Twin Cities Guide to Family Activities This Week: July 24-28, 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 24-28, 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 24, 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
Cascade Bay, Eagan

Or keep it simple with a free splash pad…

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 travel south of Minneapolis-St Paul to feature the fantastic splash pad at LAGOON PARK in Jordan. The park also has got a pretty nice playground, a sandy little beach and a lovely waterfall. 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. 300 Park Dr, Jordan, MN 55352.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO NEAR JORDAN, MINNESOTA? If you’ve got a sweet tooth, we suggest a trip to MINNESOTA’S LARGEST CANDY STORE (officially known as JIM’S APPLE FARM). You can’t miss the screaming yellow barn but we’ll provide the address to this sugar-and-more mecca anyway. 20430 Johnson Memorial Dr Jordan, Minnesota 55352. GRASSMANN PARK NINJA CHALLENGE COURSE is fun for those who have just a little extra energy to burn off. 1132 Stonebridge Path, Jordan. And jump down to July 26th to get the details on the opening day of the SCOTT COUNTY FAIR, also headquartered in Jordan.

Monday entertainment in the parks:

Bloomington Monday Morning Kids Series

Moir Park, 10400 Morgan Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431
Today features the Wonder Weavers storytellers. July 24, 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!
 

Music Monday at Como Zoo

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
Members of the very family-friendly Jack Brass Band  parade through the zoo grounds and families are invited to join in. Just one reason among a dozen to spend a day at the zoo. July 24, 2023, 10am-1pm. FREE.

REMEMBER! This is just a couple suggestions 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?

PCK 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. Can’t make it out to pick today? We have more great ideas for the best Twin Cities patches to pick your own in our berry guide.

More family fun ideas for Monday: Need some AC today?

Fly on the trampolines

Take to the air to cool off! These parks — like Urban Air Adventure Park and Sky Zone Trampoline Park — are a little more expensive than the indoor tot playgrounds, but they offer a climate-controlled play area for kids of all ages — including teens — with activities like laser tag, high-ropes courses, VR, jumping, climbing and more. You can find trampoline park listings included in our Twin Cities Indoor Playgrounds and Play Areas Guide.

Girl hanging from climbing nets at Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Sky Zone

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, JULY 25, 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: Inver Grove Heights Terrific Tuesdays Music in the Park

Oakwood Park, 3534 78th Street East, Inver Grove Heights MN
45-minute shows geared just for kids. Bring your own blanket or chairs and consider packing a lunch to make a day of it. July 25, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
MORE FUN IN THE AREA: We culled a list of the very BEST PARKS IN INVER GROVE HEIGHTS AND SOUTH ST PAUL to explore this summer.

EVENING: Chaska Summer Tuesday Kids Entertainment

3210 Chaska Blvd, Chaska, MN 55318
Kids shows take place at lovely FIREMEN’S PARK on the Clayhole. Bring a swimsuit for the beach or splash pad and spend the morning. Today’s entertainment is Auntie Dallas & Uncle Siama. July 25, 2023, 6-7pm. FREE.

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

Cafesjian’s Carousel – free rides!

1245 Midway Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55103
It has become a summer tradition of ours to visit Cafesjian’s Carousel in Como Regional Park, the beautiful antique merry-go-round. The daily price to ride is $3/pp but a handful of days during the summer are FREE – including July 25. See our page on Cafesjian’s Carousel for more information. 

girl riding cafesjian's carousel at Como Park in Saint Paul Minnesota

More FREE family fun in COMO REGIONAL PARK: I took my kids on this outing last week and was surprised how light the crowd was. We enjoyed visiting all the animals, saw the Sparky (sea lion) show, traveled through the conservatory to see the Summer Flower Show and walked around the peaceful Japanese Garden. For notes, refer to our COMO ZOO & CONSERATORY SUMMER CHECKLIST.

Sparky performs at the Como Zoo

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 through the Open Gate at Eidem Farm public hours. Meet the farm animals, explore gardens and trails and possibly even help with chores. July 25, 2023. Open gate, 10am-4pm, storytime at 11am. FREE.

Eidem Homestead

Featured Twin Cities community festival:

Anoka County Fair

3200 St Francis Blvd NW, Anoka, MN 55303
County fair fun! Kids will have a blast at the carnival, entering the coloring contest and working the pedal tractors. The full fair runs July 25-30, 2023. Admission is $15/adults, $10 ages 6-12 and under 6 FREE. Tickets include all grandstand shows and events for the day.

FIND OUR COMPLETE CALENDAR OF TWIN CITIES JULY FESTIVALS!

More family fun ideas for Tuesday: Need some AC today?

Cheap movies at Riverview Theater

3800 42nd avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Our favorite retro local theater has announced its 2023 Summer Kids Matinees. $1.00 general admission seats. Please check their website before heading out as movie times are subject to change. Shrek 2 screens July 25-27, 2023.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 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: 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 KidsDance DJ. July 26, 2023, 10-11am. FREE.

QUICK! WHAT ELSE CAN I DO IN ST LOUIS PARK THIS AFTERNOON? A better question may be, what CAN’T you do? Just a ten minute drive or less from WOLFE PARK are these fun family destinations:

  • WESTWOOD HILLS NATURE CENTER: Families can borrow a backpack stocked with nature activities, investigation tools, books and ideas for art projects. Each pack has a different nature theme. Explore both indoor and outdoor exhibits and follow the Trail of Small Wonders to view all the hidden fairy houses. 8300 W Franklin Ave, St Louis Park, MN 55426.
  • BAKKEN MUSEUM: Interesting exhibits all about electricity that cater to youth and families. $7-$13/pp. 3537 Zenith Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55416.
  • COMO-HARRIET STREETCAR LINE: Take a retro ride on a real, historic streetcar! $3/ride. 2330 W 42nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410.
  • BDE MAKA SKA BEACHES: Sandy beaches can be found on the lake’s south side (THOMAS BEACH), east side (32ND STREET BEACH) & north side (NORTH BEACH). The first two are guarded and all are free.
Girl standing next to fairy house in Westwood Hills Nature Center, Trail of Small Wonders, St. Louis Park, MN
Westwood Hills Nature Center, Trail of Small Wonders,

EVENING: Wednesday live music in the parks

Where can you find all the tunes tonight? Here’s our quick lists in parks across the Twin Cities – pack your family a picnic, throw some camp chairs or a blanket in the trunk and enjoy a free outdoor concert at the following:

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

We all scream for ice cream socials in the park:

Phalen Park Ice Cream Day

1600 Phalen Dr, St Paul, MN 55106
Outdoor games and free ice cream in the park. July 26, 2023, 4-6pm.

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

Featured Twin Cities community festivals: 

Scott County Fair 

7151 190th St W #145, Jordan, MN 55352
The county fair runs July 26-30. Highlights for kids at the county fair: A carnival, animal shows, baby animals, activities for kids. Admission to the fair is FREE, parking is $15/car. 

More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Need some AC today?

Play, shop & eat at Ikea Twin Cities

8000 Ikea Way, Bloomington, MN 55425
After a couple years’ hiatus, IKEA Twin Cities has re-opened Smaland. Kids can check in to this fully-supervised play area for up to an hour for FREE between 12pm and 6pm daily while their adults can shop or just relax. (Tip: Join their Ikea Family program to get extra time for the kids and free coffee for the parents.) Then, when it’s time to chow, every Wednesday get two kids entrees free with purchase of adult entrée from the cafe.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, JULY 27, 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: Centennial Lakes Summer Kids Entertainment

Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Avenue South, Edina, MN 55435
Today’s kids concert features magical entertainer Brian Richards. 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 Tuesdays. July 27, 2023, 11am. FREE.

Model boat on Centennial Lake in Edina, Minnesota

EVENING: White Bear Lake Marketfest

Downtown White Bear Lake
FINAL NIGHT OF SUMMER! Live music every week while you shop for the freshest produce and products. Tonight’s special event is a Environmental Resource Expo with kid’s activities, games, and displays of electric cars & lawn care equipment. July 27, 2023, 6-9pm. 

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

Nature Pop-Up at Hidden Falls Regional Park

1313 Hidden Falls Drive, Saint Paul, MN
Kids of all ages can drop right in for guided activities like hiking, fishing, paddles, crafts, games and more. Can you find the park’s namesake “hidden” waterfall while you’re at it? July 27, 2023, 1-3pm. FREE.

SUMMER FUN IDEA: July’s hot weather is ideal to explore area waterfalls – don’t you feel ten degrees cooler just thinking about it? Last year we rounded up 8 TWIN CITIES WATERFALLS TO VISIT WITH KIDS.

oy playing by the Hidden Falls Park waterfall in Saint Paul, Minnesota

Garden Storytime at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden

1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405
A naturalist hosts a different nature themed story each week within the Garden followed by an activity. Meet just outside the Visitor Shelter. Bring a blanket to sit on. July 27, 2023, 10am, FREE. 

More family fun ideas for Thursday: Need some AC today?

Indoor mini golf at the coolest course in town

CAN CAN WONDERLAND offers indoor mini golfing with super cool artist-designed holes that entertain all ages while you’re waiting in line to putt. Plus, there are dozens of vintage arcade games to play and a malt shop for treats. Open Thurs 4-10pm, Fri-Sun starting at 11am. $13/kids, $15/adults. $12/arcade pass.
MORE MINI GOLF: My kids love miniature golf no matter the season, indoors or out. Find our big list of the BEST TWIN CITIES MINI GOLF COURSES for more options (younger putters, tweens & teens, date night…).

Kids playing mini golf at Can Can Wonderland in St. Paul, Minnesota
Can Can Wonderland Artist-Designed Mini golf Course

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, JULY 28, 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

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 movies in the park:

Brooklyn Center Movies in the Park

Evergreen Park, 7112 N Bryant Ave, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Tonight’s showing is Princess and the Frog. Movies start at dusk. July 28, 2023. FREE.

Burnsville Friday Night Flicks on the Bricks 

Burnsville’s free summer kids movies screens Lightyear tonight. Seating begins at 7:30pm, show begins at dusk. July 28, 2023. 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 Minions: Rise of Gru. July 28, 2023, 8pm. FREE.

St Paul Movies in the Park

Phalen Regional Park, 1400 Phalen Dr, St Paul, MN 55106
The movie screens at the beach house (bring swimsuits if the weather’s right). 1985 is a local film loosely based on Lake Phalen. July 28, 2023, 8:30pm. FREE.

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

Featured Twin Cities community festivals: 

Crystal Frolics

Friday night fun includes inflatables, live music and entertainment at BECKER PARK and fireworks at WELCOME PARK. July 28, 2023.

More family fun ideas for Friday:

Minnesota Zoo’s Treetop Trail opens

13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124
The trail is an elevated loop 32 feet off the ground that re-uses the zoo’s old monorail footprint and gives visitor’s a birds-eye view of many resident animals. Opens July 28, 2023. Included w/ Zoo admission of $16-$22/pp.

FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, JULY 29-30, 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.

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