Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of February 20-24, 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 20, 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!
A few Monday regulars are closed today in honor of President’s Day, but the following are hosting regular tot times:
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS – LOGAN RECREATION CENTER (Tiny Tot Indoor Playground, 10am-12pm, $4-$6/child, coffee and snacks included.)
- 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! 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 Monday mornings this winter:
- EDGCUMBE REC CENTER, 320 Griggs St S, St Paul, MN 55105 (9:30am-noon)
- LINWOOD RECREATION CENTER, 860 St Clair Ave, St Paul, MN 55105 (11am-1pm)
- NORTH DALE REC CENTER, 1414 St Albans St N, St Paul, MN 55117 (9am-noon)
- WEST MINNEHAHA REC CENTER, 685 W Minnehaha Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55104
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON MONDAY:
Traditionally, we list library storytimes here, however, libraries across the Twin Cities are closed to observe President’s Day.
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 20, 2023, 10:30am.
MORE IDEAS FOR PRESIDENT’S DAY
Presidential Geocaching
Baker Outdoor Learning Center, 4001 County Rd 24, Maple Plain, MN 55359
Search the woods with a GPS unit for hidden facts about our nation’s presidents to enrich both body and mind. Reservations required. February 20, 2023, $6/pp.
DID YOU KNOW? There is a series of streets in Northeast Minneapolis named after the first 32 US Presidents? Yes, geographically laid out in order of election, yet there is no one artery that passes through each of the streets. My kids and I have picked a section to drive (as President’s Day doesn’t often bring pleasant weather to stroll in) and practiced naming the executive officers. You can plan your route here. (A few streets actually meander their way a surprising distance into the northern suburbs, but they’re tougher to follow.)
FIND A NEW TWIN CITIES INDOOR PLAYGROUND
Kids with energy to burn and a day off of school? We have a more than a dozen indoor play places listed on our ultimate guide to twin cities indoor playgrounds!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 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 – AUDUBON & KENWOOD RECREATION CENTERS (Audubon, 9am-12pm, $10/whole season. Kenwood – 3:15-5:15pm. 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. February 21, 2023, 9am-12pm. $5/child.
EXPLORE MORE TWIN CITIES INDOOR PLAYGROUND OPTIONS THIS WINTER!
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: Maple Grove, Minneapolis Central & Northeast, Nokomis & Rogers library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton & Roseville library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: New Prague library hosts Early Literacy class.
- 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! Children’s Storytime at Barnes & Noble Maple Grove
8040 Wedgewood Lane, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Old and new stories dear to kids and a coloring activity to follow. Scheduled each Tuesday; please confirm on website. February 21, 2023, 10am. FREE.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR TUESDAY:
Toddler Tuesday at the Raptor Center
1920 Fitch Ave, St Paul, MN 55108
Meet a resident raptor, listen to stories and make a craft during this kid-friendly open house style event. The Raptor Center, located on the St Paul campus of the U of M treats about 800 injured birds a year with the goal of releasing them back to the wild. For ages 5 & under. Learn more about visiting the Raptor Center with kids. February 21, 2023, 10am-12pm. $10/adults, up to two kids FREE, additional child $7.50
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 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 – type “indoor playground” into search bar, most 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! 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. February 22, 2023. 12-3pm, $7/child. 400 10th St NW, New Brighton, MN 55112.
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON WEDNESDAY
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Heritage (Lakeville), South St Paul & Wentworth branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Brookdale, Champlin, Minneapolis Washburn, Minnetonka, North Regional, Rogers & St Anthony library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Moundsview & North St Paul library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Dayton’s Bluff & Rondo library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: STORYTIME AT RED BALLOON
891 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
Storyteller Angela hosts a storytime at the charming bookshop perfect for 3s & under (but all welcome). February 22, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR WEDNESDAY: INDOOR ACTIVITIES
Heartfelt Preschool Wool 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 craft lineup, browse here. February 22, 2023. $24/first child, $12/additional. Please register in advance.
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 Wednesday mornings (please tip us off if you know of others):
- CHILDREN’S POOL HOUR AT GREAT RIVER WATER PARK – 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. February 22, 2023. 270 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104.
SHAKOPEE INDOOR AQUATIC CENTER – Ages 6 & under, 9-10:30am, $5/child and caregivers FREE. 1255 Fuller St S, Shakopee, MN 55379.
FIND MORE TWIN CITIES INDOOR POOLS AND WATERPARKS FOR A WINTER SWIM!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023
Our guess is you won’t be glancing much further down the page today – so here’s an opportunity for us to plug our SNOW DAY SURVIVAL GUIDE, stocked with ideas to keep the boredom at bay indoors and out (plus other hunkering-down-at-home tips).
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. February 23, 2023, 9:30-11:30am. FREE!
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON THURSDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Hastings Pleasant Hill, Robert Trail, Wentworth & Wescott (Eagan) branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Augsburg Park, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Oxboro & Wayzata library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: Prior Lake & Shakopee libraries host an Early Literacy class.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer (St Paul) & Sun Ray library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, Stillwater & 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. February 23, 2023, 10am-noon. FREE.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR THURSDAY: FREE MUSEUM VISITS
Here’s a chance to visit a couple of family-friendly Twin Cities museums FREE today.
FREE THURSDAY NIGHT AT AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE
2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Have your kids ever thought it would be awesome to explore a castle? Here’s their chance (and yours) while the very family-friendly AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE offers FREE admission every Thursday after 3pm. There is a rotating family gallery kids will enjoy playing in and nooks and crannies to explore.
PAIR A VISIT WITH DINNER: Our kids have enjoyed the Swedish meatballs at FIKA Cafe in the museum. Plus happy hour pricing from 3 until 8 p.m. on Thursdays.
FREE THURSDAY NIGHT AT WALKER ART CENTER
725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
We recommend this chance to visit the Walker for free with older children or teens who enjoy art in a less hands-on experience. For a more kid-friendly (and still admission-free) opportunity, make sure to visit the first Saturday of each month for special programming. February 23, 2023, 5-9pm.
MORE GREAT TWIN CITIES MUSEUMS KIDS WILL ENJOY:
- BAKKEN MUSEUM, Minneapolis
- BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, St Paul
- MILL CITY MUSEUM, Minneapolis
- MINNNESOTA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, St Paul
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 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.)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- 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! February 24, 2023, 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 library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Inver Glen & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Maple Plain, Minneapolis East Lake, Eden Prairie & Walker branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: White Bear Lake branch library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Merriam Park, Riverview, St Anthony Park & Hamline Midway branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS: FRIDAY NIGHT FUN!
BELL MUSEUM STAR PARTY
Bell Museum of Natural History, 2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul, MN 55113
Explore the night sky with the aid of pros and a telescope on the museum’s outdoor observation deck. Plus FREE planetarium shows and hands-on indoor exhibits. Recommended for families with kids ages 7+. FREE, but please register. February 24, 2023, 7:30-9pm.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, FEBRUARY 25-26, 2023
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!