Twin Cities Guide To Family Activities This Week: July 17-21, 2023

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Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!

This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of July 17-22, 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!

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 17, 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!

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.

Toddler at Cascade Bay's Little Mates Tot Swim

Or keep it simple with a free splash pad…

In case it’s 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. 7200 117th Ave N, Champlin, MN 55316.

Andrews Park splash pad, Champlin

Monday entertainment in the parks:

Bloomington Monday Morning Kids Series

9000 Portland Ave, Bloomington, MN 55420
Today features the super kid-friendly band The Bazillions. July 17, 2023. 10:30-11:30am. 

 
REMEMBER! This is just one suggestion of dozens featured in our collective summer concert schedule. You can get the entire Monday-Friday musical entertainment lineup in FFTC’S 2023 GUIDE TO FREE SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE TWIN CITIES.
 

Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Monday?

Want to get out and play in Eagan parks this summer? We’ve selected 10 of the best locals parks to do just that. Our list includes a splash pad, nature playground and an art park!

10 Parks to Visit This Summer. Explore Close to Home: Eagan M

We all scream for ice cream socials in the park:

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 17, 2023, 6-7pm.

WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM! FIND OUR CALENDAR OF TWIN CITIES ICE CREAM SOCIALS FOR SUMMER 2023.
Kid-Friendly Theater - Kids standing by Open Eye Theare's Puppet Wagon

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2023

Tot Time Open Swims on Tuesday:

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.

Battle Creek Waterworks Play Strucutre

Tuesday entertainment in the parks:

MORNING: Fun in Richfield Veterans Park

636 E 66th St, Richfield, MN 55423
I can give you five reasons to spend a Tuesday morning at RICHFIELD VETERANS PARK:

Girls playing mini golf at Adventure Falls Mini Golf in Minnesota

EVENING: Springbrook Summer Concert Series

Springbrook Nature Center, 100 85th Ave NW, Fridley, MN, 55432
An acoustic concert will be performed at the amphitheater. If kids are old enough to explore (relatively) on their own, they’ll love the sandy nature playground at Springbrook outdoors, and indoors are fun hands-on exhibits. July 18, 2023, 7pm. FREE.

Kids playing in the sand at Springbrook Nature Center

Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Tuesday?

Tour de Rec in West Paul

Harmon Park, 230 Bernard St W, West St Paul, MN 55118
Recreation staff 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 18, 2023, 12:30-1:30, FREE.
Harmon Park splash pad in West St. Paul, Minnesota
Harmon Park splash pad

Stillwater Summer Tuesday Movie & Big Truck Night

Lowell Park, 101 Water Street S., Stillwater, MN 55082
The big trucks are on display starting at 5:30pm and movie starts 10 minutes past sunset at 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. July 18, 2023.

MORE FAMILY FUN IN STILLWATER! Check our brand new list of the the BEST THINGS TO DO WITH STILLWATER WITH KIDS THIS SUMMER!

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2023

Tot Time Open Swims on Wednesday:

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: Shoreview Kidz Concerts in the Commons

Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, MN 55126
Animal Antics performs for kids today at 10am. Bonus Fun: Have an indoor playdate at Tropical Adventures Indoor Playground or play outdoors as the awesome SHOREVIEW COMMONS destination playground. July 19, 2023. FREE.

Playground at Shoreview Commons Park

EVENING: Eagan Market Fest

Eagan Central Park Festival Grounds, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan, MN 55121
The grounds buzz with music from 4-8pm, plus you can shop the market for fresh produce and other goods. Kids will enjoy the splash pad, playground and challenge course. July 19, 2023.

Bonus Fun: Join Kid’s Power of Produce (P.O.P.) Club to participate in weekly activities and earn free produce.  36 Family-Friendly Twin Cities Spring & Summer Farmers Markets.

Girl cooking with vegetables from the farmers market: "Kid-Friendly Farmers Markets to Visit in Spring & Summer"

Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Wednesday?

Explore a new park or playground on Wednesday!

Popsicles with Public Safety

Trott Brook Farm Park, 18300 Trott Brook Pkway NW, Elk River, MN 55330
Besides the opportunity to explore public safety vehicles, kids can meet a K-9 officer, have a Child Safe ID kit created, meet police officers and firefighters and get a free popsicle. July 19, 2023, 5–8 pm.

Riverview Theater Summer Kids Matinees

Riverview Theater, 3800 42nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Playing July 18-20 is Puss In Boots: The Last Wish. All seats just a dollar and their popcorn is awesome!

Featured Twin Cities community festival:

Minneapolis Aquatennial Torchlight Parade

The exciting Minneapolis Aquatennial Torchlight Parade will be held on the 19th (with fireworks on the 22nd, 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 2023 MINNEAPOLIS AQUATENNIAL GUIDE FOR FAMILIES. Parade July 19, 2023.

FIND OUR COMPLETE CALENDAR OF TWIN CITIES JULY FESTIVALS!
Purple Fireworks over Minneapolis, Minnesota
Image courtesy of Minneapolis Downtown Council

More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Train Lovers?

Tots & Trains at Jackson Street Roundhouse

193 Pennsylvania Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55130
Your little train lovers will go nuts for this playdate! Tinker around with train tables and interactive displays. Run through real passenger train cars. Create a craft to take home and listen to a transportation-themed story. Coffee for the adults! July 19, 2023, 10am-12pm. $10-$13/pp or $35/family pack.

WHERE ELSE CAN I BRING A KID WHO LOVES TRAINS IN THE TWIN CITIES?
Girl by train car at the Minnesota Transportation Museum in Saint Paul, MN
Minnesota Transportation Museum – Jackson Street Roundhouse

Games Galore at Union Depot

214 4th St E, St Paul, MN 55101
This is a great indoor activity – play giant-size versions of favorite games like chess, checkers, Connect Four, Dominoes, Jenga and more. Plus, the historic depot is great for train lovers to explore! July 19, 2023, 10am-8pm. FREE!

Games Galore

Historic Wayzata Train Depot Museum

Got a little (or big) train lover in the family? Head out to the HISTORIC WAYZATA TRAIN DEPOT MUSEUM. My kids loved the hands-on exhibits inside and the sweet model train layout outdoors. Open weekends & Wednesdays from 12-4pm with free admission.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

Tot Time Open Swims on Thursday:

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: Rosemount Summer Entertainment at Central Park

2893 145th St W, Rosemount, MN 55068
The weekly kids entertainment culminates in a free summer celebration at the splash pad today and music from Wiggle, Jiggle & Jam. Learn more about Rosemount Central Park. July 20, 2023, 10am. FREE.

EVENING: Music at Minnehaha Regional Park

4801 South Minnehaha Park Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417
A free concert in the park is just the beginning: we’re excited to share with you all of the fun at MINNEHAHA REGIONAL PARK – the beautiful falls, a creek to wade in, historic sites, wading pool, playgrounds and unique dining spot. July 20, 2023, music at 7pm.

Explore a new park or playground on Thursday:

Elm Creek Play Area – Minnesota’s Biggest Playground?

Gianna’s family affectionately calls it the Rainbow Park for its bright color scheme and equally enticing play equipment. There are plenty of tunnels, slides, and things to climb. The area covered is large, but fenced in with a single opening to ease the worries of losing little ones among the climbing apparatus and sandy dino dig. If you’re up for it, next door to the playground is the sand-bottomed, chlorinated Elm Creek Swimming Pond. At just $6/pp admission to swim, that’s a full day of bargain family fun.

MORE OF THE BEST: Find more of our suggestions for the TOP PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES TO EXPLORE THIS SUMMER!

Featured Park: Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove, Minnesota - Rainbow playgrouned

Victoria Truck Rodeo

Victoria Recreation Center, 8475 Kochia Lane, Victoria MN 55386
Get close to the big trucks and machinery that keep the city running smoothly. FREE event. July 20, 2023, 6-8pm.

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. July 20, 2023.

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.

More family fun ideas on Thursday: Local 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.

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.

FFTC Team kids picking berries at The Berry Patch, Forest Lake

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2023

Tot Time Open Swims on Friday:

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.

Twisty Yellow Slide at Sandventure Aquatic Park, Shakopee Minnesota

Or make it a full beach day…

We can give you at least 26 reasons. They’re all neatly wrapped up in our GUIDE TO THE BEST BEACHES IN THE TWIN CITIES, thoughtfully organized by region of the Minneapolis-St Paul metro. Today we’re highlighting SHADY OAK BEACH & PLAY AREA. What makes it great? Sand carpeting much of the play area, for one, and 76-foot span of beach across the shoreline of a clear spring-fed lake. Visitors can also rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard. $6/pp or $3/pp after 6pm. 5200 Shady Oak Rd., Minnetonka, MN 55343.

Sand Play Area sign in front of climbing structures at Shady Oak Beach in Minnetonka Minnesota

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

Friday Theater in the Parks:

The Music Man by Rosetown Playhouse

Como Lakeside Pavilion, 1360 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55103
The classic, performed at the historic pavilion in Como Park. Best for older children and teens. July 21, 7pm, $10-$16/pp.

Tuck Everlasting by Bunce Backyard Productions

11350 Dallas Ln N, Osseo, MN 55369
A free outdoor musical performance. Arrive early and BYO seating; these are popular shows. July 21, 2023, 7pm.

Open Eye Figure Theater Driveway Tour

3421 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
One of this summer’s traveling puppet show is Molly & the Magic Boot. Catch it free. July 21, 2023, 7pm.

Edina Movies in the Park

7499 France Ave. S. Edina, MN 55435
Movies in the Park presents Sunset Fridays at Centennial Lake Park. There’s so much to enjoy and explore at this location including lawn games, paddle boats, live music and a farmers market. Tonight’s selection is Jungle Cruise. July 21, 2023, 8:30pm. FREE.

Maple Grove Friday Movies at Dusk

Town Green Park, 7991 Main Street N, Maple Grove, MN
Friday Movies at Dusk are part of Maple Grove’s Sounds of Summer 2023. Tonight screens Lyle, Lyle Crocodile. July 21, 2023, 8pm. FREE.

St Paul Movies in the Park

El Rio Vista Recreation Center
St Paul screens free summer movies across several recreation centers, community centers and at the historic Pavilion at Como Park. This week screens Puss In Boots: The Last Wish. July 21, 2023. FREE.

Children watching movie at Nicollet Commons Park in Burnsville Minnesota: "Free Summer Movies"

Featured Twin Cities community festivals: 

Slice of Shoreview Days 

3611 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, MN
Fun family events for Friday: chalk art, climbing wall, trampoline, inflatables and fireworks all in ISLAND LAKE COUNTY PARK. July 21, 2023.

Ultimate Summer Bucket List

FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, JULY 22-23, 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. 

children in a family bike ride

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.

10 Best Twin Cities Playgrounds

THE BEST TWIN CITIES OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOLS, WATER PARKS & SPLASH PADS

Click here for more water fun ideas.

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:

101 Twin Cities Libraries - Mapped

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

BROWSE OUR BIG LIST OF TWIN CITIES MUSEUMS TO VISIT WITH KIDS!

Giant Minnesota Post Card displayed at the Minnesota History Center in Saint Paul.

Got an event you’re excited to share? Find our submission form and guidelines here.

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