Twin Cities Guide to Family Activities This Week: January 2-6, 2023

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL WITH YOUR KIDS!

This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of January 2-6, 2023. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE.

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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 ourย FAMILY FUN CALENDARย for more fun ideas on what to do this week in the Twin Cities with your kids โ€“ satisfaction guaranteed (or close to it!)ย 

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON MONDAY, January 2, 2023

Lots of kids are enjoying their last or last few days of winter break today (my own kids included). There may still be some ideas worth checking out on our list of 16 THINGS TO DO OVER WINTER BREAK IN THE TWIN CITIES (plus, many apply throughout the winter season).

Traditionally, we list the day’s Tot Time open gyms & library storytimes here, but most city facilities are closed today to observe the start of the New Year. Instead of an indoor activity, why not take advantage of the extra degrees added to the temp outdoors this week and explore:

RECOMMENDED TWIN CITIES SLEDDING HILLS

From bunny slides to steep thrills, we list sledding spots across the Minneapolis-St Paul metro by community. PICTURED: COLUMBIA PARK SLEDDING HILL IN MINNEAPOLIS. We rate this pictured hill as one for mild thrill-seekers, but there are other, gentler slopes in the park nearby.

FREE COMMUNITY outdoor ICE SKATING RINKSย 

Including multiple refrigerated outdoor rinks that are free to skate as well. PICTURED:ย CENTRAL PARK ICE SKATING LOOP, Maple Grove: Skate the serpentine loop free, skate rental available for $7.50. There are outdoor firepits or a cozy pavilion to warm up in.ย 12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove, MN 55369.

Skaters warming by the firepit at the Central Park Ice Loop in Maple Grove, Minnesota

BEST TUBING HILLS in the twin cities

Particularly for your tweens and teens or those who have outgrown the local sledding slope. We ourselves have a pack of older kids who think this is a way fun winter outing. PICTURED: BADLANDS SNO PARK, Hudson, Wisconsin. Badlands Snow Park claims some of the steepest, tallest and longest hills in the country among its 7 tubing hills. It may very well be true; but this not-so-brave Mom has only observed her big kids from the comfort of the chalet. 772 Kinney Road, Hudson, WI 54016.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, January 3, 2023

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

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:

TUESDAY FEATURED TOT TIME! BLAST AND PLAYย 

Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55121
Blast & Play Tot Time includes admission to the space-themed Blast Indoor Playground and the community center gym for open play with equipment provided. January 3, 2023, 9am-12pm. $5/child.

The Blast Indoor Playground at Eagan Central Park, Eagan MinnesotaThe Blast Indoor Playground

TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON TUESDAY:

TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME!ย 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 withย 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. January 3, 2023, 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.ย January 3, 2023, 6-9pm. $10/climber.ย 

Rock Climbers receiving instruction at Base Camp in Bloomington Minnesota

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, January 4, 2023

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

TOT TIME OPEN GYMS ON WEDNESDAY:

WEDNESDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM!ย GLEASONโ€™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 willย loveย 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! Thereโ€™s an open gym for you, too.ย January 4, 2023. Preschool open gym: Wednesdays & Fridays: 9:30 โ€“ 11:30am.ย Pre-register: $10/child; $15/family ($13/$20 at the door).Collage of Preschool Open Gym at Gleason's Gymnastics School in Minnesota

TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON WEDNESDAY

MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR WEDNESDAY:

CHILDRENโ€™S POOL HOUR AT GREAT RIVER WATER PARK

270 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104
Monday, Wednesday and Friday hours are โ€œchildrenโ€™s pool onlyโ€ from 9am-10am at this perfect little indoor splash spot. And admission isnโ€™t bad either โ€“ $7/pp or $25 for a group of 5.ย January 4, 2023.

WHERE CAN I SEE THE TRAINS ON WEDNESDAY?

Mid-week is excellent to spot trains in the Twin Cities if thatโ€™s what your little ones (or big ones) are into. Hereโ€™s are a couple of places to consider; plan ahead and find more on our articleย MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL, A TRAIN LOVERS DESTINATION:

  • TOTS & TRAINS AT JACKSON STREET ROUNDHOUSEย โ€“ Play at the train tables, run through a read train car, hear a train-themed story and more. Located in St Paul.ย January 4, 2023, 10am-12pm. $7-$11/pp or $30/family.
  • GAMES GALORE AT UNION DEPOTย โ€“ 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.ย January 4, 2023, 10am-8pm. FREE.
Girl by train car at the Minnesota Transportation Museum in Saint Paul, MN
Minnesota Transportation Museum โ€“ Jackson Street Roundhouse

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, January 5, 2023

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

TOT TIME OPEN GYM ON THURSDAYS:

THURSDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM!ย 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.ย  The fieldhouse is kept at 55 degrees so dress with this in mind.ย January 5, 2023, 9:30-11:30am. FREE!

TCO Sports Garden sign on the front of the new sports complex.
Image courtesy of Ramsey County Parks & Recreation

TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON THURSDAY:

THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME!ย LIL EXPLORER THURSDAY STORYTIME AT COMO ZOO

Lil Explorer Thursdaysย 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.ย January 5, 2023, 10am-noon. FREE.

FUN THINGS

TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, January 6, 2023

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

TOT TIME OPEN GYMS ON FRIDAY:

FRIDAY 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 โ€“ and inflatables for kids up to age 12 make a special appearance on Wednesdays. The fieldhouse is heated to 55 degrees so dress accordingly.ย January 6, 2023, 10:30am to 1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $5-$6/pp. 14800 34th Ave., Plymouth, MN 55447-1482.

TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON FRIDAY:

More ideas for Friday night family fun:

FOREVER WILD FAMILY FRIDAY: SNOW FUN

Lebanon Hills Regional Park, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan MN
Bring your own sled for a night of sledding and snow-sculpting. Meet at the Visitor Center. January 6, 2023, 6-7:30pm. FREE.

Minnesota Ice Maze Opening Night

Viking Lakes, 2685 Vikings Circle, Suite 200 Eagan, MN 55121
The glittery, glowy, twisting and turning ice maze has moved to Eagan for 2023. It will still feature a fun themed scavenger hunt for all ages embedded into the shimmery blocks and a thrilling ice slide. There will be firepits to warm up at and drinks and snacks available for purchase. You’ll want to grab your tickets online in advance. January 6-mid February 2023, 4-10pm.

The Ice Maze at its Stillwater location in 2022

WATER INNโ€™S FREE ICE SKATING RINK Opens

Located behind 101 Water St S, Stillwater, MN 55082
Not a large rink, but well maintained and close to downtown and free public parking lots. Itโ€™s located right behind the Water Street Inn. Note that the rink is free, but there are no skate rentals available or a warming house. The ice rink is availableย January 6-February 26, 2023.

Find more of the best things to do in Stillwater this winter with kids!
Water Street Inn ice skating rink โ€“ glide within view of the Chestnut Street lights and the Stillwater Lift Bridge!

FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, JANUARY 7-8, 2023

Too many fun things to list here, Iโ€™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!

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