Twin Cities Guide to Family Activities This Week: July 3-7, 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 3-7, 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 3, 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 wading pool…

The FREE wading pools that dot Minneapolis parks are the perfect place for toddlers and kids 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. All are located adjacent to a playground, rest rooms and space to spread out with a picnic. For all the details, jump over to our page that covers the 60 Minneapolis parks that offer free wading pools. Pictured is the super cute pool at LAKE HIAWATHA PARK. The wading pool has a zero-depth entry great for little swimmers and some fun splash features for the older ones. 2701 E 44th St, Minneapolis, MN 55406.

Lake Hiawatha Park Wading Pool

Monday entertainment in the parks:

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 3, 2023, 10am-1pm. FREE.

MORE FUN AT COMO! When you visit, make sure to take along our COMO PARK ZOO & CONSERVATORY SUMMER CHECKLIST so you don’t miss out on the best seasonal stuff.

Summer flower show at Como Conservatory in St. Paul, MN

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

Apple Valley Puppet Wagon 

  • WESTVIEW ELEMENTARY: 9am, APPLE GROVE PARK: 10am, VALLEY MIDDLE PARK: 11am & LONGRIDGE PARK: 12pm.

Eagan Spark! Mobile Puppet Wagon

Want to get out and play in Eagan parks this summer? We’ve selected 10 of the best locals parks to do just that!

10 Parks to Visit This Summer. Explore Close to Home: Eagan M
Explore Eagan’s Tree-lined Parks.

Woodbury Puppet Wagon

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 3, 2023, 6-7pm.

Twin Cities Independence Day/Fourth of July Events:

From our very own Joy Peters: One of these events is my go-to option when I have to work on the 5th and don’t want to stay up late on the 4th.

  • ANOKA: Castle Field, 600 Castle Field Blvd, Anoka, MN 55303. Fireworks at 10pm.
  • BLOOMINGTON: Normandale Lake Park, 5901 West 84th Street, Bloomington, MN 55438. Fireworks at dusk
  • EDEN PRAIRIE: Sparklefest, Round Lake Park, 16691 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, MN55347. Mini Kids Fireworks – No loud booms at this show 6pm-9:45pm.
  • EXCELSIOR: Lake Minnewashta Regional Park, 6900 Hazeltine Blvd, Excelsior, MN 55331. Fireworks Show begins at dusk. Hang out at the park and beach all day.
  • MINNEAPOLIS: Boom Island Park, 724 Sibley Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413. Patriotic Laser Light Show begins at 10pm. Food Trucks on site at 8pm.
  • ST PAUL: CHS Field, 360 Broadway St. Saint Paul, MN 55101. Fireworks following the Saints Game. Tickets required to enter the stadium.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2023

Twin Cities Independence Day/Fourth of July Events:

Happy Fourth! Where can you find the fireworks displays and community festivals in honor of Independence Day in the Twin Cities? Consult our list of communities to find one near you:

  • APPLE VALLEY: Johnny Cake Ridge Park East, Apple Valley, MN 55124. Arrive early for a pre-fireworks carnival beginning at 1pm; fireworks at 10pm..
  • BLAINE: National Sports Center, 1700 105th Ave NE Blaine, MN 55449. Fireworks at 10pm.
  • CHANHASSEN: Lake Ann Park, 1456 West 78th Street, Chanhassen, MN 55317. Fireworks at 10pm.
  • COON RAPIDS: Coon Rapids Ice Center, 1100 Crooked Lake Boulevard, Coon Rapids, MN 55433. Fireworks at 10pm.
  • EAGAN: 1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55121. Fireworks at 10pm.
  • EDEN PRAIRIE: Round Lake Park, 16691 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55346. Fireworks at 10pm.
  • EDINA: Rosland Park, 4300 W 66th St, Edina, MN 55435. Fifes and drums start at 8pm. First John Sousa Memorial Band concert at 8:45. Fireworks at dusk.
  • EXCELSIOR: Excelsior Commons, 135 Lake St, Excelsior, MN 55331. South Lake Minnetonka. Fireworks at 9:50pm.
  • FOREST LAKE: Lakeside Memorial Park, 95 E Broadway Ave, Forest Lake, MN 55025. Fireworks at 10pm.
  • LAKEVILLE: Lakeville North High School, 19600 Ipava Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044. Fireworks at 10pm.
  • MAPLEWOOD: Hazelwood Park, 1663 County Rd C E, Maplewood, MN 55109. Fireworks at 10pm.
  • PRIOR LAKE: Mystic Lake Casino, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd NW, Prior Lake, MN 55372 – Festivities include Food Trucks and Gin Blossoms concert beginning at 5pm. Fireworks at 10pm. FREE.
  • ROSEVILLE: Central Park, 2540 Lexington Avenue North, Roseville, MN 55113. Fireworks over Bennett Lake at 10pm.
  • SHAKOPEE: Valleyfair, 1 Valley Fair Drive, Shakopee, MN 55379 – SPLURGE on a family day  at the theme park — 10pm fireworks included with park admission $32.99/pp+.
  • STILLWATER: Lowell Park, 201 Water St N, Stillwater, MN 55082. Fireworks at dusk.
  • ST LOUIS PARK: Aquila Park, 3110 Xylon Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55426. Fireworks at 10pm.
  • WACONIA: Lake Waconia Regional Park, 8170 Paradise Ln, Waconia, MN 55387. Play all day with Fireworks at dusk.
  • WOODBURY: M Health Fairview Sports Center, 4125 Radio Dr., Woodbury, MN 55129. Fireworks at 10pm.
  • WHITE BEAR LAKE: Manitou Days Fireworks – Memorial Beach, 4980 Lake Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110.  Fireworks set to music 8pm-11pm.
  • DULUTH JULY 4th GETAWAY: Bayfront Festival Park, 350 Harbor Dr, Duluth, MN 55802. Featuring live music all day and fireworks at 10:10pm. 10 Best Things To Do in Duluth with Kids in the Summer.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 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 Will Hale. July 5, 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. 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.
Wolfe Park Playground
Image courtesy of City of St. Louis Park

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 5, 2023, 6pm-8pm.

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

Apple Valley Puppet Wagon

  • JOHNNY CAKE RIDGE PARK EAST: 9am, FAITH PARK: 10am, GALAXIE PARK: 11am & CEDAR ISLE PARK: 12pm.

Eagan Spark! Mobile Puppet Wagon

Roseville Puppet Wagon

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.

Woodbury Puppet Wagon

More things to do on Wednesday in the Twin Cities: Discover a new park or playground!

Storybook Trail at Kentucky Park

4003 Kentucky Ave N Crystal MN 55427
Take a self-guided hike around the park while reading pages of a storybook with your child. This week’s selection is The Giraffe Who Found Its Spots. July 5, 2023, 12-7pm. FREE.

St Paul Rec in Motion

Formerly know as Roaming Rec, this is a free, structured program at community parks for kids. Games, arts and crafts and other organized activities are led by a parks staff team. Snacks are served at each session. Find the FREE fun Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30pm at the following parks:

Western Sculpture Park in Saint Paul, MN
Western Sculpture Park

Open Gate at Eidem Farm

4345 101st Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
The gates are open on select weekdays so the public can meet the farm animals, explore gardens and trails and possibly even help with chores. July 5, 2023, 10am-4pm, FREE. See link for additional weekly hours.

Eidem Homestead

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, JULY 6, 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: 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 KidsDance DJ. Some might call it a landscaped splashpad. July 6, 2023, 12pm.

Kids dancing at a Rockin Lunch Hour Performance at Nicollet Commons Park in Burnsville, MN

EVENING: Champlin Mississippi Crossings Summer Series – Kids Nite

Mississippi Crossing, 307 E River Pkwy, Champlin, MN 55316
Family favorite Teddy Bear Band performs with Magician Brian Richards. Bring your own seating or enjoy the entertainment in the stadium-style amphitheater. Plus, a new playground, lawn games, food trucks and ice cream for purchase. Quite the night out! July 6, 2023, 6-8pm. FREE.

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

Apple Valley Puppet Wagon

  • COBBLESTONE LAKE PARK: 6:30pm & KELLEY PARK: 7:30pm.

Eagan Spark! Mobile Puppet Wagon

Golden Valley Puppet Wagon

Roseville Puppet Wagon

Woodbury Puppet Wagon

Woodbury Puppet Wagon Evergreen West Park
Woodbury Puppet Wagon

Free archery lessons at Keller Regional Park

2166 Maplewood Drive, Maplewood, MN 55109
Free archery equipment will be available to borrow and staff will teach the basics to all ages. Have your kids try a new sport this summer! Meet at Golfview Picnic Area for the lesson; pack a picnic beforehand for dinner if you like. July 6, 2023, 6-8pm. FREE.

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 6, 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
Hidden Falls Waterfall

Minneapolis Movies in the Parks

Brackett Field Park 2728 S 39th Ave., Minneapolis MN 55406
The movie Puss In Boots: The Last Wish will be screened. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, snacks and some bug spray. July 6, 2023, 9pm. FREE.

Featured Twin Cities community festival:

Robbinsdale Whiz Bang Days Ice Cream Social & Vehicle Fair

Citizens Independent Bank, 3700 W Broadway Ave, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Free ice cream, face painting and live music to enjoy PLUS the vehicles your kids want to explore: an ambulance, police car and fire truck. July 6, 2023, 4-6pm. FIND MORE TWIN CITIES TOUCH-A-TRUCK EVENTS THIS SUMMER!

Touch A Truck Calendar for the Twin Cities Minnesota Metro Area

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, JULY 7, 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 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 M HEALTH FAIRVIEW SPORTS CENTER in Woodbury. Right next to the terrific MADISON’S PLACE INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND.

Friday Fun at Augsburg Adventure Park

7000 Nicollet Ave, Richfield, MN 55423
This week features a storybook hike. Select Fridays & Saturdays will bring unique entertainment to the all-inclusive playground, followed by open playtime. July 7, 2023, 10am. FREE. Learn more about Richfield’s Augsburg Adventure Park.
HUNGRY YET? It’s Food Truck Friday at Augsburg Adventure Park! Soul to Soul BBQ from 10am-2pm.

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

Apple Valley Puppet Wagon

  • QUARRY POINT PARK: 9am, EMBRY PATH PARK: 10am, DELANEY PARK: 11am & TINTAH PARK: 12pm.

Rosemount Puppets in the Park

We all scream for ice cream socials in the park!

Hiawatha School Park Ice Cream Social

4305 E 42nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Free fun in the park: ice cream, bounce houses and a movie. July 7, 2023, 6:30-8:30pm.

Windom NE Park Ice Cream Social

2251 Hayes Street N.E., Minneapolis, MN, US 55418
More free fun in the park: ice cream and games for kids. July 7, 2023, 6-8pm.

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
FFTC kids at Open Eye Figure Theater’s annual ice cream social.

Friday Night Flicks on the Bricks at Nicollet Commons

12550 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville, MN 55337
Outdoor movies in the beautiful, town-square style park. Tonight’s family-friendly show is Lyle, Lyle Crocodile. July 7, 2023, 7:30pm seating, show at dusk. FREE.

Inver Grove Heights Movie in the Park

Oakwood Park, 3534 78th St. E. – 78th and Clayton
Featuring pre-movie entertainment by the Bazillions, a bounce house, games and ice cream for sale. The Secret Life of Pets 2 begins at dusk. July 7, 2023, FREE.

Featured Twin Cities community festivals:

Andover Family Fun Fest

Look for family entertainment Friday night including a Snow White meet & greet, strolling entertainment, a street dance & inflatables (for a small fee). July 7, 2023.

Brooklyn Park Summer Splash

Zanewood Recreation Center, 7100 Zane Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN
Free family activities, games, prizes and music. July 7, 2023, 5-7pm. FREE.

More family fun ideas for Friday: Play a round of miniature golf

Yes, I can still rouse my teens away from their smartphones and snapchat by suggesting a trip to play miniature golf in the summertime. And you can, too! Especially armed with this guide to the best outdoor MINIATURE GOLF COURSES IN THE TWIN CITIES. Quick hits we’ve enjoyed: 

Four teens playing Mini Golf at Como Park in St. Paul, Minnesota
Como Park Mini Golf

FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, JULY 8-9, 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

Find more water fun ideas here.

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