THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL WITH YOUR KIDS!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of March 20-24, 2023. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our Weekend Family Guide.
As always, you can check our MARCH FAMILY GUIDE or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR for more fun ideas on what to do this week in the Twin Cities with your kids. Plan ahead for nicer weather with our ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SPRING FUN IN THE TWIN CITIES!
PLANNING FOR SPRING BREAK IN THE TWIN CITIES THIS WEEK?
Why spring break? Because a Minnesota winter wrapping up is worth celebrating. Craft a fun staycation “Spring Break Trip” for your own family whether you have big kids or little kids. Be tourists right in the Twin Cities! Think mini golf, trampolines, scavenger hunts, rock climbing, museums and more. Get some inspiration from our 2023 GUIDE TO SPRING BREAK IN THE TWIN CITIES.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2023
TOT TIME OPEN GYMS ON MONDAY:
Let them bounce off someone else’s walls! Our list covers open gyms for tots across the Twin Cities where they can work their wiggles off during colder weather either FREE or at a low cost to you.
SEE OUR FULL LIST OF TWIN CITIES TOT TIME OPEN GYMS THIS WINTER!
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under) – ON SPRING BREAK TODAY, SEE THURSDAY.
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $3/child)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS – LOGAN RECREATION CENTER (Tiny Tot Indoor Playground, 10am-12pm, $4-$6/child, coffee and snacks included.)
- PLYMOUTH FIELD HOUSE (Open Play, 10:30am-1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $5-$7/child)
- SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY CENTER (Kids Playtime, 9:30-11am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
MONDAY FEATURED TOT TIME! TOT TIMES AT ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS
It’s fun, unstructured, nearly always free and a total sanity-saver during our cold months. I used it routinely when my firstborn was a toddler. He thrived on the small bikes, balls, tumbling mats and other provided equipment for free physical play. The following St Paul recreation centers have tot times on Monday mornings this winter:
- EDGCUMBE REC CENTER, 320 Griggs St S, St Paul, MN 55105 (9:30am-noon)
- LINWOOD RECREATION CENTER, 860 St Clair Ave, St Paul, MN 55105 (11am-1pm)
- NORTH DALE REC CENTER, 1414 St Albans St N, St Paul, MN 55117 (10am-noon)
- WEST MINNEHAHA REC CENTER, 685 W. Minnehaha Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55104
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON MONDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Victoria & Chanhassen library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Apple Valley Galaxie library.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Eden Prairie, Linden Hills, Plymouth & Westonka library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Family Early Literacy class at Elko New Market branch library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Rondo branch library.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland (Valley), Mahtomedi (Wildwood), Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
MONDAY FEATURED STORYTIME! Free Story & Art Time at Eden Prairie Art Center
7650 Equitable Drive, Eden Prairie, MN
Drop in for storytime & an art project. Dress to get creative. No registration required. March 20, 2023, 10-11:30am.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR MONDAY: STEM ACTIVITIES!
Experience Gallery now open at The Works Museum
9740 Grand Ave. S, Bloomington, MN 55420
After a period of renovation, the super kid-friendly and hands-on engineering museum has opened their refreshed Experience Gallery. Play with simple machines, sensors, circuits, and optical illusions. Be mesmerized by the expanded K’nex ball machine. Special spring break hours on March 21, 10am-5pm. $13/pp admission.
MORE FUN STEM-FOCUSED MUSEUMS FOR KIDS:
- BAKKEN MUSEUM: All about electricity – it’s hair-raising science fun to explore. 3537 Zenith Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55416.
- BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY: Far-out space exhibits and intriguing animal dioramas make it really special. Larpenteur Avenue West, Saint Paul, MN 55113.
SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA: World-class science exhibits and an IMAX theater. 120 W. Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55102.
Dairy Queen Free Cone Day
A classic! Enjoy a free small vanilla cone at participating non-mall Dairy Queen locations. All day, limit one per person. And, in anticipation of warmer days ahead, we’ve updated our big list of 2023 FREE CONE DAYS & FREE ICE CREAM SOCIALS IN THE TWIN CITIES.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2023
TOT TIME OPEN GYMS ON TUESDAY:
Tot Time open gyms across the Twin Cities are absolutely a saving grace for parents of squirrelly kids when it’s too cold or sloppy to be outdoors:
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER (Blast & Play Tot Time, 9am-12pm. $5/child.)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- LINO LAKES ROOKERY (Tot Time, 9am-12pm, ages 1-10, $4)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS – AUDUBON & KENWOOD RECREATION CENTERS (Audubon, 9am-12pm, $10/whole season. Kenwood – 3:15-5:15pm. FREE.)
- SAVAGE SPORTS CENTER (Tot Time, 9-11:30am, $3/child)
- ST LOUIS PARK (Little Tot Playtime, 9:30-11:30am, ages 1-5, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
TUESDAY FEATURED TOT TIME! BLAST AND PLAY
Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55121
Blast & Play Tot Time includes admission to the space-themed Blast Indoor Playground and the community center gym for open play with equipment provided. March 21, 2023, 9am-12pm. $5/child.
FIND OUR GIANT LIST OF SUPER FUN INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES WHEN IT’S NOT QUITE PARK WEATHER!
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON TUESDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Galaxie (Apple Valley), Burnhaven, Heritage (Lakeville), Pleasant Hill (Hastings), South St Paul & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Maple Grove, Eden Prairie & Minneapolis Central library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: New Prague library hosts Early Literacy class.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Arlington Hills, Highland Park, Merriam Park & St Anthony Park branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Family Storytime at Woodridge Park
9000 90th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Singing, literacy and playing are all part of this indoor storytime at the park followed by a related activity for kids up to age 6. March 21, 2023, 10:30-11am. FREE.
TWIN CITIES MAPLE SYRUP EVENTS
Sap to Syrup at Dodge Nature Center
365 Marie Avenue West St. Paul, MN 55118
This is an evening maple syrup program for kids ages 3-8 with their caregivers. March 21, 2023, 6:30-7:30pm. $5/pp.
We have oodles of family programs this weekend to share with you in our guide to MAPLE SYRUP IN THE TWIN CITIES. Catch them before they’re all tapped out for another spring!
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR TUESDAY: EDUTAINMENT FOR KIDS!
Toddler Tuesday at the Raptor Center
1920 Fitch Ave, St Paul, MN 55108
Meet a resident raptor, listen to stories and make a craft during this kid-friendly open house style event. The Raptor Center, located on the St Paul campus of the U of M treats about 800 injured birds a year with the goal of releasing them back to the wild. For ages 5 & under. Learn more about visiting the Raptor Center with kids. March 21, 2023, 10am-12pm. $10/adults, up to two kids FREE, additional child $7.50
Visit Como Planetarium – Public Tuesday Nights
780 W Wheelock Pkwy #1315, St Paul, MN 55117
Two educational & entertaining shows to choose from, both centered on the spring night sky. Pre-K kids with their family: register for the 5:30pm show plus hands-on activities. General audiences: register for the 7pm show. March 21, 2023. $5/pp.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2023
TOT TIME OPEN GYMS ON WEDNESDAY:
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-12pm, $6/pp)
- CRYSTAL COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 10-11:30am, $3/child)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations – type “indoor playground” into search bar, most FREE)
- NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 12-3pm, $7/child includes admission to Eagles Nest Indoor Playground)
- PLYMOUTH FIELD HOUSE (Open Play, 10:30am-1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $5-$6/child)
- SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY CENTER (Kids Playtime, 9:30-11am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
WEDNESDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM! PLYMOUTH FIELDHOUSE OPEN PLAY
When the temps dip, field house opens up for kids who need to run and scoot around indoors. Balls and objects for free play are provided.The fieldhouse is heated to 55 degrees so dress accordingly. March 22, 2023, 10:30am to 1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $5-$6/pp. 14800 34th Ave., Plymouth, MN 55447-1482.
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON WEDNESDAY
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnhaven, Heritage (Lakeville), South St Paul & Wentworth branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Brookdale, Linden Hills, North Regional, Southdale, St Anthony & Washburn library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Moundsview & North St Paul library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Dayton’s Bluff & Rondo library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: STORYTIME AT RED BALLOON
891 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
Storyteller Angela hosts a storytime at the charming bookshop perfect for 3s & under (but all welcome). March 22, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
Preschool & up open gymnastics
2015 Silver Bell Rd #180, Eagan, MN 55122
A trip to Gleason’s for open gym is an instant mood-lifter. The kids will love the opportunity to bounce on trampolines, scoot through obstacle courses, and play on the gym equipment. Register in advance for a discount. And hey, teens and tweens! There are open gyms for you, too. March 22 & 24, 2023, 9:30 – 11:30am. $10 per child or $15 per family (online)-$15 per child or $20 (at the door).
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2023
TOT TIME OPEN GYM ON THURSDAYS:
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER (Blast & Play, 9am-12pm, $5/child)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- SAVAGE SPORTS CENTER (Tot Time, 9-11:30am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
THURSDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM! ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER OPEN GYM & STORYTIME
Andover Community Center, 15200 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
We picked this special Tot Time this week because there’s also a special storytime included. March 23, 2023. 9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under.
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON THURSDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Inver Glen, Hastings Pleasant Hill, Robert Trail, Wentworth & Wescott (Eagan) branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Edina, Hopkins, Maple Grove, Oxboro, Plymouth, Southdale & Wayzata library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: Early Literacy Classes at Prior Lake & Shakopee library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer (St Paul) & Sun Ray library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove, Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR THURSDAY:
Free kids entertainment at Edinborough Park
7700 York Ave. S., Edina, MN 55435
Todd ‘n Tina Music performs a free set for kids at the indoor park’s balmy amphitheater. This could be a nice break from a zany run around the giant ADVENTURE PEAK INDOOR PLAYGROUND, also housed within Edinborough Park and reasonably priced at $9/child for hours of energy-busting fun. March 23, 2023, 11-11:45am.
Try rollerskating – Family Night Thursdays at Cheapskate
3075 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Skate to throwback prices and tunes. Just $6.99 to skate plus skate rental fee (or bring your own). Ongoing Thursdays, 5-8pm. For more rink locations, try our 6 Twin Cities Roller Rink Family Deals.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2023
TOT TIME OPEN GYMS ON FRIDAY:
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp)
- BURNSVILLE IGM GYMNASTICS (Preschool Open Gym, 9:30-11:30am, $10/child or $15/family.)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- PLYMOUTH FIELDHOUSE (Youth Open Play, 10:30am to 1:30pm, $5-$6/pp)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
FRIDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM! Hopkins Pavilion Turf Tots
Indoor turf where there’s more room to run! Kids 5 & under can play with bounce houses, climbing wall, sport balls, crawl tunnels, blocks, trikes and more for kids ages 1-5. Through May 5, 2023; Mon-Fri, 8am-1pm. $5 per session per child.
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON FRIDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Inver Glen & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie, Maple Plain, Minneapolis East Lake, Ridgedale & Walker branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & White Bear Lake branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Merriam Park, Riverview, St Anthony Park & Hamline Midway branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
Eco-Art at Silverwood Park
2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN 55421
Kids ages 7-12 can learn how fossils form and use clay and plaster to create plaster cast artwork. If the program is full, you may also want to explore the park outdoors and find unique art sculptures. Registration is required. March 24, 2023, 9:30am. $8/pp.
Messy Monsters Toddler Art Program
Mess Hall, 906 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
Let the studio take care of the mess so you parents don’t have to! Special for ages 2-6, tots can mess around with art in an educational environment and take home all of their creations. Ongoing Fridays including March 24, 2023, 10:30-11:15am. $28/child-adult pair.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES – MARCH 25-26, 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!
Top Twin Cities Kid-friendly museums:
- BAKKEN MUSEUM – STEM-based fun
- BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
- MILL CITY MUSEUM
- MINNESOTA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
- MINNESOTA HISTORY CENTER
- THE WORKS MUSEUM – engineering exhibits for kids
Browse our big list of Twin Cities museums to visit with kids!
Best indoor playgrounds & play areas in the Twin Cities
We cover the top places for the indoor fun your kids are craving: climbing, sliding, jumping, crawling and just plain blowing off some steam.
Best Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities
Turf Tots at Hopkins Pavilion
11000 Excelsior Blvd, Hopkins, MN 55343
Drop-in and play with fun, gross motor equipment like bounce houses, a climbing wall, sport balls, crawl tunnels, blocks, trikes and more. No registration necessary. The program is for children 5 and under. Mon-Fri, 9am to 2pm thru May 6, 2022. $5 per session per child.
Tot Time at Savage Sports Center
Heads up those with squirrelly kids in the Twin Cities southwest metro! At open Tot Time, preschoolers 5 & under can play on inflatables, with balls and bats and more. All gym equipment provided. Ongoing Tues & Thurs (March 22 & 24) 2022. $3/child.
Twin Cities Nature Centers and Nature Play
Early spring is an exciting time to visit a Twin Cities area nature center, fresh with the promise of a new season and programming. But, as we know, March weather can be as temperamental as a toddler. Good thing these interpretive venues can be nearly as fun indoors as out.
