THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL WITH YOUR KIDS!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of December 5-9, 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 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 5, 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! 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. Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp.
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 5, 2022, 10-11:30am. FREE.
Twin Cities Holiday Events
Shoreview SANTA CRUISE
Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N., Shoreview, Minnesota 55126
Santa will be cruising the neighborhoods of Shoreview on a decked-out fire truck collecting food shelf donations. December 5, 2022, 6pm-8pm. FREE.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR MonDAY:
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 LOOKOUT RIDGE INDOOR PLAYGROUND in Woodbury. It sports a nature theme cliffs with caves to explore, a giant tree to scale and wildlife murals on the wall. Plus, it’s located in lovely indoor park lush with landscaping and a branch of the Washington County Library. $5.50 plus tax per child. Woodbury Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place, Woodbury, MN 55125.
Find our complete listing of Twin Cities Indoor Playgrounds for more energy-burning ideas!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, December 6, 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)
- (Tot Time, )
- 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! SAVAGE SPORTS CENTER Tot Time
13450 Dakota Ave S, Savage, MN 55378
An option for those in the southwest metro, Tot Time features activities for the 5 7 under set- inflatables, balls, other sporting equipment and space to run around when it’s chilly. December 6, 9-11:30am, $3/child.
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 & Penn library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton & Roseville branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Arlington Hills & Highland Park branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
Tuesday featured storytime! Family Storytime at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park
9653 Keats Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
A special outdoor storytime at the park that coincides with Free First Tuesday in Washington County Parks. Indoor craft or activity to follow. December 6, 2022, 10:30am. FREE.
Twin Cities Holiday Tree Lightings & Community Festivals
EAGAN: COMMUNITY HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
Eagan Community Center, 501 Central Pkwy, Eagan MN
Complete with music & hot cocoa and followed by STORIES WITH SANTA & MRS. CLAUS. Make an evening of it with free admission to the Blast Indoor Playground. December 6, 2022. 5:30-6:30pm.
ROBBINSDALE: HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING & SING-ALONG
The event will take place at City Hall and include sing along, Santa visit and refreshments. December 6, 2022, 6-6:30pm.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR TuesDAY: TRY SOME OUTDOOR & Indoor sports!
Most community outdoor ice rinks aren’t quite flooded and ready for skating yet, but we’ve got some refrigerated options for you open this week if you’ve got the urge to lace up:
- CENTRAL PARK ICE SKATING LOOP, Maple Grove: Skate the serpentine loop free, skate rental available for $7.50. There are outdoor firepits or a cozy pavilion to warm up in. 12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove, MN 55369.
- JOHN ROSE MINNESOTA OVAL, Roseville: The largest outdoor refrigerated skating rink in North America. $8/pp, skate rental available for $5. 2661 Civic Center Dr, Roseville, MN 55113.
- M HEALTH FAIRVIEW SPORTS CENTER OUTDOOR RINK, Woodbury: FREE. Skate rental is available for $6 if need be. 4125 Radio Drive, Woodbury MN 55129.
GET EXCITED TO ICE SKATE OUTDOORS THIS WINTER WITH OUR LIST OF TWIN CITIES ICE SKATING RINKS!
BASE CAMP Open Climb & Archery
6202 Bloomington Rd, St Paul, MN 55111
Base Camp is a place to try out exciting physical activities like open rock climbing and archery. Ages 5+ are invited to try scaling the indoor engineered rock walls on the first Tuesday of the month. Please pre-register. December 6, 2022. $10/climber.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, December 7, 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)
- 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)
WEDNESDAY 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. December 7, 2022. Preschool open gym: Wednesdays & Fridays: 9:30 – 11:30am. Pre-register: $10/child; $15/family ($13/$20 at the door).
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, Minnetonka, Southdale & Washburn library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Moundsview & North St Paul library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: West Seventh branch library.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR WEdnesday:
CHILDREN’S POOL HOUR AT GREAT RIVER WATER PARK
270 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104
Monday, Wednesday and Friday hours are “children’s pool only” from 9am-10am at this perfect little indoor splash spot. And admission isn’t bad either – $7/pp or $25 for a group of 5. December 7, 2022.
WHERE CAN I SEE THE TRAINS ON WEDNESDAY?
Mid-week is excellent to spot trains in the Twin Cities if that’s what your little ones (or big ones) are into. Here’s are a couple of places to consider; plan ahead and find more on our article MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL, A TRAIN LOVERS DESTINATION:
- TOTS & TRAINS AT JACKSON STREET ROUNDHOUSE – Play at the train tables, run through a read train car, hear a train-themed story and more. Located in St Paul. December 7, 2022. $7-$11/pp or $30/family.
- GAMES GALORE AT UNION DEPOT – Play life-sized versions of favorite games like chess & Connect Four in the historic depot, then watch some of the modern trains roll in outside. December 7, 2022, 10am-8pm. FREE.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 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)
THURSDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM! TCO SPORTS GARDEN TODDLER THURSDAYS
Little ones with energy to spare: Come to Field 2 for indoor activities such as a bouncy house, kicking around soccer balls and open field time with room to run. The fieldhouse is kept at 55 degrees so dress with this in mind. December 8, 2022, 9:30-11:30am. FREE!
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON THURSDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Wescott, Inver Hills Inver Glen & Rosemount Robert Trail branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Augsburg Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka & 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 8, 2022, 10am-noon. FREE.
Twin Cities Holiday events: Where Can I find Santa Claus?
SANTA’S COMING TO GOOD TIMES PARK
Good Times Park, 3265 Northwood Cir, Ste 100, Eagan, MN 55121
Santa visit is included with all-day admission to the park. Arrive before noon to visit with Santa and then play all day (Park is open from 7am-9pm). Dec 8, 2022. Santa Visits from 10am-Noon. $10.95.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, DecEMBER 9, 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)
- EAGAN – GLEASON’S GYMNASTICS (K & under, 9:30-11:30am, pre-register for discount of $8/child or $10/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! ROCKIN JUMP JUNIOR JUMPERS
Rockin Jump Trampoline Park, 2015 Silver Bell Road, Suite 195, Eagan, MN 55122
Kids up to 6 years get a special jump time separate from the big kids. Yours will love the trampolines, foam pit and soft play area as much as mine do! December 9, 2022, 2-hr sessions starting at 9 & 10am. $12/child plus $3 re-useable jump socks.
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON FRIDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America & Waconia branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Maple Grove, Plymouth & Walker branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: White Bear Lake branch library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Merriam Park & Hamline Midway branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
Friday featured storytime! family storytime with learning tree yoga
White Bear Lake Library, 2150 2nd Street, White Bear Lake Minnesota 55110
Yoga storytime appropriate for kids ages 2-5 with caregiver. December 9, 2022, 10:30am. FREE, no registration required.
Twin Cities Holiday events
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!
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 9, 2022. 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.
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 WESTWOOD HILLS NATURE CENTER in St Louis Park. Indoors, the center is packed with hands-on exhibits to pique kids’ interest. To explore with kids outdoors, pick up a scavenger hunt sheet in the front entry of the interpretive center and see how much you can check off.
SPECIAL EVENT: PUPPET STORYTIME – EVERGREENS – A humorous, while also education puppet show plus open play & exploration. December 9, 2022, 10-11am. $5-$6/pp, pre-register.
Find more Twin Cities Nature & Interpretive Centers to Explore!
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, DECEMBER 10-11, 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!