Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of March 4-8, 2024. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE.
For more winter inspiration you can check our MARCH FAMILY GUIDE, ULTIMATE TWIN CITIES WINTER SURVIVAL GUIDE 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, March 4, 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 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 $3/drop in option)
- CHANHASSEN RECREATION CENTER (8-11:30am, $4-$4.50/child)
- STARTS TODAY! 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-1pm, $4/child)
- NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 12-3pm, $8/child includes admission to Eagles Nest Indoor Playground)
- 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: Maple Grove Community Center
12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Tots get a designated time in the gym just for them, and it’s cheap at just $4/child, caregivers free. Kick it up a notch with admission to MAPLE MAZE INDOOR PLAYGROUND, also located within the community center. Just look at that helix slide! March 4, 2024, 9-11am.
FIND OUR GIANT LIST OF SUPER FUN INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES WHEN IT’S NOT PARK WEATHER!
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: Baby Storytime at 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: Elko New Market & Savage libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: No storytimes scheduled.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland (Valley), Mahtomedi (Wildwood), Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
Drop in to a Twin Cities craft shop
- COLOR ME MINE – Walk right into the studio, pick your ceramic and get painting. Locations in Eagan, Maple Grove and Woodbury.
- HEARTFELT – offers a menu of high quality craft projects you can purchase a la carte and work on in the charming shop. My daughter loved painting and decorating her own gnome home. 4306 Upton Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55410.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, March 5, 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 & REC (Type “family indoor playground” into the search box to see schedule for locations, FREE)
- SAVAGE SPORTS CENTER (Tot Time, 9-11:30am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
TUESDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: Jumperoo at Urban Air Adventure Park
10 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55448
A special bounce-fest for preschoolers and toddlers ages 5 & under, Jumperoo clears the trampolines and playground of the big kids for a couple hours each Tuesday & Wednesday morning from 10am-noon. March 5, 2024, $12/child.
Twin Cities storytimes on Tuesday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Blaine Johnsville & Northtown, Circle Pines, Ham Lake & St Francis libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Galaxie (Apple Valley) Heritage (Lakeville), Pleasant Hill (Hastings), Kaposia, Robert Trail & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Minneapolis Central & Northeast, Nokomis & Rogers library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton & Roseville 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: Forest Lake Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Storytime at Cottage Grove Ravine Park
9653 Keats Ave. S. Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Pick COTTAGE GROVE RAVINE REGIONAL PARK today for a waived vehicle fee (regularly $7) and a free outdoor family storytime hosted by Washington County Libraries. March 5, 2024, 10:30-11am. FREE.
Outdoor Nature Play at Eastman Nature Center
13351 Elm Creek Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
A designated time for kids to explore in the nature play area. Make time to explore the indoor nature center exhibits too. March 5, 2024, 2-3pm. FREE.
Base Camp Open Climb & Archery
6202 Bloomington Rd, St Paul, MN 55111
Base Camp is a place to try out exciting physical activities like open rock climbing and archery. Ages 5+ are invited to try scaling the indoor engineered rock walls on the first Tuesday of the month. Please pre-register. March 5, 2024, 6-9pm. $10/climber.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, March 6, 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)
- 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)
WEDNESDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM: 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 $8/child; parents and babies under 18 months free. Open play 9am-4pm.
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: Galaxie, Heritage, Kaposia, Pleasant Hill, Robert Trail & Wescott libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Champlin, Excelsior, Minneapolis Central, Minnetonka, Southdale, St Anthony & Washburn libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Maplewood, Mounds View & North St Paul library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Dayton’s Bluff, Rondo and West Seventh library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Storytime at Red Balloon Bookshop
891 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
Storyteller Angela hosts a storytime at the charming bookshop perfect for 3s & under (but all welcome). March 6, 2024, 10:30am. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Maple syrup programs for kids
Nature Adventurers: Maple Syrup at Wood Lake Nature Center
6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield 55423
This parent-child program from preschool kids ages 3-5 will include stories, crafts and outdoor discovery time. Dress for outdoors and please pre-register as space is limited. March 6, 2024, 10am. $10/first child, $5/second child.
Can Can Wonderland Miniature Golf
755 Prior Ave N Suite #004, St Paul, MN 55104
The quirkiest mini golf course in the Twin Cities is open to entertain you over spring break! Each artist-designed hole is an attraction in itself, entertaining all ages while you’re waiting in line to putt. Plus, there’s a HUGE vintage arcade, a malt shop and an on-site brewery. Why visit Wednesday? Cover charge for unlimited arcade games is just $11 ($14 Thurs-Sun). Add mini golf for $13-$15/pp.
Tots & Trains at Jackson Street Roundhouse
193 Pennsylvania Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55130
Your little train lovers will go nuts for this playdate! Tinker around with train tables and interactive displays. Run through real passenger train cars. Create a craft to take home and listen to a transportation-themed story. Coffee for adults! March 6, 2024, 10am-12pm. $9-$15/pp or $45/family pack.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, March 7, 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)
THURSDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM: TCO Sports Garden Toddler Thursday
Little ones with energy to spare: Come to Field 1 for indoor activities such as a bouncy house, kicking around soccer balls and open field time with room to run. The fieldhouse is kept at 55 degrees so dress with this in mind. March 7, 2024, 9:30-11:30am. FREE.
Twin Cities storytimes on Thursday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Northtown, Circle Pines & Fridley libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Hastings, Inver Glen, Kaposia, Robert Trail, Wentworth & Wescott (Eagan) branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Augsburg Park, Hopkins, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Oxboro, Penn Lake, Plymouth, Southdale & Westonka library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer & Sun Ray library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Grove, Cottage Grove, Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Lil Explorer Thursday Storytime at Como Zoo
1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
Lil Explorer Thursdays program includes two themed storytimes. This 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 7, 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. Please note that reservations are a must. FREE, donations appreciated.
Knee-High Naturalists at Lebanon Hills Regional Park
860 Cliff Rd, Eagan, MN 55123
Designed for kids ages 3-6, park staff will provide them with activities, outdoor walks to explore, art projects, storytimes and more. This month’s theme is “Tree Tales”. March 7, 2024, 10-11:30am. $8/pp.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Friday, March 8, 2024
GET READY FOR SPRING BREAK IN THE TWIN CITIES!
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)
- 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)
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 March 8, 2024; Mon-Fri, 8am-1pm. $5 per session per child.
Twin Cities storytimes on Friday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Fridley library.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America library.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Inver Glen, Kaposia & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie, Maple Plain, Minneapolis Bottineau, East Lake, Roosevelt & Walker and Ridgedale libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Moundsview & White Bear Lake branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Merriam Park & Riverview branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
More family fun ideas for Friday: Visit a new Twin Cities nature center
Roughly two dozen nature and interpretive centers in the Twin Cities metro are just begging to get your kids excited about the natural world. Through hands-on exhibits, naturalist-led activities and plain old play, these venues make learning fun! This week we would like to introduce you to RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER within the sprawling HYLAND LAKE PARK RESERVE in Bloomington. Indoors, visitors can meet Richardson’s resident raptors, reptiles, and amphibians up close. There are many kid-friendly exhibits such as a puppet theater, child-sized tables and chairs for reading and puzzles, and aquariums at just the right height.
SPECIAL EVENT AT RICHARDSON! My Preschooler & Me – Puppet Adventures is presented once a month, a themed program with indoor and outdoor nature exploration for kids ages 2-6 w/ caregiver. Must register in advance. March 8, 2024, 10-11am. $5/pp.
Fun things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities, March 9-10, 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.
FIND TONS MORE KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS ON OUR TWIN CITIES FAMILY FUN CALENDAR!
