Twin Cities Guide to Family Activities This Week: April 3-7, 2023

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL WITH YOUR KIDS!

This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of April 3-7, 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!)

Get your baskets ready for the hunt! As we get closer to Easter here in the Minneapolis-St Paul area we’ll be covering egg hunts and other fun Easter events in our weekly guide and over on our HUGE list of EASTER EGG HUNTS IN THE TWIN CITIES.

Easter egg hunts & activities in the Twin cities

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 2023 GUIDE TO SPRING BREAK IN THE TWIN CITIES.

Spring Break in the Twin CIties

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2023 

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

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!

MONDAY FEATURED TOT TIME! TOT TIMES AT ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS

It’s fun, unstructured, nearly always free and a total sanity-saver during our cold months. I used it routinely when my firstborn was a toddler. He thrived on the small bikes, balls, tumbling mats and other provided equipment for free physical play. The following St Paul recreation centers have tot times on Monday mornings this spring:

Indoor Toddler Activities

TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON MONDAY:

MONDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: STORYTIME ON THE TRAILS AT DODGE NATURE CENTER

Dodge Nature Center, 365 Marie Ave W, West St Paul, MN 55118
Follow a self-guided story trail through the woods and around the boardwalk segment of the nature center property. Thru April 9, 2023, dawn to dusk. FREE.

Did you know? DODGE NATURE CENTER is the setting of a working farm in the city. There is no charge to wander the trails and maybe get a glimpse of the animals. If interest in piqued and you’d like to return for a farm tour, you can start planning with our Where To Find the Minnesota Farm Babies article.

Collage of spring farm baby event at Dodge Nature Center in South St. Paul, Minnesota

MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR MONDAY:

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2023

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

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 still too chilly or sloppy to be outdoors this spring:

TUESDAY FEATURED TOT TIME! BLAST AND PLAY

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. April 4, 2023, 9am-12pm. $5/child.

FIND OUR GIANT LIST OF SUPER FUN INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES WHEN IT’S NOT QUITE PARK WEATHER!

The Blast Indoor Playground at Eagan Central Park, Eagan Minnesota

TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON TUESDAY:

TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: FAMILY STORYTIME AT COTTAGE GROVE RAVINE REGIONAL PARK

9653 Keats Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
A special outdoor storytime at the park that coincides with Free First Tuesday in Washington County Parks. Indoor craft or activity to follow. Dress for the elements, however in the case of extreme weather, stories will be inside Ravine Landing. April 4, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.

TWIN CITIES EASTER EGG HUNTS & ACTIVITIES

Hop Along the Bunny Trail

East Phillips Park2399 17th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Follow the bunny trail to spot bunnies hidden at this fun event, then decorate your bunny before taking it home. For ages 5-17. April 4, 2023, 5pm-6:30pm. FREE. 

MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR TUESDAY:

Open Rock Climbing at Base Camp

6202 Bloomington Rd, St Paul, MN 55111
Open rock climbing is available on climbing walls inspired by the natural rock face of the St. Croix River bluffs near Taylors Falls. There are 16 routes to try between 24 and 32 feet high. It is required that youth are accompanied by an adult who is able to belay for them at the climbing wall. Open archery is available too. Register at the link. April 4, 2023, 6-9pm. $10/participant (adult spotters free).

Rock Climbers receiving instruction at Base Camp in Bloomington Minnesota

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

TOT TIME OPEN GYMS ON WEDNESDAY:

WEDNESDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM! 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 5, 2023. Preschool open gym: Wednesdays & Fridays: 9:30 – 11:30am. Pre-register: $10/child; $15/family ($13/$20 at the door).

Collage of Preschool Open Gym at Gleason's Gymnastics School in Minnesota

TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON WEDNESDAY:

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 5, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.

MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR WEDNESDAY:

SPRING BREAK SCIENCE STUDIO AT BAKKEN MUSEUM

Bakken Museum, 3537 Zenith Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55416
Join The Bakken Museum for Spring Break with special weekday Science Studio activities. See all the “hair-raising” fun Joy’s family had on their visit? Kids love all the fun, hands-on exhibits and they’re invited to tinker as much as they wish.
 Tuesday-Friday, April 4-7, 2023; 10am-4pm.

Education at Bakken
Learning About Electricity at Bakken Museum

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 5, 2023, 10am-12pm. $10-$13/pp or $35/family pack.

WHERE ELSE CAN I BRING A KID WHO LOVES TRAINS IN THE TWIN CITIES?
Girl by train car at the Minnesota Transportation Museum in Saint Paul, MN
Minnesota Transportation Museum – Jackson Street Roundhouse

TAKE-AND-MAKE KITS AT MOUNDS VIEW LIBRARY

2576 Mounds View Blvd, Mounds View, MN 55112
Two age-appropriate activity kits to choose from and TAKE HOME to complete at your leisure. (Of course, we encourage you to stay and explore the library, too.) Pre-K kids can pick up a bug fossil kit while kids ages 5+ might enjoy taking home supplies to make spring pipe cleaner flower cards. April 5, 2023, all day.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023 

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

TOT TIME OPEN GYMS ON THURSDAYS:

THURSDAY FEATURED TOT TIME! TCO SPORTS GARDEN TODDLER THURSDAYS

Little ones with energy to spare: Come to Field 2 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. April 6, 2023, 9:30-11:30am. FREE!

TCO Sports Garden sign on the front of the new sports complex.

TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON THURSDAY:

 

TWIN CITIES EASTER EGG HUNTS & ACTIVITIES

Mr Bunny Storytime at Bayport Library

582 4th St N, Bayport, MN 55003
A special spring storytime followed by the chance to meet with a VIP bunny. For kids ages birth-5. April 6, 2023, 10:30-11:15am. FREE.

Merriam Park Dusk Egg Hunt

Merriam Park Recreation Center, 2000 St. Anthony, Saint Paul, MN, 55104
Families are invited to play games, make crafts, and enjoy activities! Dress for the elements because the egg hunt is out in the park. April 6, 2023, 6pm-8pm. FREE.

More Twin Cities Metro Egg Hunts

It is ON this weekend when it comes to Easter egg hunts! We have dozens and dozens worth on our giant list of MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL AREA EASTER EGG HUNTS & EVENTS. Get planning to find a hunt near you.

Easter egg hunts & activities in the Twin cities

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2023

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

TOT TIME OPEN GYMS ON FRIDAY:

TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON FRIDAY:

TWIN CITIES EASTER EGG HUNTS & ACTIVITIES

Webber Park Egg Hunt

Webber Park, 4400 Dupont Ave North, Minneapolis, MN, US 55419
Visitors will collect eggs, design their own eggs, create arts and crafts and play games. All ages, drop-in event. April 7, 2023, 5pm-7pm. FREE.

MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR FRIDAY: NATURE PLAY

Puppet Storytime at Westwood Hills Nature Center

8300 W Franklin Ave, St Louis Park, MN 55426
Open play and exploration of 
WESTWOOD NATURE CENTER, naturalist-led activities, puppet show and a hike themed on April showers. April 7, 2023. 10am-11am, $$5/person. Registration required.

Forever Wild Family Friday: Animal Crafts 

Thompson County Park, Dakota Lodge. 1200 Stassen Ln, West St Paul, MN 55118
Make animal inspired crafts then warm up at a bonfire with smores. Meet at the visitor center. April 7, 2023, 6-7:30pm

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, even April weather in Minnesota can be fickle. Good thing these interpretive venues can be nearly as fun indoors as out.

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:

Oplen Play, Gym & Swim Spots for Tots in the Twin Cities, Minnesota - Family Fun Twin Cities

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:

101 Twin Cities Libraries - Mapped

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.

Indoor Playgrounds in the Twin Cities, Minnesota - Child Playing in a Ball Pit

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

BROWSE OUR BIG LIST OF TWIN CITIES MUSEUMS TO VISIT WITH KIDS!

Giant Minnesota Post Card displayed at the Minnesota History Center in Saint Paul.

Got an event you’re excited to share? Find our submission form and guidelines here.

FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES – APRIL 9-10, 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.

children in a family bike ride

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