Twin Cities Guide to Family Activities This Week: August 8-12, 2022

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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 August 8-12, 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!

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 8, 2022

TOT TIME OPEN Swims ON MONDAY:

Toddler at Cascade Bay's Little Mates Tot Swim

Awesome Twin Cities Splash Pads

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.

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 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.

Nature Play Area at Eastman Nature Center
Find more incredible twin Cities nature-based playgrounds.

Twin Cities community ice cream socials on Monday:

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 8, 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 8, 2022, 6-7pm.

WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM! FIND OUR CALENDAR OF TWIN CITIES ICE CREAM SOCIALS FOR SUMMER 2022.
Kid-Friendly Theater - Kids standing by Open Eye Theare's Puppet Wagon

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, August 9, 2022

TOT TIME OPEN SWIMS ON TUESDAY:

Battle Creek Waterworks Play Strucutre
Battle Creek Waterworks – Image Courtesy of Ramsey County Parks

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 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.

Kids playing in water at Lebanon Hills Park in Minnesota
Lebanon Hills Park

WHERE CAN I FIND THE PUPPET WAGON IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY?

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

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.

KIDSTOCK at STARING LAKE PARK

Free family entertainment – this week, in partnership with Eden Prairie’s community summer festival PeopleFest. 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.

TOUR DE REC IN MENDOTA HEIGHTS

Mendakota Park, 2000-2198 Mendakota Dr, Mendota Heights, MN 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 9, 2022, 1:30-2:30pm, FREE.

Seussical the Musical, Jr in the Park

Phalen Recreation Center, 1000 E Wheelock Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55106
A free performance kids should enjoy and open to the public. If it’s a warm afternoon, bring a picnic lunch and swimsuits for the splash pad near Phalen beach. August 9, 2022, 2:30pm.

DESTINATION ALL PLAY AT WOODHAVEN PARK

1950 Gold Trail, Eagan MN 55122
Special activities are staffed at the park including crafts, games, snacks and beverages. August 9, 2022, 6-7:30pm. FREE.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, August 10, 2022

TOT TIME OPEN SWIMS ON WEDNESDAY:

TWIN CITIES COMMUNITY ICE CREAM SOCIALS ON WEDNESDAY:

HAZEL PARK ICE CREAM WEDNESDAYS

945 N Hazel St, St Paul, MN 55119
Treat yourself to dollar build-your-own sundaes at the park each Wednesday. August 10, 2022, 6-7pm.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE PUPPET WAGON IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY?

ROSEVILLE PUPPET WAGON

EAGAN PUPPET SHOWS IN THE PARK

Want to get out and play in Eagan parks this summer? Try starting with our list of the best: Eagan Family Fun: The Best Parks in Eagan to Explore This Summer.

WOODBURY PUPPET WAGON

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)
  • MOVIE ON THE HILL (Sing 2 will be screened at dusk. FREE. Hyland Hills, 8800 Chalet Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438)
  • OPEN EYE FIGURE THEATER (Free puppet show at Midwest Special Services,
    14779 Energy Way Apple Valley, MN 55124    )
  • ROSEVILLE DISCOVER YOUR PARKS (FINAL EVENT! Explore the Muriel Sahlin Arboretum at Roseville Central Park. Plus activities, crafts & treats. August 10, 2022, 6:30pm. 2525 Dale St N, Roseville, MN 55113.)
  • SHOREVIEW COMMONS (FINAL CONCERT OF SUMMER! Don’t miss the brand new destination playground! 7pm.)
  • SILVERWOOD ONSTAGE (Silverwood Park, St Anthony, 6:30pm)
Summer Music at Normandale Lake Bandshell courtesy City of Bloomington

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, August 11, 2022

TOT TIME OPEN SWIMS ON THURSDAY:

St Louis Park Aquatic Park
St Louis Park Aquatic Park – Image courtesy of St. Louis Park

TWIN CITIES COMMUNITY ICE CREAM SOCIALS ON THURSDAY:

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 11, 2022, 6-7pm.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE PUPPET WAGON IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY?

ROSEVILLE PUPPET WAGON

EAGAN SPARK! PUPPET SHOWS IN THE PARK

Puppets and live musical performances in Eagan parks.

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!

WOODBURY PUPPET WAGON

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. 

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 11, 2022, 12pm.

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

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 11, 2022, 10am-12pm.

More family fun ideas for Thursday in the twin cities:

CONCERT AT EIDEM FARM: The Jolly Pops

Historic Eidem Farm, 4345 101st Ave North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Bring a picnic! Live kid-friendly music from The Teddy Bear Band and an ice cream truck will be on the scene. August 11, 2022, 6:30pm. FREE!

Eidem Homestead

LEARN MORE ABOUT A FUN VISIT TO EIDEM FARM IN BROOKLYN PARK.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, August 12, 2022

TOT TIME OPEN SWIMS ON FRIDAY:

Twisty Yellow Slide at Sandventure Aquatic Park, Shakopee Minnesota
Big kids will love the slide at SandVenture

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. 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!

August Festivals and Fairs in the Twin Cities Minnesota

WHERE CAN I FIND THE PUPPET WAGON IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY?

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

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 13-14, 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. 

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

Find more water fun ideas here.

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.

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