THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL WITH YOUR KIDS!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of January 8-12, 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 8, 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 (9-11am, $3/child)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (Type “family indoor playground” into the search box to see schedule for locations, FREE)
- OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER (Open Playtime, 10-11:30am, $3/child up to age 5)
- 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: Preschool Playtime at New Brighton Community Center
400 10th St NW, New Brighton, MN 55112
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 8, 2024. 12-3pm, $8/child.
Twin Cities storytimes on Monday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Chanhassen library.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: No storytimes scheduled.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Linden Hills & Westonka library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: No storytimes today.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Bayport, Lakeland, Mahtomedi, Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
MONDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Puppet Storytime at Westwood Nature Center
8300 W Franklin Ave, St Louis Park, MN 55426
Open play and exploration of Westwood Hills Nature Center, naturalist-led activities, puppet show and a hike. January 8, 2024. 10am-11am, $6-$7/person. Registration required.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, January 9, 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)
- 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
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 9, 2024, 9am-12pm. $5/child.
The Blast Indoor Playground
Twin Cities storytimes on Tuesday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Galaxie, Burnhaven (Burnsville), Heritage (Lakeville), Robert Trail (Rosemount) & Wescott (Eagan) libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Maple Grove, Minneapolis Nokomis & Northeast & Rogers libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview libraries.
- 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: Kids Storytime & Cocoa at Shakopee Brewhall
124 1st Ave E, Shakopee MN 55379
Free hot cocoa for kids and stories presented by the Shakopee Library. Coffee and pastries available for purchase. January 9, 2024, 10-10:30am. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Tuesday: Indoor activities
Tuesday is Discount Movie Day
We feel like going out to watch a movie on the big screen can still be a treat with our kids, a bit more special than Netflix at home in PJs (though don’t get us wrong, we enjoy being cozy as much as the next family). Our list of Twin Cities cheap flicks details theaters in town where you can pay $5-$6 a ticket, typically on Tuesdays. Sneak peek: RIVERVIEW THEATER in Minneapolis, WOODBURY 10 THEATRE & MANN THEATRES in St Paul do not require to you sign up as rewards members.
Mall of America Toddler Tuesday: Baby Shark
Now a monthly event, in January kids can meet & greet Baby Shark in the Rotunda. Plus, today only purchase an unlimited ride wristband for junior attractions for $15. January 9, 2024, 10am-12pm. FREE. HOT TIP! WHEN YOU VISIT, TAKE ALONG OUR MALL OF AMERICA GUIDE: FLOOR BY FLOOR.
Raptor Center Live Tours
1920 Fitch Ave, St Paul, MN 55108
Get up close to bald eagles, kestrels, owls and falcons during this kid-friendly tour. The Raptor Center, located on the St Paul campus of the U of M treats about 800 injured birds a year with the goal of releasing them back to the wild. Book your 30-minute tours online in advance to guarantee entry. $3-$5/pp. Learn more about visiting the Raptor Center with kids.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, January 10, 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)
- STARTS TODAY! 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: 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 10, 2024, 10:30am to 1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $6-$8/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), Robert Trail & Wentworth branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Champlin, Eden Prairie, Minneapolis Central, Linden Hills & Washburn and Rogers libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Maplewood, Mounds View & North St Paul library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: West Seventh library.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME:
More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Kid-friendly museums
GREAT TWIN CITIES MUSEUMS KIDS WILL ENJOY:
- AMERICAN SWEDISH INTSTITUTE, Minneapolis: Features a dedicated children’s exhibit room, all housed in a castle-like mansion.
- 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!)
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, January 11, 2024
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, $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)
THURSDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM: TCO Sports Garden Toddler Thursdays
Little ones with energy to spare: Come to Field 1 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 11, 2024, 9:30-11:30am. FREE.
Twin Cities storytimes on Thursday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Forest Lake, Inver Glen, Robert Trail, Wentworth & Wescott (Eagan) branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Augsburg Park, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Maple Grove, Oxboro, Penn Lake, Plymouth & Wayzata library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer & Sun Ray library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Forest Lake & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
THURSDAY 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 11, 2024, 10:30am. FREE.
Lil Explorer Thursday at Como Zoo
1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
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 11, 2024, 10am-noon. FREE.
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 strapped on a pair and hit the canals and ponds of CENTENNTIAL LAKES PARK in Edina. Skating is free, rentals are available for $10.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Friday, January 12, 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)
- 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: 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 12, 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 Friday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Inver Glen & Wescott library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie, Maple Plain, Minneapolis East Lake, Pierre Bottineau & Walker libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & White Bear Lake libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Merriam Park & Riverview library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
FRIDAY 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 12, 2024, 10:30am. FREE, note that the train tables are pay-to-play.
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)
- GREAT RIVER WATER PARK – CHILDREN’S POOL ONLY HOUR (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!
Eagan Frosty Festival
Trapp Farm Park, 841 Wilderness Rd, Eagan MN
We are rooting for enough snow to pull this festival off! Go snow tubing to music by a DJ, warm up at a bonfire with s’mores and hot cocoa, build a snowman and more winter activities. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the door. January 12, 2024, 5:30-7:30pm. $5/pp.
Fun things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities – January 13-14, 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!