Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of February 5-9, 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!)
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Monday, February 5, 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!
- 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)
- MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $4/child)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (Type “family indoor playground” into the search box to see schedule for locations, FREE)
- OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER (Open Playtime, 10-11:30am, $3/child up to age 5)
- PLYMOUTH FIELD HOUSE (Open Play, 10:30am-1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $6-$8/child)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY CENTER (Kids Playtime, 9:30-11am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
MONDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: Plymouth Fieldhouse Open Play
When the temps dip, field house opens up for kids who need to run and scoot around indoors. Balls and objects for free play are provided. The fieldhouse is heated to 55 degrees so dress accordingly. February 5, 2024, 10:30am to 1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $6-$8/pp. 14800 34th Ave., Plymouth, MN 55447-1482.
Twin Cities storytimes on Monday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Columbia Heights & Coon Lake libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Victoria & Chanhassen library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Apple Valley Galaxie library.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Brooklyn Park, Linden Hills, Plymouth & Westonka library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake libraries.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Elko New Market & New Prague library branches have storytime events.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: No storytimes scheduled.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland, Mahtomedi Wildwood, Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
MONDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Puppet Storytime at Westwood Nature Center
8300 W Franklin Ave, St Louis Park, MN 55426
Open play and exploration of Westwood Hills Nature Center, naturalist-led activities, puppet show and a hike. This month’s theme is “Who’s Hibernating”. February 5 2024. 10am-11am, $6-$7/person. Registration required.
More family fun ideas for Monday: Cozy indoor parks
Keep it balmy at indoor Woodbury Central Park
8595 Central Park Pl, Woodbury, MN 55125
Thoughts of winter and snow will melt away in Woodbury’s CENTRAL PARK as you stroll around the landscaped rocks and tricking water fountains. Under one roof, kids can cozy up with books at a branch of the WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY and work off the wiggles at LOOKOUT RIDGE INDOOR PLAYGROUND.
Outdoors brought in at Good Times Park
3265 Northwood Cir #100, Eagan, MN 55121
We love 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, $12/pp ages 1-17. Admission is bought online in advance, space may be limited.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, February 6, 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 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 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 6, 2024, 9am-12pm, $4/child.
Twin Cities storytimes on Tuesday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: 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), Pleasant Hill (Hastings), Robert Trail & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Excelsior, Maple Grove, Minneapolis Northeast & Nokomis and Rogers libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview libraries.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: New Prague & Prior Lake libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Arlington Hills, Highland Park, Merriam Park & St Anthony Park branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Family Storytime at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park
9653 Keats Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
A special outdoor storytime at the park that coincides with Free First Tuesday in Washington County Parks. Indoor craft or activity to follow. Dress for the elements, however in the case of extreme weather, stories will be inside Ravine Landing. February 6, 2024, 10:30am. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Tuesday: Try some indoor sports!
Base Camp Open Climb & Archery
6202 Bloomington Rd, St Paul, MN 55111
Base Camp is a place to try out exciting physical activities like open rock climbing and archery. Ages 5+ are invited to try scaling the indoor engineered rock walls on the first Tuesday of the month. Please pre-register. February 6, 2024, 6-9pm. $10/climber.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, February 7, 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)
- 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, $8/child includes admission to Eagles Nest Indoor Playground)
- PLYMOUTH FIELD HOUSE (Open Play, 10:30am-1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $6-$8/child)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- 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 (9am-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)
Twin Cities storytimes on Wednesday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Johnsville & 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, Linden Hills, Minneapolis Central & Washburn, Minnetonka, Rogers & St Anthony library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Maplewood, Mounds View & North St Paul library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Dayton’s Bluff, George Latimer, Rondo & West Seventh libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
WEDNESDAY 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 7, 2024, 10:30am. 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 7, 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 7, 2024, 10am-8pm. FREE.
Twin Cities Valentine’s Day family events
Valentine Card Making with Minneapolis Parks
With a couple events to choose between, let your imagination loose and craft a delightful card for someone special at one of these parks. Ages 6+. February 7, 2024, 6-8pm. $10-$15/pp.
- LINDEN HILLS PARK: 3100 W 43rd St, Minneapolis
- VAN CLEVE PARK: 901 15th Avenue SE, Minneapolis
See our roundup of Valentine’s Day activities for families in the Twin Cities for more DIY Craft Ideas.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, February 8, 2024
Tot Time Open Gym on 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)
- 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)
THURSDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM: TCO Sports Garden Toddler Thursdays
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 8, 2024, 9:30-11:30am. FREE.
Twin Cities storytimes on Thursday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Northtown, Circle Pines, Fridley and Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Hastings Pleasant Hill, Inver Glen, Robert Trail & Wentworth branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Augsburg Park, Minnetonka, Maple Grove, Oxboro, Plymouth & Wayzata library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View, New Brighton, Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: Prior Lake library.
- 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.
THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Nature Storytime at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Nature stories and an activity for kids led by garden naturalists – meet inside the trailhead (and dress for the weather). February 8, 2024, 10-10:30am. FREE.
Lil Explorer Thursday at Como Zoo
Lil Explorer Thursdays program 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 8, 2024, 10am-noon. FREE.
Heartfelt Preschool Love 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. This month’s festival is, unsurprisingly, themed for Valentine’s Day so you know your child will craft something from the heart. February 8, 2024. $24/first child, $12/additional. Please register in advance.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Friday, February 9, 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 (Preschool Open Gym, 9:30-11:30am, $10/child or $15/family.)
- PLYMOUTH FIELDHOUSE (Youth Open Play, 10:30am to 1:30pm, $6-$8/pp)
- 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 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 9, 2024. 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:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Fridley library.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America & Waconia libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington & Inver Glen libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie, Maple Plain, Minneapolis Bottineau, East Lake & Roosevelt, Ridgedale and St Anthony branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & White Bear Lake libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Merriam Park & Riverview libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
FRIDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Preschool Storytime at Carpenter Nature Center
12805 St. Croix Trail S, Hastings, MN 55033
Each month at the nature center features a new nature theme and activities aimed at ages 2-5 w/ a caregiver. Call 651-437-4359 to reserve a space as they are limited. This month’s theme is Mitten Time. February 9, 2024, 10am. $6/child.
Community winter festival
Pearl Park Frost Fest
Pearl Park, 5144 13th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
A bit less frosty this year but still scheduled! Activities remaining will be a glowstick dance party, food trucks, a medallion hunt and bonfire with winter sports (hopefully) to return next year. February 9, 2024, 6-8:30pm.
More family fun ideas for Friday: Indoor activities!
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):
- GREAT RIVER WATER PARK (St Paul): Children’s pool only hours from 9-10am. $7/pp or $25/family.
SHAKOPEE INDOOR AQUATIC CENTER: Ages 6 & under, 9-10:30am, $6-$11/child and caregivers FREE)
FIND MORE TWIN CITIES INDOOR POOLS AND WATERPARKS FOR A WINTER SWIM!
Movie Night at Edinborough Park Amphitheater
7700 York Ave S, Edina, MN 55435
EDINBOROUGH PARK in Edina stays balmy and green, even through the winter! The indoor park is free to stroll through and a free movie night is offered once a month at the amphitheater. $10/pp will get the young ones into the giant ADVENTURE PEAK play structure where they’ll be busy climbing for hours and includes admission to Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. 5:30pm. February 9, 2024.
Explore more indoor playgrounds this winter on our giant list!
Twin Cities Valentine’s Day family events
Valentine Heart Scavenger Hunt
Kenny Park, 1328 West 58th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Go on a hunt for candy, plastic and paper hearts hidden around the park. Then stop in the Rec Center to warm up with hot chocolate. All ages. February 9, 2024, 6-7pm. FREE.
Valentine’s Splash Open Swim
Eden Prairie Community Center, 16700 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Enjoy a family-friendly open swim with a Valentine theme. All ages. February 9, 2024; 5pm-7:50pm. $7-$9/pp or $25/family.
Fun things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities, February 10-11, 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!