THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL WITH YOUR KIDS!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of February 6-10, 2023. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE.
For more winter inspiration you can check our FEBRUARY FAMILY GUIDE, ULTIMATE TWIN CITIES WINTER SURVIVAL 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, FEBRUARY 13, 2023
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-$7/child)
- SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY CENTER (Kids Playtime, 9:30-11am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
MONDAY FEATURED TOT TIME! MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER
12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Tots get a designated time in the gym just for them, and it’s cheap at just $3/child, caregivers free. Kick it up a notch with admission to MAPLE MAZE INDOOR PLAYGROUND, also located within the community center. Just look at that helix slide! February 13, 2023, 9-10:30am.
FIND OUR GIANT LIST OF SUPER FUN INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES WHEN IT’S NOT PARK WEATHER!
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON MONDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Victoria & Chanhassen library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Apple Valley Galaxie library.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Eden Prairie, Linden Hills, Plymouth, Rockford Road & Westonka library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Elko New Market & New Prague library branches have storytime events.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Rondo library branch.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Mahtomedi Wildwood, Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
MONDAY FEATURED STORYTIME! STORIES WITH 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!) February 13, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2023
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 Tot Time, 9am-12pm. $5/child.)
- 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! TOT TIMES AT ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS
It’s fun, unstructured, nearly always free and a total sanity-saver during our cold months. I used it routinely when my firstborn was a toddler. He thrived on the small bikes, balls, tumbling mats and other provided equipment for free physical play. The following St Paul recreation centers have tot times on Tuesesday mornings this winter:
- EL RIO VISTA REC CENTER, 179 Robie St E, Saint Paul, MN 55107 (10am-12pm)
- FROGTOWN COMMUNITY CENTER, 237 Thomas Ave. STP, MN 55103 (10am-noon)
- HIGHLAND PARK COMMUNITY CENTER, 1976 Ford Pkwy, STP, MN 55116 (9-10:30)
- PHALEN REC CENTER, 1000 E Wheelock Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55106 (9:30-11:30am)
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON TUESDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnhaven (Burnsville), Galaxie (Apple Valley), Heritage (Lakeville), Pleasant Hill (Hastings), South St Paul & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Minneapolis Central & Northeast, Nokomis, Penn Lake & Rogers library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton & Roseville library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: New Prague branch library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Arlington Hills, Highland Park, Merriam Park & St Anthony Park branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Forest Lake Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME! Sweetheart Storytimes at Carver County Libraries
Take your little valentines to a special themed storytime at the following Carver County Library branches: Chanhassen, Norwood Young America & Waconia, each at (10:30am) and a bedtime Sweetheart Storytime at Waconia (6:30pm).
Twin Cities valentine’s day events for families
Mall of America Toddler Tuesday
Rotunda, 60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
The longtime Toddler Tuesday program is now a monthly event. In February, it takes place on Valentine’s Day with a special party. February 14, 2023; 11am-1pm.
Valentine’s Candle-Lit Stroll
Wood Lake Nature Center, 6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield, MN 55423
Families of all ages can stroll through candle-lit trails followed by hot cocoa and s’mores by a bonfire. Give yourselves at least 30 minutes to walk the trail. February 14, 2023; 6-8pm. $6/pp.
Cancelled: Skate with Your Date
Staring Lake Park, 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
This event has been cancelled due to warm weather and poor ice conditions. Bring your dates of all ages to Staring Lake to ice skate, listen to music, gather around a bonfire and eat cookies. Cookies and loaner skates both limited to first come, first served. February 14, 2023; 5pm-7:30pm. FREE.
Toddler Valentine’s Day Party at Webber Park
4401 N Bryant Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55412
Games, music and more valentine fun for kids under age 6 with caregiver. February 14, 2023, 10-11:30am. FREE.
DIY Family Valentine Fun, Crafts and Activities
We have lots of sweet ideas for homemade Valentine crafts on our TWIN CITIES VALENTINE’S DAY page.
more family fun ideas for Tuesday
BALLET TUESDAYS AT LANDMARK CENTER
75 W 5th St, St Paul, MN 55102
Join the Saint Paul Ballet as they perform excerpts from the company repertoire. It’s the perfect sample outing for budding ballerinas. While you’re at Landmark Center, stop for indoor fun and play with the instruments in the SCHUBERT CLUB MUSIC MUSEUM. An entire afternoon of free fun for young ones! February 14, 2023, 12pm.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2023
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)
- CRYSTAL COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 10-11:30am, $3/child)
- 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. February 15, 2023. 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 library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnhaven, Heritage (Lakeville), South St Paul & Wentworth branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Brookdale, Champlin, Linden Hills, Minneapolis Washburn, Minnetonka, Rogers & St Anthony library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & North St Paul library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: No storytimes today.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: STORYTIME AT KIDDYWAMPUS
1023 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
FINAL WEEK! Interactive stories, songs & rhymes for kids ages 2-5 at one of the coolest independent toy shops in the Twin Cities. No registration required. February 15, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR WEDNESDAY: OUTDOOR WINTER ACTIVITIES
PRESCHOOL OUTDOOR WINTER PLAY
Roseville Library, 2180 North Hamline Ave, Roseville, Minnesota 55113
Play outdoors in the snowy “reading garden” – kids ages 2-6 can try snowshoes on for free. Of course, you’ll want to then warm up inside with a good book AND, for further fun, there’s an indoor tot obstacle course set up today. February 15, 10-11:30am. FREE.
EXPLORE A NEW NATURE CENTER Outdoors (and in)
There can be snow involved – but there also doesn’t have to be. WARGO NATURE CENTER, in Lino Lakes, offers fun indoor exhibits and plenty to do outdoors as well. Today, Lunch With a Naturalist features snowshoeing with park staff on the outdoor trails. 11:30am-1pm, FREE program, $7 vehicle permit.
Jump over for more Twin Cities-area nature centers – ideas for indoor play and learning.
AND Cozy INDOOR ACTIVITIES!
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. February 15, 2023. $8-$13/pp or $35/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. February 15, 2023, 10am-8pm. FREE.
Final day to celebrate CAFE MEOW’s 5th birthday!
2323 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Here’s a cozy indoor activity idea for you: My daughter absolutely loves cats but mean old mom isn’t up for having a pet. Our solution? We book an hour at this sweet rescue coffee shop and she gets a fix without the extra responsibility. Kids over 6 (with a parent) can show some love to the kitties and sip a warm beverage. 11am-7pm, $10/pp.
SPECIAL EVENT: Cafe Meow celebrates its fifth birthday February 1-15th with a special coloring contest & raffle – and sweet prizes!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023
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! 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 THURSDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Hastings Pleasant Hill, Inver Glen, Robert Trail. Wentworth & Wescott branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Minneapolis Augsburg Park, Minnetonka, Maple Grove, Oxboro, Plymouth, Southdale & Wayzata library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: Prior Lake library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer (St Paul) & Sun Ray library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove, Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME! LIL EXPLORER THURSDAY STORYTIME AT COMO ZOO
Lil Explorer Thursdays program includes a themed storytime. 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. February 16, 2023, 10am-noon. FREE.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2023
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.)
- 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! IGM GYMNASTICS PRESCHOOL OPEN GYM
12117 Riverwood Dr, Burnsville, MN 55337
This is a special Open Gym time reserved just for kids ages 18 months to 5 years. Work out wiggles on the trampolines, balance beams, obstacle courses and foam pit. No need to pre-register for open gyms. February 17, 2023 9:30-11:30am. $10/child or $15/family.
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON FRIDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America library & Waconia branch.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Inver Glen & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Maple Plain, Minneapolis East Lake & Walker & Eden Prairie library.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: No storytimes today.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Riverview, Merriam Park & Hamline Midway branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
FRIDAY FEATURED STORYTIME! SHAKE YOUR SILLIES OUT AT ST ANTHONY PARK LIBRARY
2245 Como Avenue, Saint Paul MN 55108
Special activities for kids ages 2-5 that need to MOVE! in addition to enjoying a storytime. February 17, 2023, 10:30-11:30am. FREE.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR FRIDAY: INDOOR ACTIVITIES!
KIDS AT THE CASTLE: Hearts & Hugs
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Your little ones will be awed by exploring a museum within a castle! This months’s theme is “Hearts & Hugs”. Plus, you’ll get the chance to check out the newest Family Gallery exhibit and all the attention put into making it super family-friendly. Read more about top family favorites at American Swedish Institute. $10/family for the program – must register in advance as space is limited and slots sell out. 9-10am.
MORE GREAT TWIN CITIES MUSEUMS KIDS WILL ENJOY:
- BAKKEN MUSEUM, Minneapolis: Hands-on exhibits about electricity.
- BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, St Paul: A planetarium, wildlife dioramas and a touch-and-feel room among other interactive exhibits.
- MILL CITY MUSEUM, Minneapolis: Water play, imaginative play, a tasting lab & multimedia show attract all ages.
- MINNNESOTA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, St Paul: Three floors of exhibits and play designed just for kids.
- MINNESOTA HISTORY CENTER, St Paul: Educational exhibits that still manage to be very interactive and lots of fun (we promise!)
Splish splash at indoor tot swims
Littles can splash the winter blues away at special TOT OPEN SWIMS reserved just for them. Here’s a couple indoor pools in the Twin Cities metro area that offer tot swims on Friday mornings (please tip us off if you know of others):
- EDEN PRAIRIE COMMUNITY CENTER POOL (Ages 5 & under, 9-11:50am, $5.75-$8/pp)
SHAKOPEE INDOOR AQUATIC CENTER (Ages 6 & under, 9-10:30am, $5/child and caregivers FREE)
FIND MORE TWIN CITIES INDOOR POOLS AND WATERPARKS FOR A WINTER SWIM!
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2023
Too many fun things to list here, I’ll tell you that – and it’s President’s Day weekend so there’s extra space to fill. 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!