THiNGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL WITH KIDS!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of April 18-22, 2022. 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 18, 2022
Tot Time Open Gyms on Monday:
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (6 & under, 9am-12pm, $5/child)
- 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)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
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. On spring break this week? 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, Easter ideas!). Complete these at your own pace between 10am-4pm. Most are priced $20 & under. Reservations recommended.
Fun things to do in the twin Cities on Tuesday, April 19, 2022
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.)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
More family fun ideas for Tuesday: Nature Activities
Outdoor Nature Storytime at Sunfish Lake Park
Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center, Sunfish Lake Park, Entry Road, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
The nature center is hosting an outdoor nature storytime featuring music and nature play recommended for ages 0-6. Plus, kids will enjoy the hands-on indoor exhibits and messy play area. April 19, 2022, 10:30-11. FREE. Learn more about things to do in SUNFISH LAKE PARK.
My Preschooler & Me: Spring Flowers
The Landing, 2187 County Rd 101, Shakopee, MN 55379
You and your kiddo will learn through themed stories, activities and crafts. THE LANDING is a public park in Shakopee that is home to a re-created historical village. It’s fun to explore, even when not participating in a program. We include this on our list of the 10 BEST PARKS IN SHAKOPEE – browse it for more park ideas nearby. April 19, 2022. Registration required, $5/pp.
Fun things to do in the twin Cities on Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Tot Time Open Gyms on Wednesday:
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (6 & under, 9am-12pm, $5/child)
- 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)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
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 20. Preschool open gym: Wednesdays & Fridays: 9:30 – 11:30am. Pre-register: $8/child; $10/family ($10/$15 at the door).
How about yoga with your kids?
Blooma Outdoor Little Kids Yoga
Nokomis Naturescape Garden, 5000 E Lake Nokomis Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55417
A special yoga class for kids ages 9 mons-4 yrs w/ their caregivers. Simple yoga poses, stories and songs, all outdoors and a short walk from the LAKE NOKOMIS PLAYGROUND. April 20, 2022, 9:30-10:15am. $12/class, must register in advance.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday:
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. Coffee for adults! April 20 2022, 10am-12pm. $7-$11/pp or $30/family pack.
WHERE ELSE CAN I BRING A KID WHO LOVES TRAINS IN THE TWIN CITIES?
fun things to do in the twin cities on Thursday, April 21, 2022
Tot Time Open Gyms on Thursday:
- 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)
More family fun ideas for Thursday:
Budget Bowling at the U of M Student Center
Gopher Spot, 2017 Buford Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108
We pick Thursday late morning to go with kids because it’s quiet and games are just a buck a person (plus $2 shoe rental). There are bumpers, ramps and a fun themed scoring system. Plus, the Student Center sells homemade, inexpensive ice cream cones and other snacks. Open 8am-8pm.
Find more places to go bowling with kids in the Twin Cities!
fun things to do in the twin cities on friday, April 22, 2022
Tot Time Open Gyms on Friday:
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (6 & under, 9am-12pm, $5/child)
- 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.)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
ROCKIN JUMP JUNIOR JUMPERS
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 22, 2022, 2-hr sessions starting at 9 & 10am. $12/child plus $3 re-useable jump socks.
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 22, 2022, 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.
CELEBRATE Earth Day AT FARMINGTON LIBRARY
508 Third Street, Farmington, MN 55024
Stop into Farmington Library for family-friendly Earth Day activities and a free seedling provided to take home and plant. All ages, FREE. April 22, 2022; 10am-12pm.
CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WITH INTERFAITH POWER & LIGHT
Wabun Park Picnic Area, 4655 46th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406
In all ages celebration of the earth. Families can enjoy games and activities and share stories and songs. FREE, but the organizers request an RSVP for planning purposes. April 22, 2022; 4pm-6pm.
EARTH DAY & ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION at Wood Lake Nature Center
6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield 55423
Visitors are invited to plant a tree for Arbor Day and then help to pull buckthorn and pick up litter. Refreshments will be served. Your kids will enjoy the indoor exhibits at the WOOD LAKE NATURE CENTER and the nature play area if the weather is nice. FREE. April 22, 2022; 1pm-4pm.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES – APRIL 23-24, 2022
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.