Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of August 7-11, 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!)
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON MONDAY, AUGUST 7, 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)
- SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $3/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 or wading pool…
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 to a hybrid splash pad-wading pool in Minneapolis that is a great compromise for families that have a little one too young to swim but also an older kid who can go further than knee deep. LAKE HIAWATHA PARK’s water play space could be more accurately called a wading pool, but there is a zero-depth entry end lined with water jets so we count that as a splash pad. The water is about two feet at its deepest and features spraying cattails. There is also a sand play area on the playground with a tot lot onsite. Daily 10am-9pm (10pm if temp is 85 degrees at 6pm). 2701 E 44th St, Minneapolis, MN 55406.
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:
Bloomington Monday Morning Kids Series
Today features fan favorites the Jolly Pops. August 7, 2023. 10:30-11:30am.
EVENING: Centennial Lakes Summer Entertainment
Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Avenue South, Edina, MN 55435
Concerts are held at the Maezold 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. Kids concerts are also performed in the park on Tuesdays. August 7, 2023, 7pm. FREE.
Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Monday?
- FINAL MONDAY! APPLE VALLEY PUPPET WAGON
- FINAL MONDAY! WOODBURY PUPPET WAGON
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 EXPLORATION AREA at EASTMAN NATURE CENTER? The nature play area is just one of many things to visit within the sprawling ELM CREEK PARK RESERVE. Just a short walk from the nature center building you’ll find the typical elements for nature play plus a log seesaw and a sweet little outdoor play kitchen set. You’ll likely find this spot much less crowded than the giant (but fun!) ELM CREEK PARK RESERVE PLAY AREA. Elm Creek Park Reserve, 13351 Elm Creek Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369.
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 west metro: the enormous ADVENTURE PEAK INDOOR PLAYGROUND within the balmy, indoor EDINBOROUGH PARK. The whole family climbs, slides and navigates the webs on this giant, multi-story play structure. 7700 York Ave. S. Edina, MN 55424.
FIND OUR GIANT LIST OF SUPER FUN INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES WHEN YOU NEED SOME AIR CONDITIONING!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 8, 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)
- SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $3/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.
Tuesday entertainment in the parks:
MORNING: Kidstock at Staring Lake Park
Staring Lake Amphitheater, 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347. Free family entertainment plus a great playground next to the amphitheater. August 8, 2023. 10:30am.
MORE FUN IN EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS TODAY: Find a pop-up splash pad at EDENVALE PARK – courtesy the Eden Prairie fire department, plus lawn games, crafts, treats and giveaways. 5-7pm, 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 Lyle, Lyle Crocodile. August 8, 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 TUESDAY! APPLE VALLEY PUPPET WAGON
- ROSEVILLE PUPPET WAGON
- FINAL TUESDAY! WOODBURY PUPPET WAGON
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.
Tour de Rec in Mendota Heights
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. Croods: A New Age screens the week of August 7, 2023.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2023
Tot Time Open Swims on Wednesday:
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $10-$11/pp)
- SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $3/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: St Louis Park Kids Summer Concert Series
Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive, Saint Louis Park, MN
Special kid-friendly entertainment in the park every Wednesday through August 16. Today’s performer is Sticks & Tones. August 9, 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! $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 (Edina, 6pm – special kids concert with the Jolly Pops. Rent a paddleboat and cruise the canals.)
- EAGAN MARKET FEST (4-8pm – bring swimsuits for the splash pad)
- MOVIE ON THE HILL (DC League of Super-Pets will be screened at dusk. FREE. Hyland Hills, 8800 Chalet Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438)
- OPEN EYE THEATER (Free puppet show, 7pm. 4600 East 42nd St. Minneapolis, MN 55406)
- ROSEVILLE DISCOVER YOUR PARKS (FINAL EVENT! Activities, crafts & treats. 6:30-8pm, FREE. 1894 County Rd C2 W, Roseville, MN 55113.)
- SHOREVIEW COMMONS (FINAL CONCERT OF SUMMER! Don’t miss the destination playground! 7pm.)
- SILVERWOOD ONSTAGE (Silverwood Park, St Anthony, 6:30pm)
Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Wednesday?
- ROSEVILLE PUPPET WAGON
- FINAL WEDNESDAY! WOODBURY PUPPET WAGON
Want to get out and play in Roseville parks this summer? Try starting with our list of the best: Roseville Family Fun – 10 Best Parks in Roseville to Explore This Summer.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 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)
- SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $3/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:
MORNING: Maple Grove Sounds of Summer
Town Green Park, 7991 Main Street N, Maple Grove, MN 55369
The summer music series includes free family concerts on Thursday mornings. There is seating on the tiered terrace walls and room for blankets in the grassy spaces. Don’t expect playground equipment here, but there is a small “music plaza” to make your own tunes and a pond to watch fish and ducks. August 10, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
EVENING: Music at Minnehaha Regional Park
4801 South Minnehaha Park Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417
A free concert in the park is just the beginning: we’re excited to share with you all of the fun at MINNEHAHA REGIONAL PARK – the beautiful falls, a creek to wade in, historic sites, wading pool, playgrounds and unique dining spot. August 10, 2023, music at 7pm.
Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Thursday?
- ROSEVILLE PUPPET WAGON
- FINAL THURSDAY! WOODBURY PUPPET WAGON
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 10, 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 10, 2023, 10am-12pm.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 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)
- SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $3/pp)
- 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 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 highlighting SCHULZE LAKE BEACH in Eagan. The long, sandy beach is conveniently located right next to a parking lot, making it very easy to tote in your kids and swim gear. This is a no-frills beach; no shade, no playground, no concession stand serving snacks. It does, however, manage to have the feel of a small, woodsy lake away from the bustle of the metro area. The large regional park is full of trails to explore. Lebanon Hills Regional Park, 860 Cliff Rd, Eagan, MN 55123.
Madagascar, a Musical Adventure by ETC Productions
Springbrook Nature Center, 100 85th Ave NW, Fridley, MN 55432
A free live musical – just show up with your blanket or chairs and some snacks. You’ll want to carve out time for the nature playground and indoor exhibits, too. August 11, 2023, 11am. FREE.
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?
- NICOLLET COMMONS PARK, BURNSVILLE: Puss In Boots, seating at 7:30pm
- PHALEN BEACH HOUSE, ST PAUL: E.T., dusk
- STARING LAKE AMPHITHEATER, EDEN PRAIRIE: Inside Out, 9pm.
- TOWN GREEN PARK, MAPLE GROVE: Tom & Jerry, dusk
Featured Twin Cities community festivals
Irish Fair of Minnesota
Harriet Island Regional Park, 200 Dr Justus Ohage Blvd, St Paul, MN 55107
Starts this Friday! Meet Irish dogs, explore Irish instruments, take an Irish dance lesson, and craft in the Art Tent. August 11-13, 2023. Admission: Adults $20; Teens 13-17 $15; Kids under 13, free.
Plan ahead for more August festivals in the Twin cities – savor summer before it’s done!
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 LINKS AT DRED SCOTT. This 18-hole course is a par 48 and includes a practice putting green, 9 water hazards and waterfalls.
Admission is $8-$10/18 holes. Print a happy hour coupon for $2/off round; or buy coupon books to save in bulk. Dred Scott Playing Fields, 10820 Bloomington Ferry Rd., Bloomington, MN 55438.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, AUGUST 12-13, 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.