THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL WITH YOUR KIDS!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of December 12-16, 2022. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE.
For more early winter and seasonal inspiration you can check our ULTIMATE 2022 TWIN CITIES HOLIDAY GUIDE, DECEMBER FAMILY GUIDE 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, December 12, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN GYMS ON MONDAY:
Let them bounce off someone else’s walls! Our list covers open gyms for tots across the Twin Cities where they can work their wiggles off during colder weather either FREE or at a low cost to you.
SEE OUR FULL LIST OF TWIN CITIES TOT TIME OPEN GYMS THIS Winter!
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under)
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $3/child)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (Type “family indoor playground” into the search box to see schedule for locations, FREE)
- PLYMOUTH FIELD HOUSE (Open Play, 10:30am-1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $5-$6/child)
- SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY CENTER (Kids Playtime, 9:30-11am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
MONDAY FEATURED TOT TIME! PRESCHOOL PLAYTIME AT NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER
Preschool Playtime in New Brighton is double the fun because it includes open play in the gym w/ equipment and inflatables AND admission to EAGLES NEST INDOOR PLAYGROUND. This special indoor playtime is held each Mon & Wed when school is in session. December 12, 2022. 12-3pm, $7/child. 400 10th St NW, New Brighton, MN 55112.
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON MONDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Chanhassen & Victoria library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Champlin, Linden Hills & Westonka library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Savage library branch.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Rondo branch.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland, Mahtomedi, Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
MONDAY FEATURED STORYTIME! FREE STORY & ART TIME AT EDEN PRAIRIE ART CENTER
Staring Lake Park Building, Eden Prairie, MN
Drop in for storytime & an art project. Ages 2-6 years. December 12, 2022, 10-11:30am. FREE.
Twin Cities Holiday Events
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
The cheery Holiday Train rolls through the Twin Cities from December 11th -14th in 2022. This is a fun Christmas tradition for many local families and offers a chance to give back during the season. Food banks will be accepting donations at each site Today’s stops: Cottage Grove (West Point Douglas Road, South of Seiben Bridge, 5pm) & St Paul’s Union Depot (Union Station, 214 E 4th Street, 6:45pm). The train stops for you to admire the lights and hear live musical performances. Read more here. December 12, 2022. FREE!
Santa on a Fire Truck
What a jolly good fellow! St. Anthony Fire Department and Santa will be collecting donations for Toys for Tots and bringing some holiday cheer to this neck of the Twin Cities. December 12 (and 14), 2022, 5:30pm. FREE. Track Santa here.
Where else can I find Santa Claus in the Twin Cities?
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, December 13, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN GYMS ON TUESDAY:
Tot Time open gyms across the Twin Cities are absolutely a saving grace for parents of squirrelly kids when it’s too cold or sloppy to be outdoors:
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp)
- LINO LAKES ROOKERY (Tot Time, 9am-12pm, ages 1-10, $4)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (Type “family indoor playground” into the search box to see schedule for locations, FREE)
- SAVAGE SPORTS CENTER (Tot Time, 9-11:30am, $3/child)
- ST LOUIS PARK (Little Tot Playtime, 9:30-11:30am, ages 1-5, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
TUESDAY FEATURED TOT TIME! BLAST AND PLAY
Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55121
Blast & Play Tot Time includes admission to the space-themed Blast Indoor Playground and the community center gym for open play with equipment provided. December 13, 2022, 9am-12pm. $5/child.
The Blast Indoor Playground
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON TUESDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Norwood Young America & Waconia branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Wescott & Heritage libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie & Minneapolis Northeast library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton & Roseville branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Arlington Hills & Highland Park branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Forest Lake Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
Tuesday featured storytime! ENGINEER PAUL AT CHOO CHOO BOB’s TRAIN STORE
1665 West End Blvd, St Louis Park, MN 55416
The beloved train shop is BACK in a brand new location, complete with Engineer Paul’s train-tastic storytime. Our littles grew up with Choo Choo Bob’s original shop in St Paul so this is happy news. (Photo from the old store until we can get to the new one!) December 13, 2022, 10:30am. FREE!
Twin Cities Holiday Events
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
Today’s stops: Golden Valley (Railway Crossing at Golden Hills Drive, 4:45pm), St Louis Park (of W. Lake Street & Library Lane) & Minneapolis (Lions Park on 37th Avenue between 37th Avenue & Stinson Blvd, 8pm). December 13, 2022. FREE!
SANTA VISIT! Winter Wonderland
North Dale Rec Center, 71414 St Albans St N, St Paul, MN 55117
Santa will visit this wonderland of winter activities. Best for kids 12 and under. December 13, 2022; 6-8pm, FREE.
More family fun ideas for Tuesday:
Visit Como Planetarium
780 W Wheelock Pkwy #1315, St Paul, MN 55117
Learn all about snowflakes in an animated film view a scape of the night sky on the planetarium screen. Educational, entertaining and a budget outing at $5/pp. December 13, 2022, shows at 5:30 & 7pm.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, December 14, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN GYMS ON WEDNESDAY:
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-12pm, $6/pp)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 12=3pm, $7/child includes admission to Eagles Nest Indoor Playground)
- SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY CENTER (Kids Playtime, 9:30-11am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
Wednesday featured open gym! PLYMOUTH FIELDHOUSE OPEN PLAY
When the temps dip, field house opens up for kids who need to run and scoot around indoors. Balls and objects for free play are provided – and inflatables for kids up to age 12 make a special appearance on Wednesdays. The fieldhouse is heated to 55 degrees so dress accordingly. December 14, 2022, 10:30am to 1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $5-$6/pp. 14800 34th Ave., Plymouth, MN 55447-1482.
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON WEDNESDAY
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Waconia & Watertown branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Lakeville Heritage branch library.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Champlin, Linden Hills, North Regional, Southdale & Washburn library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Moundsview & North St Paul library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Rondo & West Seventh branch library.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
Wednesday featured storytime! Frozen Experience at Eden Prairie Center
EPC Kids presents the famous sisters from Arendelle for a meet and greet, storytime, singalong & crafts. December 14, 2022, 10-11:30am. FREE!
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO WHILE I’M OUT IN EDEN PRAIRIE? FAMILY ATTRACTIONS CLOSE BY:
- PRAIRIE PLAY ZONE INDOOR PLAYGROUND: Kids play half price ($2.75-$3.25) after 1pm, Mon-Fri. Located within the Eden Prairie Community Center.
- FUN AT SCHEELS SPORTING GOODS: Inexpensive family attractions include an indoor Ferris Wheel, mini-bowling, arcade games, a target game and a huge (taxidermy) animal display. We love it on a chilly day! Located within Eden Prairie Center.
Twin Cities Holiday Events
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
Today’s stops: Loretto (Hennepin County Road 19 railway crossing, 4:15pm) & Buffalo (5th Street Northeast crossing, 5:45pm). December 14, 2022. FREE!
CHRISTMAS AT THE RIVERVIEW Theater
Screening classic holiday films A Christmas Story (12:30pm), White Christmas (2:30 & 6:45pm) and Elf (4:45pm). $4/pp or $2 with non-perishable food donation. Don’t miss the excellent and reasonably-priced popcorn! December 14, 2022.
Once Upon a Holiday Movie Night
Phalen Recreation Center, 1000 E Wheelock Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55106
Dig out your favorite PJs and cozy up for a holiday movie and hot chocolate. Spots are limited, please register in advance. December 14, 6-8pm. FREE!
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR WednesSDAY:
TRY A NEW INDOOR PLAYGROUND
For Minnesota parents it’s a must to know where to escape the elements and still keep those kids active and having fun. During the months of November through March we feature the best indoor playgrounds in the Minneapolis-St Paul area in the hopes of helping you discover something new: This week we highlight MAPLE MAZE INDOOR PLAYGROUND within the Maplewood Community Center. Four whole levels of slides and obstacles to navigate make for a full afternoon of fun. There’s a dedicated toddler space, too.
Find our ultimate list of twin cities-area indoor playgrounds!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN GYM ON THURSDAYS:
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER (Blast & Play, 9am-12pm, $5/child)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- SAVAGE SPORTS CENTER (Tot Time, 9-11:30am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON THURSDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Wescott branch library.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Augsburg Park, Hopkins, & Oxboro library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
Thursday featured storytime! Lil Explorer Thursday Storytime at Como Zoo
Lil Explorer Thursdays program includes two themed storytimes. This is a fantastic free event aimed at preschoolers and includes all kinds of hands-on activities, manipulatives, games and crafts. Meet in the Visitor Center. December 15, 2022, 10am-noon. FREE.
Twin Cities Holiday events: Thursday Night Lights
Winter Lights Family Night
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318
One of our picks for the best holiday lights displays in the Twin Cities! Lighted greenery and displays throughout the pathways of the arb’s gardens and – special to Family Night – extras including crafts, cookies, cocoa and characters from The Northern Express. December 15, 2022. Adults/$25, 15 & under/$5.
Richfield Holiday Lights Parade
1901 East 66th Street to 67th & Lyndale, Richfield, MN 55423
Enjoy holiday lights on festive parade floats and vehicles. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be part of the parade. December 15, 2022, 6:30pm. FREE!
Map your own Holiday lights route
Load the kids in the car, pack some snacks and popcorn and enjoy dancing lights, giant candy canes and glowing snowmen on your own schedule anytime before Santa’s sleigh arrives (or at least by New Year’s day). Get the whole sparkling schedule in our enormous list LIGHT IT UP: TWIN CITIES HOLIDAY LIGHTS DISPLAYS 2022.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, DecEMBER 16, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN GYMS ON FRIDAY:
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp)
- BURNSVILLE IGM GYMNASTICS (Preschool Open Gym, 9:30-11:30am, $10/child or $15/family.)
- EAGAN – ROCKIN JUMP JUNIOR JUMPERS (2-hr sessions starting at 9 & 10am. $12/child plus $3 re-useable jump socks.)
- PLYMOUTH FIELDHOUSE (Youth Open Play, 10:30am to 1:30pm, $5-$6/pp)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
FRIDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM! GLEASON’S GYMNASTICS OPEN GYMS
2015 Silver Bell Rd #180, Eagan, MN 55122
So flipping fun! This used to be a family go-to when the cold set in and my kids needed to get their wiggles out. Yours will love the opportunity to bounce on trampolines, scoot through obstacle courses, and play on the gym equipment. Register in advance for a discount. And hey, teens and tweens! There’s an open gym for you, too. Preschool open gym: Friday, December 16, 2022. 9:30 – 11:30am. Pre-register: $10/child; $15/family ($13/$20 at the door).
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON FRIDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America & Waconia branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Ridgedale & Walker branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: White Bear Lake branch library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Merriam Park, Riverview & Hamline Midway branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
Twin Cities Holiday events
Final Friday! Mineapolis HOLIDAZZLE
Loring Park, 1382 Willow St., Minneapolis, MN 55403
One of our favorite places to meet with Santa is the annual Holidazzle festival. Santa is available to take your Christmas list on Fridays from 5-9pm. FREE!
Final Friday! VALLEY LIGHTS AT ROCK POINT CHURCH
5825 Kelvin Ave N, Lake Elmo MN 55042
Over 100,000 LED lights to enjoy. Tune your car radio in to 97.9 to experience in your vehicle OR this Friday, free wagon rides from 6pm-8pm. December 16, 2022. FREE.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR FriDAY:
Visit a new Twin Cities Nature Center
Roughly two dozen nature and interpretive centers in the Twin Cities metro are just begging to get your kids excited about the natural world. Through hands-on exhibits, naturalist-led activities and plain old play, these venues make learning fun! This week we would like to introduce you to RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER in Bloomington. Inside, visitors can meet Richardson’s resident raptors, reptiles, and amphibians up close. There are many kid-friendly exhibits such as a puppet theater, child-sized tables and chairs for reading and puzzles, and aquariums at just the right height. Outside enjoy the nature exploration area. Admission is free. 8737 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN 55438.
SPECIAL EVENT: MY PRESCHOOLER & ME: NUMBERS IN NATURE. Explore nature outdoors with your preschooler (age 2-6) Reservations are required. December 16, 2022, 10-11:30am. $6/person.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, DECEMBER 17-18, 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.
FIND TONS MORE KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS ON OUR TWIN CITIES FAMILY FUN CALENDAR!