Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of March 27-31, 2023. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE. We’ve got you covered no matter your corner of the Minneapolis-St Paul Metro Area!
As always, you can check our MARCH FAMILY GUIDE, our APRIL FAMILY GUIDE, the ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SPRING 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!)
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 27, 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)
- 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! 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 27, 2023. 9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under.
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: Champlin, Eden Prairie, Linden Hills, Plymouth & Westonka library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Marvelous Mondays storytime at Savage Library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Rondo branch library.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland (Valley), 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 27, 2023, 10-11:30am.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO WHILE I’M OUT IN EDEN PRAIRIE? FAMILY ATTRACTIONS CLOSE BY:
- PRAIRIE PLAY ZONE INDOOR PLAYGROUND: Kids play half price ($2.75-$3.25) after 1pm, Mon-Fri. Located within the Eden Prairie Community Center.
- FUN AT SCHEELS SPORTING GOODS: Inexpensive family attractions include an indoor Ferris Wheel, mini-bowling, arcade games, a target game and a huge (taxidermy) animal display. We love it on a chilly day! Located within Eden Prairie Center.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 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! MILLZ HOUSE OPEN PLAY
14645 Felton Court, Suite #104, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Work out the wiggles with indoor playsets, trampolines and basketball courts. Cost is $6/child; parents and babies under 18 months free. Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp.
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON TUESDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnhaven, Heritage (Lakeville), Pleasant Hill (Hastings), South St Paul & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Augsburg Park, 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, Mahtomedi Wildwood & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Theater Explorers at George Latimer Central Library
90 West 4th Street, Saint Paul MN 55102
Teaching artists from Steppingstone Theatre for Youth provide stories, songs and play and art stations to explore independently. March 28, 2023, 10:30am-12pm, FREE.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR TUESDAY: NATURE PLAY
Could it be? Is spring truly going to stick in Minnesota? Get warmed up for some outdoor nature exploration with these ideas:
Nature Crafts at Lebanon Hills Regional Park
860 Cliff Rd, Eagan, MN 55123
Park staff will provide the supplies and some instruction, you bring the creativity and curiosity. Meet at the visitor center, ongoing Tuesdays in March. March 28, 2023, 10-11am. FREE.
Explore a new Twin Cities nature center outdoors (and in)
RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER in Bloomington, for instance, offers things to occupy your kids indoors and out. You can spend an afternoon’s worth of free, cozy fun putting on a puppet show, taking a scavenger hunt through the huge wall murals and visiting the resident critters in their indoor tanks. Then, head outside to discover the unstructured Nature Exploration Area. Get the details for visiting in our list of 10 Things For Kids at Richardson Nature Center. 8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438.
Jump over for more Twin Cities-area nature centers – ideas for indoor play and learning.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 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! 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 29, 2023, or ongoing Wednesdays, 9:30 – 11:30am. $10/child or $15/family (or $13-$20/door).
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON WEDNESDAY
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Heritage (Lakeville), South St Paul & Wentworth branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Brookdale, Champlin, Linden Hills, Minnetonka, Southdale, St Anthony & Washburn library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & 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 Oakdale Discovery Center
4444 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128
Storytime plus a craft each last Wednesday of the month. You’ll absolutely want to stay to poke around in the OAKDALE DISCOVERY CENTER. My kids enjoyed the large aquarium, hands-on exhibits and book corner. Our picture shows a summer visit, but any season of the year is fun. March 29, 2023, 10-11am. FREE.
Find our extensive list of Twin Cities Nature Centers & Outdoor Interpretive Centers to explore this winter!
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR WEDNESDAY:
Love Cats? Visit the Cafe Meow!
2323 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405
My daughter absolutely loves cats but mean old mom isn’t up for having a pet. Our solution? We book an hour at this sweet rescue coffee shop and she gets a fix without extra responsibility. On spring break this week? Kids over 6 (with a parent) can play with the kitties and sip a warm beverage. 11am-7pm, $10/pp.
Heartfelt Preschool Bunny Festival
4306 Upton Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
The seasonal festivals offer a simple craft or two for the kids plus a wholesome snack. When we visited this festival a few years ago with our preschoolers, a sweet, soft bunny made an appearance. March 29, 2023. $24/first child, $12/additional. Please register in advance. 4306 Upton Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55410.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 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 TOT TIME! 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. $5 per session per child.
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON THURSDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Hastings Pleasant Hill, Robert Trail & Wentworth branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Edina, Hopkins, Maple Grove, Oxboro, Plymouth, Southdale & Wayzata library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton library branch.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: Early Literacy Classes at Prior Lake library branch.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer (St Paul) & Sun Ray library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove, Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME! STORYTIME ON THE TRAILS AT DODGE NATURE CENTER
Dodge Nature Center, 365 Marie Ave W, West St Paul, MN 55118
Follow a self-guided story trail through the woods and around the boardwalk segment of the nature center property. March 30-April 9, 2023, dawn to dusk. FREE.
Did you know? DODGE NATURE CENTER is the setting of a working farm in the city. There is no charge to wander the trails and maybe get a glimpse of the animals. If interest in piqued and you’d like to return for a farm tour, you can start planning with our Where To Find the Minnesota Farm Babies article.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR THURSDAY:
LIL EXPLORER THURSDAY & MORE AT COMO ZOO
1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
Lil Explorer Thursdays is a fantastic free event aimed at preschoolers and includes all kinds of hands-on activities, manipulatives, games and crafts. Meet in the Visitor Center. March 30, 2023, 10am-noon. FREE.
March weather not cooperating for outdoor plans? Stay as toasty as the tropics wandering the indoor gardens and exhibits. The animal enclosures are heated, too. Please note that reservations are a must. FREE, donations appreciated.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 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 TOT TIME! Rockin Jump Rockin Tots
Rockin Jump Trampoline Park, 2015 Silver Bell Road, Suite 195, Eagan, MN 55122
Kids up to 6 years get a special jump time separate from the big kids. Yours will love the trampolines, foam pit and soft play area as much as mine do! March 31, 9am-12pm. $17/child with one adult, plus $3 re-useable jump socks.
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON FRIDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington & Inver Glen branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie, Maple Plain, Minneapolis East Lake, Ridgedale, St Louis Park & 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.
FRIDAY FEATURED STORYTIME! Family Storytime with the Minnesota DNR
White Bear Lake Library, 2150 2nd Street, White Bear Lake Minnesota 55110
A park naturalists presents a special “Skins and Skulls” storytime for ages 2-5. March 31, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR FRIDAY: Edutainment!
Open House at the Raptor Center
1920 Fitch Ave, St Paul, MN 55108
Here’s your chance to attend a family-friendly open house at this University facility that treats hundreds of injured raptors each year. On the schedule: mini-tours, bird programs and special kids activities. March 31, 2023, 1-4pm. $5.50/adult; $3/kids & seniors; kids under 3 FREE.
Bell Museum March Star Party
Bell Museum of Natural History, 2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul, MN 55113
Explore the night sky with the aid of pros and a telescope on the museum’s outdoor observation deck. Recommended for families with kids ages 7+. FREE, but please register. March 31, 2023, 8″30-10pm.
TWIN CITIES EASTER EGG HUNTS:
Inver Grove Heights Flashlight Egg Hunt
3534 78th St. E. (78th and Clayton), Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
Kids ages 10-13 can search for eggs after dark with a flashlight. March 31, 2023, 8:30-9:30pm. FREE.
Lino Lakes Aqua Egg Hunt at the Rookery
7690 Village Dr, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
The Lap Pool will have eggs for older kids and eggs in the Splash Pool for little ones. Pre-register for a discount. March 31, 2023, 4:30-6:30pm, $6-$12/pp.
Savage Flashlight Egg Scramble
Savage Sports Center, 13450 Dakota Ave., Savage, MN 55378
Scramble for 3-6 years at 8pm and 6-9 years at 8:30pm. Kids will exchange their eggs for a goodie bag and golden eggs for a special basket. Inflatables and activities prior to the scrambles. 7-9pm. Registration required. March 31, 2023. $6/child.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES – APRIL 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!
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.
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.
Tremendous post. Thank you for sharing this awesome post.
Thanks, Maladh. You’re about a month late for these events, but maybe they’ll come back next year. In the meantime, check out our Events Calendar for up-to-date activities for kids and families.