THiNGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL WITH KIDS!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of April 17-21, 2023. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE. We’ve got you covered no matter your corner of the Minneapolis-St Paul Metro Area!
As always, you can check our APRIL 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 17, 2023
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 colder weather either FREE or at a low cost to you.
SEE OUR FULL LIST OF TWIN CITIES TOT TIME OPEN GYMS THIS SPRING!
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (6 & under, 9am-12pm, $5/child) CANCELLED TODAY ONLY
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 9am-2pm. $5/child.)
- MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $3/child)
- NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 12-3pm, $8/child includes admission to Eagles Nest Indoor Playground)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
MONDAY FEATURED TOT TIME! PRESCHOOL PLAYTIME AT NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER
Preschool Playtime in New Brighton is double the fun because it includes open play in the gym w/ equipment and inflatables AND admission to EAGLES NEST INDOOR PLAYGROUND. This special indoor playtime is held each Mon & Wed when school is in session. April 17, 2023. 12-3pm, $7/child. 400 10th St NW, New Brighton, MN 55112.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Monday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Victoria & Chanhassen library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Apple Valley Galaxie and Lakeville Heritage libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Eden Prairie, Linden Hills, Plymouth & Westonka library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Marvelous Mondays storytime at Savage Library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Rondo branch library.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland (Valley), Mahtomedi (Wildwood), Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
More family fun ideas for Monday:
Love cats? Visit the Cafe Meow!
2323 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405
My daughter absolutely loves cats but mean old mom isn’t up for having a pet. Our solution? We book an hour at this sweet rescue coffee shop and she gets a fix without the extra responsibility. Kids over 6 (with a parent) can play with the kitties and sip a warm beverage. 11am-7pm, $10/pp.
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 (including, for this month, spring and Easter ideas!). Complete these at your own pace between 10am-4pm. Most are priced $20 & under. Reservations recommended.
Free Story & Art Time at Eden Prairie Art Center
7650 Equitable Drive, Eden Prairie, MN
Ages 2-6 w/ adult can drop in for storytime & an art project. Dress to get creative. April 17, 2023, 10-11am.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2023
Tot Time Open Gyms on Tuesday:
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER (Blast & Play, 9am-12pm, $5/child)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 9am-2pm. $5/child.)
- LINO LAKES ROOKERY (Tot Time, 9am-12pm, ages 1-10, $4)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (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! SAVAGE SPORTS CENTER TOT TIME
13450 Dakota Ave S, Savage, MN 55378
An option for those in the southwest metro, Tot Time features activities for the 5 7 under set- inflatables, balls, other sporting equipment and space to run around when it’s chilly. April 18, 2023, 9-11:30am. $3/child.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Tuesday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnhaven, Galaxie (Apple Valley), Heritage (Lakeville), Pleasant Hill (Hastings), South St Paul & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie, Excelsior, Maple Grove & Minneapolis Nokomis and Northeast library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: Early Literacy class at New Prague Library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Arlington Hills, George Latimer, Highland Park, Merriam Park, St Anthony Park & West Seventh branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
Extra! Extra! Read all about Special Storytime Tuesday!
Wild Rumpus Storytime
2720 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55410
This popular story time for toddlers & preschoolers is BACK after a lengthy hiatus. Stick around to see how many critters (yes, animal critters) you can spot slinking around the store! April 18, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
Theater Explorers Storytime at George Latimer Central Library
90 West 4th Street, Saint Paul MN 55102
Teaching artists from Steppingstone Theatre for Youth provide stories, songs and play and art stations to explore independently. April 18, 2023, 10:30am-12pm. FREE.
Family Storytime at Woodridge Park
9000 90th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Singing, literacy and playing are all part of this indoor storytime at the park followed by a related activity for kids up to age 6. April 18, 2023, 10:30-11am. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Tuesday:
Como Planetarium Shows
Como Planetarium, 780 W Wheelock Pkwy #1315, St Paul, MN 55117
The Planetarium is offering two public shows: Our Solar System & NASA Missions (5:30-6:15pm) is extra kid-friendly and a 7pm show fit for all ages – register here. April 18, 2023. $6/ticket.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 2023
Tot Time Open Gyms on Wednesday:
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-12pm, $6/pp)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 9am-2pm. $5/child.)
- 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)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
WEDNESDAY FEATURED TOT TIME! GLEASON’S GYMNASTICS OPEN GYMS
2015 Silver Bell Rd #180, Eagan, MN 55122
So flipping fun! This used to be a family go-to when the cold set in and my kids needed to get their wiggles out. Yours 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’s an open gym for you, too. April 19, 2023. Preschool open gym: Wednesdays & Fridays: 9:30 – 11:30am. Pre-register: $10/child; $15/family ($13/$20 at the door).
Twin Cities Storytimes on Wednesday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnhaven, Heritage (Lakeville), Robert Trail (Rosemount), South St Paul & Wentworth branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Brookdale, Linden Hills, Maple Plain, Minnetonka, North Regional, Plymouth, Southdale & St Anthony library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: North St Paul & Mounds View library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Dayton’s Bluff & Rondo library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Stillwater library branch.
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. April 19, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Where can I see trains today?
Mid-week is excellent to spot trains in the Twin Cities if that’s what your little ones (or big ones) are into. Here’s a handful of places to consider; plan ahead and find more on our article MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL, A TRAIN LOVERS DESTINATION:
- TOTS & TRAINS AT JACKSON STREET ROUNDHOUSE – Play at the train tables, run through a read train car, hear a train-themed story and more. Located in St Paul. April 19, 2023. $10-$13/pp or $35/family.
- GAMES GALORE AT UNION DEPOT – Play life-sized versions of favorite games like chess & Connect Four in the historic depot, then watch some of the modern trains roll in outside. April 19, 2023, 10am-8pm. FREE.
- HISTORIC WAYZATA DEPOT MUSEUM – Explore the hands-on exhibits in the depot and play I-Spy with the miniature train outside! Open Wednesdays in April, 12-4pm. FREE.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023
Tot Time Open Gyms on Thursday:
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (6 & under, 9am-12pm, $5/child)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER (Blast & Play, 9am-12pm, $5/child)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 9am-2pm. $5/child.)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
THURSDAY FEATURED TOT TIME! ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER OPEN GYM & STORYTIME
Andover Community Center, 15200 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
We picked this special Tot Time this week because there’s also a special storytime included. April 20, 2023. 9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Thursday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Hastings Pleasant Hill, Lakeville Heritage, Robert Trail, Wentworth & Wescott branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Bloomington Penn Lake, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Oxboro, Plymouth, Richfield Augsburg Park & Wayzata library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: Early Literacy Classes at Prior Lake & Shakopee library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer (St Paul) & Sun Ray library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove, Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME! Lil Explorer Thursdays 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. Remember, a reservation to visit the Zoo is free, but required. April 20, 2023, 10am-12pm.
More family fun ideas for Thursday: Nature play
Family Nature Time at Westwood Hills
8300 W. Franklin Ave, St. Louis Park, MN 55426.
Program includes indoor and outdoor time exploring animals, reading stories, playing games and more. Please register in advance as space is limited. April 20, 2023, 10-11am. $5-$6/pp.
Try visiting a new park or nature center!
In celebration of spring park weather, check out the links on our big list of Twin Cities nature & interpretive centers for details on which have natural playgrounds nestled within them. You can build with natural materials, climb, balance, even wade and garden at some of the more elaborate spaces. Our kiddos are pictured here having a keen time at the nature play yard at MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2023
Tot Time Open Gyms on Friday:
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp)
- BURNSVILLE – IGM GYMNASTICS (Ages 1-6, 9:30-11:30am, $10/child)
- EAGAN – GLEASON’S GYMNASTICS (K & under, 9:30-11:30am, pre-register for discount of $8/child or $10/family)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 9am-2pm. $5/child.)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
FRIDAY FEATURED TOT TIME! Rockin Jump Rockin Tots
Rockin Jump Trampoline Park, 2015 Silver Bell Road, Suite 195, Eagan, MN 55122
Kids up to 6 years get a special jump time separate from the big kids. Yours will love the trampolines, foam pit and soft play area as much as mine do! April 21, 2023, 90-minute sessions from open-noon. $17/child plus $3 re-useable jump socks, adult FREE.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Friday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America library & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington & Inver Glen library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie, Maple Plain, Minneapolis East Lake, Ridgedale branch & St Louis Park branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & White Bear Lake branch library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Riverview, Merriam Park & Hamline Midway branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
FRIDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: STORIES WITH ENGINEER PAUL AT CHOO CHOO BOB’S TRAIN STORE
1665 West End Blvd, St Louis Park, MN 55416
The beloved train shop is BACK in a brand new location, complete with Engineer Paul’s train-tastic storytime. Our littles grew up with Choo Choo Bob’s original shop in St Paul so this is happy news. (Photo from the old store until we can get to the new one!) April 21, 2023, 10:30am.
More family fun ideas for Friday: Get ready for Earth Day!
We’ll list some community-specific Earth Day events here, but if yours isn’t hosting a local gathering make it a DIY event with ideas for EARTH DAY HIKES, RIDES, WALKS & HUNTS.
Preschool Storytime at Carpenter Nature Center
12805 St Croix Trail S, Hastings, MN 55033
The CARPENTER-ST CROIX VALLEY NATURE CENTER offers a themed storytime once per month for kids ages 2-5. This month’s topic is Earth Day. Registration is required. April 21, 2023, 10am. $6/child. 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.
Kids at the Castle: Earth Day
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
It’s a creative playdate at a real castle! The museum presents themed circle time, storytime, crafts, music and movement for kids ages 2-5 (with caregiver). Then you get to explore the rest of the castle on your own, including the interactive family exhibit. Advance registration required. April 21, 2023, 10-11am. $10/family. (Great deal!)
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES – APRIL 22-23, 2023
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. Coming up this weekend are even MORE Earth Day events to get kids thinking about how they can care for their environment.
FAMILY FUN ALL WEEK IN THE TWIN CITIES
Ideas to pull out of your “back pocket” nearly any day of the week!
Best Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities
Kids bursting with extra energy (and their caregivers who often can’t keep up) will appreciate all the free and low-cost TOT TIME OPEN GYMS across the Twin Cities. Especially so when the weather is cold and we can’t just head down the street to the park. Most often, these unstructured programs offer balls, other gross motor play equipment, and room to run. Find our list of the communities that offer special open gym time this spring:
Twin Cities-Area Library 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:
BEST INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS & PLAY AREAS IN THE TWIN CITIES
We cover the top places for the indoor fun your kids are craving: climbing, sliding, jumping, crawling and just plain blowing off some steam.
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.