Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of February 27-March 3, 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 MARCH 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 27, 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 – 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! OPEN GYM & CRAFT DAY
Andover Community Center, 15200 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
We picked this special Tot Time this week because the in addition to fun in the gym, a craft is available to make-and-take. February 27, 2023. 9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under.
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, Rockford Road & Westonka library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Family Early Literacy class at Elko New Market branch library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Rondo branch library.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland (Valley), Mahtomedi (Wildwood), Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
MONDAY FEATURED STORYTIME! Free Story & Art Time at Eden Prairie Art Center
7650 Equitable Drive, Eden Prairie, MN
Ages 2-6 w/ adult can drop in for storytime & an art project. Dress to get creative. February 27, 2023, 10-11am.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR MONDAY: GO PLAY OUTSIDE!
Flurries or flakes, powdery or packed, it can be SNOW much fun to play in! Especially when you’re a kid without all that responsibility to shovel the stuff. So let’s forget about the sidewalks and driveway for a minute and focus on all the frivolous ways we can enjoy the fresh snowfall the Twin Cities was recently blessed with:
EXPLORING THE TWIN CITIES’ BEST SLEDDING HILLS
From bunny slides to steep thrills, we list sledding spots across the Minneapolis-St Paul metro by community in our sledding hill guide. And each week, we feature a new slope we’ve recently given a test run. Today we’re sending you over to LES BOLSTAD golf course near Roseville. Operated by the University of Minnesota, free sledding is permitted on its various hills and slopes. Your kids are bound to find one that fits well (as mine certainly did, pictured). We enter in the gate across from LAUDERDALE COMMUNITY PARK. 2328 Roselawn Ave W, Lauderdale, MN 55113.
CAN I STILL ICE SKATE OUTDOORS IN THE TWIN CITIES?
Yes! It’s still possible to fit in this classic winter outdoor activity – but you’ve got to know where the refrigerated ice rinks are located. Our skating rink-finder can assist! Or, here are a few ideas (skate rental may not be available and always call or check ahead for rink conditions):
- Central Park Ice Skating Loop – Maple Grove (FREE!)
- John Rose MN OVAL – Roseville ($8/pp)
- M Health Fairview Sports Center Outdoor Rink – Woodbury (FREE!)
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 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! THE ROOKERY ACTIVITY CENTER IN LINO LAKES
Rookery Activity Center, 7690 Village Drive, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
A special Tot Time held in the gym for ages 1-10. Make sure your little ones wear socks for the bounce house! February 28, 2023, 9am-12pm, $4/child.
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: 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! Highland Park Preschool Storytime
1974 Ford Parkway, Saint Paul MN 55116
Stories, songs, rhymes and more to build literacy skills in little ones. Meet in the children’s area. February 28, 2023, 10:30-11:30am. FREE.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR TUESDAY:
KIDSJAM WITH SCHUBERT CLUB MUSEUM
Landmark Center, 75 W 5th St, St Paul, MN 55102
This month, kids can listen to and learn about harp music. They’ll craft their own folk instrument and play along with live performers, too. The SCHUBERT CLUB MUSIC MUSEUM is hands-on fun our own kids have enjoyed. February 28, 2023. $5/participant, registration required.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 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! 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 Wednesday mornings this winter:
- DAYTON’S BLUFF REC CENTER, 800 Conway St, St Paul, MN 55106 (10am-12pm)
- 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 (10am-noon)
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON WEDNESDAY
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnhaven, South St Paul & Wentworth branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Brookdale, Champlin, Linden Hills, Minneapolis Webber Park, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Rogers & Southdale 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: Family Storytime with the Minnesota DNR
North St Paul Library, 2300 North St. Paul Drive. North St. Paul Minnesota 55109
A park naturalists presents a special “Skins and Skulls” storytime for ages 2-5. March 1, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR WEDNESDAY: INDOOR ACTIVITIES
WHERE CAN I FIND TRAINS IN THE TWIN CITIES? Mid-week is excellent to spot them in the capitol city of St Paul – if that’s what your little ones (or big ones) are into. Here 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. March 1, 2023. $9-$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. March 1, 2023, 10am-8pm. FREE.
Hey, it’s not open Wednesday but here’s another fun place to play with trains Friday thru Monday in St Paul!
- TWIN CITY MODEL RAILROAD MUSEUM – Delightful scale train layouts, some familiar landmarks rendered in miniature, and stuff for kids to tinker with. $10/pp ages 5+, group discount available.
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 GOOD TIMES PARK in Eagan for its indoors-but-outdoor feel: soccer turf, multi-level basketball hoops, huge jumping pillow, play equipment and ability to entertain a wide range of ages. Open daily, 7am-9:30pm, $11/pp ages 1-17. Admission is bought online in advance, space may be limited.
FIND OUR FULL LIST OF MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL AREA INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS TO EXPLORE THIS WINTER!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 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, Inver Glen, Robert Trail, Wentworth & Wescott (Eagan) branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Augsburg Park, Hopkins, Minneapolis Central, Minnetonka, Oxboro, Plymouth & Southdale 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! 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). March 2, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR THURSDAY: CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY
Black History Month at Harrison Park
503 Irving Ave N, Minneapolis, MN, US 55405
Activities for kids ages 5-11 include crafts, cookie making and treats to go. Free, but please register in advance at the link. March 2, 2023, 6:30pm.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 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! 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. March 3, 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 FRIDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Inver Glen & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie branch library.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Moundsview & White Bear Lake branch libraries.
- 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 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 RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER within the sprawling HYLAND LAKE PARK RESERVE in Bloomington. Indoors, visitors can meet Richardson’s resident raptors, reptiles, and amphibians up close. There are many kid-friendly exhibits such as a puppet theater, child-sized tables and chairs for reading and puzzles, and aquariums at just the right height.
SPECIAL EVENT AT RICHARDSON! My Preschooler & Me – Puppet Adventures is presented once a month, a themed program with indoor and outdoor nature exploration for kids ages 2-6 w/ caregiver. Must register in advance. March 3, 2023, 10-11am. $5/pp.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, MARCH 4-5, 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!