In Minnesota, family fun outdoors means embracing all four seasons. If you are on this page because you are looking for a new Twin Cities-area park, playground or nature center to explore, hundreds of entries can be found through our Parks & Playgrounds Search feature. Or, continue searching hundreds more ideas of things to do with kids in the Twin Cities through our Family Directory, including family outings, services, classes, camps, birthday parties and more.
Family Fun Directory of Things To Do with Kids:
Eden Prairie Community Center & Nancy Tyra-Lukens Aquatics Center
The Eden Prairie Community Center is a fitness center with a pool and play center. Families may also enjoy the three ice rinks and the convenience of a newly added family locker room. Meeting room facilities can be rented for birthday parties and other private parties, meetings and gatherings.
Beginning in 2018, the community center will no longer reduce hours in the summer. Hours will remain 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, year round. However, it will close on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.
Open Gym at the Eden Prairie Community Center
The center offers Open Gym, Open Skate and Open Swim times, however, times vary and its best to find monthly schedules on the community center website.
| OPEN GYM FEES* | |
| Younger than 18 months | Free |
| 18 months–4 years | $4.50 |
| 5 years -17 years | $5.50 |
| Adult | $6.00 |
*Note: Toddler open gym times have a different fee schedule and set hours. See our calendar for hours and prices.
Nancy Tyra-Lukens Aquatics Center at Eden Prairie Community Center
The Aquatics Center at the Community Center has two 8-lane pools, a climbing wall, a zero-depth recreational pool, spa and water slide. It offers both tot time open swims and family open swims.
Toddlers 18 months–4 years: $5.50
Youth 5–17 years: $7.00
Adults 18 years and up: $7.50
*Eden Prairie's website has conflicting pricing information. Prices may be slightly more or less.
Prairie Play Zone at Eden Prairie Community Center
Image Courtesy City of Eden Prairie
Prairie Play Zone is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm and includes several slides and a multi-level climbing structure. In addition to the play equipment and a mini rock climbing wall, there is a separate baby and tot area. Non member prices are:
| Younger than 18 months | Free |
| 18 months–4 years | $4.50 |
| 5 years and older | $5.50 |
Parents are Free. Admission is half-price after 1 p.m. on weekdays and after 4 p.m. on weekends.
Birthday Parties at Eden Prairie Community Center
The Eden Prairie Community Center hosts birthday parties starting at $109. Families can choose between, pool parties, gym parties and skating parties or upgraded parties. Find more birthday party idea on our Ultimate Guide to Birthday Parties in the Twin Cities.
Updates to Eden Prairie Community Center Plaza
In 2019, the Community Center will be landscaping and replacing the pavers of the front plaza in a custom design. The project is scheduled to start at the end of April and be completed by the end of May.