Twin Cities Guide to Family Activities This Week: January 1-5, 2024

Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, January 3, 2024

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, $8/pp)
• MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
• PLYMOUTH FIELD HOUSE (Open Play, 10:30am-1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $5-$7/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: 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. January 3, 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 Wednesday:

• Anoka, Carver & Ramsey County libraries are on break today.
• DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: West St Paul Wentworth library.
• HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Minneapolis Linden Hills & Washburn library branches.
• ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer & West Seventh libraries.
• WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.

WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Storytime at Be With Me Playseum

Ridgedale Center, 12705 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55305
Familiar with the Minnesota Children’s Museum? This is a similar, scaled-down version where kids can play around mini-sota-scapes. Storytime is included with admission and offered at 11am & 4pm followed by a snack and a sensory activity. $15/pp admission.

FIND OUR ULTIMATE ADDRESS BOOK OF INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS & PLAY SPACES TO CHECK OUT OVER WINTER BREAK!

More family fun ideas for Wednesday:

Special Open Swim hours 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 3-5 will also have winter break open swim hours from 1:30-5:30pm. January 3, 2024.

Student Climb Night at Dick’s House of Sport

12547 Ridgedale Ctr, Minnetonka, MN
Does your kid want to dabble in rock climbing without a big $ investment? Try this: 15 minutes to try 8 vertical climbing routes for just $5. Reserve your spot between 4-8pm. January 3, 2024 (and ongoing Wednesdays).

Where can I see the trains on Wednesday?

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 3, 2024. Please note that the website ticket link says this event starts at 10:30 but the event description states 10am. Please call to confirm. $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 3, 2024, 10am-8pm. FREE.