Twin Cities Guide to Family Activities this Week: April 29-May 3, 2024
Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of April 29-May 3, 2024. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE.
As always, you can check our MAY FAMILY GUIDE, the ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SPRING FUN IN THE TWIN CITIES or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR for more fun ideas on what to do this week in the Twin Cities with your kids – satisfaction guaranteed (or close to it!)
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Monday, April 29, 2024
Tot Time Open Gyms on Monday:
Let them bounce off someone else’s walls! Our list covers open gyms for tots across the Twin Cities where they can work their wiggles off during cooler weather either FREE or at a low cost to you. A few options continue to wind down for their break during the late spring & summer so take note! SEE OUR FULL LIST OF TWIN CITIES TOT TIME OPEN GYMS THIS SPRING!
- FINAL DAY! ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under)
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or $3 drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- CHANHASSEN RECREATION CENTER (8-11:30am, $4-$4.50/child)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $4/child)
- NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 12-3pm, $8/child includes admission to Eagles Nest Indoor Playground.)
- OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER (Open Playtime, 10-11:30am, $3/child up to age 5)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
MONDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: Tot Times at St Paul Recreation Centers
It’s fun, unstructured, nearly always free and a total sanity-saver during our cold months. I used it routinely when my firstborn was a toddler. He thrived on the small bikes, balls, tumbling mats and other provided equipment for free physical play. The following St Paul recreation centers have tot times on Monday mornings this spring:
- BATTLE CREEK RECREATION CENTER, (10am-12pm)
- EDGCUMBE REC CENTER, 320 Griggs St S, St Paul, MN 55105 (9am-12:30pm)
- LINWOOD RECREATION CENTER, 860 St Clair Ave, St Paul, MN 55105 (11am-1pm)
- NORTH DALE RECREATION CENTER, (9am-12pm)
- PALACE COMMUNITY CENTER, (11:30am-1:30pm)
- RICE RECREATION CENTER, (2-5:45pm)
Twin Cities storytimes on Monday
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Columbia Heights Library.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Victoria & Chanhassen library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: No storytimes scheduled today
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Brooklyn Park & Plymouth library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Savage Library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: No storytimes today.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland (Valley), Mahtomedi (Wildwood), Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
More family fun ideas for Monday: Spring things
Love crafting? Visit Heartfelt!
4306 Upton Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
At this charming shop you can pick from a wide menu of quality, themed craft projects. Complete these at your own pace between 10am-4pm. Most are priced $20 & under; spring themes include fairy houses, animals and peg dolls. Reservations recommended.
Minnesota Zoo’s Farm Babies
The Wells Fargo Family Farm is back open in 2024 for you to meet all the fuzzy, cuddly newborns. Tickets are included with Zoo admission. $14-$20/pp plus $7 parking.
FIND MORE CHANCES TO MEET FUZZY MINNESOTA FARM BABIES!
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Tot Time Open Gyms on Tuesday:
Tot Time open gyms across the Twin Cities are absolutely a saving grace for parents of squirrelly kids when it’s still just shy of playground weather:
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER (Blast & Play Tot Time, 9am-12pm. $5/child.)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- LINO LAKES ROOKERY (Tot Time, 9am-12pm, ages 1-10, $4)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (Type “family indoor playground” into the search box to see schedule for locations, FREE)
- SAVAGE SPORTS CENTER (Tot Time, 9-11:30am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
TUESDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: Eagan Community Center Blast & Play
Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55121
Blast & Play Tot Time includes admission to the space-themed Blast Indoor Playground and the community center gym for open play with equipment provided. April 30, 2024, 9am-12pm. $5/child.
FIND OUR GIANT LIST OF SUPER FUN INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES WHEN IT’S NOT QUITE PARK WEATHER!
Twin Cities storytimes on Tuesday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnhaven, Kaposia, Robert Trail & Wescott library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Excelsior, Maple Grove, Minneapolis Nokomis and Rogers library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: New Prague & Prior Lake libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Arlington Hills, Highland Park, Merriam Park and St Anthony Park branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek, Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Family Storytime Guest: Dentist Dr Holly
Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St N, Shoreview Minnesota 55126
Bring your favorite stuffie for a special storytime all about dental care and what to expect when you visit the dentist. Dr Holly is the author of the new children’s book “Brush Your Teeth, You Silly Animals.” April 30, 2024, 6pm. FREE.
Jumperoo at Urban Air Adventure Park
10 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55448
A special bounce-fest for preschoolers and toddlers ages 5 & under, Jumperoo clears the trampolines and playground of the big kids for a couple hours each Tuesday & Wednesday morning from 10am-noon. April 30, 2024, 10am. $12/child.
Toddler Tuesday Pop-up: Ballet Co.Laboratory
Mall of America, Huntington Bank Rotunda
It’s a Toddler Tuesday special – dance lovers, come watch excerpts from some classical favorites, then learn a few dance steps yourself. April 30, 2024, 11am-12pm. FREE.
Toddler Tuesday at Duck Donuts
7455 Currell Boulevard, Woodbury, MN 55125
YUM! For just $5 on Tuesdays your toddler can scarf a donut with milk and take home a darling rubber ducky. April 30, 2024, 8:30am-3pm.
FIND MORE DELICIOUS TWIN CITIES DONUT SHOPS AS WE PREPARE FOR NATIONAL DONUT DAY 2024!
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Tot Time Open Gyms on Wednesday:
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $15/membership pass or $3 drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open Play 9am-12pm, $8/pp)
- CHANHASSEN RECREATION CENTER (8-11:30am, $4-$4.50/child)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 12-3pm, $8/child includes admission to Eagles Nest Indoor Playground)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
WEDNESDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: Millz House Open Play
14645 Felton Court, Suite #104, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Work out the wiggles with indoor playsets, trampolines and basketball courts. Open play 9am-12pm, $8/pp.
Twin Cities storytimes on Wednesday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Robert Trail (Rosemount) Library.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Brookdale, Maple Plain, Minneapolis Central and Linden Hills, Rogers & St Anthony library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Maplewood, Mounds View & North St Paul library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Dayton’s Bluff, George Latimer, Rondo and West Seventh library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Storytime at Kiddywampus
1023 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
Interactive stories, songs & rhymes for kids ages 2-5 at one of the coolest independent toy shops in the Twin Cities. No registration required. May 1, 2024, 10:30am. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Celebrate Arbor Day and May Day!
Arbor Day in Crystal
Skyway Park, 6112 Florida Avenue North, Crystal, MN 55427
Participate in a park cleanup, plant trees and listen to the Mayor’s Proclamation. Learn more and print a scavenger hunt, coloring pages and tree poems here. May 1, 2024, from 6-7 p.m.
FIND MORE UPCOMING ARBOR DAY ACTIVITIES IN THE TWIN CITIES YOU CAN DO WITH KIDS!
Caponi Art Park Opening Day
1220 Diffley Rd, Eagan, MN 55123
This is more of a natural playground: wander the self-guided trails and see how many sculptures you can discover. Bring a picnic lunch – it’s just about the right season for one. May 1, 2024. 9am-8pm. FREE admission, donations appreciated.
Tots & Trains at Jackson Street Roundhouse
193 Pennsylvania Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55130
Your little train lovers will go nuts for this playdate! Tinker around with train tables and interactive displays. Run through real passenger train cars. Create a craft to take home and listen to a transportation-themed story. May 1, 2024, 10am-12pm. $9-$15/pp.
WHERE ELSE CAN I BRING A KID WHO LOVES TRAINS IN THE TWIN CITIES?
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, May 2, 2024
Tot Time Open Gym on Thursday:
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER (Blast & Play, 9am-12pm, $5/child)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER (Open Playtime, 10-11:30am, $3/child up to age 5)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
THURSDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: Hopkins Pavilion Turf Tots
11000 Excelsior Blvd, Hopkins, MN 55343
Indoor turf where there’s more room to run! Kids 5 & under can play with bounce houses, climbing wall, sport balls, crawl tunnels, blocks, trikes and more for kids ages 1-5. Through May 10, 2024; Mon-Fri, 8am-1pm. $5 per session per child.
Twin Cities storytimes on Thursday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Northtown Library.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Kaposia, Robert Trail & Wescott branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Maple Grove, Plymouth, Oxboro & Wayzata library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton & Shoreview library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: Prior Lake library branch.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer & Sun Ray library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Cottage Grove, Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Garden Storytime at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405
STARTS TODAY! A naturalist hosts a different nature themed story each week within the Garden followed by an activity. Meet just outside the Visitor Shelter. Bring a blanket to sit on. May 2, 2024, 10am, FREE.
Minnesota History Center: Free Thursday Nights
345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55102
No yawns in sight here, kids. This museum is super fun and family-friendly. My own family loves it and have several times purchased Minnesota Historical Society membership to have free access to the museum (among other state-wide historic sites) for a year. But you can grab FREE admission any Thursday evening in May with this promotion. May 2, 2024, 4-8pm.
More family fun ideas for Thursday: Tune up your wheels for spring & summer
2024 Bike Rodeo
Lakeview Terrace Park, 3769 Crystal Lake Blvd, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
We’re excited to remind you that it’s the ideal time of year to get your bikes tuned up and ready for another season of hitting the trails! At the bike rodeo kids ages 12 & under can get helmets checked, navigate a course to teach safety skills, and enter a door prize drawing for a chance to win a new bike. Organized by the cities of Sponsored by the cities of Golden Valley, Crystal, New Hope, and Robbinsdale. May 2, 2024, 6-8pm, FREE.
Then, when your bike is ready to go, we have suggestions for the BEST BIKE TRAILS IN MINNEAPOLIS FOR FAMILIES as well as options for THE BEST BIKE TRAILS IN ST PAUL.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Friday, May 3, 2024
Tot Time Open Gyms on Friday:
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or $3/drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- BURNSVILLE – IGM GYMNASTICS (Ages 1-6, 9:30-11:30am, $10/child)
- CHANHASSEN RECREATION CENTER (8-11:30am, $4-$4.50/child)
- EAGAN – GLEASON’S GYMNASTICS (K & under, 9:30-11:30am, pre-register for discount of $10/child or $15/family)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 9am-2pm. $5/child.)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
FRIDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: Gleason’s Gymnastics Preschool Open Gym
2015 Silver Bell Rd #180, Eagan, MN 55122
It’s your last chance this spring to play in the gym. Your kids will love the opportunity to bounce on trampolines, scoot through obstacle courses, and play on the equipment. Register in advance for a discount. May 3, 2024. Preschool open gym: Wednesdays & Fridays: 9:30 – 11:30am. Pre-register: $10/child; $15/family ($13/$20 at the door).
Twin Cities storytimes on Friday:
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Kaposia & Wescott library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Minneapolis Linden Hills & Walker branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & White Bear Lake branch library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Merriam Park Library.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
More family fun ideas for Friday fun: Chugga chugga!
Choo Choo Bob’s Grand Opening Weekend at Union Depot
214 4th Street E, St Paul MN
We are super excited to see Choo Choo Bob’s Train Shop return to its original hometown of St Paul after being located in St Louis Park the past few years. Even better, the shop and play space is opening into brand new digs at the historic Union Depot downtown. In honor of today’s grand opening, snag half-price admission to play at the train tables, listen to live music and welcome back storytime with the esteemed Engineer Paul. May 3, 2024, 10am-8pm. Play admission $5/kids, $1/adults.
Forever Wild Family Friday: Backyard Birds
Thompson County Park, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN 55118
All ages can join park naturalists to learn cool animal facts and enjoy a bonfire with smores. May 3, 2024, 6-7:30pm. FREE.
Fun things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities, May 4-5, 2024
Too many fun things to list here, I’ll tell you that. So we publish a separate guide each weekend with up-to-the-last-minute ideas for spending family time together.
FIND TONS MORE KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS ON OUR TWIN CITIES FAMILY FUN CALENDAR!
FAMILY FUN ALL WEEK IN THE TWIN CITIES
Ideas to pull out of your “back pocket” nearly any day of the week!
TWIN CITIES NATURE CENTERS AND NATURE PLAY
Early spring is an exciting time to visit a Twin Cities area nature center, fresh with the promise of a new season and programming. But, as we know, April weather can be as temperamental as a toddler. Good thing these interpretive venues can be nearly as fun indoors as out.
TOP TWIN CITIES KID-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS
- BAKKEN MUSEUM – STEM-based fun
- BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
- MILL CITY MUSEUM
- MINNESOTA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
- MINNESOTA HISTORY CENTER
- THE WORKS MUSEUM – engineering exhibits for kids
BROWSE OUR BIG LIST OF TWIN CITIES MUSEUMS TO VISIT WITH KIDS!
Got an event you’re excited to share? Find our submission form and guidelines here.