Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of August 11-15, 2025. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE.
How to plan your family fun this week
Get planning for the Minnesota State Fair!
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Monday, August 11, 2025
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!
- EAGAN: CASCADE BAY (9:30-10:30am, $6/child, 1 adult free per child)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $11/pp)
- FINAL WEEK! SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $2/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
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 kids entertainment in the parks
BLOOMINGTON Monday Morning Kids Series
FINAL WEEK! It’s the last call for this kids summer series. Today features a concert by the Bob the Beachcomber. August 11, 2025. 10:30-11:30am.
ELK RIVER Park-a-Palooza
15899 Gary Street, Elk River, MN 55330
FINAL WEEK! If the playground, awesome splash pad and sandy beach aren’t enough of a draw, Park-a-Palooza offers kids ages 3-13 free drop-in activities like organized games, chalk art and crafts. August 11, 2025, 2-3:30pm. FREE.
Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Monday?
APPLE VALLEY Puppet Wagon
FINAL WEEK! Stay alert, the Apple Valley Puppet Wagon is on the move, traveling to 4 neighborhood parks today to entertain your kids! Shows are short and sweet; bring a blanket and chairs or a picnic. Hit the link for today’s schedule. August 11, 2025, 9am-12pm. FREE.
- MORE PUPPETS! Twin Cities communities like Eagan, Lakeville, Roseville and Woodbury also offer traveling puppet wagons. See our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR for the schedule.
LAKE ELMO Sally Manzara Nature Interpretive Center Little Explorers
Sunfish Lake Park, Entry Road, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
This week’s theme is Bird Mania! Reserve your ticket at the link and get ready for some structured nature exploration followed by a half hour of free play. Adults stay with their children. August 11, 2025, 9:30-11am. $8 per person, reservations required.
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.
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 $12+tax per child under 18 (under 1 year play free). 3265 Northwood Circle, #100, Eagan, MN 55121.
MINNEAPOLIS Movies in the Park
Mueller Park, 2509 Colfax Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Tonight’s screening is Barbie in the park. Bring your own seating, snacks and bug spray! August 11, 2025, 8:30pm. FREE.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Tot Time Open Swims on Tuesday:
- EAGAN: CASCADE BAY (9:30-10:30am, $6/child)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $11/pp)
- FINAL WEEK! SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $2/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/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.
Tuesday kids entertainment in the parks
EDEN PRAIRIE Kidstock at Staring Lake Park
FINAL WEEK! Free family entertainment – the summer wrap-up activity features Riffin’ Griffin. There’s also a great playground next to the amphitheater. Staring Lake Amphitheater, August 12, 2025, 10:30am. 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347.
EDINA Centennial Lakes Summer Kids Concerts
Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Avenue South, Edina, MN 55435
Centennial Lakes Park is a haven for FREE summer entertainment. Magical Entertainer Brian Richards performs today at the amphitheater. 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 12, 2025, 10am. FREE.
Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Tuesday?
ROSEVILLE Puppet Wagon
FINAL WEEK! Make way for the Roseville Puppet Wagon, traveling to three of Roseville’s neighborhood parks today. These shows are about 15-20 minutes in length, perfect for your wiggly ones. See the link for today’s schedule. August 12, 2025, 9:30-11:30am. FREE.
NEW BRIGHTON Park Discovery Days
Totem Pole Park, 1011 Foss Rd, New Brighton, MN 55112
FINAL SUMMER EVENT! An all-ages drop-in event with various structured activities each time. August 12, 2025, 4-6pm. FREE.
MINNEAPOLIS Loring Park Ice Cream Social
Loring Park, 1382 Willow Street, Minneapolis, MN, US 55403
Free ice cream, music, lawn games and more. August 13, 2025, 6-7:30pm.
WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM! FIND OUR CALENDAR OF TWIN CITIES ICE CREAM SOCIALS FOR SUMMER 2025.
EAGAN ArtSpark! in the Parks
3830 Pilot Knob Rd. Eagan, MN 55122
The public is invited to join in to pick up your own take-home art kit or stay and work on a project with Eagan Art House staff. All supplies provided. This art experience takes place during Eagan’s All Play series at Woodhaven Park – free extra activities for kids with rec staff. August 12, 2025, 6-7:30pm. FREE.
MINNEAPOLIS Wild Rumpus Storytime
2720 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55410
This popular story time for toddlers & preschoolers is one of our favorites in the Twin Cities. Stick around to see how many critters (yes, animal critters) you can spot hiding around the store! August 12, 2025, 10:30am. FREE.
MINNEAPOLIS Riverview Theater Summer Kids Matinees
3800 42nd Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Our favorite retro local theater has announced its summer matinee series with $1.00 general admission seats. Please check their website before heading out as movie times are subject to change. Minions: Rise of Gru screens the week of August 12-14, 2025.
OSSEO Tuesday Night Movies in the Park
Boerboom Park, 416 Central Ave, Osseo, MN 55369
Free live music and movies screened at dusk. Tonight’s feature is Wicked – Part 1. August 12, 2025. FREE.
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 Wicked – Part 1. August 12, 2025.
MORE FAMILY FUN IN STILLWATER! Check our brand new list of the the BEST THINGS TO DO WITH STILLWATER WITH KIDS THIS SUMMER!
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Tot Time Open Swims on Wednesday
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $11/pp)
- FINAL WEEK! SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $2/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 $2/pp. Kids ages 4 & under only, please.
Wednesday kids entertainment in the parks
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 a concert with the Teddy Bear Band. August 13, 2025, 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. 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.
Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Wednesday?
WOODBURY Puppet Wagon
FINAL WEEK! The mobile puppet theater travels to five Woodbury parks today presenting short (about 7 minutes) shows perfect for your little ones. See link for today’s schedule. August 13, 2025, 9-11am. FREE.
MINNEAPOLIS Nature Novice: Free Family Fishing
Powderhorn Park, 3400 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Meet staff at the fishing pier learn and/or practice skills. Rods and bait available for loan and all welcome. No fishing license required. August 13, 2025, 6-8pm, FREE.
ROSEVILLE Library: Outdoor Play for Preschoolers
2180 North Hamline Ave, Roseville Minnesota 55113
FINAL WEEK! Head to the outdoor Children’s Reading Garden for activities geared for kids ages 4 & under. Dress to possibly get wet! August 13, 2025, 10:30-11:30am. FREE.
ST LOUIS PARK Paws & Pages
3700 Monterey Dr, St Louis Park, MN 55416
Kids can read stories to therapy animals in Wolfe Park as part of the St Louis Park Summer Reading Festival. Plus, crafts, snag a free book and enjoy breakfast snacks and juice. August 13, 2025, 8:30-10am. FREE
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, August 14, 2025
Tot Time Open Swims on Thursday
- BUNKER BEACH WATERPARK TOT TIME (9:15-10:15am, $5/child, adults free)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $11/pp)
- FINAL WEEK! SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $2/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.
CHASKA Touch-a-Truck
Chaska Commons, 164 Pioneer Trail, Chaska MN 55318
It’s a full-on carnival with games, free ice cream and popcorn, a kids DJ and the vehicles of Chaska’s various public safety and recreation departments. August 14, 2025, 5-7pm. FREE.
LINO LAKES Waldoch Farm Sunflower Festival Opens
8174 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
Six acres of sunflowers in beautiful bloom open today at Waldoch Farm. Now through September 14 (Thursday-Sunday), a hayride to the flower fields and one bloom are included in your general admission ticket. This in addition to all the fun of exploring Joyer Adventure Farm with its animals, lawn games, slide, pedal trikes, ropes course and more. August 14, 2025, 10am-5pm. Explore Sunflower Festival tickets here.
MINNEAPOLIS 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 14, 2025, 10am. FREE.
ST PAUL Little 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 14, 2025, 10am-12pm.
Twin Cities community summer events
ARDEN HILLS Lions Community Picnic
1219 Cummings Park Dr, Arden Hills, MN 55112
A big picnic in the park to close out summer! Enjoy hot dogs, chips, fruit snacks, cookies and cotton candy. Plus family-friendly games and activities, face painting, balloon animals, and alpacas. August 14, 2025, 5-7:30pm. FREE.
BURNSVILLE Party On the Plaza
12550 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville, MN 55337
Nicollet Commons Park is tonight the site of live music, food trucks, yard games, crafting with the library, market vendors and community booths. August 14, 2025, 5-9pm. FREE.
ST PAUL Safe Summer Nights
1414 St Albans St N, Saint Paul, MN 55117
These community nights are designed for the public to engage with local police during an evening of fun activities for kids and free food for all. No need to register, just show up and enjoy. August 14, 2025, 5-7pm. FREE.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Friday, August 15, 2025
Tot Time Open Swims on Friday
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $11/pp)
- FINAL WEEK! SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $2/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
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.
MINNEAPOLIS Friday Art-making in the Garden
Walker Art Center/Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Drop-in for an art-making activity designed for ages 4 and up. All art supplies provided free of charge. You’ll want to set aside time to explore the funky outdoor sculpture garden as well. August 15, 2025, 10am-1pm. FREE.
MINNEAPOLIS Kids at the Castle: Cabin Creatures
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
It’s a creative playdate at a real castle! The museum presents themed circle time, storytime, crafts, music and movement for kids ages 2-5 (with caregiver). Then you get to explore the rest of the castle on your own, including the interactive family exhibit. Advance registration required. August 15, 2025, 9-10. $15/family. (Great deal!)
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-$7/18 holes or $7.50-$9.50/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?
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS Movies in the Park
Huset Park West, 3965 Jefferson St NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
If the heat is still turned up outdoors, bring swimsuits for the splash pad! Tonight screens Wizard of Oz. August 15, 2025, 8:30pm. FREE.
COTTAGE GROVE Movies with Mo
Highlands Park, 6975 Idsen Avenue S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Tonight is the final flick in the summer series: Moana 2 screens at dusk with pre-show entertainment at 6:30pm. August 15, 2025. FREE.
EDEN PRAIRIE Movies in the Park
Staring Lake Park, 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
The flick The LEGO Movie is screened tonight in the park after live music. August 15, 2025, music at 7:30, movie at 9pm. FREE.
MINNEAPOLIS Movies in the Park
Phelps Field Park, 701 E 39th St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Tonight’s screening is Kung Fu Panda 4 in the park. Bring your seating, snacks and bug spray! August 15, 2025, 8:15pm. FREE.
NORTH ST PAUL Summer Movies In the Park
2616 4th Ave E, North St Paul, MN 55109
Tonight’s entertainment is Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13). You get to provide the comfortable seating, snacks if desired and bug spray (recommended). August 15, 2025, 8-9:30pm. FREE.
OAKDALE Movies in the Park
Walton Park, 1584 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128
Mufasa will be screened about 20 minutes after sunset at the park. August 15, 2025. FREE.
ST PAUL Movies in the Park
Edgcumbe Rec Center, 320 Griggs St S, St Paul, MN 55105
Pre-show activities before a screening of Toy Story in the park. August 15, 2025, dusk. FREE.
Featured Twin Cities summer 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 15, 2025.
MOUNDS VIEW Festival in the Park
2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112
Friday highlights: The parade kicks off at 6pm followed by a penny carnival at City Hall (until 8:30pm). Yes, penny! All games and activities will cost no more than a dime. August 15, 2025. FREE.
ST PAUL PARK Heritage Days
1345 Laurel Ave, St Paul Park, MN 55071
Friday night fun at the festival includes a barrell train for kids, a zone with inflatables, archery and a ninja course, and live music in the park. August 15, 2025, 4-11pm.
Fun things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities, August 16-17, 2025
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.