Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of June 26-30, 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, 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, JUNE 26, 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, $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: Pictured below is my little one enjoying some splashy time at Eagan’s CASCADE BAY before the big kids arrive at the pool.
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 splashy pool at WABUN PICNIC AREA within MINNEHAHA REGIONAL PARK. 4655 46th Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55406.
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 26, 2023, 10am-1pm. FREE.
Monday Morning Kids Series
Today features Dazzling Dave, Yo-Yo Master. June 26, 2023. 10:30-11:30am.
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
- QUARRY PARK: 3:30pm & WESCOTT LIBRARY 6pm.
Woodbury Puppet Wagon
- SHAWNEE PARK: 9am, POTAWATOMI PARK: 10am, CHIPPEWA PARK: 9:30am, RIDGEGATE PARK: – 10:30am & BAILEY’S ARBOR PARK, 11am.
Traveling around more than 20 Woodbury parks with fun puppet shows. Ongoing Mon-Thurs, 2023. For more ideas on having fun in the parks, check out our list of 19 of the best Woodbury has to offer this summer.
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 Mondays from 5:30-7:30pm at the following parks:
- CARTY PARK – 705 Iglehart Ave, St Paul MN
- SIBLEY MANOR – 1300 W Maynard Dr, St Paul, MN 55116
- WESTERN SCULPTURE PARK – 387 Marion St, Saint Paul, MN 55103
Try a “ninja” playground!
Schaper Park Challenge Course
631 Ottawa Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55422
Here’s something I guarantee your tween will love: knowing you’ll be eating their dust at the local ninja park. (At least mine could; perhaps you’re more in shape?) The fitness challenge course is said to be designed for ages 13+ but there’s a smaller space for tots, too.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 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:
Performance in Levee Park
Levee Park, 20 Ramsey St, Hastings, MN 55033
Circus Science Spectacular entertains on the riverfront. 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 27, 2023, 6-7pm. FREE.
WHILE IN TOWN, TAKE ALONG OUR LIST OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN HASTINGS, MINNESOTA, WITH KIDS!
Bands on the Boulevard at Minnesota History Center
345 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102
Please note: the museum is not open on Tuesdays, but concerts are held outdoors with pre-show activities, crafts and dancing. June 27, 2023, 6:30-8:30pm. FREE.
MORE FAMILY FUN: Wednesday-Sunday the MINNESOTA HISTORY CENTER is open for touring and is packed with hands-on and kid-friendly exhibits that make learning about early Minnesota more fun than your young ones will imagine.
Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Tuesday?
Apple Valley Puppet Wagon
- BRIAR OAKS PARK: 6:30pm & FARQUAR PARK: 7:30pm.
Eagan Spark! Mobile Puppet Wagon
- WOODHAVEN PARK: 10:30am & EAGAN CENTRAL PARK: 11:45am
Golden Valley Puppet Wagon
- GLENVIEW TERRACE PARK: 9:45am, SCHIED PARK: 10:30am & LIONS PARK: 11:15am.
Roseville Puppet Wagon
- OASIS PARK: 9:30am, VILLA PARK: 10:30am & LEXINGTON PARK:11:30am
Puppet shows in the park are about 15-20 minutes in length. Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon! 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
- MADISON’S PLACE PLAYGROUND: 9am, VICTORIA PARK: 9:30am, WEDGEWOOD PARK: 10am, LIBERTY PARK: 10:30am, COLBY LAKE PARK: 11am, EDGEWATER PARK: 6pm, OEHLKE PARK: 6:30pm & OJIBWAY PARK: 7pm.
Cafesjian’s Carousel – free rides!
1245 Midway Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55103
It has become a spring 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 today! See our page on Cafesjian’s Carousel for more information. June 27, 2023.
And while you’re in the neighborhood, visit…
Como Town Amusement Park
Como Town offers a great mix of rides and attractions that will appeal mainly to kids ages 2-12. They range from the extra-gentle choo-choo train to the Tiger Trax junior roller coaster (and we even know a few adults who really enjoyed the Soaring Eagle zip line). It’s also possible to purchase points to play in Hodge-Podge park with its flashy splash pad.
Family-Friendly tip: Joy has created a handy chart of rides, height requirements, points and corresponding prices here.
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 27, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 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.
Wednesday entertainment in the parks & community:
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. June 28, 2023, 6pm-8pm.
Bonus Fun: Como Zoo is open until 6pm. Make a day of it at the zoo before the concert. Or just pack a picnic and enjoy some fun playground time.
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
- TRAPP FARM PARK – 841 Wilderness Run Rd, Eagan, MN 55123, 10am
- CINNAMON RIDGE PARK – 4480 Slater Road, Eagan MN, 11:15am
As the eighth largest city in Minnesota, Eagan is filled with lush green spaces and brimming with ways to entertain your kids. We’ve rounded up 10 of the BEST PARKS IN EAGAN to explore this summer.
Roseville Puppet Wagon
- ACORN PARK: 9:30am, CENTRAL PARK VICTORIA W.: 10:30am & AUTUMN GROVE PARK: 11:30am.
Woodbury Puppet Wagon
- SUMMIT POINTE PARK: 9am, STONEMILL FARMS PARK: 9:30am, DANCING WATERS PARK: 10am, POWERS LAKE PARK: 10:30am & EVERGREEN WEST PARK: 11am.
We all scream for ice cream socials in the park!
Martin Luther King Park 20th Annual Ice Cream Social
4055 Nicollet Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, US 55409
A summer evening with music, face painting, crafts, rides for kids and FREE Sebastian Joe’s ice cream! June 28, 2023, 6:30-8:30pm.
FIND MORE ICE CREAM SOCIALS THIS SUMMER IN THE TWIN CITIES.
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. June 28, 10am-4pm, FREE. See link for additional weekly hours.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 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 & community:
STARTS TODAY! Maple Grove Sounds of Summer
Town Green Park, 7991 Main Street N, Maple Grove, MN 55369
The summer music series includes free family concerts on Thursday mornings. There is seating on the tiered terrace walls and room for blankets in the grassy spaces. Don’t expect playground equipment here, but there is a small “music plaza” to make your own tunes and a pond to watch fish and ducks. June 29, 10:30am. FREE.
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. June 29, 2023, 10am, FREE.
Twin Cities River Rats Water Ski Show
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. June 28, 2023, 6:30pm.
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
- MOONSHINE PARK: 10am, BRIDLE RIDGE PARK: 11:15am & EAGAN ART HOUSE: 6:15pm
Golden Valley Puppet Wagon
- GOLDEN VALLEY LIONS PARK: 9:45am, HAMPSHIRE PARK: 10:30am & WESLEY PARK: 11:15am.
Roseville Puppet Wagon
- OWASSO PARK: 9:30am, ROSEBROOK PARK:10:30am & LAUDERDALE PARK:11:30am
Woodbury Puppet Wagon
- RIDGE PARK: 9am, PIONEER PARK: 9:30am, TIMBERLEA PARK: 10am, FAIRWAY MEADOWS PARK: 10:30am & COLBY LAKE PARK: 11am.
Duluth & Case Ice Cream Day
1020 Duluth Street, Saint Paul, MN, 55106
Free ice cream and games outdoors. June 29, 2023, 5:30-6:30pm.
Minneapolis Movies in the Parks
Beltrami Park, 1111 Summer St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
The movie Ghostbusters (PG) will be screened. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, snacks and some bug spray. June 29, 2023, 9pm. FREE.
Woodbury Starlight Cinema
Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125
This is a free event featuring kids movies; activities start at 7pm and movie is screened at dusk. Tonight’s show is Dreamworks’ The Bad Guys (PG). June 29, 2023. FREE.
Twin Cities Fourth of July/Independence Day Event:
Plymouth Happy Birthday America Parade
Hilde Performance Center, 3500 Plymouth Blvd., Plymouth, MN 55447
Decorate bikes and strollers starting at 10am followed by a parade and live music by Tricia and the Toonies. June 29, 2023, 10am-noon; FREE.
Get pumped up for Independence Day with our huge roundup of Twin Cities Fourth of July events!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 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)
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.
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
- CAMFIELD PARK: 9:30am, CONNEMARA PARK: 10:15am, BLOOMFIELD PARK: 11am & JAYCEE PARK: 11:45am.
Twin Cities Fourth of July/Independence Day Event:
Richfield Lil Sparkler Celebration
Richfield Ice Arena, 636 E 66th St, Richfield, MN 55423
Family Night with food trucks, touch-a-truck, kids’ dance, ice skating, outdoor movie and a laser light show. Friday, June 30, 2023, 5pm-11pm.
More family fun ideas for Friday:
Pick your own delicious strawberries
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 strawberry patches to pick your own berries.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, JULY 1-2, 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
