THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL WITH YOUR KIDS!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of December 19-23, 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 19, 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)
- NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 12-3pm, $7 includes admission to Eagle’s Nest Indoor Playground)
- 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! Tot Time & Craft Day at andover community center
Andover Community Center, 15200 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
We picked this special Tot Time this week because, in addition to free play, an age-appropriate craft is offered to kids. December 19, 2022. 9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under.
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON MONDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: On break this week.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Linden Hills & Westonka library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: On break this week.
- 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
This is the final week for drop in storytime & an art project. Ages 2-6 years. December 19, 2022, 10-11:30am. FREE.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, December 20, 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)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER (Blast & Play, includes admission to The Blast Indoor Playground (9am-12pm, $5/child)
- 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! THE ROOKERY ACTIVITY CENTER IN LINO LAKES
Rookery Activity Center, 7690 Village Drive, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
A special Tot Time held in the gym for ages 1-10. Make sure your little ones wear socks for the bounce house! December 20, 2022, 9am-12pm, $4/child.
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON TUESDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: On break this week.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: On break this week.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Minneapolis Northeast library branch.
- 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.
Twin Cities Holiday Events
MALL OF AMERICA TODDLER TUESDAY: Feliz Navidad Fiesta
This week, kids can meet Dora the Explorer at a special holiday celebration. Meet at the Rotunda. December 20, 2022, 11am-12pm. FREE!
HOT TIP! WHEN YOU VISIT, TAKE ALONG OUR MALL OF AMERICA GUIDE: FLOOR BY FLOOR.
My Preschooler & Me: Holiday Lights & Lanterns
The Landing, 2187 County Rd 101, Shakopee, MN 55379
Dress to be outdoors and move between the buildings of the re-created historical village. Reservations required. December 20, 2022, 10-11am. $6/pp.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, December 21, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN GYMS ON WEDNESDAY:
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- 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! MILLZ HOUSE OPEN PLAY
14645 Felton Court, Suite #104, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Work out the wiggles with indoor playsets, trampolines and basketball courts. Cost is $6/child; parents and babies under 18 months free. December 21, 2022. Open play 9am-12pm, $6/pp.
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON WEDNESDAY
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: On break this week.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: On break this week.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Linden Hills & Minneapolis Northeast library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Moundsview & North St Paul library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Rondo & Sun Ray library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
Wednesday featured storytime! Winter solstice storytime
Sun Ray Library, 2105 Wilson Ave, Saint Paul MN 55119
Learn about winter solstice through a special storytime, then roast marshmallows around a firepit in the outdoor Reading Garden. December 21, 2022, 6-7pm. FREE.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR WEDNESDAY: Winter Solstice Events
It’s the shortest day of the year so let’s make it count, all right? Here are our top pick events in the Twin Cities to learn about the winter solstice while having some fun, too:
All Ages! Winter Solstice Luminary Walk
North Mississippi Regional Park, 4900 Mississippi Court, Minneapolis, MM 55430
Make your way along a glowing trail plus take-home luminary crafts, games, and a bonfire. December 21, 5-7 or 7-9pm. $5/adults, kids FREE.
Preschoolers! HEARTFELT Solstice FESTIVAL
4306 Upton Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
The seasonal festivals offers a simple craft or two for the kids and their adult plus
a wholesome snack. To get an idea of Heartfelt’s winter & holiday craft lineup, browse here. December 21, 2022. $24/first child, $12/additional. Please register in advance.
Tweens & Teens! Winter Solstice at Wargo nature Center
7701 Main St., Lino Lakes, MN, 55038
Take a hike lit by ice luminaries then warm up around a bonfire with songs, stories, art-making and hot cider. Dress for cold temps. Ages 12+, pre-registration required. December 21, 2022, 6:30-8:30pm. $6/pp.
Find our complete listing of Twin Cities Winter Solstice events.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 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: On break this week.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Rosemount Robert Trail Library.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Oxboro library branch.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton & Roseville branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
Twin Cities Holiday Events: Last chance with Santa!
Holiday Express at Phalen Rec Center
1000 E Wheelock Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55106
Take a photo with Santa, enjoy cookies and cocoa and do a craft project. Bring your own ice skates to skate under the lights. December 22, 2022, 6-7:30pm. FREE.
SANTA’S WONDERLAND AT CABELA’S
8400 Hudson Rd, Woodbury, MN 55125
Make your reservation to meet with Santa and get a free photo! Plus, browse Santa’s Toy Shop and take in the other fun attractions at Cabela’s. Last day to visit Santa is December 24.
Last chance to visit with Santa! Where can you find him in the Twin Cities?
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, DecEMBER 23, 2022
Take in a holiday lights display
One of our family’s longstanding holiday traditions is to brighten our spirits with Christmas lights. Here are some of our merriest suggestions:
CHRISTMAS IN COLOR at Valleyfair
Valleyfair, 1 Valley Fair Dr, Shakopee, MN 55379
This holiday season you can drive right into the amusement park to be entertained by 1.5 million lights synchronized to holiday music. You’ll need an FM radio to year the Christmas music and carols as you drive. Thru January 1, 2023. Tickets: $35-$65/vehicle.
Family Fun Twin Cities Discount: FFTC Readers Save 15% with Discount Code TWINCITIES15.
SEVER’S HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Sever’s Festival Grounds, 3121 W 150th St, Shakopee, MN 55379
Holiday light shows, Winter Carnivals, and more. Thru January 1, 2023; Sun & weekdays 5pm-9pm; weekends 5pm-10pm. $25-$55/vehicle.
GLOW HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
CHS Field, 360 N Broadway St, St Paul, MN 55101
CHS Field is converted to a walking tour of holiday decorations and Christmas delights. There will still be a parade of dozens seasonal scenes featuring a plethora of holiday lights, a 60-foot illuminated tree and an art-created mosaic flame, a festive Santa Land, and other attractions. Grab a map and follow the trai to find a “sElfie Plaza”, an enchanted forest, a s’mores station, concessions and more. Tickets: $12.75-$20.75/pp. Thru January 1, 2023.
CREATE YOUR OWN DRIVE THRU CHRISTMAS LIGHTS EVENT!
We have an enormous list of homes around the Twin Cities that deck their halls up for the holiday: Jump over to Light It Up: Twin Cities & Greater Minnesota Christmas & Holiday Light Displays for our map and get your family fill of giant candy canes, inflated snowmen, reindeer, Christmas tree displays and Santa Claus figures!
Ideas for a cozy Christmas at Home
Whether prepping for a bundle of guests or just settling down with the immediate family, we have suggestions for spending the next few days together cozily at home. Decorations, treats, movies, all kept simple but festive.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, DECEMBER 24-25, 2022
TYPICALLY, there are too many fun things to list here, I’ll tell you that. We publish a separate guide each weekend with up-to-the-last-minute ideas for spending family time together – HOWEVER, this weekend being Christmas Eve & Christmas Day, we encourage you to stay in and spend quality time with your loved ones! (We’ll still publish a few ideas if you need to get out of the house.)
FIND TONS MORE KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS ON OUR TWIN CITIES FAMILY FUN CALENDAR!