Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of July 18-22, 2022. 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 18, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN Swims ON MONDAY:
- 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, $5/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
Awesome Twin Cities Splash Pads
It’s going to be a cooker this week! What better way for littles to cool off than a classic splash pad with sprinklers, sprayers and buckets of water to dodge (nor not!)? This week we feature the fantastic splash pad at ANDREWS PARK in Champlin. But if that’s out of your neighborhood, you’re bound to find an alternative on our huge list of the 40 BEST SPLASH PADS & WADING POOLS IN THE TWIN CITIES.
Twin Cities community ice cream socials on Monday:
HAZEL PARK ICE CREAM MONDAYS
945 N Hazel St, St Paul, MN 55119
Treat yourself to dollar banana splits at the park each Monday. July 18, 2022, 6-7pm.
BATTLE CREEK ICE CREAM DAYS
75 Winthrop St S, St Paul, MN 55119
Outdoor games and $1 ice cream most Mondays thru August. July 18, 2022, 6-7pm.
WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM! FIND OUR CALENDAR OF TWIN CITIES ICE CREAM SOCIALS FOR SUMMER 2022.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE PUPPET WAGON IN THE TWIN CITIES ON MONDAY?
EAGAN SPARK! MOBILE PUPPET WAGON
- O’LEARY PARK – 3501 Lexington Avenue, Eagan MN, 3:30pm.
- WESCOTT LIBRARY – 1340 Wescott Road, Eagan, Minnesota, 6pm.
Note: Wescott Library has informed us that “we no longer have Smart Play Spots from the MN Children’s Museum, but we do have play areas in our children’s area.”
Golden Valley Puppet Wagon
Golden Valley’s Puppet Wagon hits parks on Monday and Tuesdays, summer 2022. July 18, 2022, 11:15am. Schedule: Glenviw Terrace Park, 9:45am; Scheid Park, 10:30; Lions Park, 11:15am.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022
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, $5/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
- ST PAUL: BATTLE CREEK WATERWORKS (10-11am, $2.50/pp)
It’s National Ice Cream Day!
What sweeter way to celebrate than with a cone or dish (extra toppings if possible)? We keep up to date a tasty list of the BEST ICE CREAM SHOPS IN THE TWIN CITIES, chock full of spots to get cones, dips, sundaes, malts, double-decker scoops, waffle cones and toppings galore. You need not limit yourself to one day of celebration this summer, of course.
HAZEL PARK ICE CREAM TUESDAYS
945 N Hazel St, St Paul, MN 55119
Treat yourself to dollar ice cream cones at the park each Tuesday. July 19, 2022, 6-7pm.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE PUPPET WAGON IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY?
EAGAN SPARK! MOBILE PUPPET WAGON
- WOODHAVEN PARK – 3935 Beryl Road, Eagan MN, 10:30am
- EAGAN CENTRAL PARK – 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan MN, 11:45am
Golden Valley Puppet Wagon
Golden Valley’s Puppet Wagon hits parks on Monday and Tuesdays, summer 2022. Lions Park, 9:45am; Hampshire Park, 10:30am; North Wesley Park, 11:15am.
ROSEVILLE PUPPET WAGON
Puppet shows in the park are about 15-20 minutes in length. Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon!
- OASIS PARK – 1700 County Road C2 West, 9:30am
- VILLA PARK – 2055 Cohansey Boulevard, Roseville MN, 10:30am
- LEXINGTON PARK – 2131 Lexington Avenue North, Roseville MN, 11:30am
Fun in Twin Cities Parks ON TUESDAY
OUTDOOR NATURE STORYTIME AT SUNFISH LAKE PARK
Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center, Sunfish Lake Park, Entry Road, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
The nature center is hosting an outdoor nature storytime featuring music and nature play recommended for ages 0-6. Plus, kids will enjoy the hands-on indoor exhibits and messy play area. July 19, 2022, 10:30-11. FREE. Learn more about things to do in SUNFISH LAKE PARK.
Nature play at Sally Manzara Interpretive Center
Kids Entertainment in RICHFIELD’S VETERANS PARK
6335 Portland Ave, Richfield, MN 55423
Veterans Park (also called Veterans Memorial Park) is Richfield’s largest park. It is home to Legion Lake and several walking and biking paths, an outdoor pool, an ice arena, and a mini-golf course. KIDS ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PARK – Tuesday, July 19, 2022, 11am.
The mini golf course at Richfield’s Veterans Memorial park is on our list of the BEST PLACES FOR OUTDOOR MINI GOLF IN THE TWIN CITIES. Check that classic summer activity off your bucket list!
Tour de Rec in West Paul
Southview Park, 275 Westview Drive, West St Paul MN
will set up activities and equipment for youth to enjoy: games, sports, arts, crafts, and more. If weather is questionable, please call 651-259-2671 to hear the status of the program. Program is for ages 6-12. July 19, 2022, 12:30-1:30, FREE.
STILLWATER Summer Tuesdays
101 Water Street S., Stillwater, MN 55082
Summer movies will be held Tuesdays in LOWELL PARK. The outdoor market opens at 5pm with lots of fun things to do and live concert from 6-8pm. Movie begin 10 minutes after sunset. Open Season screens July 19, 2022.
MORE FAMILY FUN IN STILLWATER! Check our brand new list of the the BEST THINGS TO DO WITH STILLWATER WITH KIDS THIS SUMMER!
GET OUR COMPLETE CALENDARS TO MUSIC, MOVIES AND MORE KID-FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT IN TWIN CITIES PARKS!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 2022
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, $5/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
FEATURED TWIN CITIES COMMUNITY FESTIVAL:
MINNEAPOLIS AQUATENNIAL
The exciting Minneapolis Aquatennial Torchlight Parade will be held on the 20th (with fireworks on the 23rd, see our weekend guide.) Parade route is Nicollet Avenue, 12th Street to 4th Street in Minneapolis. Start time is 7:30pm. You have questions about Aquatennial and we have answers. Find them all in our 2022 MINNEAPOLIS AQUATENNIAL GUIDE FOR FAMILIES. Parade July 20, 2022.
FIND OUR COMPLETE CALENDAR OF TWIN CITIES JULY FESTIVALS!
TWIN CITIES COMMUNITY ICE CREAM SOCIALS ON WEDNESDAY:
HAZEL PARK ICE CREAM WEDNESDAYS
945 N Hazel St, St Paul, MN 55119
Treat yourself to dollar build-your-own sundaes at the park each Wednesday. July 20, 2022, 6-7pm.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE PUPPET WAGON IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY?
ROSEVILLE PUPPET WAGON
- ACORN PARK – 286 County Rd C West, Roseville, MN 55113, 9:30am
- CENTRAL PARK VICTORIA WEST – 2495 Victoria St. North, Roseville MN, 10:30am
- AUTUMN GROVE PARK – 1365 Lydia Avenue West, Roseville MN, 11:30am
EAGAN PUPPET SHOWS IN THE PARK
- TRAPP FARM PARK – 841 Wilderness Run Rd, Eagan, MN 55123, 10am
- RIVER HILLS EAST PARK – 4343 Metcalf Drive, Eagan MN, 11:15am
Want to get out and play in Roseville parks this summer? Try starting with our list of the best: Eagan Family Fun – 10 Best Parks in Eagan to Explore This Summer.
WOODBURY PUPPET WAGON
- SUMMIT POINTE PARK – 1599 Interlachen Parkway, Woodbury, MN, 9am
- STONEMILL FARMS PARK – 11500 Sawmill Curve, Woodbury, MN, 9:30am
- DANCING WATERS PARK
- POWERS LAKE PARK – 10000 Brookview Road, Woodbury, MN, 10:30am
- EVERGREEN WEST PARK – 1033 Tamberwood Trail, Woodbury, MN, 11am
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS ON WEDNESDAY:
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.
This week, we’re featuring THE BERRY PATCH, a berry-picking operation out of Forest Lake in the Minneapolis-St Paul northeast metro. Make sure to call ahead as hours can change daily depending on the crop’s availability.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN SWIMS ON THURSDAY:
- 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, $5/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
Twin Cities Movies in the Park on Thursday:
St Paul Movies in the Park
Highland Pool House, 1333 Montreal Ave, St Paul, MN 55116.
St Paul screens free summer movies across several recreation centers, community centers and at the historic Pavilion at Como Park. This week screens Jumanji: The Next Level. July 21, 2022.
TWIN CITIES COMMUNITY ICE CREAM SOCIALS ON THURSDAY:
HAZEL PARK ICE CREAM THURSDAYS
945 N Hazel St, St Paul, MN 55119
Treat yourself to a dollar surprise ice cream treat at the park each Thursday. July 21, 2022, 6-7pm.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE PUPPET WAGON IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY?
ROSEVILLE PUPPET WAGON
- OWASSO PARK – 593 Owasso Hills Drive, Roseville MN, 9:30am
- ROSEBROOK PARK – 2590 Fry Street, Roseville MN, 10:30am
- LAUDERDALE PARK – 2328 Roselawn Ave W, Lauderdale, MN, 55113, 11:30am
EAGAN SPARK! PUPPET SHOWS IN THE PARK
Puppets and live musical performances in Eagan parks.
- MOONSHINE PARK – 1317 Jurdy Road, Eagan MN, 10am
- BRIDLE RIDGE PARK – 3990 Elrene Rd, Eagan, MN 55123, 11:15am
- EAGAN ART HOUSE – 3981 Lexington Avenue South, Eagan, MN, 6:15pm
Want to get out and enjoy Eagan parks this summer? Start with our list of the BEST PARKS TO EXPLORE IN EAGAN, MINNESOTA. You’ll choose from destinations that include a splash pad, nature playground, challenge course, bike park, sculpture garden and more!
WOODBURY PUPPET WAGON
- RIDGE PARK – 3525 Parkers Drive, Woodbury, MN, 9am
- PIONEER PARK – 2670 Wimbledon Drive, Woodbury, MN, 9:30am
- TIMBERLEA PARK – Timberlea Park, Boulder Ridge Road, Woodbury, MN, 10am
- FAIRWAY MEADOWS PARK – 2240 Woodcrest Drive, Woodbury, MN, 10:30am
- COLBY LAKE PARK – 9715 Valley Creek Road, Woodbury, MN, 11am
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR THURSDAY:
MEET A MERMAID AT SEALIFE, MALL OF AMERICA
Come face-to-fin with a real mermaid during this limited time event. Watch as one swims amongst the tropical fish of Rainbow Reef and meet a mermaid on dry land. 9:30a-2:30p on Thursdays and Fridays, Sundays and Mondays from July 14 to August 5, 2022. A special event ticket is required, see the link to secure yours.
TWIN CITIES RIVER RATS WATERSKI SHOWS
West River Road, Minneapolis
Amazing free waterski tricks to amuse you Thursday evenings on the Mississippi River. Make sure to bring your own seating (get there early for the best viewing) and consider bringing a picnic dinner as well. Ongoing Thursdays in July 2022, 6:30pm.
TWIN CITIES NORTH METRO WATER SKI SHOW: Can’t make it to Minneapolis? There’s another free water ski show going on tonight up north – CENTERVILLE MAIN STREET MARKET & WATER SKI SHOW. 7145 Main St, Centerville, MN 55038.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN SWIMS ON FRIDAY:
- 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)
- SHAKOPEE: SANDVENTURE AQUATIC PARK (9:15-10:45am, $5/child)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
FEATURED TWIN CITIES COMMUNITY FESTIVALS:
SLICE OF SHOREVIEW DAYS
3611 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, MN
Fun family events for Friday: chalk art in, climbing wall, trampoline, carnival rides and live music all in ISLAND LAKE COUNTY PARK. July 22, 2022.
More family fun in Shoreview, Minnesota: Find the best parks, nature playgrounds and beaches: THE BEST PARKS IN SHOREVIEW, MINNESOTA, TO VISIT THIS SUMMER!
WHERE CAN I FIND THE PUPPET WAGON IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY?
ROSEMOUNT PUPPETS IN THE PARK
- CAMFIELD PARK – 14795 Canada Ave W, Rosemount, MN 55068, 9:30am
- CONNEMARA PARK – 13930 Connemara Trail , Rosemount, MN 55068, 10:15am
- AILESBURY PARK – 14238 Ailesbury Ave Rosemount, MN 55068, 11am
- JAYCEE PARK – 15425 Shannon Parkway Rosemount, MN 55068, 11:45am
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, JULY 23-24, 2022
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
TWIN CITIES-AREA LIBRARY SUMMER STORYTIMES
Your local library is a wonderful place for kids to curl up for a storytime, browse books, play with educational toys and games and slow their pace. We cover more than 100 Metro area library branches in our GUIDE TO TWIN CITIES LIBRARIES: MAPPED. Or, pick from this quick list to find library storytimes and events:
TWIN CITIES NATURE CENTERS AND NATURE PLAY
Summer is an exciting time to visit a Twin Cities area nature center, fresh with the promise of a new season and programming. These interpretive venues can be nearly as fun indoors as out.
TOP TWIN CITIES KID-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS
- BAKKEN MUSEUM – STEM-based fun
- BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
- MILL CITY MUSEUM
- MINNESOTA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
- MINNESOTA HISTORY CENTER
- THE WORKS MUSEUM – engineering exhibits for kids
BROWSE OUR BIG LIST OF TWIN CITIES MUSEUMS TO VISIT WITH KIDS!
Got an event you’re excited to share? Find our submission form and guidelines here.