Twin Cities Guide to Family Activities This Week: May 15-19, 2023

Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!

This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of May 15-19, 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 MAY 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!)

weekend family guide

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON MONDAY, MAY 15, 2023 

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

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. A few options continue to wind down for their break during the late spring & summer so take note!

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 reasonable at just $6/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! May 15, 2023, 9-10:30am.

FIND OUR GIANT LIST OF SUPER FUN INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES WHEN IT’S NOT QUITE PARK WEATHER!

Twin Cities Storytimes on Monday:

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. May 15, 2023, 10-11am.

More family fun ideas for Monday:

Como Conservatory Summer Flower Show

The summer blooms are now on display in the Sunken Garden to add an extra pop of color to your day. Just one more reason Como Park Zoo & Conservatory makes for the perfect budget outing with kids. Just remember, reservations are still required to visit. Daily, 10am-6pm. FREE. Other fun things to do at or near Como Zoo:

  • Pay a visit to the animals
  • Beloved Sparky the Sea Lion shows 
  • Wander through the peaceful Japanese Garden.
  • Take a spin on Cafesjian’s Carousel.
  • Treat your kids to amusement park rides at Como Town (opening May 20 for the 2023 season).

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, MAY 16, 2023

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

Tot Time open gyms across the Twin Cities are absolutely a saving grace for parents of squirrelly kids when it’s still just shy of playground weather:

Tot Time Open Gyms on Tuesday:

TUESDAY FEATURED TOT TIME! THE ROOKERY ACTIVITY CENTER IN LINO LAKES

Rookery Activity Center, 7690 Village Drive, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
A special Tot Time held in the gym for ages 1-10. Make sure your little ones wear socks for the bounce house! May 16, 2023, 9am-12pm,  $4/child.

Twin Cities Storytimes on Tuesday:

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! May 16, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.

Girl standing in front of the tiny people door at the Wild Rumpus Bookshop in Minneapolis, Minnesota
A special purple door just for short people

More family fun ideas for Tuesday:

Mall of America Toddler Tuesdays 

This week in the Rotunda, Cascade Vacation Rentals gives kids the opportunity to play with sled dog puppies and sample donuts. May 16, 2023, 11am-2pm. FREE

HOT TIP! WHEN YOU VISIT, TAKE ALONG OUR MALL OF AMERICA GUIDE: FLOOR BY FLOOR.
Family fun Twin Cities' Guide to the Mall of America - floor by floor - Title backdrop Pineapple Poppers ride at Nickelodeon Universe in the Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota
Family fun Twin Cities’ Guide to the Mall of America

Family Nature Play on Tuesday

Explore Caponi Art Park

1220 Diffley Rd, Eagan, MN 55123
Wander the trails through the quirky sculpture park at your own leisure. Bring a picnic lunch and make an afternoon of it. Open Tues-Sun, 9am-8pm. Admission is always FREE unless noted for a special event.

WANT MORE SCULPTURE IN YOUR LIFE? We’ve got a list for that. Rounded up for you and yours are 12 SCULPTURE PARKS IN MINNESOTA TO VISIT WITH KIDS.

sculpture gardens

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2023

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

Tot Time Open Gyms on Wednesday:

WEDNESDAY FEATURED TOT TIME! Parent/Tot Open Gym at Rosemount Community Center

13885 S Robert Trail, Rosemount, MN 55068
Fun and FREE, youngsters 5 & under can play with balls and large motor equipment. Drop in Mon/Wed/Fri, 9:30-11am.

TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON WEDNESDAY:

WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Red Balloon Bookshop

891 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105
Themed stories, songs, puppets and other preschool pleasures. Red Balloon also hosts many weekend family events celebrating local authors. May 17, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.

ExploraTots at Como

Como Streetcar Station, 1224 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55117
Nature play stations include a story, a hike, and a take-home activity. Must register in advance, space is limited. Don’t grab a spot? Plan ahead – this event is held monthly. May 17, 2023, 10-11:30am. FREE.

Eagan Arbor Day Celebration

Sky Hill Park, 3950 Blue Cross Road, Eagan, MN 55122
Celebrate Eagan’s “Tree City” status with family-friendly activities and a formal ceremony. See the Spring catalog for more informationMay 17, 2023; 4-6pm.

10 Parks to Visit This Summer. Explore Close to Home: Eagan M
Explore Eagan’s Tree-lined Parks.

More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Cool transportation!

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! May 17, 2023, 10am-12pm. $10-$13/pp or $35/family pack.

WHERE ELSE CAN I BRING A KID WHO LOVES TRAINS IN THE TWIN CITIES?
Girl by train car at the Minnesota Transportation Museum in Saint Paul, MN

Burnsville Pop Up Police Event

Burnsville City Hall, 100 Civic Center Pkwy, Burnsville, MN 55337
Stop by for a meet-and-greet with Burnsville Police in the Parking lot across from City Hall. Kids can get close up to squad cars, the command post and EVA to explore, a K-9 Unit, treats, car seat checks and a chance to chat with officers. May 17, 2023, 4-7pm. FREE.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2023

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

Tot Time Open Gym on Thursdays:

Twin Cities Storytimes on Thursday:

THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: 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. May 18, 2023, 10am, FREE.

More family fun ideas for Thursday:

Lil Explorer Thursday 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. May 18, 2023, 10am-noon. FREE.

28+ Days of Cozy Indoor Play in February

OPENS TODAY!  Skyline Mini Golf at Walker Art Center

Artist-designed mini golf holes on the rooftop of Walker Art Center – clocking in at one of the most unique outdoor miniature golf courses in town. $12/pp, ages 6 & under golf free. Register as a new Walker member and your family plays a round of golf  for free. Membership starts at $5/month. May 18, 2023. 

FIND MORE OF THE BEST OUTDOOR MINI GOLF COURSES IN THE TWIN CITIES!

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2023

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

Tot Time Open Gyms on Friday:

Twin Cities Storytimes on Friday:

FRIDAY FEATURED STORYTIME! Princess Storytime at Little Roos

Little Roos, 122 Pioneer Trail, Chaska, MN 55318
Kids! Come for story time and songs with Ariel with Royal Princess Party. May 19, 2023, 4pm, FREE.
 

More family fun ideas for Friday:

Farm Fridays at the Landing

2187 County Rd 101, Shakopee, MN 55379
Help prepare the garden for spring planting at this re-created historic village. May 19, 2023, 1-3pm. FREE.

FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, MAY 20-21, 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.

children in a family bike ride

FAMILY FUN ALL WEEK IN THE TWIN CITIES

Ideas to pull out of your “back pocket” nearly any day of the week!

Best Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities

Kids bursting with extra energy (and their caregivers who often can’t keep up) will appreciate all the free and low-cost TOT TIME OPEN GYMS across the Twin Cities. Especially so when the weather is cold and we can’t just head down the street to the park. Most often, these unstructured programs offer balls, other gross motor play equipment, and room to run. Find our list of the communities that offer special open gym time this spring:

Oplen Play, Gym & Swim Spots for Tots in the Twin Cities, Minnesota - Family Fun Twin Cities

Twin Cities-Area Library Storytimes

Your local library is a wonderful place for kids to curl up for a storytime, browse books, play with educational toys and games and slow their pace. We cover more than 100 Metro area library branches in our GUIDE TO TWIN CITIES LIBRARIES: MAPPED. Or, pick from this quick list to find library storytimes and events:

101 Twin Cities Libraries - Mapped

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.

Indoor Playgrounds in the Twin Cities, Minnesota - Child Playing in a Ball Pit

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, April weather can be as temperamental as a toddler. Good thing these interpretive venues can be nearly as fun indoors as out.

TOP TWIN CITIES KID-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS

BROWSE OUR BIG LIST OF TWIN CITIES MUSEUMS TO VISIT WITH KIDS

Got an event you’re excited to share? Find our submission form and guidelines here.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top