Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of March 25-29, 2024. 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 2024 GUIDE TO SPRING BREAK IN THE TWIN CITIES.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Monday, March 25, 2024
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 cooler weather either FREE or at a low cost to you. SEE OUR FULL LIST OF TWIN CITIES TOT TIME OPEN GYMS THIS EARLY SPRING!
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under)
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or $3 drop in option)
- CHANHASSEN RECREATION CENTER (8-11:30am, $4-$4.50/child)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $4/child)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS – LOGAN RECREATION CENTER (Tiny Tot Indoor Playground, 10am-12pm, $4-$6/child, coffee and snacks included.)
- NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 12-3pm, $8/child includes admission to Eagles Nest Indoor Playground) ON SPRING BREAK THIS WEEK.
- OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER (Open Playtime, 10-11:30am, $3/child up to age 5)
- PLYMOUTH FIELD HOUSE (Open Play, 10:30am-1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $6-$8/child)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- 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
Andover Community Center, 15200 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
We picked this special Tot Time this week because the Andover Fire Department will visit to teach kids about fire safety and show off their gear. March 25, 2024. 9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under.
Twin Cities storytimes on Monday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Columbia Heights & Crooked Lake libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Victoria & Chanhassen library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Apple Valley Galaxie library.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Brooklyn Park, Plymouth & Westonka library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Family Early Literacy class at Elko New Market & Savage libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: No storytimes scheduled.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland (Valley), Mahtomedi (Wildwood), Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
MONDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Story & Art Time at Eden Prairie Art Center
7650 Equitable Drive, Eden Prairie, MN, 55344
An interactive storytime plus an engaging art project with all supplies provided. Caregivers must stay to supervise children. March 25, 2024, $10/child.
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 26, 2024
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, $8/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 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. Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp.
Twin Cities storytimes on Tuesday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Blaine Johnsville & Northtown, Circle Pines, Ham Lake, Rum River & St Francis libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnhaven, Heritage (Lakeville), Robert Trail & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Maple Grove and Minneapolis Nokomis & Northeast library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: New Prague & Prior Lake libraries host 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: Preschool Storytime in the Gym at Arlington Hills
1200 Payne Avenue, Saint Paul MN 55130
First, engage in the gym for stories and songs, then stay for Tot Time, which runs until noon. March 26, 2024 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:
Wild Art for Families 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 26, 2024, 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 27, 2024
Tot Time Open Gyms on Wednesday:
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $15/membership pass or $3 drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-12pm, $8/pp)
- CHANHASSEN RECREATION CENTER (8-11:30am, $4-$4.50/child)
- 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, $8/child includes admission to Eagles Nest Indoor Playground) ON SPRING BREAK THIS WEEK.
- PLYMOUTH FIELD HOUSE (Open Play, 10:30am-1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $5-$6/child)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY CENTER (Kids Playtime, 9:30-11am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
WEDNESDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM: Gleason’s Gymnastics Preschool Open Gym
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 27, 2024, or ongoing Wednesdays, 9:30 – 11:30am. $10/child or $15/family (or $13-$20/door).
Twin Cities storytimes on Wednesday
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Johnsville & Northtown, Coon Rapids Crooked Lake & Rum River libraries.
- 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: Champlin, Eden Prairie, Excelsior, Minneapolis Central & Washburn, Minnetonka, Southdale and St Anthony library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Maplewood, Moundsview & North St Paul library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Dayton’s Bluff, Rondo & West Seventh 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 27, 2024, 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!
1718A Lexington Ave N, Roseville MN 55113
3524 Winnetka Ave N, New Hope MN 55427
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 ages 7+ (with a parent) can play with the kitties and sip a warm beverage. 11am-7pm, $10/pp.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, March 28, 2024
Tot Time Open Gym on Thursday
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/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)
- OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER (Open Playtime, 10-11:30am, $3/child up to age 5)
- SAVAGE SPORTS CENTER (Tot Time, 9-11:30am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- VADNAIS HEIGHTS TCO SPORTS GARDEN (Toddler Thursday, 9:30-11:30am. 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
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Northtown, Circle Pines, Fridley & Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Kaposia, Robert Trail, Wentworth & Wescott (Eagan) branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Augsburg Park, Edina, Hopkins, Maple Grove, Oxboro, Southdale & Wayzata library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: Prior Lake & Shakopee libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer, Hayden Heights & Sun Ray library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Cottage Grove, Hardwood Creek, Wildwood & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Winter Nature Storytime at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405
FINAL WEEK! Nature stories and an activity for kids led by garden naturalists – meet inside the trailhead (and dress for the weather). March 28, 2024, 10-10:30am. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Thursday: Nature play
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 28, 2024, 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. FREE, donations appreciated.
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 28, 2024. $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 Friday, March 29, 2024
Tot Time Open Gyms on Friday
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or $3 drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- BURNSVILLE IGM GYMNASTICS (Preschool Open Gym, 9:30-11:30am, $10/child or $15/family.)
- CHANHASSEN RECREATION CENTER (8-11:30am, $4-$4.50/child)
- 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, $6-$8/pp)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
Twin Cities storytimes on Friday
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Fridley library.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Lakeville, Kaposia & Inver Glen branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie, Minneapolis Bottineau, Roosevelt & Walker and St Louis Park branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & White Bear Lake branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Merriam Park & Riverview branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove library branches.
As we close in on Easter weekend this year there are still plenty of egg hunts populating our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR. For more details, jump over to our giant guide of EASTER EGG HUNTS IN THE TWIN CITIES.
Twin Cities Easter egg hunts this Friday
Stewart Park Egg Hunt Night
Stewart Park, 2700 12th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Families get to design their own eggs. Bring your own basket to collect them. Plus, arts & crafts, games and prizes. March 29, 2024, 5:30-7pm. FREE. Limited to 100 openings.
Webber Egg Hunt
Webber Park, 4400 Dupont Ave North, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Visitors will collect eggs and design their own eggs, crafts and play games. March 29, 2024, drop in between 5pm-7pm. FREE.
Andrews Park Easter Egg Hunt
7200 117th Ave N, Champlin, MN 55316
Two hunts to choose from: Tiny Tot Egg Hunt (11am for ages 4 & under) and a main Family Egg Hunt (11:45am for ages 5-9). Also a chance to meet the Easter Bunny with no pre-registration required. March 29, 2024. FREE.
Empower Martial Arts Easter Egg Hunt
9967 Valley View Rd., Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Kids can hunt for candy and prizes and take pictures with the Easter Bunny. Each hunt begins promptly at the top of the hour. Coffee available for parents. Limited to 25 children per hunt. Please register for one of 5 time slots by March 29, 2024. 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm or 1pm. $10/child.
Fun things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities – March 30-31, 2024
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.