Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of June 19-23, 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!
- 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 19, 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.
Make it a beach day!
Monday Friends at Chaska Firemen’s
FEATURED BEACH: Meet up with local families at Chaska’s Firemen’s Park for swimming at the Clayhole Beach and outdoor play on the playground. The park also features a small splash pad, fishing pier and concessions. Ages 6+. June 19, 2023, 1:30-3pm. FREE.
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 19, 2023, 10am-1pm. FREE.
Monday Morning Kids Series
Today features kid tunes with Wendy’s Wiggle, Jiggle & Jam. June 19, 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!
Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Monday?
Eagan Spark! Mobile Puppet Wagon
- QUARRY PARK: 3340 Coachman Road, Eagan MN, 3:30pm.
- WESCOTT LIBRARY – 1340 Wescott Road, Eagan, Minnesota, 6pm.
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. Ongoing Mon-Thurs, 2023.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 2023
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, $3/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
- ST PAUL: BATTLE CREEK WATERWORKS (10-11am, $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 entertainment in the parks:
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:
- Tuesday Kids Entertainment at the Bandshell: Kevin Hall, the Magic Maniac, 11am.
- Play a round of miniature golf at WHEEL FUN RENTALS MINI GOLF.
- Grab lunch or a treat at the PIZZA & MALT SHOP.
- Rent a tandem bike from WHEEL FUN RENTALS and pedal around Legion Lake.
- Play on the playground equipment. There’s a giant net to climb!
Prairie Park Splash & Play Tuesdays
Otsego Prairie Park & Splash Pad, 13355 90th St NE, Otsego, MN 55330
Cool off in the park’s splash pad and enjoy kids entertainment. This week features Kidsdance DJ. June 20, 2023, 10am. FREE.
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. June 20, 2023, 7pm. FREE.
The Twin Cities practically sings in the summer from every corner of the Metro.
Where can I find the puppet wagon in the twin cities on Tuesday?
Woodbury Puppet Wagon
- MADISON’S PLACE PLAYGROUND – 4125 Radio Drive, Woodbury, MN 55129, 9am
- VICTORIA PARK – 7430 Newbury Rd, Woodbury, MN, 9:30am
- WEDGEWOOD PARK – 3425 Williamsburg Parkway, Woodbury, 10am
- LIBERTY PARK – Liberty Park, 11375 Eagle View Boulevard, Woodbury, MN, 10:30am
- COLBY LAKE PARK – 9715 Valley Creek Road, Woodbury, 11am
- EDGEWATER PARK – 3100 Edgewater Drive, Woodbury, 6pm
- OEHLKE PARK – Oehlke Park, 8700 Bailey Lake Road, Woodbury, MN, 6:30pm
- OJIBWAY PARK – 2695 Ojibway Dr, Woodbury, MN 5512, 7pm
Puppet shows are about 7 minutes in length and are subject to the weather. For more ideas on having fun in the parks, check out our list of 19 of the best Woodbury has to offer this summer.
Eagan Spark! Mobile Puppet Wagon
- WOODHAVEN PARK – 3935 Beryl Road, Eagan MN, 10:30am
- EAGAN CENTRAL PARK – 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan MN, 11:45am
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
Minneapolis Movies in the Parks
Lynnhurst Park, 1345 W Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55419
All movies start 15 minutes after sunset. Bring snacks, seating & bug spray! Tonight’s flick is a classic – Goonies! (PG). June 20, 2023, 9pm.
Riverview Theater Summer Kids Matinees
Riverview Theater, 3800 42nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Playing June 20-22 is Kung Fu Panda. All seats just a dollar!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2023
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, $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.
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
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.
Eagan Spark! Mobile Puppet Wagon
- TRAPP FARM PARK – 841 Wilderness Run Rd, Eagan, MN 55123, 10am
- CINNAMON RIDGE PARK – 4480 Slater Road, Eagan MN, 11:15am
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
Wednesday night movies in the park:
Bloomington: Movies on the Hill
Hyland Hills Ski Area, 8800 Chalet Road, Bloomington MN
Bring blankets or chairs for the grassy amphitheater. Food & happy hour sales begin at 4pm, the movie at dusk. Tonight screens Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. June 21, 2023, dusk. FREE.
Minneapolis Movies in the Parks
The Commons, 425 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
The movie King Richard 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 21, 2023, 9pm. FREE.
More family fun ideas on Wednesday: Try a new park or playground
We all scream for ice cream socials in the park!
Vadnais Heights Ice Cream Social
Berwood Park, 780 W Berwood Ave, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
Free ice cream, live music and activities for all ages in the park. Meet reps from community organizations. June 21, 2023, 6-8pm.
Highwood Hills Ice Cream Day
2192 Londin Ln E, St Paul, MN 55119
Outdoor games and free ice cream in the park. June 21, 2923, 4-5pm.
Popsicles with Public Safety
Orono Park, 18599 Gary Street, 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. June 21, 2023, 5–8 pm.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday: 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 THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023
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, $3/pp)
- ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
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:
Thursday Rockin’ Lunch Hour: Kid Power with Rachel
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. Some might call it a landscaped splashpad. June 22, 2023, 12pm.
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! Mobile Puppet Wagon
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
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
Lil’ Explorer Thursdays at Como 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. Remember, a reservation to visit the Zoo is free, but required. June 22, 2023, 10am-12pm.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023
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)
Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Friday?
Farmington Puppet Wagon
The puppets will travel to ten Farmington locations between 9am & 2:30pm today including six public parks. Check the link for this week’s schedule, part of the city’s annual Dew Days festival. June 23, 2023.
STARTS TODAY! 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
- BLOOMFIELD PARK –14225 Bloomfield Path, Rosemount, MN 55068, 11am
- JAYCEE PARK – 15425 Shannon Parkway Rosemount, MN 55068, 11:45am
More family fun ideas on Friday: Try a new park or playground
Parkers Lake Play Day
15205 County Road 6, Plymouth, Minnesota 55447
The event offers tons of free summer fun on the beach: giant water slides, chalk, fishing, water & sand play, kite flying and more family activities. June 23, 2023, 6-8:30pm.
Friday Movies & Theater in the Parks:
Burnsville Friday Night Flicks on the Bricks
Nicollet Commons Park, 12550 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville, MN 55337
Seating at 7:30, show begins at dusk. Tonight’s movie is Vivo. June 23, 2023. FREE.
Eden Prairie Players Presents: Addams Family – A Musical
Staring Lake Amphitheater, 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55347
A fully staged live outdoor musical for the whole family. If kids need to run off the wiggles, there’s a great playground next to the amphitheater. June 23, 2023, 7pm. FREE!
Columbia Heights Jamboree
Huset Park, 3965 Jefferson St NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
Friday carnival in the park starts at 3pm, the Jamboree parade from 6-8pm. (Plus fireworks on Saturday evening.) June 23, 2023.
More family fun in Columbia Heights: Make sure to bring your kids’ swimsuits if you decide to attend this summer festival at HUSET PARK. They won’t be able to resist the colorful splash pad!
Farmington Dew Days
Downtown Farmington, MN 55024
Tons of free family activities to celebrate summer at this festival. Friday events include a teen downtown block party, a life-sized chess board at the library and a big rig open house. June 23, 2023, 3-7pm.
Roseville Rosefest
Festival activities on Friday include a wet ‘n wild open house at the fire station, a free family ice skate and community theater in Central Park. June 23, 2023, FREE.
South St Paul Kaposia Days
Friday features a free luau swim at Northview Pool with a festival button and the Grande Parade, 6:30pm at 12th Ave N & 3rd St. June 23, 2023.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, JUNE 24-25, 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.
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
