Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of August 15-19, 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 15, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN Swims ON MONDAY:
Please note some final Tot Time swim dates this week!
- FINAL WEEK! BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- FINAL MONDAY! BUNKER BEACH WATER PARK (9:15-10:15am, $5/child plus $6 vehicle fee)
- EAGAN: CASCADE BAY (9:30-10:30am, $6/child)
- FINAL WEEK! RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $9-$11/pp)
- FINAL MONDAY! 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 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.
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 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:
FINAL WEEK! 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 15, 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 15, 2022, 6-7pm.
WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM! FIND OUR CALENDAR OF TWIN CITIES ICE CREAM SOCIALS FOR SUMMER 2022.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, August 16, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN SWIMS ON TUESDAY:
- FINAL WEEK! BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- EAGAN: CASCADE BAY (9:30-10:30am, $6/child)
- FINAL WEEK! RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $9-$11/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
- FINAL WEEK! ST PAUL: BATTLE CREEK WATERWORKS (10-11am, $2.50/pp)
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.
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 – a family band and harmonica lesson. There’s also a great playground next to the amphitheater. Staring Lake Amphitheater, August 9, 2022. 10:30am. 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347.
FINAL WEEK! TOUR DE REC IN WEST St PAUL
275 Westview Drive, West St. Paul, MN 55118 55120
Staff will set up activities and equipment for youth to enjoy: games, sports, arts, crafts, and more. If weather is questionable, please call 651-259-2671 to hear the status of the program. Program is for ages 6-12. August 16, 2022, 12:30-1:30pm, FREE.
OUTDOOR NATURE STORYTIME AT SUNFISH LAKE PARK
Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center, Sunfish Lake Park, Entry Road, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
The nature center is hosting an outdoor nature storytime featuring music and nature play recommended for ages 0-6. Plus, kids will enjoy the hands-on indoor exhibits and messy play area. August 16, 2022, 10:30-11. FREE. Learn more about things to do in SUNFISH LAKE PARK.
Nature play at Sally Manzara Interpretive Center
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, August 17, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN SWIMS ON WEDNESDAY:
- FINAL WEEK! BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- SEASON END DATE! BUNKER BEACH WATER PARK (9:15-10:15am, $5/child plus $6 vehicle fee)
- FINAL WEEK! RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $9-$11/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
TWIN CITIES COMMUNITY ICE CREAM SOCIALS ON WEDNESDAY:
FINAL EVENT OF THE SUMMER! HAZEL PARK ICE CREAM WEDNESDAYS
945 N Hazel St, St Paul, MN 55119
Treat yourself to dollar build-your-own sundaes at the park – final Wednesday of the summer! August 17, 2022, 6-7pm.
PHALEN PARK ICE CREAM DAY
1600 Phalen Dr, St Paul, MN 55106
Outdoor games and free ice cream in the park. August 17, 2022, 4-6pm.
HIGHWOOD HILLS ICE CREAM DAY
2192 Londin Ln E, St Paul, MN 55119
Outdoor games and free ice cream in the park. August 17, 2022, 4-6pm.
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
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)
OTSEGO PRAIRIE PARK (Splash & Play in the park plus a visit from the Raptor Center. 7-8pm.)
- SILVERWOOD ONSTAGE (Silverwood Park, St Anthony, 6:30pm)
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, August 18, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN SWIMS ON THURSDAY:
- FINAL WEEK! BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- EAGAN: CASCADE BAY (9:30-10:30am, $6/child)
- FINAL WEEK! RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $9-$11/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
TWIN CITIES COMMUNITY ICE CREAM SOCIALS ON THURSDAY:
FINAL EVENT OF THE SUMMER! 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 18, 2022, 6-7pm.
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
More fun in twin cities parks 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 11, 2022, 10am, FREE.
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 18, 2022, 12pm.
LIL’ EXPLORER THURSDAYS AT COMO ZOO
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
The beloved (at least by my family) preschool program is finally back offering weekly themed activities to the 4-and-under set. Think sand tables, sponge painting, worm digs and storytimes. Remember, a reservation to visit the Zoo is free, but required. August 18, 2022, 10am-12pm.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, August 19, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN SWIMS ON FRIDAY:
- FINAL WEEK! BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- EAGAN: CASCADE BAY (9:30-10:30am, $6/child)
- FINAL WEEK! RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $9-$11/pp)
- FINAL WEEK! SHAKOPEE: SANDVENTURE AQUATIC PARK (9:15-10:45am, $5/child)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
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?
- ANDREWS PARK, CHAMPLIN: Sing 2, dusk.
- BASS CREEK PARK, BROOKLYN PARK: Soul, dusk.
- COMO PARK EAST PAVILION: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone, at dusk.
- STARING LAKE AMPHITHEATER, EDEN PRAIRIE: Back to the Future, 9pm.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, August 20-21, 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.