Twin Cities Guide to Family Activities This Week: July 31-August 4, 2023

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Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!

This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of July 31-August 4, 2023. 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!

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, JULY 31, 2023

Tot Time Open Swims on Monday:

Make sure to note for tot swims that each pool sets their own age limit to participate. These typically range from kids under 5-8 years of age so you’ll want to hit the link for details before heading out to swim. Also note that not each venue offers a discounted admission rate – but many do!

FEATURED TOT TIME SWIM: Pictured below is my little one enjoying some splashy time at Eagan’s CASCADE BAY before the big kids arrive at the pool.

Toddler at Cascade Bay's Little Mates Tot Swim
Cascade Bay, Eagan

Or keep it simple with a free splash pad…

In case it’s a cooker this week, 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 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. 3925 MacAlaster Dr NE, St Anthony, MN 55421.

Monday entertainment in the parks:

MORNING: Music Monday at Como Zoo

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
Members of the very family-friendly Jack Brass Band  parade through the zoo grounds and families are invited to join in. Just one reason among a dozen to spend a day at the zoo. July 31, 2023, 10am-1pm. FREE.
MORE FUN AT COMO: Take along our COMO PARK SUMMER CHECKLIST to max out on the family fun.

EVENING: Overdressed Duo Opera Under the Stars

Water Works Park, 333 S 1st St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
A 90-minute, family-friendly concert featuring aria and ensemble hits from famous operas and music theater shows, featuring 3 or 4 opera singers and a pianist. July 31, 2023, 7pm. FREE.
BONUS FUN NEARBY: Water Works Park is just a jump from the beautiful Stone Arch Bridge – and a gateway for more family fun in the area. Explore with our list of 10 THINGS FOR KIDS: STONE ARCH BRIDGE.

Three girls looking through a view scope on the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
 
REMEMBER! This is just one suggestion of dozens featured in our collective summer concert schedule. You can get the entire Monday-Friday musical entertainment lineup in FFTC’S 2023 GUIDE TO FREE SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE TWIN CITIES.
 

Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities 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 Superlicious Mondays

945 N Hazel St, St Paul, MN 55119
Treat yourself to dollar ice cream treats at the park each Monday. July 31, 2023, 6-7pm.

WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM! FIND OUR CALENDAR OF TWIN CITIES ICE CREAM SOCIALS FOR SUMMER 2023.
Kid-Friendly Theater - Kids standing by Open Eye Theare's Puppet Wagon

More family fun ideas for Monday: Need some AC today?

Try an indoor playground

Tired of sweating it out this summer at the local outdoor park? Give yourself a cool break and move indoors to a climate-controlled playground your kids will love to climb and scramble around in. We list more than 25 of these creative spaces to burn off energy around town on our TWIN CITIES INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS & PLAY AREAS GUIDE. Here’s an idea from the north metro: The K.U.B.E INDOOR PLAYGROUND in Plymouth brings backyard fun indoors with playhouses, ramps, spiral slide, towers with ladders and more. Best for ages 2-12. $6/child. Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Avenue North, Plymouth, MN 55447.

Kids Ultimate Backyard Experience (KUBE) in Plymouth, Minnesota
Image courtesy of City of Plymouth

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2023

Tot Time Open Swims on Tuesday:

FEATURED TOT TIME SWIM: You can’t beat the price (just $2.50!) of a tot swim at BATTLE CREEK WATERWORKS WATERPARK. Kids 5 & under can splash about in a more relaxed environment before the waterpark opens to all ages. If you choose to stay, individuals will need to pay an additional $4.50/pp. 2401 Upper Afton Rd E, Maplewood, MN 55119.

Battle Creek Waterworks Play Strucutre

Tuesday entertainment in the parks:

MORNING: Otsego Splash & Play Tuesdays

Otsego Prairie Park & Splash Pad, 13355 90th St NE, Otsego, MN 55330
FINAL EVENT OF SUMMER! Cool off in the park’s splash pad and enjoy a visit from the Raptor Center today. August 1, 2023, 10am. FREE.

EVENING: 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 Minions: Rise of Gru. August 1, 2023.

MORE FAMILY FUN IN STILLWATER! Check our brand new list of the the BEST THINGS TO DO WITH STILLWATER WITH KIDS THIS SUMMER!

Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Tuesday?

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 1, 2023. 

Toddler playing near Lake Elmo Swim Pond in Lake Elmo, Minnesota
Lake Elmo Park Reserve – Swim Beach

Today is National Picnic Day! (and National Night Out)

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?)

minneapolis picnics

National Night Out 2023

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 for safer cities. You can find our complete listing of links and events HERE.

Hayden Heights Ice Cream Social Night

1965 Hoyt Ave E, St Paul, MN 55119
A free ice cream treat and other fun activities in the park. August 1, 2023, 6-8pm. FREE.

More family fun ideas for Tuesday: Need some AC today?

Cheap movies at Riverview Theater

3800 42nd Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Our favorite retro local theater has announced its 2023 Summer Kids Matinees. $1.00 general admission seats. Please check their website before heading out as movie times are subject to change. Trolls World Tour screens the week of July 31, 2023.

FINAL WEEK! Marcus Theatres Summer Kids Dream – Free movies!

Shakopee, Elk River, Oakdale, Rosemount, Hastings & Shakopee locations
Free kids movies all summer long at participating Marcus Theatres. You do need to get an e-voucher prior to the show! Grab popcorn and drink specials for just $3 each plus tax. The final week screens Puss In Boots: The Last Wish. August 1-5, 2023.

Children watching movie at Nicollet Commons Park in Burnsville Minnesota: "Free Summer Movies"

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2023

Tot Time Open Swims on Wednesday:

FEATURED TOT TIME SWIM: How sweet and perfect for your youngster to splash around in is the pool at LORRAINE PARK in South St Paul? Simple, zero-entry depth and a super budget-friendly price of just $3/pp. Kids ages 4 & under only, please.

Wednesday entertainment in the parks & community:

MORNING: Shoreview Kidz Concerts in the Commons

Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, MN 55126
FINAL SHOW OF SUMMER! Cale the Juggler performs for kids today at 10am to end the kids concerts for the season. Bonus Fun: Have an indoor playdate at Tropical Adventures Indoor Playground or play outdoors as the awesome SHOREVIEW COMMONS destination playground. August 2, 2023. FREE.

Playground at Shoreview Commons Park

EVENING: Live Music, Movies & Entertainment 

Here’s our quick list 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 free concerts, outdoor movies and other entertainment for families in the Twin Cities:

Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Wednesday?

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!

More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Need some AC today?

Play, shop & eat at Ikea Twin Cities

8000 Ikea Way, Bloomington, MN 55425
After a couple years’ hiatus, IKEA Twin Cities has re-opened Smaland. Kids can check in to this fully-supervised play area for up to an hour for FREE between 12pm and 6pm daily while their adults can shop or just relax. (Tip: Join their Ikea Family program to get extra time for the kids and free coffee for the parents.) Then, when it’s time to chow, every Wednesday get two kids entrees free with purchase of adult entrée from the cafe.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2023

Tot Time Open Swims on Thursday:

FEATURED TOT TIME SWIM: Your chance to score lower-priced admission to BUNKER BEACH WATERPARK is during the Tot Swim from 9:15-10:15am. Pre-K admission: $5/swimmer, adults free.

Thursday entertainment in the parks & community:

MORNING: Thursday Rockin Lunch Hour – KidsDance

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 3, 2023, 12pm.

Kids dancing at a Rockin Lunch Hour Performance at Nicollet Commons Park in Burnsville, MN

EVENING: Family Concert at Eidem Farm 

4345 101st Ave North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Kid-friendly, free live music in a down-home farm setting: Mary Hall’s Show for Pipsqueeks performs tonight. Make sure to wander around and say hello to the animals. August 3, 2023, 6-7pm. FREE.

Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Thursday?

Nature play on Thursday:

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 3, 2023, 10am, FREE. 

More family fun ideas for Thursday:

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. August 3, 2023, 6:30pm.

Champlin Big Trucks & Cool Stuff Touch-a-Truck Event

Event: Public Works Yard, 11955 Champlin Drive, Champlin, MN 55316
Parking: Champlin Ice Forum, 12165 Ensign Ave N, 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, and more. August 3, 2023, 4pm-7pm. FREE.

Touch A Truck Calendar for the Twin Cities Minnesota Metro Area

More family fun ideas for Thursday: Need some AC today?

Red Balloon Bookshop Storytime

891 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105
Themed stories, songs, puppets and other preschool pleasures. Red Balloon also hosts many weekend family events celebrating local authors. Wednesday & Thursday mornings at 10:30am. Learn more here.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023

Tot Time Open Swims on Friday:

FEATURED TOT TIME SWIM: Kids ages 0-6 are welcome to swim in the zero-depth entry pool of SANDVENTURE AQUATIC PARK and play in the sand beach before the waterpark opens to the rest of the public. $5/pp. 1101 Adams St S, Shakopee, MN 55379.

Twisty Yellow Slide at Sandventure Aquatic Park, Shakopee Minnesota

Or make it a full beach day…

We can give you at least 26 reasons. They’re all neatly wrapped up in our GUIDE TO THE BEST BEACHES IN THE TWIN CITIES, thoughtfully organized by region of the Minneapolis-St Paul metro. Today we’re highlighting CARVER LAKE BEACH in Woodbury. The park includes a very family-friendly swimming beach along with a volleyball court, a picnic area, an accessible playground, a tricked-out bike park and a 5 1/2 mile bike trail (hilly in many spots).

Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Friday?

FINAL WEEK! 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

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 4, 2023.

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 4-6, 2023.

Plan ahead for more August festivals in the Twin cities – savor summer before it’s done!

August Festivals and Fairs in the Twin Cities Minnesota

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! $12-$14/pp cash or check only.

Girl admiring sculpture at Big Stone Mini Golf and Sculpture Garden in Minnesota
Big Stone Mini Golf and Sculpture Garden

FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, AUGUST 5-6, 2023

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

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.

10 Best Twin Cities Playgrounds

THE BEST TWIN CITIES OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOLS, WATER PARKS & SPLASH PADS

Click here for more water fun ideas.

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:

101 Twin Cities Libraries - Mapped

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

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.

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.

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