Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of August 1-5, 2022. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE. Because the parents that make up the FFTC Team are always dreaming up ways to make life easier to manage with kids, we’ve organized our summer event information by region of the Twin Cities metro area – we’ve got you covered no matter your corner!
- JUMP TO MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL SUMMER EVENTS
- JUMP TO TWIN CITIES NORTHWEST METRO SUMMER EVENTS
- JUMP TO TWIN CITIES NORTHEAST METRO SUMMER EVENTS
- JUMP TO TWIN CITIES SOUTHWEST METRO SUMMER EVENTS
- JUMP TO TWIN CITIES SOUTHEAST METRO SUMMER EVENTS
As always, you can check our AUGUST FAMILY GUIDE, the ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUMMER 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, August 1, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN Swims ON MONDAY:
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- BUNKER BEACH WATER PARK (9:15-10:15am, $5/child plus $6 vehicle fee)
- EAGAN: CASCADE BAY (9:30-10:30am, $6/child)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $9-$11/pp)
- SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $5/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
Awesome Twin Cities Splash Pads
What better way for littles to cool off than a classic splash pad with sprinklers, sprayers and buckets of water to dodge (nor not!)? This week we travel near to the heart of Minneapolis-St Paul to feature the tidy and colorful splash pad at EMERALD PARK in St Anthony Village. But if that’s out of your neighborhood, you’re bound to find an alternative on our huge list of the 40 BEST SPLASH PADS & WADING POOLS IN THE TWIN CITIES.
More fun things to do on Monday:
Discover a nature playground
We get such a deep satisfaction from watching our kids play in a more natural setting: digging, figuring out how to climb that tree, following paths, building forts. Have you heard of DISCOVERY HOLLOW NATURE PLAY AREA within the grounds of TAMARACK NATURE CENTER? Newly updated in 2020, this spot all but guarantees hours of entertainment. It contains all the classic elements of nitty-gritty outdoor play: sand, water, mud, natural building materials, a garden to tend and, though engineered, a beautiful cliff of rocks to climb. Prepare to invest hours, pack snacks and bring your swimsuits! FREE admission! 5287 Otter Lake Road, White Bear Township, MN 55110.
Find more incredible twin Cities nature-based playgrounds.
Twin Cities community ice cream socials on Monday:
HAZEL PARK ICE CREAM MONDAYS
945 N Hazel St, St Paul, MN 55119
Treat yourself to dollar banana splits at the park each Monday. August 1, 2022, 6-7pm.
BATTLE CREEK ICE CREAM DAYS
75 Winthrop St S, St Paul, MN 55119
Outdoor games and $1 ice cream most Mondays thru August. August 1, 2022, 6-7pm.
WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM! FIND OUR CALENDAR OF TWIN CITIES ICE CREAM SOCIALS FOR SUMMER 2022.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE PUPPET WAGON IN THE TWIN CITIES ON MONDAY?
EAGAN SPARK! MOBILE PUPPET WAGON
- O’LEARY PARK – 3501 Lexington Avenue, Eagan MN, 3:30pm.
- WESCOTT LIBRARY – 1340 Wescott Road, Eagan, Minnesota, 6pm.
Note: Wescott Library has informed us that “we no longer have Smart Play Spots from the MN Children’s Museum, but we do have play areas in our children’s area.”
Golden Valley Puppet Wagon
Golden Valley’s Puppet Wagon hits parks on Monday and Tuesdays, summer 2022. July 25, 2022, 11:15am. Schedule: Glenview Terrace Park, 9:45am; Scheid Park, 10:30; Lions Park, 11:15am
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, August 2, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN SWIMS ON TUESDAY:
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- EAGAN: CASCADE BAY (9:30-10:30am, $6/child)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $9-$11/pp)
- SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $5/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
- ST PAUL: BATTLE CREEK WATERWORKS (10-11am, $2.50/pp)
Today is National Picnic Day!
Summer in Minnesota is just about the only time we feel confident enough about the weather to change up our dinner plans at the last minute and throw a picnic dinner into the cooler. Most often, the menu doesn’t get any fancier past the current contents of the fridge, but the food is usually forgotten in the excitement of finding a great setting. Live in the Minneapolis area? We have some ideas in our roundup of 10 PLACES FOR THE PERFECT PICNIC – OR continue below for ideas for National Night Out (the ultimate summer picnic?)
National Night out
Night to Unite, National Night Out, America’s night out or good excuse for a block party – call it what you will. Communities across the Twin Cities Metro participate in this nation-wide program to strengthen neighborhood spirit, police-community partnerships, and crime awareness prevention. You can find our complete listing of links and events HERE.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE PUPPET WAGON IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY?
EAGAN SPARK! MOBILE PUPPET WAGON
- WOODHAVEN PARK – 3935 Beryl Road, Eagan MN, 10:30am
- EAGAN CENTRAL PARK – 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan MN, 11:45am
Golden Valley Puppet Wagon
Golden Valley’s Puppet Wagon hits parks on Monday and Tuesdays, summer 2022. Lions Park, 9:45am; Hampshire Park, 10:30am; North Wesley Park, 11:15am.
ROSEVILLE PUPPET WAGON
Puppet shows in the park are about 15-20 minutes in length. Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon!
- OASIS PARK – 1700 County Road C2 West, 9:30am
- VILLA PARK – 2055 Cohansey Boulevard, Roseville MN, 10:30am
- LEXINGTON PARK – 2131 Lexington Avenue North, Roseville MN, 11:30am
Fun in Twin Cities Parks ON TUESDAY
FREE TUESDAY AT WASHINGTON COUNTY PARKS
Explore Washington County Parks free on the first Tuesday of every month (non-holiday). No vehicle permit required. Find a listing of parks here. This might be the perfect day to visit LAKE ELMO PARK RESERVE SWIM POND for free! The chlorinated pond has a sand bottom and beach. August 2, 2022.
STILLWATER Summer Tuesdays
101 Water Street S., Stillwater, MN 55082
Summer movies will be held Tuesdays in LOWELL PARK. The outdoor market opens at 5pm with lots of fun things to do and live concert from 6-8pm. Movie begin 10 minutes after sunset. Screening tonight is Encanto. August 2, 2022.
MORE FAMILY FUN IN STILLWATER! Check our brand new list of the the BEST THINGS TO DO WITH STILLWATER WITH KIDS THIS SUMMER!
GET OUR COMPLETE CALENDARS TO MUSIC, MOVIES AND MORE KID-FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT IN TWIN CITIES PARKS!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, August 3, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN SWIMS ON WEDNESDAY:
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- BUNKER BEACH WATER PARK (9:15-10:15am, $5/child plus $6 vehicle fee)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $9-$11/pp)
- SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $5/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
TWIN CITIES COMMUNITY ICE CREAM SOCIALS ON WEDNESDAY:
HAZEL PARK ICE CREAM WEDNESDAYS
945 N Hazel St, St Paul, MN 55119
Treat yourself to dollar build-your-own sundaes at the park each Wednesday. August 3, 2022, 6-7pm.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE PUPPET WAGON IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY?
ROSEVILLE PUPPET WAGON
- ACORN PARK – 286 County Rd C West, Roseville, MN 55113, 9:30am
- CENTRAL PARK VICTORIA WEST – 2495 Victoria St. North, Roseville MN, 10:30am
- AUTUMN GROVE PARK – 1365 Lydia Avenue West, Roseville MN, 11:30am
EAGAN PUPPET SHOWS IN THE PARK
- TRAPP FARM PARK – 841 Wilderness Run Rd, Eagan, MN 55123, 10am
- RIVER HILLS EAST PARK – 4343 Metcalf Drive, Eagan MN, 11:15am
Want to get out and play in Eagan parks this summer? Try starting with our list of the best: Eagan Family Fun: The Best Parks in Eagan to Explore This Summer.
WOODBURY PUPPET WAGON
- SUMMIT POINTE PARK – 1599 Interlachen Parkway, Woodbury, MN, 9am
- STONEMILL FARMS PARK – 11500 Sawmill Curve, Woodbury, MN, 9:30am
- DANCING WATERS PARK
- POWERS LAKE PARK – 10000 Brookview Road, Woodbury, MN, 10:30am
- EVERGREEN WEST PARK – 1033 Tamberwood Trail, Woodbury, MN, 11am
Live Music, Movies & Entertainment ON WEDNESDAY:
Where can you find all the tunes, outdoor movies and other entertainment for families in the Twin Cities? Here’s our quick lists in parks across the Minneapolis- St Paul metro area tonight – pack your family a picnic, throw some camp chairs or a blanket in the trunk and enjoy a free outdoor concert at the following:
- CENTENNIAL LAKES PARK (Edina, 7pm. Rent a paddleboat and cruise the canals.)
- EAGAN MARKET FEST (4-8pm – bring swimsuits for the splash pad)
- HYLAND HILLS (Bloomington, outdoor concert at 7pm. Bring the kids to the huge HYLAND PLAY AREA before the show.)
- OPEN EYE FIGURE THEATER (Free puppet show at St. Peder’s Church
4600 E 42nd street Minneapolis, MN 55417-1561) - SHOREVIEW COMMONS (Don’t miss the brand new destination playground! 7pm.)
- SILVERWOOD ONSTAGE (Silverwood Park, St Anthony, 6:30pm)
- THE COMMONS, MINNEAPOLIS (In the Heights, 9pm)
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, August 4, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN SWIMS ON THURSDAY:
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- BUNKER BEACH WATER PARK (9:15-10:15am, $5/child plus $6 vehicle fee)
- EAGAN: CASCADE BAY (9:30-10:30am, $6/child)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $9-$11/pp)
- SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $5/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
TWIN CITIES COMMUNITY ICE CREAM SOCIALS ON THURSDAY:
HAZEL PARK ICE CREAM THURSDAYS
945 N Hazel St, St Paul, MN 55119
Treat yourself to a dollar surprise ice cream treat at the park each Thursday. August 4, 2022, 6-7pm.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE PUPPET WAGON IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY?
ROSEVILLE PUPPET WAGON
- OWASSO PARK – 593 Owasso Hills Drive, Roseville MN, 9:30am
- ROSEBROOK PARK – 2590 Fry Street, Roseville MN, 10:30am
- LAUDERDALE PARK – 2328 Roselawn Ave W, Lauderdale, MN, 55113, 11:30am
EAGAN SPARK! PUPPET SHOWS IN THE PARK
Puppets and live musical performances in Eagan parks.
- MOONSHINE PARK – 1317 Jurdy Road, Eagan MN, 10am
- BRIDLE RIDGE PARK – 3990 Elrene Rd, Eagan, MN 55123, 11:15am
- EAGAN ART HOUSE – 3981 Lexington Avenue South, Eagan, MN, 6:15pm
Want to get out and enjoy Eagan parks this summer? Start with our list of the BEST PARKS TO EXPLORE IN EAGAN, MINNESOTA. You’ll choose from destinations that include a splash pad, nature playground, challenge course, bike park, sculpture garden and more!
WOODBURY PUPPET WAGON
- RIDGE PARK – 3525 Parkers Drive, Woodbury, MN, 9am
- PIONEER PARK – 2670 Wimbledon Drive, Woodbury, MN, 9:30am
- TIMBERLEA PARK – Timberlea Park, Boulder Ridge Road, Woodbury, MN, 10am
- FAIRWAY MEADOWS PARK – 2240 Woodcrest Drive, Woodbury, MN, 10:30am
- COLBY LAKE PARK – 9715 Valley Creek Road, Woodbury, MN, 11am
More fun in twin cities parks on thursday:
EXPLORATOTS AT Phalen Regional PARK
1600 Phalen Dr, St Paul, MN 55106
The program consists of themed activity stations, a story, hike and a take-home activity. Must register in advance at the link – these slots fill fast. If you don’t get a spot, the park also has a great beach and splash pad to make a day of it. August 4, 2022, 10am, FREE.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EXPLORATOTS PROGRAM IN ST PAUL PARKS!
GARDEN STORYTIME AT ELOISE BUTLER WILDFLOWER GARDEN
1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405
A naturalist hosts a different nature themed story each week within the Garden followed by an activity. Meet just outside the Visitor Shelter. Bring a blanket to sit on. August 4, 2022, 10am, FREE.
THURSDAY ROCKIN’ LUNCH HOUR: Bob the Beachcomber
Nicollet Commons Park, 12550 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville, MN 55337
High-energy kids performances located at the loveliest urban water feature you’ll find in the Twin Cities. Some might call it a landscaped splashpad. August 4, 2022, 12pm.
TWIN CITIES RIVER RATS WATERSKI SHOWS
West River Road, Minneapolis
Amazing free waterski tricks to amuse you Thursday evenings on the Mississippi River. Make sure to bring your own seating (get there early for the best viewing) and consider bringing a picnic dinner as well. Ongoing Thursdays in August 2022, 6:30pm.
More family fun ideas for Thursday in the twin cities:
MEET A MERMAID AT SEALIFE, MALL OF AMERICA
FFTC’s very own mama Joy and her daughter were so excited to come face-to-fin with a real mermaid during this limited time event. You can get all the details of their trip to Sea Life at the link. 9:30a-2:30p on Thursdays and Fridays, Sundays and Mondays from July 14 to August 5, 2022. A special event ticket is required, see the link to secure yours.
Big Trucks & Cool Stuff Touch-a-Truck Event
Public Works Yard, 11955 Champlin Drive, Champlin, MN 55316
Get up close and personal with the Public Works vehicles. Sit in a plow truck, front end loader, one-ton, water truck, tandem axel and more! This free community event is open to all ages. The Public Works Yard is located behind City Hall. Park at the Ice Forum. August 4, 2022, 4pm-7pm.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, August 5, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN SWIMS ON FRIDAY:
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- EAGAN: CASCADE BAY (9:30-10:30am, $6/child)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $9-$11/pp)
- SHAKOPEE: SANDVENTURE AQUATIC PARK (9:15-10:45am, $5/child)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
FEATURED TWIN CITIES COMMUNITY FESTIVALs:
ST ANTHONY VILLAGEFEST
Friday evening fun: Catch the classic car show and the Villagefest Parade down St Anthony Blvd at 7pm Saturday, the festival continues with inflatables & games and family entertainment in the park. August 5, 2022.
UPTOWN ART FAIR
Intersection of West Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue – shop art vendors and pick out lunch from one of the many local food stands. August 5, 2022.
Plan ahead for more August festivals in the Twin cities – savor summer before it’s done!
WHERE CAN I FIND THE PUPPET WAGON IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY?
ROSEMOUNT PUPPETS IN THE PARK
- CAMFIELD PARK – 14795 Canada Ave W, Rosemount, MN 55068, 9:30am
- CONNEMARA PARK – 13930 Connemara Trail , Rosemount, MN 55068, 10:15am
- AILESBURY PARK – 14238 Ailesbury Ave Rosemount, MN 55068, 11am
- JAYCEE PARK – 15425 Shannon Parkway Rosemount, MN 55068, 11:45am
More family fun ideas for Friday in the Twin Cities:
Try a new outdoor mini golf course
We loved it as kids and we love passing it onto our own kids in classic summer style. There are more than a dozen mini golf courses to choose from on our LIST OF THE BEST IN THE TWIN CITIES. If you have a favorite round of holes we’ve missed, please reach out! This week feature the whimsical BIG STONE MINI GOLF out of Minnetrista. It’s a haul from our home in St Paul but worth it!
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, August 6-7, 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 OUTDOOR PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES
Here at FFTC we’re up to our ears covering more than 800 TWIN CITIES PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS in our Parks Directory. Or, to get just a taste of the best, head over to our round up of the TOP PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES TO TRY THIS SUMMER.
THE BEST TWIN CITIES OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOLS, WATER PARKS & SPLASH PADS
TWIN CITIES-AREA LIBRARY SUMMER 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:
TWIN CITIES NATURE CENTERS AND NATURE PLAY
Summer is an exciting time to visit a Twin Cities area nature center, fresh with the promise of a new season and programming. 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.
Come one, Come all for carnival games, puppet shows, face painting, hayrides, popcorn and beverages! This is a family-friendly event.
Activities will range from 10 ‐ 50 cents, so bring your change for an afternoon of fun! ($5 punch passes can be purchased at the event﴿. No need to sign up in advance.
1 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at Commons Park.