Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of February 19-23, 2024. 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!)Â
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Monday, February 19, 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 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:
- MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTERÂ (9-11am, $4/child)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS – LOGAN RECREATION CENTERÂ (Tiny Tot Indoor Playground, 10am-1pm, $4/child)
- PLYMOUTH FIELD HOUSEÂ (Open Play, 10:30am-1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $6-$8/child)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTERÂ (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERSÂ (See schedule for locations, FREE)
MONDAY FEATURED TOT TIME:Â 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:
- BATTLE CREEK REC CENTER, 75 Winthrop Street N, St Paul, MN 55119 (10am-12pm)
- EDGCUMBE REC CENTER, 320 Griggs St S, St Paul, MN 55105 (9:30am-12:30pm)
- 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)
- PALACE COMMUNITY CENTER, 781 Palace Ave. St Paul, MN 55102 (11:30am-1:30pm)
- WEST MINNEHAHA REC CENTER, 685 W Minnehaha Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55104 (12-2pm)
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: Train-tastic Storytime with Engineer Paul at Choo Choo Bob’s
1665 West End Blvd, St Louis Park, MN 55416
Engineer Paul’s train-tastic storytime is a delight for train lovers of any age. Our littles grew up with Choo Choo Bob’s original shop in St Paul so we are delighted it found a new home. February 19, 2024, 10:30am.
More ideas for President’s Day in the Twin Cities: Try a new indoor play space
President’s Day Open Play at Plymouth Community Center
14800 34th Ave N, Plymouth, Minnesota 55447
Here’s a sweet score on indoor play while the kids have a school break – $10 wristbands permit access to inflatables in the fieldhouse, the KUBE Indoor Playground and open gym time. A full day of fun that should wear the kids out! February 19, 2024, 9am-2pm. $10/child.
President’s Day Open Gym at IGM Gymnastics
12117 Riverwood Dr, Burnsville, MN 55337
Your little balls of energy will FLIP for open gym at IGM Gymnastics in Burnsville. At this special school-break session they can try out trampolines, the foam pit, balance beams and the springy gym floor. Not limited to preschoolers! You can bring your big kids as well. February 19, 2024, 9:30-11:30am. $15/child, $10/sibling.
President’s Day Open Swim at Great River Water Park
270 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104
The zero-depth entry splash pool is perfect for tots trying to get used to the water and there are two tube waterslides for the big kids. Special Open Swim hours at Great River Water Park will be February 19, 2024, from 1:30-5:30pm. Regular admission of $7/pp or $25/group of 5 applies.
Marcus Theatres Kids Dream Family Film Series
Join us Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (and President’s Day Monday) thru March 3, 2024, to view favorite family flicks! Head to your nearest participating Marcus Theatres® location. 2 FREE tickets to the show are available this weekend – just click here to redeem vouchers.
- Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken – February 16-19, 2024. Popcorn & drink specials: $3.50/each. Participating theatres include Marcus Oakdale, Rosemount and Southbridge Crossing (Shakopee) Cinemas.
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.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, February 20, 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 too cold or sloppy to be outdoors:
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTERÂ (Blast & Play Tot Time, 9am-12pm. $5/child.)
- LINO LAKES ROOKERYÂ (Tot Time, 9am-12pm, ages 1-10, $4)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS – AUDUBON & PERSHING RECREATION CENTERS (Audubon, 9am-12pm, $10-$15/whole season. Pershing, 10:30am-1pm, FREE.)
- SAVAGE SPORTS CENTERÂ (Tot Time, 9-11:30am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERSÂ (See schedule for locations, FREE)
TUESDAY FEATURED TOT TIME:Â Blast & Play at Eagan Community Center
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 20, 2024, 9am-12pm. $5/child.
EXPLORE MORE TWIN CITIES INDOOR PLAYGROUND OPTIONS THIS WINTER!
Twin Cities storytimes on Tuesday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES:Â Blaine Johnsville & Northtown, Circle Pines, Ham Lake, Rum River & St Francis libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnhaven (Burnsville), Galaxie (Apple Valley) Heritage (Lakeville), Robert Trail & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Excelsior, Maple Grove, Minneapolis Nokomis & Rogers library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES:Â New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY:Â New Prague & Prior Lake libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY:Â Arlington Hills, Highland Park, Merriam Park & St Anthony Park branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY:Â Bayport, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek, Stillwater &Â Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Family Storytime at Woodridge Park
9000 90th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Singing, literacy and playing are all part of this indoor storytime at the park followed by a related activity for kids up to age 6. February 20, 2024, 10:30-11am. FREE.
Drop In Discovery at Minneapolis Parks
Nature games and activities presented by community parks in Minneapolis. Drop in for free fun in the parks. Here’s the Tuesday schedule:
- 12-1pm:Â WAITE PARK
- 12:30-1:30pm:Â WINDOM SOUTH PARK
- 4:15-5:15pm: FULLER PARK
- 4:30-5:30pm:Â PHILLIPS PARK
- 5-6pm: STEWART PARK
- 4:45-5:45pm:Â LAKE HIAWATHA PARK
- 5:30-6:30pm:Â LAKE NOKOMIS PARK
El Rio Vista Community Center Movie Night
179 Robie St. E., St. Paul, MN
Put on your PJs, grab your coziest blanket and get ready for a movie night (TBA – check the event page) on the big screen. February 20, 6-8pm. FREE.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, February 21, 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)
- CRYSTAL COMMUNITY CENTERÂ (Preschool Playtime, 10-11:30am, $3/child)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & RECÂ (See schedule for locations – type “indoor playground” into search bar, most FREE)
- NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTERÂ (Preschool Playtime, 12-3pm, $8/child includes admission to Eagles Nest Indoor Playground)
- PLYMOUTH FIELD HOUSEÂ (Open Play, 10:30am-1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $6-$8/child)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTERÂ (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY CENTERÂ (Kids Playtime, 9:30-11am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERSÂ (See schedule for locations, FREE)
WEDNESDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM:Â 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 21, 2024. 12-3pm, $8/child. 400 10th St NW, New Brighton, MN 55112.
Twin Cities storytimes on Wednesday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY:Â Blaine Johnsville and Northtown, Coon Rapids & Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnhaven, Heritage (Lakeville), Robert Trail & Wentworth branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Brookdale, Champlin, Eden Prairie, Minneapolis Central and Washburn, Rogers, Southdale & St Anthony library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Maplewood, Moundsview & North St Paul library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY:Â Dayton’s Bluff, Rondo & West Seventh library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY:Â Cottage Grove Park Grove, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Family Storytime with the Minnesota DNR
North St Paul Library, 2300 N St Paul Dr, North St Paul, MN 55109
A park naturalists presents a special storytime about Minnesota’s environment for ages 2-5. February 21, 2024, 10:30am. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Nature play
Toddler Day Open House at the Raptor CenterÂ
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, 2024, 10am-12pm. $10/adults, up to two kids FREE, additional child $7.50
ExploraTots at Como Regional Park Park
Nature play stations include a story, a hike, and a take-home activity appropriate for the age range of 3-5 years. Must register in advance, space is limited. Don’t grab a spot? Plan ahead – this event is held monthly. February 21, 2024, 10-11:30am. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday: 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 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 21, 2024. $9-$15/pp or $45/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 21, 2024, 10am-8pm. FREE.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, February 22, 2024
Tot Time Open Gym on Thursday:
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTERÂ (9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTERÂ (Blast & Play, 9am-12pm, $5/child)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & RECÂ (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTERÂ (Open Playtime, 10-11:30am, $3/child up to age 5)
- SAVAGE SPORTS CENTERÂ (Tot Time, 9-11:30am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERSÂ (See schedule for locations, FREE)
THURSDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM:Â TCO Sports Garden Toddler Thursdays
1490 Co Rd E East, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110
Little ones with energy to spare: Come to Field 1 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 22, 2024, 9:30-11:30am. FREE.
Twin Cities storytimes on Thursday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY:Â Blaine Northtown, Circle Pines, Fridley and Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Hastings Pleasant Hill, Robert Trail, South St Paul Kaposia, Wentworth & Wescott (Eagan) branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Maple Grove, Oxboro, Plymouth & Southdale branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY:Â New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY:Â Prior Lake library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY:Â George Latimer, Hayden Heights & Sun Ray library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Cottage Grove Park Grove & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: 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). February 22, 2024, 10:30am. FREE.
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.Â
PAIR A VISIT WITH DINNER:Â 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 22, 2024, 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 23, 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 GYMNASTICSÂ (Preschool Open Gym, 9:30-11:30am, $10/child or $15/family.)
- CHANHASSEN RECREATION CENTER (8-11:30am, $4-$4.50/child)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & RECÂ (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- PLYMOUTH FIELDHOUSEÂ (Youth Open Play, 10:30am to 1:30pm, $6-$8/pp)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTERÂ (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERSÂ (See schedule for locations, FREE)
Twin Cities storytimes on Friday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY:Â Fridley library.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY:Â Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY:Â Farmington, South St Paul Kaposia & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie, Maple Plain, Minneapolis Bottineau, Roosevelt and Walker & St Louis Park libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & White Bear Lake libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Merriam Park library.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY:Â Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
Fun things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities, February 24-25, 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!