Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of August 18-22, 2025. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE.
How to plan your family fun this week
Get planning for the Minnesota State Fair!
All the corn dogs, crop art and crowds your family can handle! We cover it as best we can in our 2025 GUIDE TO THE MINNESOTA STATE FAIR. We invite you to dive in and start planning!
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Monday, August 18, 2025
Tot Time Open Swims on Monday
Make sure to note that many outdoor swimming pools have closed up shop for the season or are heading into their final weeks of operation. Still hosting tot swims this week:
- EAGAN: CASCADE BAY (9:30-10:30am, $6/child, 1 adult free per child)
- FINAL WEEK! ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
Or keep it simple with a free splash pad…
What better way for littles to cool off than a hybrid splash pad-wading pool with zero-depth entry and a rain screen? This week we travel to WAITE PARK in Minneapolis. (Joy says, “Of all the splash pads near me, this is our hands-down favorite. The mix of pool and splash pad is perfect.”) Open 10am-9pm. 1810 34th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418.
But if that’s out of your neighborhood, you’re bound to find an alternative on our huge list of the 40 BEST SPLASH PADS & WADING POOLS IN THE TWIN CITIES.
Monday kids entertainment in the parks
ST PAUL Music Monday at Como Zoo
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
Members of the very family-friendly Jack Brass Band parade through the zoo grounds and families are invited to join in. Just one reason among a dozen to spend a day at the zoo. August 18, 2025, 10am-1pm. FREE.
MORE FUN AT COMO! When you visit, make sure to take along our COMO PARK ZOO & CONSERVATORY SUMMER CHECKLIST so you don’t miss out on the best seasonal stuff.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS Petals and Planting
Friendly Hills Park, 2360 Pueblo Lane, Mendota Heights, MN, 55118
Help plant pollinator-friendly plants in hte park and paint garden rocks to decorate the garden space. Polish off a “dirt cup” snack to celebrate. All ages are invited to drop in free of charge. August 18, 2025, 3-5pm. FREE.
Discover a nature playground
We get such a deep satisfaction from watching our kids play in a more natural setting: digging, figuring out how to climb that tree, following paths, building forts. Have you been out to the PATRICK EAGAN PARK NATURE PLAY AREA? This park combines elements of traditional playground equipment — like a zipline and climbing webs – with natural elements like tree trunks to climb on and branches to build with. 3995 Lexington Ave S, Eagan, MN 55123.
Bonus Fun Idea: Visit Eagan Art House within Patrick Eagan Park.
Find more incredible twin Cities nature-based playgrounds.
MONDAY FEATURED STORYTIME Puppet Storytime at Westwood Nature Center
8300 W Franklin Ave, St Louis Park, MN 55426
Open play and exploration of Westwood Hills Nature Center, naturalist-led activities, puppet show and a hike. This month’s theme is “Forest Creatures”. Even if you don’t register for a program, the nature center is a worthwhile (and free!) spring outing. August 18, 2025. 10am-11am, $6/person. Registration required.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Tot Time Open Swims on Tuesday
- FINAL WEEK! EAGAN: CASCADE BAY (9:30-10:30am, $6/child)
- FINAL WEEK! ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
Try a free wading pool or beach in the Twin Cities
Don’t want to commit to a full day at an outdoor swimming pool or waterpark and set aside money for admission? Try one of the FREE WADING POOLS scattered around Minneapolis or one of the completely FREE PUBLIC BEACHES maintained on lakes all across the Twin Cities metro area. Fit in that swim time before the season closes for another year! This week we pack up the beach bag and hit ROUND LAKE PARK BEACH in Eden Prairie. It’s a pretty standard beach but there’s also a marine-themed splash pad and treehouse-like play equipment. Older kids might find it fun to rent youth kayaks ($5/hr) or stand-up paddleboards ($8/hr) or bike ride the one-mile path around the lake. Nearby is plenty of shaded picnic space and the new ROUND LAKE SKATE PLAZA. 16691 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55346.
Tuesday kids entertainment in the parks
EDINA Centennial Lakes Kids Summer Entertainment
Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Avenue South, Edina, MN 55435
Centennial Lakes Park is a haven for FREE summer entertainment. Family favorite Todd ‘n Tina perform today. BONUS FUN: There is so much to explore at Centennial Lakes Park from paddle boats to lawn games to tiny model yachts that zip around the canals. August 19, 2025, 10am. FREE.
FRIDLEY Touch-a-Truck
7071 University Avenue NE, Fridley, MN 55432
A night of vehicles on display: trucks and diggers, a fire engine, police cars and patrol vehicles, a tow truck, school bus, lawn vehicles and more. Grab free popsicles, make some crafts, play lawn games and bounce in the inflatables. Pack a picnic from home or purchase dinner from one of the food trucks. Plus a concert starting at 7pm. August 19, 2025, 4-8pm. FREE.
Plan ahead for fall touch-a-truck events in the Twin Cities with our vehicle fair calendar!
OTSEGO Entertainment in the Park: The Lion King, Jr
13355 90th Street NE, Otsego MN
Free entertainment while you cool off at the splash pad. Today features SOAR Theater with the musical The Lion King Jr. August 19, 2025, 10am.
This is just a sampling of all that’s going on at Twin Cities parks this week! We cover every corner of the metro in our COMPLETE CALENDAR OF MUSIC, MOVIES AND MORE KID-FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT IN TWIN CITIES PARKS
MINNEAPOLIS Wild Rumpus Storytime
2720 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55410
This popular story time for toddlers & preschoolers is one of our favorites in the Twin Cities. Stick around to see how many critters (yes, animal critters) you can spot slinking around the store! August 19, 2025, 10:30am. FREE.
BROOKLYN PARK Eidem Farm Open Gate
4345 101st Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Eidem Farm is a wonderful place to slow down and meet animals, dabble in a few farm chores, tinker in the nature play area and take self-guided walks in the summer. August 19, 2025, 10am-2pm. FREE.
MINNEAPOLIS Movies in the Park
40th Street Parl, 1900 E 40th St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Tonight’s screening is Minecraft in the park. Bring your own seating, snacks and bug spray! There’s a lovely, splashy wading pool at this park if it’s still sultry out. August 19, 2025, 8:10pm. FREE.
OSSEO Tuesday Night Movies in the Park
Boerboom Park, 416 Central Ave, Osseo, MN 55369
Free live music and movies screened at dusk. Tonight’s feature is Wicked (Part 1). August 19, 2025. FREE.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, August 20, 2025
FINAL DAY! Splash Valley Waterpark
14421 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd, Apple Valley, MN 55124
The final day to swim at both the waterpark and Redwood Community Pool is August 20. Last chance of the summer to experience the sprayground splash pad, body slides and lazy river. Reduced admission today only ($7/pp) after 1pm! August 20, 2025.
Wednesday kids entertainment in the parks
GOLDEN VALLEY Family Storytime: Monica the Monarch
316 Brookview Parkway S, Golden Valley, MN 55427
Learn about the life cycle of a butterfly through stories, play and movement with Monica the Monarch – right in the park! August 20, 2025, 10:30-11:15am. FREE.
NEW HOPE Music In the Park
4401 Xylon Ave N, New Hope, MN 55428
The final kids show of the summer features the Teddy Bear Band – note this show has a 10am start time. August 20, 2025, FREE.
Where can you find all the evening entertainment for families in the Twin Cities? Here’s our quick lists in parks across the Minneapolis- St Paul metro area tonight – pack your family a picnic, throw some camp chairs or a blanket in the trunk and enjoy a free outdoor concert at the following:
- CENTENNIAL LAKES PARK (Edina, 7pm. Rent a paddleboat for an hour and cruise the canals.)
- EAGAN MARKET FEST (4-8pm – bring swimsuits for the splash pad)
- SILVERWOOD ONSTAGE (Silverwood Park, St Anthony, 6:30pm)
ST MICHAEL Family Night In the Park
11800 Town Center Dr NE, St Michael, MN 55376
Magician Kevin Hall puts on a very kid-friendly show tonight in the park. Bring your own seating and a picnic! August 20, 2025, 6-8pm. FREE.
MINNEAPOLIS Bryant Square Park Ice Cream Social
Bryant Square Park, 3101 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, US 55408
Free ice cream, live music, carnival games and more. August 20, 2025, 6:30-8pm. FREE.
HASTINGS Rec+Art+Police Event
215 21st St E, Hastings, MN 55033
FINAL EVENT! Structured activities and snacks (!) offered by the parks & rec department with the Hastings police. Best for grade school-aged kids and up. This week, pop in for sports stations and art-making. August 20, 2025, 1-2pm. FREE.
ST PAUL 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. August 20, 2025, 10am-12pm. $6-$11/pp or $36/family.
WHERE ELSE CAN I BRING A KID WHO LOVES TRAINS IN THE TWIN CITIES?
Visit a Twin Cities Apple Orchard
Summer isn’t technically over and fall hasn’t officially began, but we’re gearing up for the season switch here at FFTC by shining up our 2025 TWIN CITIES APPLE ORCHARD GUIDE. We’ll be featuring a new orchard each week that may tempt with family activities, farm animals, and, of course, freshly-picked apples. This week our family traveled out to AAMODT’S APPLE FARM near Stillwater for a day of late summer fun. PYO has just begun for the season, 10am-4pm. Plus baby goats! 6428 Manning Ave N, Stillwater, MN 55082.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, August 21, 2025
Minnesota State Fair Starts Today!
It’s Day One of the Great Minnesota Get-Together and we are super excited to present our polished-up 2025 GUIDE TO THE MINNESOTA STATE FAIR. It’s a special collection of tips and ideas garnered from years of towing our young families along to the Fair. Can an amazing time be had by all in the face of crowds, cows and corn dogs? Absolutely!
STATE FAIR DAILY TIP: Opening Day means discounts – $17/adults (ages 13+) $15/kids & seniors, and specials on ride tickets.
MINNESTOTA STATE FAIR STEM Day
Some of our favorite STEM organizations will have special programming at the fair, presenting many hands-on learning opportunities: University of Minnesota, Science Museum of Minnesota, Bakken Museum and more. August 21, 2025, 9am-5pm.
Thursday kids entertainment in the parks & community
MAPLE GROVE Sounds of Summer
Town Green Park, 7991 Main Street N, Maple Grove, MN 55369
The summer music series includes free family concerts on Thursday mornings. Today’s performer is Kid Power with Rachael. There is seating on the tiered terrace walls and room for blankets in the grassy spaces. Don’t expect playground equipment here, but there is a small “music plaza” to make your own tunes and a pond to watch fish and ducks. August 21, 2025, 10:30am. FREE.
MINNEAPOLIS Music at Minnehaha Regional Park
4801 South Minnehaha Park Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417
A free concert in the park is just the beginning: we’re excited to share with you all of the fun at MINNEHAHA REGIONAL PARK – the beautiful falls, a creek to wade in, historic sites, wading pool, playgrounds and unique dining spot. August 21, 2025, music at 7pm. FREE.
OAKDALE Touch-a-Truck
City Hall Parking Lot, 1584 Hadley Avenue N
Exciting giant vehicles to see: emergency and public safety vehicles, mighty snow plows, garbage trucks and street cleaners, semitrucks and more. Plus free ice cream treats handed out! August 21, 2025, 5-7pm. FREE.
GET READY TO RUMBLE WITH OUR HUGE LIST OF TWIN CITIES TOUCH-A-TRUCK EVENTS!
Nature play in Twin Cities parks on Thursday
MINNEAPOLIS Garden Storytime at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405
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. August 21, 2025, 10am, FREE.
ST PAUL Lil’ Explorer Thursday at Como Zoo
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
The beloved (at least by my family) preschool program offers weekly themed activities to the 4-and-under set. Think sand tables, sponge painting, worm digs and storytimes. August 21, 2025, 10am-12pm. FREE.
MINNEAPOLIS Movies in the Park
Powderhorn Park, 3400 15th Ave S, Minneapolis MN
Tonight’s screening is Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken in the park. Bring your own seating, snacks and bug spray! August 21, 2025, 8:10pm. FREE.
NEW HOPE Movies in the Park
4401 Xylon Ave N, New Hope MN
The movie is screened at the New Hope Performance Center. Twisters is the film of the night. August 21, 2025, 8pm. FREE.
Featured Twin Cities summer festival
PLYMOUTH Kids Fest
Hilde Performance Center, 3500 Plymouth Blvd, Plymouth, Minnesota 55447
Take in a classic, kid-centric summer carnival with inflatables, games, a petting zoo, STEM and art zones and lots more. August 21, 2025, 5-8pm. FREE.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Friday, August 22, 2025
It’s Day #2 of the Minnesota State Fair!
You may have noticed the banner screaming GUIDE TO THE MINNESOTA STATE FAIR above (see Thursday) and we encourage you to check it out if you’re planning to visit!
MINNESOTA STATE FAIR Governor’s Fire Prevention Day
If you’ve got a kid who worships fire trucks, pick this day to trek to the fair! There are activities, safety demos and big trucks galore. August 22, 2025. Included with regular State Fair admission.
Explore a new park or playground on Friday
RICHFIELD Park & Play: End of Summer Dance Party
7000 Nicollet Ave, Richfield, MN 55423
FINAL WEEK! Today features an end-of-summer dance party to wrap up the program. Open playtime to follow at the inclusive playground. August 22, 2025, 10am. FREE. Learn more about Richfield’s Augsburg Adventure Park.
COTTAGE GROVE Universe in the Park
8946 70th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Space nut in the family? Check out the University of Minnesota’s UNIVERSE IN THE PARK program – a short outdoor talk about astronomy followed by the chance to observe the night sky through telescopes. August 22, 2025, 8:45pm, FREE.
MINNEAPOLIS Friday Art-making in the Garden
Walker Art Center/Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Drop-in for an art-making activity designed for ages 4 and up. All art supplies provided free of charge. You’ll want to set aside time to explore the funky outdoor sculpture garden as well. August 22, 2025, 10am-1pm. FREE.
Friday night movies in the park!
The days where we can stay out later may be numbered, but there’s still time to pack a blanket and snacks and settle in for a movie or a live performance in the park. What’s screening this Friday?
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS Movies in the Park
Huset Park West, 3965 Jefferson St NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
If the heat is still turned up outdoors, bring swimsuits for the splash pad! Tonight screens La La Land. August 22, 2025, 8pm. FREE.
MAPLE GROVE Friday Movies at Dusk
Town Green Park, 7991 Main Street N, Maple Grove, MN
Friday Movies at Dusk take place at Town Green as part of Maple Grove’s Sounds of Summer. Tonight screens Up. August 22, 2025. FREE.
MINNEAPOLIS Movies in the Park
Corcoran Park, 3334 20th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Tonight’s screening is Wicked in the park. Bring your own seating, snacks and bug spray! August 22, 2025, 8:10pm. FREE.
ST PAUL Movies in the Park
Central Village Park,
Show up early for pre-show activities and the Sweet Dairy truck before a screening of Cool Runnings in the park. August 22, 2025, dusk. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Friday in the Twin Cities: Try mini golf!
We loved it as kids and we love passing it onto our own kids in classic summer style. There are more than a dozen mini golf courses to choose from on our LIST OF THE BEST IN THE TWIN CITIES. If you have a favorite round of holes we’ve missed, please reach out! This week we feature the classic COMO PARK MINI GOLF managed by Wheel Fun Rentals. We do miss some of the old mini golf obstacles that were included in the original course. However, a new set of nine holes has been added to the existing 18 if you’re up for more of a challenge. Admission: $6-$7/for 9 holes, $8$10 for 18 holes, $10-$12 for a whopping 27 holes.
Fun things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities, August 23-24, 2025
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.
FAMILY FUN ALL WEEK IN THE TWIN CITIES
Ideas to pull out of your “back pocket” nearly any day of the week!
BEST OUTDOOR PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES
Here at FFTC we’re up to our ears covering more than 800 TWIN CITIES PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS in our Parks Directory. Or, to get just a taste of the best, head over to our round up of the TOP PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES TO TRY THIS SUMMER.
THE BEST TWIN CITIES OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOLS, WATER PARKS & SPLASH PADS
TWIN CITIES-AREA LIBRARY SUMMER STORYTIMES
Your local library is a wonderful place for kids to curl up for a storytime, browse books, play with educational toys and games and slow their pace. We cover more than 100 Metro area library branches in our GUIDE TO TWIN CITIES LIBRARIES: MAPPED. Or, pick from this quick list to find library storytimes and events:
TWIN CITIES NATURE CENTERS AND NATURE PLAY
Summer is an exciting time to visit a Twin Cities area nature center, fresh with the promise of a new season and programming. 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.