Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of June 12-16, 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 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 JUNE 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, JUNE 12, 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!
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- EAGAN: CASCADE BAY (9:30-10:30am, $6/child, 1 adult free per child)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $10-$11/pp)
- SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $3/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
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.
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. June 12, 2023, 10am-1pm. FREE.
Monday Morning Kids Series
Today features the comical Brodini Magic Show. June 12, 2023. 10:30-11:30am.
Minneapolis Music in the Park at Lake Harriet
Lake Harriet Park, 4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis MN 55409
Free summer concerts take place at the pretty bandshell; kids can have the run of the nearby playground. Bring your own picnic dinner or purchase onsite from Bread & Pickle. June 12, 2023, 7:30pm.
The Twin Cities practically sings in the summer from every corner of the Metro. We try our darned hardest to track all the family-friendly, free summer concerts in our calendar of MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL AREA SUMMER MUSIC IN THE PARKS.
Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Monday?
Woodbury Puppet Wagon
- Shawnee Park – 6515 Scheel Drive, 9am
- Potawatomi Park – 1201 Parkwood Drive, 10 a.m.
- Chippewa Park – 2197 Queens Drive, 9:30 a.m.
- Ridgegate Park – 7749 Dunmore Road, 10:30 a.m.
- Bailey’s Arbor Park – 10800 Maple Boulevard, 11am
Traveling around more than 20 Woodbury parks with fun puppet shows. See link for schedule. Ongoing Mon-Thurs, 2023.
Twin Cities Storytimes & library events on Monday:
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Brooklyn Park & Champlin library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland (Valley), Mahtomedi (Wildwood), Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
Summer Reading Kickoff with Dakota County Libraries
“Summer Discovery” starts with a fanfare of free activities for kids – free ice cream, book giveaways, sidewalk chalk, crafts and live music. Grab summer reading logs to encourage your kids to pick up a book when they insist of boredom. Events take place at the following Dakota County libraries:
- LAKEVILLE HERITAGE – 10am-2pm.
- ROSEMOUNT ROBERT TRAIL LIBRARY – 2-4pm.
- HASTINGS PLEASANT HILL LIBRARY – 2:30-5pm.
More family fun ideas for Monday: Berry picking!
Pick-your-own strawberry patches near the Twin Cities
It’s perhaps the sweetest time of the year – when the strawberries have ripened and a handful beats any trip to the candy store. We’ve rounded up the best places to pick your own strawberries in the Minneapolis-St Paul metro as we think an outing to harvest your own makes for a pretty sweet family outing.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2023
Tot Time Open Swims on Tuesday:
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- BUNKER BEACH WATERPARK TOT TIME (9:15-10:15am, $5/child, adults free)
- EAGAN: CASCADE BAY (9:30-10:30am, $6/child, 1 adult free per child)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $10-$11/pp)
- SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $3/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
- ST PAUL: BATTLE CREEK WATERWORKS (9:30-10:30am, $2.50/pp)
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.
Tuesday Kids Concert Series at Centennial Lakes Park
7499 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435
While in the park, enjoy the lawn games, take a paddleboat out on the ponds or walk the trail along the canals. The concert is at the Maetzold Amphitheater at the south end of the park. June 13, 11am, FREE.
Otsego Splash & Play Tuesday
Otsego Prairie Park & Splash Pad, 13355 90th St NE, Otsego, MN 55330
Cool off in the park’s splash pad and enjoy kids entertainment on select Tuesdays. This week brings Minnesota State Fair favorite Monty’s Traveling Reptile Show to the park. June 13, 10am. FREE.
Blaine Performance in the Park – Tuesday night kids bands
Tom Ryan Park, 10802 Town Square Drive Northeast, Blaine, MN 55449
Find all your favorite kids bands at this series on Tuesday nights. Tricia and the Toonies kicks off the summer fun. June 13, 2023, 6pm.
Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Tuesday?
Woodbury Puppet Wagon
- Madison’s Place – 4125 Radio Drive, 9am
- Victoria Park – 7430 Newbury Road, 9:30am
- Wedgewood Park – 3495 Williamsburg Parkway, 10am
- Liberty Park – 1375 Eagle View Boulevard, 10:30am
- Colby Lake Park – 9715 Valley Creek Road, 11am
- Edgewater Park – 3100 Edgewater Drive, 6pm
- Oehlke Park – 8700 Bailey Lake Road, 6:30pm
- Ojibway Park – 2695 Ojibway Drive, 7pm
More family fun ideas for Tuesday: Explore a new park or playground
Tour de Rec at Thompson County Park
360 Butler Ave E, West St Paul, MN 55118
Drop in for this FREE program on select Tuesdays. Park staff will provide activities and equipment, including games, sports, arts, crafts, and more. Best for ages 6-12. June 13, 2023, 1:30-2:30pm.
Twin Cities Storytimes & library events on Tuesday:
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnhaven, Hastings Pleasant Hill, Lakeville Heritage, South St Paul, Wenthworth & Wescott library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Excelsior, Minneapolis Northeast & Sumner library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton & Roseville library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Arlington Hills, Highland Park & St Anthony Park library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Bayport, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME! Wild Rumpus Storytime
2720 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55410
This popular story time for toddlers & preschoolers is BACK after a lengthy hiatus. Stick around to see how many critters (yes, animal critters) you can spot slinking around the store! June 13, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
Indoor activity ideas on Tuesday:
Mall of America Toddler Tuesdays
This week in the Rotunda it’s a Rainbow Spectacular with dancing, singing and more colorful activities. June 13, 2023, 10am-12pm. FREE.
HOT TIP! WHEN YOU VISIT, TAKE ALONG OUR MALL OF AMERICA GUIDE: FLOOR BY FLOOR.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2023
Tot Time Open Swims on Wednesday:
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $10-$11/pp)
- SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $3/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
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 park:
Groovin’ in the Garden
Como’s outdoor music event offers free concerts and lawn activities while the music is on. Food is available for purchase or bring your own picnic. Could make the perfect add-on to a day exploring the zoo, Conservatory or COMO TOWN AMUSEMENT PARK. June 14, 2023, 6-8pm. FREE.
Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Wednesday?
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 – 10am
- 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: Try a new park or playground
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. If the weather is balmy, PHALEN REGIONAL PARK boasts a pretty nice beach, splash pad, playground, walking path around the lake and a cool Chinese friendship garden. June 14, 2023, 4-6pm.
If you can’t make ice cream social night in the park, plan for a scoop another time with our list of the BEST ICE CREAM SHOPS IN THE TWIN CITIES.
Wednesday night movies in the park:
Minneapolis Movies in the Parks
The Commons, 425 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
The movie Fantastic Mr Fox will be screened. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, snacks and some bug spray. If you’re able consider taking the light rail into downtown; the park is about a block away from the station and my kids think the train ride is part of the fun. June 14, 2023, 9pm. FREE.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Wednesday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Robert Trail (Rosemount), South St Paul & Wentworth branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Champlin, Minneapolis North Regional, Plymouth & Washburn library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View library branch.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Dayton’s Bluff, Rondo & West Seventh library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Storytime at Levee Park
Levee Park, 20 Ramsey St, Hastings, MN 55033
Storytime, games and crafts designed for children ages 3 and up. LEVEE PARK is about as close as you can get to the river without actually being submerged. It’s fun to watch the boats whizz by and kids will want to perform on the little musical playground. June 14, 2023, 10:30-11:15am. FREE.
WHILE IN TOWN, TAKE ALONG OUR LIST OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN HASTINGS, MINNESOTA, WITH KIDS!
More family fun ideas for Wednesday:
Maplewood Touch-a-Truck
2100 White Bear Avenue, Maplewood MN
Get close to police cars, firetrucks, garbage trucks, snow plows and more favorites plus the event includes activity stations, free hot dogs and chips – all free. June 14, 2023, 6-7:30pm.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023
Opening today: St Paul swimming pools
Como Regional Park Pool
1151 Wynne Ave, St Paul, MN 55108
Features a zip line, climbing wall, lazy river and separate splash pool. Open regular hours starting June 15, 2023 fees: $4-$7/pp. Twilight discount.
Highland Park Aquatic Center
1840 Edgcumbe Rd, St Paul, MN 55116
Children’s activity pool, diving well & slide. Open regular hours starting June 15. 2023 fees: $4-$7/pp. Twilight discount.
Tot Time Open Swims on Thursday:
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- BUNKER BEACH WATERPARK TOT TIME (9:15-10:15am, $5/child, adults free)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $10-$11/pp)
- SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $3/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
FEATURED TOT TIME SWIM: Massive BUNKER BEACH WATERPARK in Coon Rapids is one of the largest (if not THE) outdoor waterparks in Minnesota. Take advantage of this opportunity for your pre-K kids to explore and splash around during a special, budget-friendly tot time Tuesday & Thursday mornings.
Phalen Regional Park Splash Pad Opening Day
1600 Phalen Dr, Saint Paul, MN 55106
Kids can make a quick dash from the splash pad fountains to the large and sandy Phalen Park beach. This beautiful park also offers trails, a tot lot, a fire ring, a rec center, tennis courts and regular family events. Daily 9am-9pm. FREE.
Thursday Rockin’ Lunch Hour at Nicollet Commons
Nicollet Commons Park, 12550 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville, MN 55337
STARTS THIS WEEK! 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. June 15, 2023, 12pm.
Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Thursday?
Woodbury Puppet Wagon
- Ridge Park – 3525 Parkers Drive, 9am
- Pioneer Park – 2670 Wimbledon Drive, 9:30am
- Timberlea Park – 8095 Boulder Ridge, 10am
- Fairway Meadows Park – 2230 Woodcrest Drive, 10:30am
- Colby Lake Park – 9715 Valley Creek Road, 11am
ExploraTots at Crosby Farm Park
Crosby Farm Regional Park, 2595 Crosby Farm Rd, St Paul, MN 55116
The program consists of themed activity stations, a story, hike and a take-home activity. Meet at the picnic shelter. Must register in advance at the link as space is limited. If the program is full, CROSBY FARM PARK is still a great place for a family hike. June 15, 2023, 10am, FREE.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EXPLORATOTS PROGRAM IN ST PAUL PARKS!
Lil’ Explorer Thursday at Como Park Zoo
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
The beloved (at least by my family) preschool program offers weekly themed activities to the 4-and-under set. Think sand tables, sponge painting, worm digs and storytimes. June 15, 2023, 10am-12pm. FREE.
Minneapolis Movies in the Parks
Keewaydin Park 3030 E 53rd St, Minneapolis, 55415
The movie A League of Their Own will be screened. My tween & teen daughters especially love this ’90s flick celebrating women in sports – one of my own favorites from childhood! June 15, 2023, 9pm. FREE.
New Hope Movies in the Park
New Hope Performance Center, 4401 Xylon Ave N, New Hope MN
Top Gun: Maverick will be screened free and outdoors tonight. Concessions available for purchase. June 15, 2023, 9:15pm. FREE.
Woodbury Starlight Cinema Outdoor Movie Series
Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125
The Starlight Cinema Outdoor Movie Nights will be presented at Ojibway Park. This is a free event featuring kids movies; activities start at 7pm and movie is screened at dusk. Tonight’s movie is Minions: Rise of Gru. June 15, 2023, 7pm. FREE.
More family fun ideas on Wednesday: We all scream for ice cream socials in the park!
Keewaydin Park Ice Cream Social
3030 E 53rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Free ice cream, activities for kids and a free movie in the park to follow. Classic summer stuff here. June 15, 2023, 6-8:30pm.
Fridley ’49er Days Party & Parade
Commons Park, 555 61st Avenue Northeast, Fridley, MN 55432
Join Fridley Parks & Recreation for kids activities, inflatable bouncers, slides and obstacles, food trucks, vendors and more before the parade begins at 6:30pm at the corner of 61st Avenue and 7th Street. Plus a kids tractor pull at 5:30pm, June 15, 2023.
Juneteenth: Joy, Peace and Prosperity
Silverwood Park, 2500 County Rd E., St. Anthony, Minnesota 55421
A fun-filled night of live music, canoeing, fashion, vendors, art and health & wellness resources. June 15, 2023, 5-8pm. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Thursday: Farm fun
Joyer Adventure Farm Opens
Waldoch Farm & Garden Center, 8174 Lake Dr, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
Waldoch Farm’s chief operation is garden supply and fresh produce but they also offer tickets to its JOYER ADVENTURE FARM. Admission includes access to playground equipment, giant slide, a sandbox, the barnyard animals and other activities. $11/child, tickets available online.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2023
Tot Time Open Swims on Friday:
- BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
- RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $10-$11/pp)
- SHAKOPEE: SANDVENTURE AQUATIC PARK (9:15-10:45am, $5/child)
- SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $3/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
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.
More beachy fun in the Twin Cities: Roseville, Minnesota
Lake Johanna Beach
3500 Lake Johanna Blvd, Arden Hills, MN 55112
Just a few blocks away from Roseville in Arden Hills, the large sandy beach within Tony Schmidt Regional Park beckons to swimmers. We rate this beach one of the top for families in the Twin Cities.
Lake Josephine County Park
3027 Lexington Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113
The sandy area of this beach is on the small side, but there are shady spaces where families could camp out close to the sand. There are also strategic spots where a parent could watch both the beach and the playground.
Lake McCarrons County Park
1795 Rice St, Roseville, MN 55113
Park amenities include a playground and guarded beach. There is also space for picnics and fishing.
FIND MORE OF THE BEST BEACHES IN THE TWIN CITIES TO TRY THIS SUMMER!
More family fun ideas for Friday: Explore a new park or playground!
Burnsville Pop Up Party In the Park
Oak Leaf West Park, 1501 E. 122nd Street, Burnsville, MN 55337
Rec leaders will pop in to lead free, organized play for kids. See the link for park schedule. June 16, 2023. 10am-12pm. FREE.
Fridley Movie on the Field
Community Park, 7000 University Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432
Following the Fridley ’49er Days Car Show The Sandlot will be screened. June 16, 2023, 9pm. FREE.
White Bear Lake Manitou Days Grande Parade
Downton White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Parade route: Downtown White Bear Lake, along Lake Avenue, ending at West Park/Memorial Beach with a dance to follow. June 16, 2023.
GET THE SCOOP ON ALL THE PARADES THIS SUMMER IN THE TWIN CITIES!
More family fun ideas for Friday:
Oliver Kelley Farm Re-opens
15788 Kelly Farm Rd NW, Elk River, MN 55330
Explore an original 1860s working farm, meet the animals close up and get hands-on in the barn and kitchen. Public hours begin June 16, 2023. $8-$12/pp.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, JUNE 17-18, 2023 – Father’s Day Weekend
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! Now that summer is close to upon us, you’ll want to keep these ideas close at hand at beat boredom and keep kids active:
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
