Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of July 10-14, 2023. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE. Because the parents that make up the FFTC Team are always dreaming up ways to make life easier to manage with kids, we’ve organized our summer event information by region of the Twin Cities metro area – we’ve got you covered no matter your corner!
- JUMP TO MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL SUMMER EVENTS
- JUMP TO TWIN CITIES NORTHWEST METRO SUMMER EVENTS
- JUMP TO TWIN CITIES NORTHEAST METRO SUMMER EVENTS
- JUMP TO TWIN CITIES SOUTHWEST METRO SUMMER EVENTS
- JUMP TO TWIN CITIES SOUTHEAST METRO SUMMER EVENTS
As always, you can check our JULY FAMILY GUIDE, the ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUMMER FUN IN THE TWIN CITIES 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, JULY 10, 2023
Tot Time Open Swims on Monday:
Make sure to note for tot swims that each pool sets their own age limit to participate. These typically range from kids under 5-8 years of age so you’ll want to hit the link for details before heading out to swim. Also note that not each venue offers a discounted admission rate – but many do!
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- EAGAN: CASCADE BAY (9:30-10:30am, $6/child, 1 adult free per child)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $10-$11/pp)
- SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $3/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
FEATURED TOT TIME SWIM: Pictured below is my little one enjoying some splashy time at Eagan’s CASCADE BAY before the big kids arrive at the pool.
Keep it simple with a free wading pool…
The FREE wading pools that dot Minneapolis parks are the perfect place for toddlers and littles who have not yet learned to swim but love to make a good splash. Many of them are no-frills with a standard depth of about 18″ but a few have been updated with fun spray features and zero-depth entry. For all the details, jump over to our page that covers the 60 Minneapolis parks that offer free wading pools. Pictured is the sweet little pool at LUXTON PARK & RECREATION CENTER. A mini slide and fountain are all a tot needs for a full morning of fun. 112 Williams Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.
Did you know? Luxton is one of many Minneapolis parks that offers a free cold lunch (11am-1pm) to youth ages 18 & under? See our FREE SUMMER MEALS FOR MINNESOTA KIDS for all the details.
Or make it a beach day!
Monday Friends at Chaska Firemen’s
3210 Chaska Blvd, Chaska, MN 55318
FEATURED BEACH: Meet up with local families at Chaska’s Firemen’s Park for swimming at the Clayhole Beach and outdoor play on the playground. The park also features a small splash pad, fishing pier and concessions. Ages 6+. July 10, 2023, 1:30-3pm. FREE.
FIND OUR LIST OF 26 BEST BEACHES & PLAYGROUNDS TO TRY THIS SUMMER!
Monday entertainment in the parks:
Bloomington Monday Morning Kids Series
Today features kid tunes with Todd ‘n Tina. July 10, 2023. 10:30-11:30am. We’ve added Moir Park to our list of the 10 BEST PARKS IN BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA, TO VISIT WITH KIDS!
Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Monday?
Traveling around more than 20 Woodbury parks with fun puppet shows. Ongoing Mon-Thurs, 2023. For more ideas on having fun in the parks, check out our list of 19 of the best Woodbury has to offer this summer.
We all scream for ice cream socials in the park!
Golden Valley Ice Cream Social & Concert in the Park
Brookview Park, 200 Brookview Parkway N, Golden Valley MN 55427
Weekly concerts are held in the park; this particular date also hosts an ice cream social. July 10, 2023, 7pm. FREE.
Hazel Park Ice Cream Superlicious Mondays
945 N Hazel St, St Paul, MN 55119
Treat yourself to dollar ice cream treats at the park each Monday. July 10, 2023, 6-7pm.
FIND OUR CALENDAR OF TWIN CITIES ICE CREAM SOCIALS FOR SUMMER 2023.
Nature Play at Westwood Hills Nature Center
8300 W Franklin Ave, St Louis Park, MN 55426
The free public exhibit “Trail of Small Wonders” starts today on the nature center grounds with an opening festival. Got kids fascinated with fairy and gnome homes? Come find them tucked into nooks on the outdoor nature trail. Explore the indoor exhibits, too. July 10, 2023, 4:30pm.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2023
Tot Time Open Swims on Tuesday:
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- EAGAN: CASCADE BAY (9:30-10:30am, $6/child)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $9-$11/pp)
- SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $3/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
- ST PAUL: BATTLE CREEK WATERWORKS (10-11am, $2.50/pp)
FEATURED TOT TIME SWIM: You can’t beat the price (just $2.50!) of a tot swim at BATTLE CREEK WATERWORKS WATERPARK. Kids 5 & under can splash about in a more relaxed environment before the waterpark opens to all ages. If you choose to stay, individuals will need to pay an additional $4.50/pp. 2401 Upper Afton Rd E, Maplewood, MN 55119.
Tuesday entertainment in the parks:
MORNING: Centennial Lakes Summer Kids Concerts
Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Avenue South, Edina, MN 55435
Today’s kids concert features crowd-pleasers the Bazillions. BONUS FUN: There is so much to explore at Centennial Lakes Park from paddle boats to lawn games to tiny model yachts that zip around the canals. Kids concerts are also performed in the park on Thursdays. July 11, 2023, 11am. FREE.
EVENING: Stillwater Summer Tuesdays
Lowell Park, 201 Water St N, Stillwater, MN 55082
Schedule: Market opens at 5, live music from 6-8 & movie starting 10 minutes after sunset. July 11-Aug 15, 2023. BONUS FUN: Make a day of it in town with our suggestions of the BEST THINGS TO DO IN STILLWATER WITH KIDS!
Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Tuesday?
- APPLE VALLEY PUPPET WAGON
- EAGAN SPARK! MOBILE PUPPET WAGON
- GOLDEN VALLEY PUPPET WAGON
- ROSEVILLE PUPPET WAGON
- WOODBURY PUPPET WAGON
Puppet shows in the park are about 15-20 minutes in length. Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon! Want to get out and play in Roseville parks this summer? Try starting with our list of the best: Roseville Family Fun – 10 Best Parks in Roseville to Explore This Summer.
TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Eidem Farm Stories from the Porch
4345 101st Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Gather around the farmhouse for children’s storytime (bring your own seating) then participate in open play in the farmyard. Eidem Farm is a wonderful place to slow down and meet animals and take self-guided walks in the summer. July 11, 2023, 11am. FREE.
Featured Twin Cities community festival:
Hastings Party in the Park
Levee Park, 20 Ramsey Street, Hastings, Minnesota 55033
It’s National Parks and Recreation month! Join the celebration in the park with live music, food trucks, kids activities, inflatables, balloon artist, a climbing wall and face painting. July 11, 2023, 5:30-8pm. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Tuesday: Brush up your bike skills this summer
It might be fun to visit one of these bike parks and test out your junior cyclist’s skills. We recommend the following:
- CARVER LAKE PARK: According to the city of Woodbury website, the bike park playground has four designated areas to teach bike skills including a bicycle playground, a tot track, pump track and a trail loop for advanced riders with
dirt rollers, wooden berms, and rock gardens. The park also has bike trails, a playground and a beach. More information. 3175 Century Ave S, Woodbury, MN. 55125.
- NORTHEAST ATHLETIC FIELD PARK: This would be a great “starter” bike park because the challenges are fairly simple. 1615 Pierce St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413.
- WEST DRAW PARK: The bike park currently contains a pump track, dirt jumps, a mountain bike skills area and a mountain cross track. A tot track is planned for the future. 7050 Meadow Grass Avenue, Cottage Grove, MN 55016.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2023
Tot Time Open Swims on Wednesday:
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $9-$11/pp)
- SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $3/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
FEATURED TOT TIME SWIM: How sweet and perfect for your youngster to splash around in is the pool at LORRAINE PARK in South St Paul? Simple, zero-entry depth and a super budget-friendly price of just $3/pp. Kids ages 4 & under only, please.
Wednesday entertainment in the parks & community:
MORNING: St Louis Park Kids Summer Concert Series
Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive, Saint Louis Park, MN
Special kid-friendly entertainment in the park every Wednesday through August 16. Today’s performer is R.O.C.K. July 12, 2023, 10-11am. FREE.
EVENING: Groovin in the Garden at Como Zoo
1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
FREE concerts and activities in front of the conservatory. Some food and beverages will be available to purchase. Concerts will take place in visitor center if it rains. July 12, 2023, 6pm-8pm.
Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Wednesday?
- APPLE VALLEY PUPPET WAGON
- EAGAN SPARK! MOBILE PUPPET WAGON
- ROSEVILLE PUPPET WAGON
- WOODBURY PUPPET WAGON
Explore a new park or playground on Wednesday!
Wet ‘n Wild at Fridley Commons Park
555 61st Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432
So much water fun going down at the park: giant slip ‘n slide, sprinklers, water toys & balloons and even a fire engine hose for the ultimate dousing. Pre-registration required. July 12, 2023, 1-4pm. $10/child gr. K-4.
Meet Minnesota Valley
Old Cedar Avenue Bridge Trailhead, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425
Staff from the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge set up a tent each Wednesday (thru August 30) near the bridge trailhead to answer questions, loan explorer backpacks and hand out free snacks. There is a new, rustic nature play area a short walk away that encourages kids to build with natural materials. It’s also fun to walk the paved trail across the historic bridge. July 12, 5:30-7pm. FREE.
Find more Twin Cities nature playgrounds to explore this summer!
Bloomington: Movies on the Hill
Hyland Hills Ski Area, 8800 Chalet Road, Bloomington MN
Bring blankets or chairs for the grassy amphitheater. Food & happy hour sales begin at 4pm, the movie at dusk. Tonight screens Hook (PG). July 12, 2023, dusk. FREE.
Featured Twin Cities community festivals:
Centerville Festival of Lakes
So many fun things at this classic summer festival: today’s featured activity is a public safety night and touch-a-truck event. Families can watch K-9 unit demonstrations, see a helicopter land and get a free first aid kit. July 12, 2023, 6pm-8pm.
Find more Twin Cities summer touch-a-truck events!
Lakeville Pan-o-Prog Ice Cream Social
20150 Highview Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044
The community festival includes an ice cream social with free ice cream and cookie dough plus carnival games and live music. July 12, 2023, 1-3pm.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2023
Tot Time Open Swims on Thursday:
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- BUNKER BEACH WATERPARK TOT TIME (9:15-10:15am, $5/child, adults free)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $10-$11/pp)
- SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $3/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
FEATURED TOT TIME SWIM: Your chance to score lower-priced admission to BUNKER BEACH WATERPARK is during the Tot Swim from 9:15-10:15am. Pre-K admission: $5/swimmer, adults free.
Thursday entertainment in the parks & community:
MORNING: Thursday Rockin’ Lunch Hour at Nicollet Commons
Nicollet Commons Park, 12550 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville, MN 55337
High-energy kids performances located at the loveliest urban water feature you’ll find in the Twin Cities. Today’s entertainment provided by Kid Power with Rachel. Some might call it a landscaped splash pad. July 13, 2023, 12pm.
EVENING: Albertville Lions Summer Concert Series
Lions Depot in Central Park, 5801 Main Ave NE, Albertville, MN 55301
Free live concerts in the park on Thursdays– bring your own seating and refreshments, or purchase grill items at the farmers market. July 13, 2023, 6-8:30pm.
MORE FUN NEARBY: Find a beach, splash pads, playgrounds, a historic farm and more of the BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE ALBERTVILLE-ST MICHAEL AREA (so much more than shopping!)
Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Thursday?
- APPLE VALLEY PUPPET WAGON
- EAGAN SPARK! MOBILE PUPPET WAGON
- GOLDEN VALLEY PUPPET WAGON
- ROSEVILLE PUPPET WAGON
- WOODBURY PUPPET WAGON
We all scream for ice cream socials in the park!
Waite Park Ice Cream Social
1810 34th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
Free ice cream treats and games in the park. July 13, 2023, 7-11:15pm. FREE.
Windom South Park Ice Cream Social
5821 Wentworth Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Bring an picnic dinner and enjoy ice cream, music, kids games and more in the park. July 13, 2023, 6-8pm.
Stillwater Community Ice Cream Social
The ice cream social will be held on the grounds of the historic Washington County Courthouse. Plus a live amateur talent show. July 13, 2023, 5-8pm. FREE.
Featured Twin Cities community festival:
Maple Grove Days
Today’s big deal is the Maple Grove Days Parade. The parade route is along 89th Avenue from Zachary Lane to Elm Creek Blvd. Maple Grove Days runs from July 12-16, 2023. Find more events at the link.
Find our complete calendar of Twin Cities July festivals!
More family fun ideas on Thursday: Homegrown treats
Pick your own delicious berries
A trip to the berry patch is one of our family’s sweetest summer traditions. It’s a wonderful activity that appeals to a wide range of ages and can lead to fun memories in the kitchen as you experiment with recipes for your fresh haul. We have great ideas for the best Twin Cities patches to pick your own berries. Featured here is BLUEBERRY FIELDS OF STILLWATER. Open now for picking, 8am-12pm. Please check website to confirm.
Pizza on the farm
Have you heard of the delicious trend called the pizza farm? If your family likes pizza and enjoys dining outdoors this is definitely something you will want to add to your summer bucket list. Our take on the pizza farm is that it is more prep work than organizing a typical family picnic, but if you pack right, can be a novel summer outing. The farms we’ve found are at least a 45-minute drive from the middle of the Twin Cities metro so consider this as an add-on to a family day trip. We recommend Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm in Waseca, Minnesota. Pizza nights on Thursday from 4-8pm and live music! See more options at the link.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2023
Tot Time Open Swims on Friday:
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $10-$11/pp)
- SHAKOPEE: SANDVENTURE AQUATIC PARK (9:15-10:45am, $5/child)
- SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $3/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
FEATURED TOT TIME SWIM: Kids ages 0-6 are welcome to swim in the zero-depth entry pool of SANDVENTURE AQUATIC PARK and play in the sand beach before the waterpark opens to the rest of the public. $5/pp. 1101 Adams St S, Shakopee, MN 55379.
Or play it simple for little ones with a local splash pad…
Don’t forget that splash pads are a perfect place to cool off without the full investment of a day at the pool. This week we highlight the splash pad at PHALEN REGIONAL PARK in St Paul. kids can make a quick dash from the splash pad fountains to the large and sandy Phalen Park beach. This beautiful park also offers trails, a tot lot and regular family events. 1600 Phalen Dr., St Paul, MN 55106.
EVENING: Music in Kelley Park
6855 Fortino St, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Music, food available for purchase, prizes and a splash pad for the kids to cool off in. Ongoing Fridays. July 14, 2023, 6:30-8:30pm.
Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Friday?
Hastings Movie in the Park
Levee Park, 20 Ramsey Street, Hastings, MN 55033
Screened on a 16-foot screen down by the riverfront. Amphitheater seating or bring your own chairs and blanket for the grassy lawn. Arrive an hour prior for free activities, Onward screened at dusk. July 14, 2023. FREE.
Maple Grove Friday Movies at Dusk
Town Green Park, 7991 Main Street N, Maple Grove, MN
STARTS THIS WEEK! Tonight’s show is Lightyear. July 14, 2023, FREE.
Minneapolis Movies in The Park
Longfellow Park, 3435 36th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Tonight’s movie is Jurassic World Dominion. The shows begin at dusk. July 14, 2023. FREE.
Roseville Roll-In Movies
Roseville Oval, 2661 Civic Center Dr, Roseville, MN 55113
Family-friendly Friday night movies on the outside OVAL score board. Tonight’s screening is Minions: Rise of Gru. July 14, 2023, showtime 7:30pm. FREE.
Featured Twin Cities community festivals:
Chaska Fire & Ice Festival
Firemens Park, 3210 Chaska Blvd, Chaska, MN 55318
Live music, kids activities in the park and fireworks. CHASKA FIREMEN’S PARK also boasts one of the loveliest beaches in the Twin Cities, complete with a curving boardwalk, splash pad, playground, paddle boats and concessions.
Stillwater Lumberjack Days
Stillwater never misses the mark when it comes to a festival, summer or winter. Find on Friday lumberjack shows, mini golf, sidewalk art, live music and more in beautiful downtown Stillwater. July 14, 2023.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES – JULY 15-16, 2023
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.
FAMILY FUN ALL WEEK IN THE TWIN CITIES
Ideas to pull out of your “back pocket” nearly any day of the week!
BEST outDOOR PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES
Here at FFTC we’re up to our ears covering more than 800 TWIN CITIES PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS in our Parks Directory. Or, to get just a taste of the best, head over to our round up of the TOP PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES TO TRY THIS SUMMER.
THE BEST TWIN CITIES OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOLS, WATER PARKS & SPLASH PADs
