Twin Cities Guide to Family Activities this Week: March 16-20, 2026
Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of March 16-20, 2026. 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
Planning for Spring Break in the Twin Cities this week?
Why spring break? Because a Minnesota winter wrapping up is worth celebrating. Craft a fun staycation “Spring Break Trip” for your own family whether you have big kids or little kids. Be tourists right in the Twin Cities! Think mini golf, trampolines, scavenger hunts, rock climbing, museums and more. Get some inspiration from our 2026 GUIDE TO SPRING BREAK IN THE TWIN CITIES.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Monday, March 16, 2026
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. SEE OUR FULL LIST OF TWIN CITIES TOT TIME OPEN GYMS!
- ANDOVER Tot Time Open Gym (9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under)
- APPLE VALLEY Pre-K Gym (9-11am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- CHANHASSEN Tot Time Open Gym (8-11:30am, $4-$4.50/child)
- MAPLE GROVE Parent/Tot Time (9-11am, $4/child)
- NEW BRIGHTON Preschool Playtime (12-3pm, $9/child)
- OTSEGO Open Play (10-11:30am, $3/child up to age 5)
- PLYMOUTH Open Field Play (9am-12pm, $6-$8/child)
- PLYMOUTH Preschool Open Gym (1:30-3:30pm, $6-$8)
- ROGERS Fieldhouse Tot Time (9-11am, $5-$7pp)
- SHAKOPEE Kids Playtime (9:30-11am, $4-$6/child)
- ST PAUL Rec Center Tot Times (See schedule for locations, FREE)
MONDAY FEATURED TOT TIME Andover Tot Time Open Gym
15200 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
We picked this indoor tot time to highlight this week because in addition to the gross motor play involved it’s also Craft Day! March 16, 2026, 9:30-11:30am. $5 per child.
Twin Cities library storytimes this week
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY STORYTIMES
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES
BROOKLYN PARK Preschool & Parent Maple Syrup
4345 101st Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
The perfect down-on-the-farm playdate for a preschooler and caregiver. Includes learning about the maple syruping process and a sweet taste of it. Register ahead at the link. March 16, 2026, 10-11:30am. $10/pp.
* LEARN MORE Historic Eidem Farm with kids.
Can’t make this program? Bookmark our page of TWIN CITIES MAPLE SYRUP FAMILY PROGRAMS for the future!
ST ANTHONY Eco-Art at Silverwood Park
2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN 55421
Kids ages 7-12 can explore the outdoor ecosystems of Silverwood Park and work with ice and fused glass to create original works of art. Registration is required. March 16, 2026, 10-11:30am. $8/pp.
BLOOMINGTON Museum Monday at The Works Museum
9740 Grand Ave. S, Bloomington, MN 55420
The super kid-friendly and hands-on engineering museum has special hours on Mondays during the school year. If you’ve got kiddos who love to tinker, spend some time in the Experience Gallery. The House exhibit explores the way necessary systems in a house (plumbing, electrical, protective barriers) are engineered. Be mesmerized by the expanded K’nex ball machine. Open Mondays, 10am-1pm. $14/pp admission.
MORE FUN STEM-FOCUSED MUSEUMS FOR KIDS:
- BAKKEN MUSEUM: All about electricity – it’s hair-raising science fun to explore. 3537 Zenith Avenue South, Minneapolis.
- BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY: Far-out space exhibits and intriguing animal dioramas make it really special. Larpenteur Avenue West, Saint Paul.
SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA: World-class science exhibits and an IMAX theater. 120 W. Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, March 17, 2026
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 too cold or sloppy to be outdoors:
- EAGAN Blast & Play (10am-12:30pm, $8/child)
- EDINA Braemar Field Tot Time (9-11am, $5/person)
- LINO LAKES Rookery Tot Time (9am-12pm, ages 1-10, $5)
- SAVAGE Sports Center Tot Time (9-11am, $3/child)
- ST LOUIS PARK Little Tot Playtime (9:30-11:30am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL Rec Center Tot Times (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- VADNAIS HEIGHTS TCO Sports Garden Open Turf (9:30-11:30am, FREE)
TUESDAY FEATURED TOT TIME Blast and Play at Eagan Community Center
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. March 17, 2026, 10am-12:30pm. $8/child.
FIND OUR GIANT LIST OF SUPER FUN INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES WHEN IT’S NOT QUITE PARK WEATHER!
TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME Highland Park Preschool Storytime
974 Ford Parkway, Saint Paul, MN, 55116
Bring your preschool child for Highland Park Library’s early literacy storytime, where you can relax and have fun, read, sing, play, build a love of reading and meeting other families. Recommended for ages 3-5. March 17, 2026, 10:30-11:30am. FREE.
Minneapolis & St Paul – St Patrick’s Day fun!
It matters little if you are, in fact, Irish. All are welcome to join in the spirit on St Patrick’s Day in the Twin Cities. As the Minneapolis-St Paul area has deep Irish roots, they’ll be giving their nod this weekend with two parades! Find more activities in our ST PATRICK’S DAY ROUNDUP. Some ideas to get you started:
ST PAUL St Patrick’s Day Parade
Rice Park to Mears Park, Downtown St Paul
St Patrick’s Day is traditionally a time for the Irish in St Paul to show their pride. March 17, 2026, 12pm.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Tot Time Open Gyms on Wednesday
- APPLE VALLEY Pre-K Gym (9-10:30am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- CHANHASSEN Tot Time Open Gym (8-11:30am, $4-$4.50/child)
- CRYSTAL Preschool Playtime (10-11:30am, $4/child)
- MOUNDS VIEW Toddler Open Gym (8-11am, $5/child)
- NEW BRIGHTON Preschool Playtime (12-3pm, $9/child)
- PLYMOUTH Open Field Play (9am-12pm, $6-$8/child)
- SHAKOPEE Kids Playtime (9:30-11am, $4-$6/child)
- ST LOUIS PARK Little Tot Playtime (9:30-11:30am, $3 child)
- ST PAUL Rec Center Tot Times (See schedule for locations, FREE)
WEDNESDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM Plymouth Fieldhouse Open Play
14800 34th Ave, Plymouth, MN 55447-1482
While the temps are still cool the field house opens up for kids who need to run and scoot around indoors. Balls and objects for free play are provided. The fieldhouse is heated to 55 degrees so dress accordingly. March 18, 2026, 9am to 12pm, ages 12 & under, $7-$9/pp.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME Storytime at Red Balloon Bookshop
891 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
Storyteller Angela hosts a storytime at the charming bookshop perfect for 3s & under (but all welcome). March 19, 2026, 10:30am. FREE.
NEW BRIGHTON Spring Gnome Search
Hansen Park, 1555 5th St NW, New Brighton, MN 55112
The gnomes are back at it in New Brighton Parks this spring. This time, a cool 15 of them have invaded Lions Park. As usual, snap a pic with them and post on socials to be entered into a prize drawing. Today through March 25, 2026. FREE.
EAGAN Preschool Open Gymnastics at Gleason’s
2015 Silver Bell Rd #180, Eagan, MN 55122
A trip to Gleason’s for open gym is an instant mood-lifter. The kids will love the opportunity to bounce on trampolines, scoot through obstacle courses, and play on the gym equipment. Register in advance for a discount. And hey, teens and tweens! There are open gyms for you, too. March 18, 2026, 9:30 – 11:30am. $10 per child or $15 per family (online) / $13 per child or $20 (at the door).
ST PAUL Tots & Trains at Jackson Street Roundhouse
193 Pennsylvania Ave E, St Paul, MN 55130
Preschoolers can tinker at the train tables, run through a real train car, hear a train-themed story and more. March 18, 2026. $6-$11/pp or $36/family.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, March 19, 2026
Tot Time Open Gym on Thursday
- ANDOVER Tot Time Open Gym (9:30-11:30am, $5/child)
- EAGAN Blast & Play (10am-12:30pm, $8/child)
- EDINA Braemar Field Tot Time (9-11am, $5/person)
- OTSEGO Open Play (10-11:30am, $3/child)
- SAVAGE Sports Center Tot Time (9-11am, $3/child)
- ST LOUIS PARK Little Tot Playtime (9:30-11:30am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL Rec Center Tot Times (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- VADNAIS HEIGHTS Open Turf (9:30-11:30am, FREE)
THURSDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM TCO Sports Garden Toddler Thursdays
1490 Co Rd E East, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110
Little ones with energy to spare: Come to Field 1 for indoor activities such as a bouncy house, kicking around soccer balls and open field time with room to run. The fieldhouse is kept at 55 degrees so dress with this in mind. March 19, 2026, 9:30-11:30am. FREE.
THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME Winter Nature Storytime at the Trailhead
1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405
FINAL WEEK! Nature stories and an activity for kids led by garden naturalists – meet inside the trailhead (and dress for the weather). March 19, 2026, 10-10:30am. FREE.
ST PAUL ExploraTots at Como Regional Park Park
Nature play stations include a story, a hike, and a take-home activity appropriate for the age range of 3-5 years. Must register in advance, space is limited. Don’t grab a spot? Plan ahead – this event is held monthly. March 19, 2026, 10-11:30am. FREE.
ST PAUL Tour the Raptor Center
1920 Fitch Ave, St Paul, MN 55108
Looking for spring break fun this week? 30-minute tours include learning about and meeting many species cared for and treated by The Raptor Center. Located on the St Paul campus of the U of M, the facility treats about 800 injured birds a year with the goal of releasing them back to the wild. Learn more about visiting the Raptor Center with kids. March 19, 2026, tours run 10am-3pm. $8/adults, $5/children.
Dairy Queen Free Cone Day
A classic! Enjoy a free small vanilla cone at participating non-mall Dairy Queen locations on March 19. All day, limit one per person. And, in anticipation of warmer days ahead, we’ve updated our big list of FREE CONE DAYS & FREE ICE CREAM SOCIALS IN THE TWIN CITIES.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Friday, March 20, 2026
Tot Time Open Gyms on Friday
- APPLE VALLEY Pre-K Gym (9-11am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- BURNSVILLE IGM Preschool Open Gym (Ages 1-6, 9:30-11:30am, $10/child)
- CHANHASSEN Tot Time Open Gym (8-11:30am, $4-$4.50/child)
- EDINA Braemar Field Family Night (9-11am, $5/person)
- HOPKINS Turf Tots (8am-1pm, $5/child)
- MAPLE GROVE Parent/Tot Time (9-11am, $4/child)
- ST LOUIS PARK Little Tot Playtime (9:30-11:30am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL Rec Center Tot Time (See schedule for locations, FREE)
FRIDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM 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 April 29, 2026; Mon-Fri, 8am-1pm. $5 per session per child.
ST PAUL Como Conservatory Spring Flower Show Opens
1225 Estabrook Dr, Saint Paul, MN 55103
Balmy, bright and sure to banish any lingering March blahs, the Spring Flower Show opens today in the Sunken Garden. Wander with your kids, bring stories to read, grab a snack at the cafe, visit the tropical fish…the list of free fun at Como goes on. Plan ahead with our COMO PARK ZOO & CONSERVATORY SPRING CHECKLIST. March 20, 2026, 10am-4pm. FREE.
FRIDAY FEATURED STORYTIME Preschool Storytime at Carpenter Nature Center
12805 St. Croix Trail S, Hastings, MN 55033
Each month at the nature center features a new nature theme and activities aimed at ages 2-5 w/ a caregiver. This month’s theme is maple syrup. Call 651-437-4359 to reserve a space as they are limited. March 20, 2026, 10am. FREE.
If you can’t make storytime, the nature center is always free to visit, whether checking out the indoor displays or exploring the topography of the valley along the river.
COTTAGE GROVE Inflatable Funfest
8020 80th Street South, Cottage Grove, MN, 55016
Filled with bounce houses, a climbing wall, obstacle courses and slides. Exclusively kids ages 6 & under between 10-11:30am. March 20, 2026. $15/advance, $20/door.
MINNEAPOLIS Kids at the Castle: Art Explorer
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55407
A special preschool playdate with activities, crafts, music, storytelling and more, each month offering a new theme. The fee includes both the program and admission to the Turnblad Mansion, a real “castle” right in Minneapolis! Your kids will love exploring the nooks and crannies of the estate, plus tinkering around in the children’s gallery. Register your space as soon as you can plan; the program sells out. March 20, 2026, 9-10am. Cost is $20 per family.
Fun things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities – March 21-22, 2026
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!