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.
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.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON MONDAY, APRIL 3, 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 (9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under)
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $3/child)
- FINAL MONDAY OF SPRING! MINNEAPOLIS PARKS – LOGAN RECREATION CENTER (Tiny Tot Indoor Playground, 10am-12pm, $4-$6/child, coffee and snacks included.)
- PLYMOUTH FIELD HOUSE (Open Play, 10:30am-1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $5-$7/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
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:
- EDGCUMBE REC CENTER, 320 Griggs St S, St Paul, MN 55105 (9:30am-noon)
- LINWOOD RECREATION CENTER, 860 St Clair Ave, St Paul, MN 55105 (11am-1pm)
- WEST MINNEHAHA REC CENTER, 685 W. Minnehaha Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55104
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON MONDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Victoria & Chanhassen library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Apple Valley Galaxie library.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Eden Prairie, Linden Hills, & 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), Mahtomedia (Wildwood), Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
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.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR MONDAY:
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2023
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:
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER (Blast & Play Tot Time, 9am-12pm. $5/child.)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- LINO LAKES ROOKERY (Tot Time, 9am-12pm, ages 1-10, $4)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS – AUDUBON & KENWOOD RECREATION CENTERS (Audubon, 9am-12pm, $10/whole season. Kenwood – 3:15-5:15pm. FREE.)
- SAVAGE SPORTS CENTER (Tot Time, 9-11:30am, $3/child)
- ST LOUIS PARK (Little Tot Playtime, 9:30-11:30am, ages 1-5, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
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!
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 & Minneapolis Northeast library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: New Prague library hosts Early Literacy class.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Arlington Hills, George Latimer, Highland Park, Merriam Park & St Anthony Park branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
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 Park, 2399 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).
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 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)
- 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)
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).
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON WEDNESDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnhaven, Heritage (Lakeville), South St Paul & Wentworth branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Brookdale, Linden Hills, Minneapolis North Regional & Washburn, Southdale, St Anthony & Westonka library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & North St Paul library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Rondo library branch.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
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.
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?
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 ON THURSDAYS:
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (6 & under, 9:30-11:30, $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! 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!
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON THURSDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Hastings Pleasant Hill, Inver Glen, Robert Trail, Wentworth & Wescott (Apple Valley) branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Oxboro, Penn Lake (Bloomington), Richfield Augsburg Park & Wayzata library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: Prior Lake & Shakopee library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer (St Paul) & Sun Ray library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Cottage Grove & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
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.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 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)
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON FRIDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Fantastic Friday at Norwood Young America library & storytime at Waconia branch.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Inver Glen, Lakeville Heritage & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie, Maple Plain, Minneapolis East Lake & North Regional, Ridgedale branch, St Louis Park & Walker 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.
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:
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.
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.
