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!
- 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 8, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN Swims ON MONDAY:
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- BUNKER BEACH WATER PARK (9:15-10:15am, $5/child plus $6 vehicle fee)
- 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, $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 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.
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.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, August 9, 2022
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, $5/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
- 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 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.
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:
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- BUNKER BEACH WATER PARK (9:15-10:15am, $5/child plus $6 vehicle fee)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $9-$11/pp)
- SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $5/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
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
- 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
EAGAN PUPPET SHOWS IN THE PARK
- TRAPP FARM PARK – 841 Wilderness Run Rd, Eagan, MN 55123, 10am
- RIVER HILLS EAST PARK – 4343 Metcalf Drive, Eagan MN, 11:15am
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
- SUMMIT POINTE PARK – 1599 Interlachen Parkway, Woodbury, MN, 9am
- STONEMILL FARMS PARK – 11500 Sawmill Curve, Woodbury, MN, 9:30am
- DANCING WATERS PARK
- POWERS LAKE PARK – 10000 Brookview Road, Woodbury, MN, 10:30am
- EVERGREEN WEST PARK – 1033 Tamberwood Trail, Woodbury, MN, 11am
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)
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, August 11, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN SWIMS ON THURSDAY:
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- BUNKER BEACH WATER PARK (9:15-10:15am, $5/child plus $6 vehicle fee)
- 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, $5/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
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
- 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
EAGAN SPARK! PUPPET SHOWS IN THE PARK
Puppets and live musical performances in Eagan parks.
- MOONSHINE PARK – 1317 Jurdy Road, Eagan MN, 10am
- BRIDLE RIDGE PARK – 3990 Elrene Rd, Eagan, MN 55123, 11:15am
- EAGAN ART HOUSE – 3981 Lexington Avenue South, Eagan, MN, 6:15pm
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
- RIDGE PARK – 3525 Parkers Drive, Woodbury, MN, 9am
- PIONEER PARK – 2670 Wimbledon Drive, Woodbury, MN, 9:30am
- TIMBERLEA PARK – Timberlea Park, Boulder Ridge Road, Woodbury, MN, 10am
- FAIRWAY MEADOWS PARK – 2240 Woodcrest Drive, Woodbury, MN, 10:30am
- COLBY LAKE PARK – 9715 Valley Creek Road, Woodbury, MN, 11am
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.
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!
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:
- 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)
- SHAKOPEE: SANDVENTURE AQUATIC PARK (9:15-10:45am, $5/child)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
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!
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.
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.