THiNGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL WITH KIDS!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of April 25-29, 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 25, 2022
Tot Time Open Gyms on Monday:
- 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: Try a new indoor playground
K.U.B.E Indoor Playground – Plymouth Community Center
14800 34th Ave. N, Plymouth, MN 55447-1482
One of the newest, shiniest indoor playgrounds in the Twin Cities, K.U.B.E (Kids Ultimate Backyard Experience) tries to create an outdoors feeling inside the Plymouth Community Center. Fun features include a 28-foot climbing tower with a spiral slide, spinners and swings, and special tot area for kids ages 2 to 5. Come check it while the weather’s still iffy. $5-$6/per kid.
What else can I do nearby in Plymouth?
- If the weather works out, climb the nets outdoors at FRENCH REGIONAL PARK‘s huge play area. 12605 Rockford Road, Plymouth MN.
- Teens might enjoy testing their physical limits at the NORTHWEST GREENWAY CHALLENGE COURSE. Located on the east side of Peony Lane, south of 54th Ave. N, Plymouth.
- MONDAY NIGHT DINNER IDEA! Broadway Pizza in Plymouth features a Family Monday Night Dinner Buffet from 5-7:30pm: One free child’s buffet with each adult buffet purchased, includes pizza, pasta, hoagies, salad and dessert. 13705 27th Avenue North, Plymouth, MN 55441; Please call (763) 551-0155 to verify this deal!
Fun things to do in the twin Cities on Tuesday, April 26, 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:
Independent Bookstore Day Passport Week
Love books, reading, and shopping local? The Twin Cities is excited to promote Independent Bookstore Day on April 30th in 2022. During the week leading up, many local bookstores participate in a fun passport program. Families can pick up a passport at participating stores and then get it stamped at as many stores as they can visit to qualify for prizes. Families can pick up their passport beginning April 23rd and can visit the bookstores any time during that 7-day period to get stamped. Jump over to find our list of participating independent booksellers. Featured in this photo is one of our favorite independent sellers, RED BALLOON BOOKSHOP.
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 26, 2022. Registration required, $5/pp.
Mall of America Toddler Tuesdays
This week, The Ordway presents a sneak peek performance from the upcoming Flint Hills Family Festival. April 26, 11am-12pm. FREE!
HOT TIP! WHEN YOU VISIT, TAKE ALONG OUR MALL OF AMERICA GUIDE: FLOOR BY FLOOR.
Fun things to do in the twin Cities on Wednesday, April 27, 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 27, 2022. 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 27, 2022, 9:30-10:15am. $12/class, must register in advance.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday:
DISCOUNT OPEN SWIM AT GREAT RIVER INDOOR WATERPARK
Oxford Community Center, 270 N. Lexington Parkway, Saint Paul, MN 55104
Until the outdoor pools are open, try splishing and splashing in the zero-depth entry play structure, diving pool and waterslides. Check our big list of indoor pools and waterparks for more indoor swimming opportunities. Savings tip: Swim between 9-11am on Wednesdays and pay just $4/pp!
fun things to do in the twin cities on Thursday, April 28, 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:
Farmington ARBOR DAY TREE PLANTING
Prairie Pine Park, 3235 223rd Street West, Farmington, MN 55024
Celebrate Eagan’s “Tree City” status with family-friendly activities and a formal ceremony. April 28, 2022; 10am-10:30am.
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 29, 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 29, 2022, 2-hr sessions starting at 9 & 10am. $12/child plus $3 re-useable jump socks.
More family fun ideas for Friday: It’s Arbor Day!
Arbor Day at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318
Take a self-guided trek to play Tree Bingo and learn more about trees on the arboretum grounds – then pick up your own free sapling to take home. Plus a tree-themed storytime for kids. The Arboretum is a wonderful, colorful place to explore with kids. April 29, 2022. Timed reservations required. $15 for adults 16+; FREE children 15 and under.
MINNEAPOLIS ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION
North Loop Neighborhood, North 3rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, Minneapolis, MN 55401
In 2022, the Minneapolis Arbor Day celebration will be held in downtown. Enjoy a street festival, help plant trees, participate in a variety of tree-themed art, games and activities. Live music and food trucks, too. FREE. April 29, 2022; 4pm-8pm.
Last chance! Como Zoo & Conservatory Spring Flower Show
The bright blooms of spring close after May 1, then take a short break to prepare for summer. A trip to the indoor conservatory is warm, relaxing and educational. You can always add on a visit to the animals! Remember, reservations are currently required but admission is always FREE.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES – APRIL 30-May 1, 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.
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.