THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL WITH YOUR KIDS!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of January 16-20, 2023. 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 2023! 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 16, 2023
Martin Luther King Jr Day in the Twin Cities
Traditionally, we list the day’s Tot Time open gyms & 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, art activities, lunch and giveways. January 16, 2023, 11am-2pm. FREE.
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 snow. Such as:
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 ELM CREEK PARK RESERVE. Hit this park up for the best sledding to be found in Maple Grove. Operated by the excellent Three Rivers Park District, Elm Creek features a free sledding hill and/or, for an extra thrill, a tubing area with lanes of varying steepness. Tubes rent for $17/2 hrs.. Elm Creek aims to fit most of your winter recreational needs – you can also ski, snowboard, snowshoe or kicksled in the park.
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 a man-made skating rink will be open daily from 10am-10pm. There is a nearby warming house. Registration and waiver required prior to your first visit. 2611 Nordic Way, Eagan, Minnesota, 55121.
ICE MAZE! The Minnesota Ice Maze is also located at Viking Lakes – a bit of a splurge but could make for a fun family night out!
More family fun ideas for Monday: warm up indoors
TROPICAL OASIS 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, on the 14th, the Winter Flower Show opens and brightens up the Conservatory. Our family loves to escape the winter for a couple hours at Como. January 16, 2023, 10am-4pm. FREE.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 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 & 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 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! January 17, 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: Eden Prairie, Excelsior, Maple Grove, Minneapolis Central, Nokomis & Rogers library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton & Roseville library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: No storytimes listed.
- 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 17, 2023, 10:30-11am. FREE.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 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, 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! 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 18, 2023, 10:30am to 1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $5-$6/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), South St Paul & Wentworth branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Champlin, Linden Hills, Minneapolis Washburn, Rogers, St Anthony & Webber Park library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & North St Paul library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Storytime has been cancelled today.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: STORYTIME AT KIDDYWAMPUS
1023 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
Interactive stories, songs & rhymes for kids ages 2-5 at one of the coolest independent toy shops in the Twin Cities. No registration required. January 18, 2023, 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 18, 2023. $7-$11/pp or $30/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 18, 2023, 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 18, 2023. $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 18, 2023.
FIND MORE TWIN CITIES INDOOR POOLS AND WATERPARKS FOR A WINTER SWIM!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 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! 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. January 19, 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, Inver Glen, Robert Trail, Wentworth & Wescott (Eagan) branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Augsburg Park, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Maple Grove, Oxboro, Plymouth & Wayzata 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 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. January 19, 2023, 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 19, 2022, 10-11am. $5-$8/pp. 8300 W. Franklin Ave, St. Louis Park, MN 55426.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 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.)
- 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! January 20, 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 library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Maple Plain, Minneapolis East Lake, Eden Prairie, Ridgedale & Walker branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: White Bear Lake branch library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Riverview & Hamline Midway branch 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 20, 2022, 10:30am.
More family fun ideas for Friday
Kids at the Castle: Winter Wonderland
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Music, movement and play aimed at kids ages 2-5 presented in a real castle! Registration in advance is required as space is limited. January 20, 2023, 9-10am. $10/family, museum admission included. Also offered January 21.
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 $9/child. January 20, 2023, 9am-7pm.
FRIDAY FEATURED COMMUNITY FESTIVAL:
Eagan Frosty Festival
Eagan Community Center Festival Grounds, 1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55121
Sled to the DJ’d music, build a snowman, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies and get some great winter photos. January 20, 2023. 5:30-7:30pm. Tickets $5 and can be purchased here.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, JANUARY 21-22, 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!