Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of May 12-16, 2025. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our Weekend Family Guide.
How to plan your family fun this week
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Monday, May 19, 2025
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 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!
- 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)
- MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $4/child)
- NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 12-3pm, $9/child includes admission to Eagles Nest Indoor Playground)
- OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER (Open Playtime, 10-11:30am, $3/child up to age 5)
- 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! May 19, 2025, 9-11am.
FIND OUR GIANT LIST OF SUPER FUN INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES IF IT’S NOT QUITE PARK WEATHER!
MONDAY FEATURED STORYTIME Storytime with Engineer Paul at Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store
Union Depot, 214 4th Street East, St. Paul, MN 55101
Find Engineer Paul in Choo Choo Bob’s newest home in Union Depot. The longtime storyteller welcoms kids to story and play time at the collection of train tables. Purchase your tickets online at the link. May 19, 2025, 10:30am. $10/kids, $2/adults.
More family fun ideas for Monday: Brush up your bike skills before summer
Before summer gets real, it might be fun to visit one of these bike parks and test out your junior cyclist’s skills. We recommend the following:
- CARVER LAKE PARK: According to the city of Woodbury website, the bike park playground has four designated areas to teach bike skills including a bicycle playground, a tot track, pump track and a trail loop for advanced riders with
dirt rollers, wooden berms, and rock gardens. The park also has bike trails, a playground and a beach. More information. 3175 Century Ave S, Woodbury, MN. 55125
- NORTHEAST ATHLETIC FIELD PARK: This would be a great “starter” bike park because the challenges are fairly simple. 1615 Pierce St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413.
- WEST DRAW PARK: The bike park currently contains a pump track, dirt jumps, a mountain bike skills area and a mountain cross track. A tot track is planned for the future. What’s important to know about this course is that it is NOT for beginners. 7050 Meadow Grass Avenue, Cottage Grove, MN 55016.
BROOKLYN PARK Open Gate Hours at Historic Eidem Farm
4345 101st Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Starting this week, the historic farmstead is open for mainly self-guided exploration. There might be chores you can help out with, a garden to tend, trails to wander down and animals to meet in the barn. Open Gate hours will run Monday-Thursday and Saturday through the beginning of October. You’ll want to watch for special summer events, too, like a weekly storytime. May 19, 2025, 10am-4pm. LEARN MORE ABOUT HISTORIC EIDEM FARM.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, May 20, 2025
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 if it’s just shy of playground weather:
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- LINO LAKES ROOKERY (Tot Time, 9am-12pm, ages 1-10, $5)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- 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. May 20, 2025, 10am. $12/child.
TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME Wild Rumpus Storytime
2720 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55410
This popular story time for toddlers & preschoolers is perfect if you love stories read aloud and sweet critters. Stick around to see how many you can spot (yes, animal critters) slinking around the store. May 20, 2025, 10:30am. FREE.
ST PAUL Base Camp Open Climbing & Archery
6202 Bloomington Rd, St Paul, MN 55111
Open rock climbing is available on climbing walls inspired by the natural rock face of the St. Croix River bluffs near Taylors Falls. There are 16 routes to try between 24 and 32 feet high. It is required that youth are accompanied by an adult who is able to belay for them at the climbing wall. Open archery is available too. Register at the link. May 20, 2025, 6-9pm. $10/participant (adult spotters free).
Get up close to big rigs!
PRIOR LAKE Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck
17073 Adelmann St SE, Prior Lake, MN, 55372
In honor of National Public Works Week, Prior Lake offers a family-friendly open house at the city’s Maintenance Center. Explore heavy vehicles, even climb inside the equipment and learn about a day in the life of a Public Worker. Help paint a snowplow and jump around in a construction-themed bounce house. May 20, 2025, 4-7pm. FREE.
SAVAGE Treats ‘n Tunes
13444 Inglewood Avenue, Savage, MN, 55378
FREE ice cream and family-friendly music tonight? Plus, play yard games from 6-7pm before the concerts runs from 7-8pm. See the link for this summer’s complete Treats ‘n Tunes schedule. Tonight’s band: Galactic Cowboy Orchestra (rock/jazz). May 20, 2025. FREE.
SOUNDS LIKE SUMMER! Find our full listing of TWIN CITIES FREE SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Tot Time Open Gyms on Wednesday
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $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)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 12-3pm, $9/child includes admission to Eagles Nest Indoor Playground)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
WEDNESDAY FEATURED OPEN PLAY Gleason’s Gymnastics Preschool Open Gym
2015 Silver Bell Rd #180, Eagan, MN 55122
FINAL WEEK! It’s your last chance this spring to play in the gym. Your kids will love the opportunity to bounce on trampolines, scoot through obstacle courses, and play on the equipment. Register in advance for a discount. May 21, 2025. Preschool open gym: Wednesdays & Fridays: 9:30 – 11:30am. Pre-register: $10/child; $15/family ($13/$20 at the door).
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). May 21, 2025, 10:30am. FREE.
MINNEAPOLIS Institute of Art Discovery Day
2400 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55404
Best for kids in grades 3-6, visit special stations around the museum staffed specially to help younger visitors get the most out of the art, plus hands-on art activities in the museum studio. No need to register. May 21, 2025, 10am-1pm. FREE.
ROSEVILLE Maker Kids at Roseville Library
2180 North Hamline Ave, Roseville Minnesota 55113
Geared towards kids ages 6-11 who enjoy tinkering, crafting and making stuff. A new activity each week, space may be limited. May 21, 2025, 4:30-5:30pm. FREE.
HEY TEENS! There are “maker” programs for you as well. Check them out at the Roseville Library on May 20 & 27 with activities like 3-D printing. FREE.
ST PAUL Schubert Club Let’s Make Music!
75 West Fifth Street, Saint Paul, MN, 55102
Small groups of 10+ can book a FREE museum tour and Let’s Make Music! experience. Perfect for your park group or mom’s club to visit the Landmark Center during a quieter time. There are rooms filled with instruments your kids can actually touch and play among other interactive activities. May 21, 2025, 10 or 11am time slot. FREE, but advanced registration required.
DON’T GRAB A SPOT? The museum is open to touring public on Wednesdays from 12-4pm. Step in and play!
ST PAUL 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. May 21, 2025, 10am-12pm. $6-$11/pp or $36/family.
WHERE ELSE CAN I BRING A KID WHO LOVES TRAINS IN THE TWIN CITIES?
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, May 22, 2025
Tot Time Open Gym on Thursdays
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- FINAL WEEK! OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER (Open Playtime, 10-11:30am, $3/child up to age 5)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME Storytime at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
The Arb is an incredible outdoor getaway that’s full of whimsy and delight for little ones, visit after visit. A visit in late spring means the grounds are bursting with color from tulips, daffodils and crabapple trees. Kids enjoy features such as the hedge mazes, fish ponds, the Bee Discovery Center and a nature play area. StoryTime in the Andersen Horticultural Library is 10:30am, May 22, 2025. Tickets are $20/adults, kids FREE. Reserve in advance.
Extra! Extra! Read all about Special Storytime Thursday!
MINNEAPOLIS 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 22, 2025, 10am, FREE.
MINNEAPOLIS Tiny Tots Thursday at Big Hill Books
ST PAUL Lil’ Explorer Thursdays at Como Zoo
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
The beloved (at least by my family) preschool program is finally back offering weekly themed activities to the 4-and-under set. Think sand tables, sponge painting, worm digs and interactive storytimes. May 22, 2025, 10am-12pm.
PLYMOUTH Beaches & Bonfires at Medicine Lake East
East Medicine Lake Park, 1740 E. Medicine Lake Blvd., Plymouth, MN 55441
Splash around at the beach, then warm up at a bonfire and listen to live music from the Dirty Shorts Brass Band. May 22, 2025, 6-8pm. FREE. Learn more about EAST MEDICINE LAKE PARK in Plymouth.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Friday, May 23, 2025
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 (Ages 1-6, 9:30-11:30am, $10/child)
- CHANHASSEN RECREATION CENTER (8-11:30am, $4-$4.50/child)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE.)
FRIDAY FEATURED OPEN PLAY Open Play on the Field at Dick’s House of Sport
12547 Ridgedale Center, Minnetonka, MN 55305
Free open play on DICK’s sporting field. Equipment and games provided; you bring the energy. May weekday hours: Tuesdays & Fridays, 3-6pm. FREE.
FRIDAY FEATURED STORYTIME Preschool Storytime at Carpenter Nature Center
12805 St. Croix Trail S, Hastings, MN 55033
Each month at the nature center features a new nature theme and activities aimed at ages 2-5 w/ a caregiver. This month’s theme is “Springs Sprung”. Call 651-437-4359 to reserve a space as they are limited. May 23, 2025, 10am. $6/child.
If you can’t make storytime, the nature center is always free to visit, whether checking out the indoor displays or exploring the topography of the valley along the river.
More family fun ideas for Friday: Fun in the parks
WEST ST PAUL Story Trail at Thompson County Park
360 Butler Ave E, West St Paul, MN 55118
Walk at your own pace around Thompson Lake while reading picture book pages displayed along the trail. Do NOT miss the new(ish) inclusive playground! May 23-26, 2025.
NOW OPEN! 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 23, 2025, 10am-5pm.
FIND MORE OF THE BEST OUTDOOR MINI GOLF COURSES IN THE TWIN CITIES!
More family fun ideas for Friday: National Scavenger Hunt Day!
Did you know? Well, now you do and we just so happen to have a handy way of making the most of this day: enter our cool list of TWIN CITIES QUESTS, SCAVENGER & TREASURE HUNTS FOR FAMILIES. Our very own scavenger Joy keeps up with all kinds of hunts in Twin Cities parks and communities – both limited-time and long-term. City landmarks, public art, nature bingo, library quests and more! May 23, 2025.
Fun things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities, May 24-25, 2025 – Memorial Day Weekend
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. This weekend, we bring you an extra day’s worth of family fun ideas for Memorial Day.
