Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of August 14-28, 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!
- 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!)
GET PLANNING FOR THE MINNESOTA STATE FAIR!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON MONDAY, AUGUST 14, 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!
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- EAGAN: CASCADE BAY (9:30-10:30am, $6/child, 1 adult free per child)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $10-$11/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
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. 1360 Civic Center Dr, Eagan, MN 55122.
Or keep it simple with a free splash pad…
What better way for littles to cool off than a cute splash pad with animal sprinklers? This week we travel to SHAKOPEE LIONS PARK. New in 2019, this inclusive splash pad is located near the new Fun For All Playground at Lions Park. Daily 10am-8pm. 1103 Adams St S, Shakopee, MN 55379.
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.
Monday entertainment in the parks:
FINAL WEEK! Bloomington Monday Morning Kids Series
It’s the last call for this kids summer series. Today features a show by ACME Magic Factory. August 14, 2023. 10:30-11:30am.
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 the nature-based play area at SPRINGBROOK NATURE CENTER in Fridley? Kids will love the sandy play space where they can pump their own water. Dress accordingly and be sure to explore the indoor exhibits at the nature center. 100 85th Ave NW, Fridley, MN 55432.
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. August 7, 2023, 6-7pm.
WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM! FIND OUR CALENDAR OF TWIN CITIES ICE CREAM SOCIALS FOR SUMMER 2023.
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 Mpls-St Paul south metro: GOOD TIMES PARK in Eagan gives that outdoorsy feeling with its jungle gyms, unwalled pillow jumper, basketball court and plenty of open turf for family games. A one-day pass is $10.95+tax per child under 18 (under 1 year play free). 3265 Northwood Circle, #100, Eagan, MN 55121.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2023
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)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
- ST PAUL: BATTLE CREEK WATERWORKS (10-11am, $2.50/pp)
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.
Try a free wading pool or beach in the Twin Cities
Don’t want to commit to a full day at an outdoor swimming pool or waterpark and set aside money for admission? Try one of the FREE WADING POOLS scattered around Minneapolis or one of the completely FREE PUBLIC BEACHES maintained on lakes all across the Twin Cities metro area. Fit in that swim time before the season closes for another year! Today we’re traveling to the south metro to high Chaska’s CLAYHOLE SWIM BEACH. There’s lots to do and see here besides the sublime summer swim: rent a paddleboat or board, splash about in the interactive water fountains (plus they light up at night!), or grab a cone at the Clayhole Concessions. Firemen’s Park, 3210 Chaska Blvd, Chaska, MN 55318.
Tuesday entertainment in the parks:
MORNING: Centennial Lakes Summer Concerts
Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Avenue South, Edina, MN 55435
Centennial Lakes Park is a haven for FREE summer entertainment. Wendy’s Wiggle, Jiggle and Jam performs today. BONUS FUN: There is so much to explore at Centennial Lakes Park from paddle boats to lawn games to tiny model yachts that zip around the canals. August 15, 2023, 11am. FREE.
EVENING: FINAL WEEK! Stillwater Summer Tuesdays
101 Water Street S., Stillwater, MN 55082
Summer movies are 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. Final summer screening tonight is The Super Mario Brothers Movie. August 15, 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?
FINAL WEEK! 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
Get out and play in Roseville parks this summer! We did just that and, with the help of the kids on our team, came up with the 10 BEST PARKS IN ROSEVILLE TO EXPLORE. Hold onto summer while you can!
Fun in Twin Cities parks on Tuesday
This is just a sampling of all that’s going on at Twin Cities parks this week! We cover every corner of the metro in our COMPLETE CALENDARS TO MUSIC, MOVIES AND MORE KID-FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT IN TWIN CITIES PARKS.
FINAL WEEK! Kidstock at Staring Lake Park
Free family entertainment – the wrap-up concert features fan favorites the Teddy Bear Band. There’s also a great playground next to the amphitheater. Staring Lake Amphitheater, August 15, 2023. 10:30am. 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347.
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 again hosts its 2023 Summer Kids Matinees. $1.00 general admission seats. Please check their website before heading out as movie times are subject to change. Sing 2 screens the week of August 14-18, 2023.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2023
Tot Time Open Swims on Wednesday:
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $10-$11/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
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: FINAL WEEK! St Louis Park Kids Summer Concert Series
Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive, Saint Louis Park, MN
Special kid-friendly entertainment in the park – this is the final show of the summer. Today’s performer is Kids Power with Rachael. August 16, 2023, 10-11am. FREE.
QUICK! WHAT ELSE CAN I DO IN ST LOUIS PARK THIS AFTERNOON? A better question may be, what CAN’T you do? Just a ten minute drive or less from WOLFE PARK are these fun family destinations:
- WESTWOOD HILLS NATURE CENTER: Families can borrow a backpack stocked with nature activities, investigation tools, books and ideas for art projects. Each pack has a different nature theme. Explore both indoor and outdoor exhibits and follow the Trail of Small Wonders to view all the hidden fairy houses. 8300 W Franklin Ave, St Louis Park, MN 55426.
- BAKKEN MUSEUM: Interesting exhibits all about electricity that cater to youth and families. $7-$13/pp. 3537 Zenith Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55416.
- COMO-HARRIET STREETCAR LINE: Take a retro ride on a real, historic streetcar! 1-4pm only. $3/ride. 2330 W 42nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410.
- BDE MAKA SKA BEACHES: Sandy beaches can be found on the lake’s south side (THOMAS BEACH), east side (32ND STREET BEACH) & north side (NORTH BEACH). The first two are guarded and all are free.
EVENING: Live music, movies & entertainment
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 – The Jolly Pops (Edina, 6pm kids special night. Rent a paddleboat and cruise the canals.)
- EAGAN MARKET FEST (4-8pm – bring swimsuits for the splash pad)
- SILVERWOOD ONSTAGE (Silverwood Park, St Anthony, 6:30pm)
Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Wednesday?
FINAL WEEK! 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
Explore a new park or playground on Wednesday
Vista View Park, Burnsville: Fire truck pop-up splash pad
1438 Burnsville Pkwy W Burnsville MN 55337
Burnsville’s Fire and Recreation departments are hosting an epic splash pad in the park. August 16, 2023, 5-6pm. FREE.
Lion John Weicht Park, Elk River: Popsicles with Public Safety
1104 Lions Park Dr, Elk River, MN 55330
Besides the opportunity to explore public safety vehicles, kids can meet a K-9 officer, have a Child Safe ID kit created, meet police officers and firefighters and get a free popsicle. August 16, 2023, 5–8 pm. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Need some AC today?
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 the adults! August 16, 2023, 10am-12pm. $10-$13/pp or $35/family pack.
WHERE ELSE CAN I BRING A KID WHO LOVES TRAINS IN THE TWIN CITIES?
Games Galore at Union Depot
214 4th St E, St Paul, MN 55101
This is a great indoor activity – play giant-size versions of favorite games like chess, checkers, Connect Four, Dominoes, Jenga and more. Plus, the historic depot is great for train lovers to explore! August 16, 2023, 10am-8pm. FREE!
Historic Wayzata Train Depot Museum
Got a little (or big) train lover in the family? Head out to the HISTORIC WAYZATA TRAIN DEPOT MUSEUM. My kids loved the hands-on exhibits inside and the sweet model train layout outdoors. Open weekends & Wednesdays from 12-4pm with free admission.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 2023
Tot Time Open Swims on Thursday:
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- BUNKER BEACH WATERPARK TOT TIME (9:15-10:15am, $5/child, adults free)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $10-$11/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
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:
FINAL EVENT! Thursday Rockin Lunch Hour
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 17, 2023, 12pm.
EVENING: Family Concerts at Eidem Farm
Historic Eidem Farm, 4345 101st Ave North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Bring a picnic! Live kid-friendly in a down-home farm setting. Tonight’s performers are Sticks & Tones. Music starts at 6pm. August 17, 2023. FREE!
Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Thursday?
FINAL DAY! 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
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 17, 2023, 10am, FREE.
Lil’ Explorer Thursday at Como Zoo
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
The beloved (at least by my family) preschool program offers weekly themed activities to the 4-and-under set. Think sand tables, sponge painting, worm digs and storytimes. August 17, 2023, 10am-12pm.
Featured Twin Cities community festival
Plymouth Kids Fest
Hilde Performance Center, 3500 Plymouth Blvd, Plymouth, Minnesota 55447
Take in a classic summer carnival with inflatables, games, a petting zoo, STEM and art zones and lots more.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023
Tot Time Open Swims on Friday:
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $10-$11/pp)
- SHAKOPEE: SANDVENTURE AQUATIC PARK (9:15-10:45am, $5/child)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
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.
Or make it a full beach day…
Don’t want to commit to a full day at an outdoor swimming pool or waterpark and set aside money for admission? Try one of the lovely PUBLIC BEACHES maintained on lakes all across the Twin Cities metro area. Fit in that swim time before the season closes for another year! Today we’re highlighting SQUARE LAKE PARK BEACH near Stillwater. The lake water is exceptionally clean and clear for swimming. The park doesn’t feature playground equipment, but a 15-minute side trip into downtown Stillwater is worth it to discover TEDDY BEAR PARK (207 Nelson St E, Stillwater). My kids were particularly fond of the “cliff jumping” opportunities and cuddling up on the lap of a giant granite teddy.
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 we feature the quirky course at GREEN LAGOON GOLF in Chisago City. The obstacles include props such as outhouses, a chicken coop, a windmill and wishing well. My teens and tweens played through the miniature golf course and went on to have a lot of fun plowing through a bucket of golf balls on the driving range. Admission is $5/18 holes or $7.50/unlimited mini golf. 8640 Green Lake Trail, Chisago City, MN 55013.
Free Summer Movies!
The days where we can stay out later may be numbered, but there’s still time to pack a blanket and snacks and settle in for a movie in the park. What’s screening this Friday?
FEATURED FLICK: Movie Night at Minnetonka Orchard
6530 County Road 26, Minnetrista, MN 55364
Kids & adults alike love The Goonies – here’s your chance to watch it free, outdoors and on the big screen at Minnetonka Orchard. Snacks, treats and adult beverages available for purchase. Bring your own seating. August 18, 2023, 7pm. FREE.
- CENTENNIAL LAKE PARK, EDINA: Strange World, dusk.
- LEVEE PARK, HASTINGS: DC League of Super-Pets, activities 7:30, movie at 8:30pm.
- TOWN GREEN PARK, MAPLE GROVE: The Incredibles 2, dusk
- STARING LAKE AMPHITHEATER, EDEN PRAIRIE: Puss In Boots: The Last Wish, 9pm.
Featured Twin Cities community festivals
Lino Lakes Blue Heron Days
Friday fun events include: free open swim with waterslide at the Rookery pool (12-8pm), chalk art contest, free inflatables and pony rides, a touch-a-truck event, games and a free movie in the Rookery gym (7pm). August 18, 2023.
Mounds View Festival in the Park
2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112
Friday highlight is a Family Fun Splash Party at the City Hall Park splash pad. August 18, 7pm. FREE.
Woodbury Days
Friday features live music, classic carnival rides and more kids activities. August 18, 2023.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, AUGUST 19-20, 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.
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.