Twin Cities Guide to Family Activities this Week: April 22-26, 2024
Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of April 22-26, 2024. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE.
As always, you can check our APRIL FAMILY GUIDE, the ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SPRING 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, April 22, 2024
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 cooler weather either FREE or at a low cost to you. A few options are winding down for their break during the late spring & summer so take note! SEE OUR FULL LIST OF TWIN CITIES TOT TIME OPEN GYMS THIS SPRING!
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under)
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or $3 drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- CHANHASSEN RECREATION CENTER (8-11:30am, $4-$4.50/child)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $4/child)
- NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 12-3pm, $8/child includes admission to Eagles Nest Indoor Playground.)
- OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER (Open Playtime, 10-11:30am, $3/child up to age 5)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
MONDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: Parent/Tot Open Gym at Rosemount Community Center
13885 S Robert Trail, Rosemount, MN 55068
Fun and FREE, youngsters 5 & under can play with balls and large motor equipment. Drop in Mon/Wed/Fri, 9:30-11am.
Twin Cities storytimes on Monday
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Columbia Heights Library.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Victoria & Chanhassen library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Apple Valley Galaxie library.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Brooklyn Park & Plymouth libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: No storytimes scheduled today.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland (Valley), Mahtomedi (Wildwood), Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
MONDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Earth Day Storytime at Victoria Library
1670 Stieger Lake Ln, Victoria, MN 55386
It’s never too early to start kids learning to care for the environment. Read stories about our Earth and make a craft – best for preschoolers ages 2 & up. April 22, 2024, 10:30-11am.
More ways to celebrate Earth Day in the Twin Cities!
Most of the “official” Earth Day events in the Twin Cities took place this past weekend, but that doesn’t have to mean we can’t observe and care today! Gianna offers some ideas to make the day meaningful at home with your family: books to read, crafts to make and outdoor activities and scroll down for a fun Earth Day hunt in Mendota Heights parks.
Earth Week: Find the Frog in Mendota Heights Parks
This Monday through Friday, Lily the Frog will hop over to a trail in a Mendota Heights park with a riddle next to her. Solve and submit your answer to the City of Mendota Heights to be entered in to win a free Earth Day Basket. April 22-26, 2024.
More family fun ideas for Monday: Try a new indoor playground
K.U.B.E Indoor Playground – Plymouth Community Center
14800 34th Ave. N, Plymouth, MN 55447-1482
One of the newest, shiniest indoor playgrounds in the Twin Cities, K.U.B.E (Kids Ultimate Backyard Experience) tries to create an outdoors feeling inside the Plymouth Community Center. Fun features include a 28-foot climbing tower with a spiral slide, spinners and swings, and special tot area for kids ages 2 to 5. Come check it while the weather’s still iffy. $6-$8/per kid.
What else can I do nearby in Plymouth?
- If the weather works out, climb the nets outdoors at FRENCH REGIONAL PARK‘s huge play area. 12605 Rockford Road, Plymouth MN.
- Teens might enjoy testing their physical limits at the NORTHWEST GREENWAY CHALLENGE COURSE. Located on the east side of Peony Lane, south of 54th Ave. N, Plymouth.
- MONDAY NIGHT DINNER IDEA – KIDS EAT FREE! Broadway Pizza in Plymouth features a Family Monday Night Dinner Buffet from 5-7:30pm: One free child’s buffet with each adult buffet purchased, includes pizza, pasta, hoagies, salad and dessert. 13705 27th Avenue North, Plymouth, MN 55441; Please call (763) 551-0155 to verify this deal!
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, April 23, 2024
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 still too chilly or sloppy to be outdoors:
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER (Blast & Play Tot Time, 9am-12pm. $5/child.)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- 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 PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
TUESDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: Hopkins Pavilion Turf Tots
11000 Excelsior Blvd, Hopkins, MN 55343
Indoor turf where there’s more room to run! Kids 5 & under can play with bounce houses, climbing wall, sport balls, crawl tunnels, blocks, trikes and more for kids ages 1-5. Through May 10, 2024; Mon-Fri, 8am-1pm. $5 per session per child.
Twin Cities storytimes on Tuesday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnhaven, Heritage (Lakeville), Robert Trail & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Excelsior, Maple Grove & Minneapolis Nokomis and Northeast & Rogers library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Arlington Hills, Highland Park, Merriam Park & St Anthony Park branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek, Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Wild Rumpus Storytime
2720 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55410
This is a popular story time for toddlers & preschoolers in the sweet Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis. Stick around to see how many critters (yes, animal critters) you can spot slinking around the store! April 23, 2024, 10:30am. FREE.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Tot Time Open Gyms on Wednesday:
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $15/membership pass or $3 drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open Play 9am-12pm, $8/pp)
- CHANHASSEN RECREATION CENTER (8-11:30am, $4-$4.50/child)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 12-3pm, $8/child includes admission to Eagles Nest Indoor Playground)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
WEDNESDAY 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 $8/child; parents and babies under 18 months free. Open play 9am-4pm.
Twin Cities storytimes on Wednesday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnhaven, Heritage (Lakeville), Robert Trail (Rosemount) & Wentworth branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie, Minneapolis Central and Linden Hills, Rogers, Southdale & St Anthony library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Maplewood, Mounds View & North St Paul library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Dayton’s Bluff, Rondo & West Seventh library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove, Stillwater & Woodbury library branches.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Storytime at Oakdale Discovery Center
4444 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128
Storytime plus a craft each last Wednesday of the month. You’ll absolutely want to stay to poke around in the OAKDALE DISCOVERY CENTER. My kids enjoyed the large aquarium, hands-on exhibits and book corner. Our picture shows a summer visit, but any season of the year is fun. April 24, 2024, 10:30-11:30am. FREE.
Find our extensive list of Twin Cities Nature Centers & Outdoor Interpretive Centers to explore this spring!
More fun with books & stories!
Independent Bookstore Day Passport Week
Love books, reading, and shopping local? The Twin Cities is excited to promote Independent Bookstore Day on April 27th in 2024. During the week leading up, many local bookstores participate in a fun passport program. Families can pick up a passport at participating stores and then get it stamped at as many stores as they can visit to qualify for prizes. Families can pick up their passport beginning April 24th and can visit the bookstores through April 28th to get the passports stamped. Jump over to find our list of participating independent booksellers. Featured in this photo is one of our favorite independent sellers, RED BALLOON BOOKSHOP.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, April 25, 2024
Tot Time Open Gym on Thursday:
- FINAL THURSDAY! ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER (Blast & Play, 9am-12pm, $5/child)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER (Open Playtime, 10-11:30am, $3/child up to age 5)
- SAVAGE SPORTS CENTER (Tot Time, 9-11:30am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- VADNAIS HEIGHTS TCO SPORTS GARDEN (Toddler Thursday, 9:30-11:30am. FREE.)
THURSDAY 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 Thursday mornings this spring:
- ARLINGTON HILLS COMMUNITY CENTER, (9:30am-12pm)
- EL RIO VISTA RECREATION CENTER, (10am-12pm)
- FINAL WEEK! HAYDEN HEIGHTS RECREATION CENTER, 1965 Hoyt Ave E, St Paul, MN 55119 (10am-12pm)
- HIGHLAND PARK COMMUNITY CENTER, 1978 Ford Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55116 (9:30-10:30am)
- JIMMY LEE RECREATION CENTER, (10am-12pm)
- PHALEN RECREATION CENTER, 1000 E Wheelock Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55106 (10am-12pm)
- WEST MINNEHAHA REC CENTER, 685 W Minnehaha Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55104 (12-2pm)
Twin Cities storytimes on Thursday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Kaposia, Robert Trail & Wescott branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Augsburg Park, Hopkins, Maple Grove, Oxboro, Plymouth, Southdale & Wayzata library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton & Shoreview library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer, Hayden Heights & Sun Ray library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Cottage Grove, Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
Extra! Extra! Even more storytimes today:
Storytime at Red Balloon Bookshop
891 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
Storyteller Angela hosts a storytime at the charming bookshop perfect for 3s & under (but all welcome). April 25, 2024, 10:30am. FREE.
Storytime at Kiddywampus Chanhassen
860 W 78th St, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Spring storytime starts this 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. April 25, 2024, 10:30am. FREE.
Children’s Storytime at Rafiki Coffee & Cafe
540 Fairview Avenue N, St Paul MN
Best for toddlers and preschoolers, storytime is held each Thursday at this kid-friendly coffee shop. April 25, 2024, 10:30am. FREE.
Outdoor Storywalk at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Bloomington Visitor Center, 3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425
Take a self-guided story stroll along a paved blufftop trail and read off of giant picture book pages. You’ll want to check out the kid-friendly indoor exhibits too, maybe even check out a nature backpack to explore further. April 25-28, 2024. 10am-4pm. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Thursday: Explore a new park in the Twin Cities
Guided Walks at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden & Bird Sanctuary
1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Join a naturalist for a guided tour to learn about seasonal plants in bloom. Families are also free to explore the garden at their own pace; download a map, pack binoculars and see how many bird species you can find flittering in the trees. April 25, 2024, 11-11:45 am. FREE, fee of $1.50 to park in pay lot.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Friday, April 26, 2024
Tot Time Open Gyms on Friday:
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or $3/drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- BURNSVILLE – IGM GYMNASTICS (Ages 1-6, 9:30-11:30am, $10/child)
- CHANHASSEN RECREATION CENTER (8-11:30am, $4-$4.50/child)
- EAGAN – GLEASON’S GYMNASTICS (K & under, 9:30-11:30am, pre-register for discount of $10/child or $15/family)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 9am-2pm. $5/child.)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
FRIDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: 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. April 26, 2024 9:30-11:30am. $10/child or $15/family.
Twin Cities storytimes on Friday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America library & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Kaposia & Wescott library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie, Minneapolis Bottineau, Linden Hills and Roosevelt, Ridgedale , St Louis Park branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & White Bear Lake branch library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Riverview & Merriam Park branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo.
More family fun ideas for Friday: It’s Arbor Day!
There are many opportunities in the Twin Cities for families with kids to get in on celebrating the purpose and beauty of trees for Arbor Day. Here are a few taking place this Friday; make sure to check our ARBOR DAY EVENTS GUIDE for more fun eco-outings!
Minneapolis Arbor Day Celebration
McRae Park, 906 E 47th St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
It’s all about the trees today: help plant them, climb them, learn about them, and play tree-sized lawn games. Plus, live music and food trucks. April 26, 2024, 4pm-8pm. FREE.
Edina Arbor Day Tree Planting Celebration
Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Avenue South, Edina, MN 55424
A family-friendly tree-planting event for Arbor Day. Bring gloves, wear sturdy shoes and dress for dirt. Some fun things for families to do: make some eco-art with Edina Art Center, live music and beverage tastings. If it’s lovely out, you might choose to linger in CENTENNIAL LAKES PARK. The park’s paddle boats and outdoor lawn games (putting course and lawn bowling – great for tweens and teens) are just getting warmed up for the season. April 26, 2024, 12- 4pm. FREE.
Arbor Day at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318
Take a self-guided trek to play Tree Bingo and learn more about trees on the arboretum grounds – then pick up your own free sapling to take home. Plus a tree-themed storytime for kids. The Arboretum is a wonderful, colorful place to explore with kids. April 26, 2024. Reservations required. $20 for adults 16+; FREE children 15 and under.
FIND MORE ARBOR DAY ACTIVITIES IN THE TWIN CITIES THIS WEEKEND!
OPENING DAY! Minnesota Zoo Farm Babies
Farm Babies at Minnesota Zoo’s Wells Fargo Family Farm opens today for you to meet fuzzy, cuddly newborns. The zoo expects goat kids, lambs, piglets, and calves to be born in April and May. Tickets are included with Zoo admission. Farm Babies 2024 – April 26 to May 19.
FIND MORE SWEET MINNESOTA FARM BABIES TO MEET THIS SPRING!
LAST CHANCE! Como Zoo & Conservatory Spring Flower Show
The bright blooms of spring close after April 28, then take a short break to prepare for summer. A trip to the indoor conservatory is warm, relaxing and educational. You can always add on a visit to the animals! Admission is always FREE.
Fun things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities, April 27-28, 2024
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!
FAMILY FUN ALL WEEK IN THE TWIN CITIES
Ideas to pull out of your “back pocket” nearly any day of the week!
TWIN CITIES NATURE CENTERS AND NATURE PLAY
Early spring is an exciting time to visit a Twin Cities area nature center, fresh with the promise of a new season and programming. But, as we know, April weather can be as temperamental as a toddler. Good thing 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.
