Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of January 22-26, 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 22, 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, $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: Sparky’s Sirens & Safety
Andover Community Center, 15200 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
We picked this special Tot Time this week because the Andover fire department will be paying a visit to talk about fire safety with kids, show off their equipment, and do some demos. January 22, 2024. 9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under.
Twin Cities storytimes on Monday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Chanhassen library.
- 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 library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: No storytimes today.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland, Mahtomedi, Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
MONDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: 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 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 22, 2024, 10:30am. FREE, note that the train tables are pay-to-play.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, January 23, 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: Blast & Play at 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 23, 2024, 9am-12pm. $5/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), Robert Trail & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Excelsior, Maple Grove, Minneapolis Nokomis & Northeast & 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: Bayport, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Preschool Storytime in the Gym at Arlington Hills
1200 Payne Avenue, Saint Paul MN 55130
Storytime takes place right in the gym so after the read-aloud and songs, your kiddos can run their wiggles out at Tot Time (open play with age-appropriate equipment and room to run!) January 23, 2024, 10:30-11am. FREE.
Open Tot Swim at Eden Prairie Community Center
16700 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55346
A special Open Tot Swim is set aside for the youngest splashers: families with kids 5 & under with siblings up to age 7. Ongoing Tuesdays including January 23, 2024, 9-11:50am. $7-$9/pp or $25/family.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO WHILE I’M OUT IN EDEN PRAIRIE? FAMILY ATTRACTIONS CLOSE BY:
- PRAIRIE PLAY ZONE INDOOR PLAYGROUND: Kids play half price ($2.75-$3.25) after 1pm, Mon-Fri. Located within the Eden Prairie Community Center.
- FUN AT SCHEELS SPORTING GOODS: Inexpensive family attractions include an indoor Ferris Wheel, mini-bowling, arcade games, a target game and a huge (taxidermy) animal display. We love it on a chilly day! Located within Eden Prairie Center.
More family fun ideas for Tuesday: STEM outing
Visit Como Planetarium
780 W Wheelock Pkwy #1315, St Paul, MN 55117
Learn all about the night sky during the winter and see it for yourself on the planetarium screen. Educational, entertaining and a budget outing at $6-$8/pp. The earlier show is geared towards younger audiences, the later show for a general crowd. January 23, 2024, shows at 5:30 & 7pm.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, January 24, 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: 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 24, 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:
- 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, Minnetonka, Rogers & Washburn library 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: 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). January 23, 2024, 10:30am. FREE.
Kicksleds & Snowshoes with Ramsey County Parks
Roseville Library, 2180 North Hamline Ave, Roseville, Minnesota 55113
Try out snowshoes and kicksleds for FREE right here at the library, all ages welcome. Of course, you’ll want to then warm up inside with a good book. January 24, 2024, 10:30am-12:30pm. FREE. EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, January 25, 2024
Tot Time Open Gyms 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)
- TCO SPORTS GARDEN (Toddler Thursday, 9:30-11:30am. FREE.)
THURSDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM: Millz House Open Play
14645 Felton Court, Suite #104, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Work out the wiggles with indoor playsets, trampolines and basketball courts. Cost is $8/child; parents and babies under 18 months free. Open play 9am-4pm.
Twin Cities storytimes on Thursday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Inver Glen, 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 libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Maplewood, New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer (St Paul), Hayden Heights & Sun Ray library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Forest Lake, Park Grove & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Storytime at Red Balloon Bookshop
891 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
We love to feature independent bookshops and encourage you to explore and support them. Red Balloon offers baby & toddler storytime each Thursday. Get there early for the best seating! January 25, 2024, 10:30am.
More family fun ideas for Thursday: Nature play
Lil Explorer Thursday 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 25, 2024, 10am-noon. FREE.
Twin Cities festivals for families: St Paul Winter Carnival
Light the Park – Kickoff to Carnival
Rice Park, St Paul
When the lights flip on, it’s officially Carnival time in the capital city. The first 200 people to Rice Park will receive free glow wands and a brand new laser light show salutes the start of this 138-year-old festival. The classic Winter Carnival ice carvings to begin immediately following the show. Ultimate family winter date night? January 25, 2024, 5:30-7pm. FREE admission.
January 25-February 4, 2024: Find the best things to do at the St Paul Winter Carnival for families!
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Friday, January 26, 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)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- 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: IGM Gymnastics Preschool Open Gym
12117 Riverwood Dr, Burnsville, MN 55337
This is a special Open Gym time reserved just for kids ages 18 months to 5 years. Work out wiggles on the trampolines, balance beams, obstacle courses and foam pit. No need to pre-register for open gyms. January 26, 2024 9:30-11:30am. $10/child or $15/family.
Twin Cities storytimes on Friday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Inver Glen & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Maple Plain, Minneapolis East Lake, Pierre Bottineau & Walker branch 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: Family Storytime with the Minnesota DNR
White Bear Lake Library, 2150 2nd Street, White Bear Lake Minnesota 55110
A park naturalists presents a special storytime about Minnesota’s environment for ages 2-5. January 26, 2024, 10:30am. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Friday: Tot open swims
Littles can splash the winter blues away at special TOT OPEN SWIMS reserved just for them. We know of three indoor pools in the Twin Cities metro area that offer tot swims on Friday mornings (please tip us off if you know of others):
- EDEN PRAIRIE COMMUNITY CENTER POOL (Ages 5 & under, 9-11:50am, $7-$9/pp or $25/family)
- GREAT RIVER WATER PARK – CHILDREN’S POOL ONLY HOURS (9-10am, $7/pp ages 3+)
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!
Friday night fun: Try a family skate date!
Fire & Ice Family Skate Night at Linden Hills
3100 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Lace up your skates and get to it – the rinks are finally open this winter! Keep warm with hot cocoa and a bonfire. January 26, 2024, 5:30-7:30pm. FREE.
CENTENNIAL LAKES PARK. There’s skate rental available ($10/pair) and a large warming pavilion.
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). Some notable rinks we like to highlight:
- CENTENNIAL LAKES PARK, Edina – free ice skating, rentals $10/pair.
- CENTRAL PARK OF MAPLE GROVE ICE SKATING LOOP (free ice skating, rentals available for $7.50)
- DICK’S HOUSE OF SPORT OUTDOOR ICE RINK – free open skate, $3 rentals
- WOODBURY HEALTH EAST SPORTS CENTER ice rink (free skating)
- ROSEVILLE OVAL ($9/pp, rentals $5)
- VIKING LAKES in Eagan. During their Winter Skolstice event an skating rink will be open daily. There is a nearby warming house. 2611 Nordic Way, Eagan, Minnesota, 55121.
St Paul Winter Carnival 2024: Vulcan Snow Park at the State Fairgrounds opens
The wily Vulcan Krewe (nemesis of King Boreas and Aurora Queen of the Snows, and their court) play host to a number of fun winter activities based out of the Minnesota State Fairgrounds starting Friday including:
- WINTER CARNIVAL SNOW SCULPTURE PARK – Visitors are invited to come out to Vulcan Snow Park at the State Fairgrounds to watch sculptors at work Friday & Saturday. Finished sculptures are lit after dark. FREE.
- SNOW MAZE – Our kids loved navigating the mini snow maze when they were little. Snow Park is located in the Kidway area of the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
- More carnival fun to come this weekend!
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, JANUARY 27-28, 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.