Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of January 15-19, 2024. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE.
Best wishes for extra family fun in 2024! For more winter inspiration you can check our JANUARY 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, January 15, 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. A few of our regularly-listed open gyms are on break today to observe MLK Day, but several remain open to give kids a space to run around during this cold snap. SEE OUR FULL LIST OF TWIN CITIES TOT TIME OPEN GYMS THIS WINTER!
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or $3 drop in option)
- MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $3/child)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (Type “family indoor playground” into the search box to see schedule for locations, FREE)
- 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: Open Play at Plymouth Community Center
14800 34th Ave N, Plymouth, Minnesota 55447
A great deal on indoor play while the kids have a school break today – $10 wristbands include 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. January 15, 2024, 9am-2pm. $10/child.
Martin Luther King Jr Day in the Twin Cities
Traditionally, we list the day’s library storytimes here, but most city facilities are closed today to observe MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY. Hit the link for ways to participate or ideas for activities you can do at home.
MLK featured event: Celebration at Powderhorn
Powderhorn Recreation Center, 3400 15th Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55407
Powderhorn neighborhood’s family-friendly, 2-hour artist showcase featuring storytellers, visual artists and performing artists and art activities. January 15, 2024, 11am-2pm. FREE.
Take a spin: Outdoor ice skating rinks
We’re the metro area of 10,000 rinks in the wintertime. From frozen puddles at the local park to beautiful, refrigerated outdoor rinks, we catalog as many as possible in our TWIN CITIES ICE RINK-FINDER (most of them featuring FREE opportunities to skate). This week we’re highlighting the free skating ice skating rink at VIKING LAKES in Eagan. During their Winter Skolstice event both a refrigerated and an indoor skating rink will be open daily. Skate rental is $5/pair and there’s a warming house nearby. January 15, 2024, hours from 12-9pm. 2611 Nordic Way, Eagan, Minnesota, 55121.
More family fun ideas for Monday: Warm up indoors
Tropical Snowfari Weekend at Como Zoo & Conservatory
1225 Estabrook Drive, St Paul MN 55103
Escape the cold this weekend and head someplace a little more balmy. Free special adds at Como during MLK break include crafts, games, a scavenger hunt and animal enrichment programs. Plus, the Winter Flower Show has just opened and brightens up the Conservatory. Our family loves to escape the winter for a couple hours at Como. January 15, 2024, 10am-4pm. FREE.
IKEA Polar Bear Scavenger Hunt
8000 Ikea Way, Bloomington, MN 55425
There are outdoor gnome and yeti scavenger hunts scattered around the Twin Cities this winter – how about staying cozy indoors and scouting polar bears at IKEA? Register online first to make sure there’s space. IKEA Family members can also check kids into Smaland, a fully-supervised play area for up to an hour for FREE between 12pm and 6pm daily while their adults can shop or just relax. January 15, 2024, 10am-1pm. FREE.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, January 16, 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! January 16, 2024, 9am-12pm, $4/child.
Twin Cities storytimes on Tuesday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Norwood Young America, Victoria & 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: Maple Grove, Minneapolis Nokomis & Northeast and Rogers library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Arlington Hills, Highland Park & St Anthony Park branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Forest Lake Hardwood Creek & 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. January 16, 2024, 10:30-11am. FREE.
Jr Naturalists: 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: WAITE PARK
- 12:30-1:30pm: WINDOM SOUTH PARK
- 4-5pm: LONGFELLOW PARK
- 4:30-5:30pm: PHILLIPS PARK
- 4:45-5:45pm: LAKE HIAWATHA PARK
- 5:30-6:30pm: LAKE NOKOMIS PARK
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, January 17, 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: 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 – and inflatables for kids up to age 12 make a special appearance on Wednesdays. The fieldhouse is heated to 55 degrees so dress accordingly. January 17, 2024, 10:30am to 1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $6-$8/pp. 14800 34th Ave., Plymouth, MN 55447-1482.
Twin Cities storytimes on Wednesday
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnhaven, Heritage (Lakeville) & Wentworth branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Brookdale, Champlin, Eden Prairie, Linden Hills, Minneapolis Central & Washburn and Rogers branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Maplewood, Mounds View & North St Paul library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Rondo & West Seventh libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Family Storytime with the Minnesota DNR
Mounds View Library, 2576 Mounds View Blvd, Mounds View, MN 55112
A park naturalists presents a special storytime about Minnesota’s environment for ages 2-5. January 17, 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 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. Located in St Paul. January 17, 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. January 17, 2024, 10am-8pm. FREE.
Heartfelt Preschool Winter 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. January 17, 2024. $24/first child, $12/additional. Please register in advance.
Children’s Pool Hour at Great River Water Park
270 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104
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. January 17, 2024.
FIND MORE TWIN CITIES INDOOR POOLS AND WATERPARKS FOR A WINTER SWIM!
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, January 18, 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. January 18, 2024, 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, Oxboro, Penn Lake, Plymouth & Wayzata library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer (St Paul) & Sun Ray library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Cottage Grove Park Grove, Forest Lake, Mahtomedi & 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. January 18, 2024, 10am-noon. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Thursday: 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 WESTWOOD HILLS NATURE CENTER in St Louis Park. Special event at Westwood Hills: Family Nature Time – Program includes indoor and outdoor time exploring animals, reading stories, playing games and more. Please register in advance as space is limited. January 18, 2024, 10-11am. $6-$7/pp. 8300 W. Franklin Ave, St. Louis Park, MN 55426.
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). January 18, 2024, 10-10:30am. FREE.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Friday, January 19, 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 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)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
FRIDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM: Tot Times at St Paul Recreation Centers
It’s fun, unstructured, nearly always free and a total sanity-saver during our colder 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 Friday mornings this fall:
- BATTLE CREEK RECREATION CENTER, 75 Winthrop St S, St Paul, MN 55119. (10am -12pm)
- DAYTON’S BLUFF RECREATION CENTER, 800 Conway Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106. (10am-12pm)
- EDGCUMBE RECREATION CENTER, 320 Griggs St S, St Paul, MN 55105. (9am-12:30pm)
- MERRIAM PARK RECREATION CENTER, 860 St Clair Ave, St Paul, MN 55105. (10am-12pm)
Twin Cities storytimes on Friday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington & Inver Glen library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Maple Plain, Minneapolis East Lake, Eden Prairie, Pierre Bottineau & Walker libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & White Bear Lake libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Riverview & Merriam Park libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
FRIDAY 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!) January 19, 2024, 10:30am. FREE, note that the train tables are pay-to-play.
More family fun ideas for Friday: Indoor activities
Kids at the Castle: The Box King
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Music, movement and play aimed at kids ages 2-5 presented in a real castle-like mansion! Registration in advance is required as space is limited. January 19, 2024, 9-10am. $15/family, museum admission included. Also offered January 20.
More great Twin Cities museums kids will enjoy:
- BAKKEN MUSEUM, Minneapolis: Hands-on exhibits about electricity.
- BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, St Paul: A planetarium, wildlife dioramas and a touch-and-feel room among other interactive exhibits.
- MILL CITY MUSEUM, Minneapolis: Water play, imaginative play, a tasting lab & multimedia show attract all ages.
- MINNNESOTA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, St Paul: Three floors of exhibits and play designed just for kids.
- MINNESOTA HISTORY CENTER, St Paul: Educational exhibits that still manage to be very interactive and lots of fun (we promise!)
Candyland Trail at Edinborough Park
7700 York Ave S, Edina, MN 55435
A Candyland trail, themed bounce house and other activities are all part of this special event at ADVENTURE PEAK INDOOR PLAYGROUND – included with admission of $10/child. January 19, 2024, 9am-6pm.
New Brighton Brave the BRRR: 2024 Bartz Snow Sculpture
1975 Silver Lake Rd NW, New Brighton, MN 55112
Friday is the newest projected date for the completion of the 2024 Bartz Brothers snow sculpture. The team has been working hard in less than idea conditions to make this happen – come out and support! Plus, a gnome search around the golf course, an indoor market and food trucks. January 19, 2024, 3pm. FREE.
Fire & Ice at McRae Park
906 E 47th St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Bundle up for outdoor ice skating at the park. There will be a bonfire and free hot cocoa to help keep warm and some loaner skates to borrow. January 19, 2024, 6-8pm. FREE.
Fun things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities, January 20-21, 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!