Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of July 12 -16, 2021. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our Weekend Family Guide.
As always, you can check our JULY FAMILY 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!
It's National Summer Learning Week!
Before your kids roll their eyes at this announcement and take off running in the other direction (mine might, but I’ve got some tweens and teens…) remember to include the fact that summer learning can be a ton of fun when it involves fun field trips around town! Here are some ideas that have gotten the stamp of approval from the FFTC Team Kids:
The Works Museum
THE WORKS MUSEUM is packed with hands-on STEM exhibits that entertain while educating. Right now, the MINNESOTA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM has installed their Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! exhibit at The Works through Sept 6, 2021. Located in Bloomington, Minnesota. Open Mon & Thurs-Sat, $11/pp.
Bell Museum of Natural History
The recently made-over BELL MUSEUM The brand-new is chock full of exciting exhibits about astronomy and space, wildlife dioramas, and a touch-and-feel room for kids. Make sure to catch a show at the planetarium. This museum was such a hit with our kids that we purchased an annual membership. Located on the St Paul campus of the U of M. Open Tues-Sun, $9-$12/pp.
Oliver Kelley Farm
Explore the new visitor center, tour the historic farmhouse, lend your hand at farm chores, and check in on the animals at OLIVER KELLEY FARM. You’ll develop a whole new appreciation for modern conveniences at this farm permanently set in the 19850’s. Located in Elk River. Open Thurs-Sat, $8-$12/pp.
These outings are just the beginning – and most elaborate – of places to intertwine fun & learning this week. For more simple, possibly close-to-home and budget-friendly ideas check out:
Fun things to do on Monday - July 12
Find the Puppet Wagon
Catch a puppet show at community parks on Mondays –
Several of these Woodbury parks are listed on our picks of the 19 BEST PARKS IN WOODBURY TO EXPLORE THIS SUMMER.
Live music in the parks for kids & families
BLOOMINGTON: Monday Morning Kids Series – Held each Monday in MOIR CENTRAL PARK, 10:30am.
EDINA: Monday Night Concert Series at CENTENNIAL LAKES PARK, 7pm. Also fun at the park: paddle boats, model boats (often), lawn bowling and golf in miniature.
GOLDEN VALLEY: Concerts in the Park at BROOKVIEW PARK – Mondays, 7pm.
MAPLE GROVE: Sounds of Summer 2021 concerts in MAPLE GROVE TOWN GREEN PARK include concerts on Monday nights, 7pm.
MINNEAPOLIS: Music in the Park at the LAKE HARRIET BANDSHELL, 7:30pm.
Free Summer movies
MINNEAPOLIS: Playing with Fire (PG) at CREEKVIEW PARK. Dusk.
Living History for families
BRUENTRUP HERITAGE FARM Open houses
The historical farm is open during Monday Summer Exhibit Open Houses or to walk the grounds at any time. 11am-2pm, FREE.
fun things to do on tuesday - July 13
Find the Puppet Wagon
Catch a puppet show at community parks on Tuesdays –
More fun in the parks
Summer Beach Series: Water Ski Show
Held at PARKERS LAKE PARK & BEACH. The Shockwaves Shakopee-Prior Lake Water Ski Team will perform at 7pm Bring a lawn chair and a picnic!
Live music for kids & families
BLAINE: Performance in the Park at TOWN SQUARE PARK. Tuesdays (kids night), 6pm.
BLOOMINGTON: Tuesday Evening Performance Series – Normandale Bandshell, 7pm.
BROOKLYN PARK: Music on the Lawn at the Community Activity Center, 7pm.
EDEN PRAIRIE: Kidstock at STARING LAKE PARK. Tuesdays at 10:30am. The park has a great playground, too!
EDINA: Children’s Concert Series at CENTENNIAL LAKES PARK, 11am.
FRIDLEY: Summer Concert Series at FRIDLEY CIVIC CAMPUS. 7pm.
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS: Terrific Tuesdays for Toddlers in SOUTH VALLEY PARK. Come to the park for kids entertainment like storytellers & live music. 10:30am.
MINNEAPOLIS: Music in the Park at BRYANT SQUARE PARK, 6:30pm & FATHER HENNEPIN BLUFF PARK, 7pm.
MINNETONKA: Music in the Park & Farmers Market at CIVIC CENTER PARK – Tuesdays, 6:30pm.
RICHFIELD: Kids Entertainment in the Park – Performed in RICHFIELD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK. Tuesdays , 11am.
ST PAUL: Bands on the Boulevard at MINNESOTA HISTORY CENTER. Tuesdays in July, 5:45pm, FREE. The museum also makes a fun & educational outing for adults and kids alike. See our article MINNESOTA HISTORY CENTER: TOP THINGS FOR KIDS.
Free & cheap Summer movies
B&B Theatres Summer Kids Series | Mall of America
Designed to give families an affordable morning option. July 13, 10am – Sing. $3/pp.
STILLWATER: Open Season (PG) in LOWELL PARK, just after sunset. FREE.
Fun community festivals
Centerville Festival of the Lake
Activities include a medallion hunt & music in the park. July 13.
fun things to do on Wednesday - July 14
Find the Puppet Wagon
Catch a puppet show at community parks on Wednesdays –
MORE FUN IN THE PARKS
COTTAGE GROVE: Pop-Up Splash Pads include water games w/ the fire dept & treats. Held at River Oaks Golf Course, 6pm.
Live music for kids & families
MAPLE GROVE: Sounds of Summer 2021 concerts include family shows at TOWN GREEN. Wednesdays, 7pm.
SHAKOPEE: Performance & Event Series – Held in HUBER PARK. Wednesdays, 7pm.
SHOREVIEW: Kidz Concerts in the Commons – Wednesdays, 10am & Concerts in the Commons, 7pm.
ST ANTHONY: Silverwood OnStage – Performed in SILVERWOOD PARK. Wednesdays, 6:30pm.
ST LOUIS PARK: Summer Concert Series – Performed in WOLFE PARK. Wednesdays, 7pm.
ST PAUL: Groovin’ in the Garden is back at COMO PARK ZOO & CONSERVATORY. Wednesdays, 6pm. Make a day of it at the awesome park with our COMO PARK ZOO SUMMER CHECKLIST. Come see the new Como Harbor seal habitat! Remember, reservations are still a must to visit.
VICTORIA: Victoria Concerts in the Park – Wednesdays, 6pm.
FREE & CHEAP SUMMER MOVIES
BLOOMINGTON: Summer Movies on the Hill at Hyland Hills Ski Area. Reservations required for Monsters Inc, 7pm.
B&B Theatres Summer Kids Series | Mall of America
Designed to give families an affordable morning option. July 14, 10am – Sing. $3/pp.
Fun community festivals
Centerville Festival of the Lake
Activities include a medallion hunt, Public Safety Night & fire trailer demos. July 14.
Hopkins Raspberry Festival
Free kids fishing event at SHADY OAK BEACH. July 14.
Maple Grove Days
Entertainment at Town Green, 7pm. July 14.
fun things to do on thursday - July 15
Find the Puppet Wagon
Catch a puppet show at community parks on Thursdays –
Live music for kids & families
BURNSVILLE: Thursday Rockin’ Lunch Hour concerts – bring a picnic lunch and swimsuits to enjoy the landscaped splash pad in NICOLLET COMMONS PARK.
COON RAPIDS: Summer Concert Series at the COON RAPIDS DAM REGIONAL PARK pavilion. Ongoing Thursdays, 7pm.
HOPKINS: Hopkins Sunset Series Outdoor Concerts – performed in DOWNTOWN PARK. Thursdays, 7pm.
MAPLE GROVE: Sounds of Summer 2021 concerts include kids shows at TOWN GREEN. Thursdays, 10:30am.
ROSEMOUNT: Music in the Parks Series – Kids entertainment in ROSEMOUNT CENTRAL PARK. Thursdays, 10am.
FREE & CHEAP SUMMER MOVIES
EDINA: Movies in the Park presents Sunset Thursdays at CENTENNIAL LAKES PARK. Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, July 15.
NEW HOPE: New Hope Movies in the Park – Monsters Inc. July 15, 9:15pm.
B&B Theatres Summer Kids Series | Mall of America
Designed to give families an affordable morning option. July 15, 10am – Sing. $3/pp.
Fun community festivals
Hopkins Raspberry Festival
Sunset Series in DOWNTOWN PARK. July 15, 7pm.
Centerville Festival of the Lake
Activities include a fire station open house, a community bike ride & the Bald Eagle Water Ski Show. July 15.
Maple Grove Days
Maple Grove Days Parade (6:30pm). July 15.
fun things to do on friday - July 16
Find the Puppet Wagon
Catch a puppet show at community parks on Fridays –
LIVE MUSIC FOR KIDS & FAMILIES
APPLE VALLEY: Music in Kelley Park. Fridays, 6pm.
FREE SUMMER MOVIES
BLOOMINGTON: Friday Night Live at the Normandale Lake Bandshell presents a Moonlight Movie in the Park. Raya & the Last Dragon, 9pm.
MAPLE GROVE: Movies at Sunset – Held at TOWN GREEN PARK. Trolls, July 16, at dusk.
Fun community festivals
Centerville Festival of the Lake
Activities include a DJ & fireworks in LaMotte Park. July 16.
Hastings Rivertown Days
Carnival starting at 5pm.
Hopkins Raspberry Festival
Movie Nite at Maetzold Field. (The Sandlot), July 16, 8:30pm.
Maple Grove Days
Kids Parade & Kids Dance, and Movie at Dusk at Town Green. July 16.
Mound Spirit of the Lakes Festival
Boat-In Movie (The Goonies) at Surfside Beach. July 16, 8pm.
SWIMMING SPECIALS
SandVenture Aquatic Park
A hybrid between a pool and a beach, SandVenture Aquatic Park is chlorinated but surrounded by sand for a beach-going experience. The park is home to two 12-drop slides and a 300-foot waterslide. Half-way Half-pay Day (regularly $5-$7/pp) – July 16.
fun things to do Monday-Friday in the twin cities
Swimming specials
St Louis Park Aquatic Center – Parent & Tot Time
Ages 6 and under w/ an adult. The shallow area of the pool is reserved for exclusive use by tots. Mon-Fri, 9:30-11am.
2021 Twin CIties Guide to beaches, pools, waterparks & splash pads
It’s time to find a new splash spot in the Twin Cities! Look no further than our huge round-up of the best places to cool off this summer.
fun things to do this weekend in the twin cities
Skip over to our Twin Cities Weekend Family Guide for July 17-18, 2021 to get ideas for things to do this weekend with your kids!
