play go hand in hand. This innovative, interactive museum is packed with exhibits that let kids build, splash, climb, and imagine. From a kid-sized farmers market and construction zone to a water table that’ll keep little hands busy for hours, every corner is designed to spark creativity and wonder. For toddlers, there's a cozy play area just their size, and for bigger kids, the sky’s the limit with climbing structures and high-energy fun.
The Children's Museum is located right in the heart of downtown Eau Claire and is right next door to other attractions like Phoenix Park, the Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market, and more. You're also within walking distance to many downtown restaurants, ice cream shops, and boutiques.
Justorian Alpacas
Looking for a wholesome, off-the-beaten-path adventure this MEA weekend? Justorian Alpacas has you covered—literally in fluff! Located just outside Eau Claire, this charming family-run farm invites you to meet their herd of gentle, wide-eyed alpacas.
Take a tour, learn all about these quirky creatures, and get ready for plenty of photo ops and fuzzy snuggles. Kids will love feeding the alpacas and roaming the peaceful farm setting, while parents can browse the on-site shop for cozy alpaca wool gifts, handmade with love.
This is also the peak weekend in October to see the fall colors, and the drive to Osseo is one of the most colorful! Discover more things to do, places to eat, and where to visit on a day trip to Osseo here.