THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES WITH KIDS OF ALL AGES
Need a few ideas to keep the kids busy this month? We’ve compiled the best in things to do in the Twin Cities, sorted by age, for the month of March. Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, grade schoolers, tweens and teens – we’ve had them all! We understand how important it is to be able to find activities to do that satisfy a range of ages…and maybe entertain Mom and Dad, too?
THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR BABY IN THE TWIN CITIES – MARCH
Baby Meet-ups at the Library
New Brighton Community Center, 400 10th St. NW, New Brighton Minnesota 55112
The library can be a cozy place to gather while the snow still flies. Each Friday in March, this library branch welcomes caregivers and their babies into a safe space to meet, play and share a sensory experience. No registration required, just drop in between 10-11am. March 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2023. FREE.
More to do for babies: EAGLES NEST INDOOR PLAYGROUND, also located within the New Brighton Community Center, has a soft play area separate from the foot traffic of the big kids. It’s perfect for little crawlers. Under one year of age play free, up to age 12 are $7/pp.
More baby meet-ups at the library: I loved opportunities to share stories and songs (and parenting tales) with my infants during lapsits at the library. Especially during the waning days of winter when cabin fever sets in. Here are a few more libraries that offer free organized meets for babies:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARIES: March Baby Lapsit Storytimes. Chanhassen, Victoria & Waconia branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARIES: March Storytimes for Babies. Eagan (Wescott), Farmington, Inver Grove Heights (Inver Glen), Lakeville (Heritage), Hastings (Pleasant Hill) South St Paul & West St Paul (Wentworth) branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: March Baby Storytime. Each branch offers a few storytimes per month specifically for infants & caregivers: Brookdale, Champlin, Eden Prairie, Linden Hills, Maple Grove, Minneapolis East Lake Minnetonka, Plymouth, Ridgedale, Anthony, Southdale, Walker & Washburn.
- ST PAUL MERRIAM PARK LIBRARY: Baby/Toddler Playdates. Tuesdays, March 7-28, 2023. 10:30am.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: March Baby & Me Storytimes. Mounds View, Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY PRIOR LAKE LIBRARY: Books & Babies. Thursdays, March 2-30, 2023, 10:30am.
- ST PAUL GEORGE LATIMER CENTRAL LIBRARY: Baby & Toddler Storytime. Thursdays, March 2-30, 2023. 10:30am.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY: March Baby Storytime. Cottage Grove (Park Grove) & Woodbury (RH Stafford) branches.
Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes for babies
Enrolling in ECFE classes through my St Paul school district was the best new-parenting decision I ever made, no question. For over a decade, the program made up most of my “village”, arming me with support and research-backed education that has influenced my family long past the baby days. Each class typically includes music, play, reading activities and a discussion topic led by a licensed parent educator. ECFE classes are operated through independent Minnesota school districts so you may need to dig a little to find a class near you. Note that many courses are semester long but there are some drop-in options in the Twin Cities:
- MINNEAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS offers FREE weekly drop-in classes (and online meets) for parents of birth-5 year olds. Some are language-specific. Find a Minneapolis ECFE class. Now through June 15, 2023.
THINGS TO DO WITH TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS IN THE TWIN CITIES – MARCH
Exciting animal activities for preschoolers
Having gone through our fair share of years spent at venues entertaining our toddlers and preschoolers, we understand the need for the adults to be stimulated as well. We have tried to pick places that might engage and inspire YOU right alongside your little ones.
Toddler Tuesday at the Raptor Center
Meet a resident raptor, listen to stories and make a craft during this kid-friendly open house style event. The Raptor Center, located on the St Paul campus of the U of M treats about 800 injured birds a year with the goal of releasing them back to the wild. Note, this program is for ages 5 & under. Learn more about visiting the Raptor Center with kids. March 21, 2023, 10am-12pm. $10/adults, up to two kids FREE, additional child $7.50. 1920 Fitch Ave, St Paul, MN 55108.
All ages can visit the Raptor Center! Public tours are available most days of the week to meet these birds of prey up close. Book your 45-minute tour online. $5-$8/pp, under 3 are free.
Craft with your preschooler
Heartfelt Preschool Bunny Festival
4306 Upton Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
The seasonal festivals offer a simple craft or two for the kids plus a wholesome snack. When we visited this festival a few years ago with our preschoolers, a sweet, soft bunny made an appearance. March 29, 2023. $24/first child, $12/additional. Please register in advance. 4306 Upton Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55410.
All ages can enjoy crafting with Heartfelt! We have brought a wide range of ages to the store to partake in a craft day at our own pace. Drop in crafting is welcomed as space permits, or you can reserve space by calling ahead 612-877-8090. To get an idea of Heartfelt’s spring craft lineup, browse here (think Easter and spring).
Theater & performing arts with your preschooler
The Current’s Rock the Cradle at Minneapolis Institute of Art
2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Presented by 89.3 The Current: musical performances that kids “up to age 8” will dig, hands-on art activities, dance mini workshops, crafts, snacks and lots more for the whole family. We have heard this event is very popular – plan ahead! March 12, 2023, 10am-4pm.
Corduroy at Children’s Theatre Company
2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Is your preschooler ready for a day out at the theatre? This beloved story is best enjoyed, according to CTC, by kids ages 4 & up. If you haven’t, we recommend reading the book with your kiddo prior to the performance. Then, join the beloved Corduroy as he begins a delightfully destructive romp through the department store in search of his missing button! Read our past review of Corduroy at CTC. Tickets $15-$64.
Discounts: We understand theater tickets can be a splurge for the family. Rush tickets are $15-$25/pp. Lap passes available for kids 3 and under.
For Current reviews, parental guidance and upcoming shows:
What’s Playing at Children’s Theater Company
Museums with preschoolers? Yes!
Kids at the Castle
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Your little ones will be awed by exploring a museum within a castle! This month’s theme is “The Littlest Viking”. Plus, you’ll get the chance to check out the newest Family Gallery exhibit and all the attention put into making it super family-friendly. Read more about top family favorites at American Swedish Institute. March 17, 2023. $10/family for the program – must register in advance as space is limited and slots sell out. 9-10am.
MORE PRESCHOOLER-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS: The be-all, end-all of play-based museums for kids in our area is the MINNESOTA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM. Our own kids were brought up among its three floors of immersive, interactive exhibits – we highly recommend purchasing a family membership. You’ll want to spend many a chilly winter day pretending you’ve jumped into a totally new world. Framed: Step into Art is open now through May 7, 2023.
More fun outings with your preschooler
Lil’ Explorer Thursdays at Como Zoo & Conservatory
Spring is so fickle in Minnesota. Keep as warm as the tropics as you wander the indoor gardens and exhibits with your kids. The animal enclosures are heated, too. One of our favorite ways to make a mini-escape in the winter months. We pick Thursday for a visit because LIL EXPLORERS at Como offers hands-on activities, art projects, games and stories perfect for the 4 & under set. Runs 10am-noon each Thursday. FREE, donations appreciated.
More ideas for visiting Como Zoo & Conservatory with all ages: See our Como Spring Checklist – which includes the opening of the annual Spring Flower Show on March 26, 2023.
March Toddler Tuesday events at Mall of America
Corduroy Storytime with Children’s Theatre Company – a special storytime with CTC and an appearance from the sweet teddy bear. March 7, 2023, 11am-12pm.
Nickelodeon Universe, the indoor amusement park within the mega-mall is celebrating its 15th birthday party this month. Expect treats, balloon artists, Nick Jr character meet-and-greets and screened birthday episodes. March 14, 2023, 10am-12pm. FREE.
MORE TODDLER TUESDAY SPECIALS: Pre-K Kids Eat Free on Tuesday – Participating restaurants can change from quarter to quarter, but there are usually close to a dozen restaurants in the Mall of America that offer a Kids-Eat-Free deal on Tuesdays. While the MOA only requires the restaurants to offer the deal to kids 6 and under, many offer it to older kids too. March 14, 2023, 10am-2pm.
TEENS AND TWEENS LOVE THE MALL OF AMERICA! If your family trip to the mall is a multi-age affair, there are tons of attractions to choose from: we have enjoyed SEA LIFE AQUARIUM, AMAZING MIRROR MAZE, and the ESCAPE GAME.
Visiting the Mall of America with kids? Bring along our Floor-by-Floor Guide!
Lakeshore Learning Read & Play Saturdays
1721 Beam Ave., Suite A, Maplewood, MN 55109
5699 W 16th St, Saint Louis Park, MN, 55416
Oh my goodness, I think my kids grew up while Lakeshore Learning’s Saturdays were on hiatus. We went to the very last one in 2020. Perfect for the PreK’s and Tots, younger grade school kids may also enjoy these drop in events.
Drop In Fun: Tot Times, Open Play, Gym & Swim Spots for Tots in the Twin Cities
We keep an updated list of activities and fun things to do with toddlers & preschooler to encourage active play and creativity while encouraging large and fine motor skills.
Fun at home with your preschooler
Join the Minneapolis Toy Library
With two Twin Cities metro locations, this is a great way to bring home a variety of new-to-them toys for a limited amount of time – without cluttering your living room.
1) Richfield Lutheran Church, 8 W 60th St, Minneapolis, MN 55419
2) 2600 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
THINGS TO DO WITH SCHOOL-AGED KIDS IN THE TWIN CITIES – MARCH
Maple syrup programs & festivals
March is maple syrup month in Minnesota almost without exception – the process relies on warmer daytime temperatures (near the 40s), but below freezing temps overnight. Expect to find a steady flow of educational programs designed to learn about the tapping-to-syrup process at local nature centers and parks. Due to the education piece, we find school-aged kids to be the best fit for these programs – though there are some designed for preschoolers in our maple syrup program guide, too (see below). You’ll want to dress to be outdoors and prepare to possibly do some light hiking.
Free family events: IT’S TAPPING TIME! is an annual event for all ages hosted by HARRIET ALEXANDER NATURE CENTER. Tours and stations for identifying maple trees, tree tapping, sap cooking, and sampling included. March 25 & 26, 2023. 2520 Dale St N., Roseville, MN 55113.
MAPLE SUGARING AT THE GIDEON POND HOUSE is all about learning how maple sugar is made, including choosing trees to tap, collecting the sap, and the boiling process of making collected sap into syrup and sugar. March 11, 2023, 10am-2pm, FREE. 401 East 104th Street, Bloomington, MN 55420.
Got preschoolers? We recommend PUPPET STORYTIME – MAPLE SYRUP: Open play and exploration at WESTWOOD HILLS NATURE CENTER, naturalist-led activities, puppet show and a hike. March 6 & 10, 2023. 10am-11am, $$5/person. Registration required. 8300 W Franklin Ave, St Louis Park, MN 55426.
Museums & culture for your school-aged kids? Absolutely!
Walker Art Center First Free Saturday: Kids Film Fair
Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Activities are geared towards kids ages 6-12 (but don’t let that stop you from bringing your littler ones, all are welcome.) Free gallery admission for the whole family. Explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt, try out hands-on art projects and – special this month – extra kid short flicks are screened. March 4, 2023, 10am-3pm.
St Patrick’s Day Celebration at Landmark Center
No Irish blood required; kids of all ages and backgrounds can delight at the stirring Celtic music and dancing plus a children’s stage offers stories and songs, an Irish dance-along and the chance to try out Irish instruments. March 17, 2023, 10am-5pm. $7-$9/pp.
St Paul Chamber Orchestra Free Family Music
Ordway Concert Hall, 345 Washington St, St Paul, MN 55102
We’re excited for the return in March of SPCO’s free family programs including a Family Concert. The musical experience introduces kids ages 5-12 to classical music in an interactive, storytelling style. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance. March 4, 2023.
The Galleria World of Wonder Floral Experience
Galleria Edina, 3510 Galleria, Edina, MN
This year’s World of Wonder Floral Experience is perfect for your fairy-garden loving child. Created by Bachman’s gardeners, guests of all ages can explore this “immersive experience where woodland sights and creative floor-to-ceiling installations engage their senses of discovery and wonder”. March 26 – April 9, 2023 during open hours.
7 Things to Find At the Floral Experience:
- A toadstool forest with mushrooms up to 12 ft. tall.
- A sassy snail who’s dreaming of disco.
- An electric rainbow that will brighten your day.
- A bashful toad peeking out of his mystical marsh.
- One of a kind fairy lands, hidden throughout the show.
- A 10 ft. tall willow tree sculpture in a surprising neon hue.
- A ‘WOW’ moment amongst the beautiful blooms.
Twin Cities Parks & Playgrounds Search
If the March weather decides to be kind – find a playground near you — whether that’s Downtown Minneapolis or a State Park. Use our search features to search by amenity (ie: swings, slides, sand area, picnic area, etc.), location or name.
Fun at home with your school age kids
THINGS TO DO WITH TWEENS & TEENS IN THE TWIN CITIES – MARCH
Sherlock Holmes at Minnesota History Center
March is the last month to play detective at the Minnesota History Center: My family recently visited Sherlock Holmes: The Exhibition at the Minnesota History Center with a pack of tweens and teens who both enjoy solving puzzles and watching the British drama series Sherlock. We recommend kids be at least 8 to deftly navigate the mystery as there is a lot of signage, historical detail and instructions. If you don’t proceed in a chronological order, you can end up quickly confused – admittedly, I turned to my own teens for help more than once. (They were gracious aid to Mom.) Included with museum admission of $8-$12/pp. Exhibit through April 2, 2023. 345 W. Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55102.
Fun for all ages: Taking a range of ages to the Minnesota History Center? That’s an excellent idea! We’ve been purchasing family memberships to the Minnesota Historical Society on and off for several years so we can explore the sites here in the Twin Cities and around greater Minnesota when out on road trips. The History Center appeals to kids of all ages with a grain elevator play area, interactive soda fountain, simulated tornado and lots more. Check our article Minnesota History Center: Top Things For Kids for more tips and ideas.
Indoor fun: Ninja & Trampoline Parks
Our older kids love to challenge the physical limits of their bodies. Indoor parks such as ROCKIN JUMP (located in Eagan) has them literally bouncing off the walls, slamming dunks, navigating a ropes course and making like ninjas on the obstacle course. Other places to “fly” include SKY ZONE TRAMPOLINE PARK (Blaine, Edina, Maple Grove & Oakdale) and URBAN AIR ADVENTURE PARK (Plymouth).
Bringing younger kids? There are always spaces set aside for the little ones to get in on the action. Most parks even offer special sessions just for preschoolers to have at the trampolines. See Rockin’ Jump’s Junior Jumpers program to get an idea.
More things to do with teens & tweens in March
Bell Museum Star Party
Bell Museum of Natural History, 2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul, MN 55113
Explore the night sky with the aid of pros and a telescope on the museum’s outdoor observation deck. There will be hands-on activities and demonstrations and typically free planetarium shows that are offered on a first-come-first-serve basis. We recommend these programs for families with kids ages 7+. FREE, but please register. March 31, 2023, 8:30-10pm.
DON’T STOP HERE! There are lots more ideas of ways to keep your older kids busy and engaged (in all seasons) on our TWEENS & TEENS PAGE.
TWIN CITIES SPRING BREAK IN MARCH?
It can be a family adventure being a tourist right in your own metro area! Craft a fun staycation for the kids with our 2023 SPRING BREAK IN THE TWIN CITIES collection of ideas.
GET YOUR KIDS REGISTERED FOR SUMMER CAMP IN THE TWIN CITIES!
Heading into March, the majority of businesses and venues that offer summer camp options in the Twin Cities have opened registration. Make haste if you’d like a spot – many fill quickly! We publish a TWIN CITIES SUMMER CAMP GUIDE each year to help area parents explore the possibilities.
