Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of January 29-February 2, 2024. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE.
For more winter inspiration you can check our FEBRUARY 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 29, 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: Maple Grove Community Center
12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Tots get a designated time in the gym just for them, and it’s cheap at just $3/child, caregivers free. Kick it up a notch with admission to MAPLE MAZE INDOOR PLAYGROUND, also located within the community center. Just look at that helix slide! January 29, 2024, 9-10:30am.
Find our giant list of super fun indoor playgrounds in the Twin Cities when it’s not park weather!
Twin Cities storytimes on Monday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Columbia Heights & Coon Lake libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Chanhassen, NYA & Victoria library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Apple Valley Galaxie library.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Brooklyn Park, Linden Hills, Plymouth & Westonka libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Elko New Market & Savage libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: No storytimes today.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland, Mahtomedi, Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
MONDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Family Storytime at Shoreview Library
4560 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126
How cozy does this library look? Best for ages 2-5, join in stories, songs and quiet free play. January 29, 10:30-11am. FREE, no registration required.
More family fun ideas for Monday: Nature play
Explore a new Twin Cities nature center
Exploring one of the many nature and interpretive centers around the Twin Cities can be indoor fun, outdoor fun or BOTH! We recommend option “C”, notably at EASTMAN NATURE CENTER in Maple Grove. Inside, kids will love observing live animals and taking a wildlife scavenger hunt.
Special event!Bookworm Story Hour: Winter Secrets – Start with an outdoor activity, warm up with a storytime, then go on a mini outdoor scavenger hunt to match scenes from the book. For kids up to age 6. Advance registration required. January 29, 2024, 10-11am. $6/pp.
When/if the snow comes: Outdoors, in the expansive ELM CREEK PARK RESERVE are sledding and tubing hills for snowy days. Families can also ski, snowboard, snowshoe or kicksled in the park.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, January 30, 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: Savage Sports Center Tot Time
13450 Dakota Ave., Savage, MN 55378
Kids ages 5 & under can play on inflatables, throw balls, hit with bats, and more, all equipment provided. January 30, 2024, 9-1:30am. $3/child.
Twin Cities storytimes on Tuesday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Blaine Northtown, Circle Pines, Ham Lake, Rum River & St Francis libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnhaven (Burnsville), Heritage (Lakeville), Pleasant Hill (Hastings), Robert Trail & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Excelsior, Maple Grove, Minneapolis Northeast & Nokomis and Rogers library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: New Prague & Prior Lake libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Arlington Hills, Highland Park & St Anthony Park branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek & Woodbury library branches.
TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Highland Park Preschool Storytime
1974 Ford Parkway, Saint Paul MN 55116
Stories, songs, rhymes and more to build literacy skills in little ones. Meet in the children’s area. January 30, 2024, 10:30-11:30am. FREE.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, January 31, 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: Preschool Playtime at New Brighton Community Center
Preschool Playtime in New Brighton is double the fun because it includes open play in the gym w/ equipment and inflatables AND admission to EAGLES NEST INDOOR PLAYGROUND. This special indoor playtime is held each Mon & Wed when school is in session. January 31, 2024. 12-3pm, $8/child. 400 10th St NW, New Brighton, MN 55112.
Explore more places for indoor play on our huge list of twin cities indoor playgrounds!
Twin Cities storytimes on Wednesday
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Northtown, Coon Rapids & Rum River libraries.
- 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 & Washburn, Minnetonka, Rogers and St Anthony library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & North St Paul library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Rondo library branch.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Storytime at Red Balloon Bookshop
Make a point to visit an independent bookstore such as Red Balloon Bookshop. Storyteller Angela hosts a read-aloud storytime at the charming bookshop perfect for 3s & under (but all welcome) each Wednesday. January 31, 2024, 10:30am. 891 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Cozy indoor activities
Love cats? Visit the Cafe Meow!
2323 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Here’s a cozy indoor activity idea for you: My daughter absolutely loves cats but mean old mom isn’t up for having a pet. Our solution? We book an hour at this sweet rescue coffee shop and she gets a fix without the extra responsibility. Kids over 7 (with a parent) can show some love to the kitties and sip a warm beverage. 11am-7pm, $10.50/pp.
Indoor mini golf at the coolest course in town
CAN CAN WONDERLAND offers indoor mini golfing with super cool artist-designed holes that entertain all ages while you’re waiting in line to putt. Plus, there are dozens of vintage arcade games to play and a malt shop for treats. It’s a bit of a splurge – mid-winter celebration treat? Wednesday special: Cover charge (w/ unlimited arcade games) is $10/pp. Add on mini golf for $13-$15/pp.
MORE MINI GOLF: My kids love miniature golf no matter the season, indoors or out. Find our big list of the BEST TWIN CITIES MINI GOLF COURSES for more options (younger putters, tweens & teens, date night…).
Splish splash away at an indoor waterpark
Oxford Community Center, 270 N. Lexington Parkway, Saint Paul, MN 55104
Pick a Wednesday for your littles to spend time splishing and splashing in the zero-depth entry play structure. From 9-10am this is the only pool open and therefore draws a quieter, younger crowd. Check our big list of indoor pools and waterparks for more indoor swimming opportunities. January 31, 2024. Admission $7/pp.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, Februray 1, 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, $8/pp.
Twin Cities storytimes on Thursday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Northtown, Circle Pines, Fridley and Rum River libraries.
- 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, Minnetonka, Oxboro, Plymouth & Wayzata libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: Prior Lake & Shakopee libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer (St Paul) & Sun Ray library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove, Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Lil Explorer Thursday Storytime at Como Zoo
Lil Explorer Thursdays program includes 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. February 1, 2024, 10am-noon. FREE.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Friday, February 2, 2024
Tot Tiime 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.)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- PLYMOUTH FIELDHOUSE (Youth Open Play, 10:30am to 1:30pm, $6-$8/pp)
- 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: Indoor Playground at Minneapolis Rec Centers
Unstructured, free play in gym makes for happy kids who need to work wiggles out and their budget-conscious parents. You’ll find FREE Friday fun at the following:
- ARMATAGE PARK: 2500 W 57th St. Minneapolis (10-11:30am)
- BOTTINEAU FIELD PARK: 2000 2nd St NE, Minneapolis (10am-12pm)
- CREEKVIEW PARK: 5001 Humboldt Ave N, Minneapolis (10am-12pm)
- LINDEN HILLS PARK: 3100 W 43rd St, Minneapolis (10-11:30am)
Twin Cities storytimes on Friday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Northtown & Fridley libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Inver Glen & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie, Maple Plain, Minneapolis Bottineau, East Lake, Roosevelt & Walker, Ridgedale and St Louis Park libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & White Bear Lake libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Merriam Park & Riverview libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
Nature play on Friday
Dodge Nature Center Nature Playdate
1701 Charlton Street, West St. Paul, MN 55118
This month’s program is “W is For Woodchuck” – so get ready to learn all about the creatures. Includes a storytime, crafts and outdoor exploration. Kids ages 2-preK must pre-register. February 2, 2024, 10-11am. $10/child.
Twin Cities festivals for families
MINNEAPOLIS: Fire & Ice at Matthews Park
Matthews Park, 2318 29th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Winter outdoor fun! Ice Skating (weather dependent), hot chocolate and a bonfire with marshmallows to roast. February 2, 2024, 6-8pm, FREE.
ROBBINSDALE: FIRE ON ICE
Sanborn Park, 42nd Ave N & Chowen Ave N., Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Skating party (again, with this weather, I wouldn’t count on it) with bonfire, music, hot cocoa, and family-friendly activities! February 2, 2024, 6-8pm.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, February 3-4, 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!
