Twin Cities Guide to Family Activities this Week: April 15-19, 2024
Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of April 15-19, 2024. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE.
As always, you can check our APRIL FAMILY GUIDE or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR for more fun ideas on what to do this week in the Twin Cities with your kids. Plan ahead for warmer weather with our ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SPRING FUN IN THE TWIN CITIES!
The Royal Canadian International Circus is coming back to town! This year’s all-new spectacle under the Big Top will be presented in 17 shows running April 12-21, 2024, at Maplewood Mall. Royal Canadian’s modern circus thrills spectators of all ages with acrobatics, daredevils and other feats of skill in the ring from generational circus families who come from all over the world.
Use the promo code FFTC when purchasing general admission tickets online and you can get 2-for-1 pricing. Keep in mind the special deal is good for general admission.
Showtimes this week
Mon, April 15: 7pm
Tue, April 16: 7pm
Wed, April 17: 7pm
Thu, April 18: 7pm
Fri, April 19: 4pm & 7:30pm
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Monday, April 15, 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 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 (9-11am, $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)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
MONDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: Preschool Playtime at New Brighton Community Center
Preschool Playtime in New Brighton is double the fun because it includes open play in the gym w/ equipment and inflatables AND admission to EAGLES NEST INDOOR PLAYGROUND. This special indoor playtime is held each Mon & Wed when school is in session. April 15, 2024. 12-3pm, $8/child. 400 10th St NW, New Brighton, MN 55112.
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 libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Spring Storytime at New Prague Library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Rondo library.
- 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
Ages 2-6 w/ adult can drop in for storytime & an art project. Dress to get creative. April 15, 2024, 10-11am. $10/child.
More family fun ideas for Monday:
Love cats? Visit the Cafe Meow!
3524 Winnetka Ave N, New Hope, Minnesota 55427
1718A Lexington Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113
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 the extra responsibility. Kids over 6 (with a parent) can play with the kitties and sip a warm beverage. 11am-7pm, $10.50/pp.
Love crafting? Visit Heartfelt!
4306 Upton Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
At this charming shop you can pick from a wide menu of quality, themed craft projects (including, for this month, spring ideas!). Complete these at your own pace between 10am-4pm. Most are priced $20 & under. Reservations recommended.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, April 16, 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 chilly 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:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Blaine Johnsville & Northtown, Circle Pines, Ham Lake, Rum River & St Francis libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnhaven, Galaxie (Apple Valley), Heritage (Lakeville), Kaposia, Pleasant Hill (Hastings), Robert Trail & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Excelsior, Maple Grove & Minneapolis Nokomis and Northeast and Rogers library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: Early Literacy class at Prior Lake Library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Arlington Hills, Highland Park & Merriam Park branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
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, Galaxie (Apple Valley), Hastings, Heritage (Lakeville), Robert Trail & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Excelsior, Maple Grove & Minneapolis Nokomis and Northeast library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- 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.
Extra! Extra! Read all about Special Storytime Tuesday!
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! April 16, 2024, 10:30am. FREE.
Family Storytime at Woodridge Park
9000 90th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Singing, literacy and playing are all part of this indoor storytime at the park followed by a related activity for kids up to age 6. April 16, 2024, 10:30-11am. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Tuesday
Ballet Tuesdays at Landmark Center
FINAL TUESDAY OF SPRING! Join the Saint Paul Ballet as they perform excerpts from the company repertoire. It’s the perfect sample outing for budding ballerinas. While you’re at Landmark Center, stop in and play with the instruments in the SCHUBERT CLUB MUSIC MUSEUM. An entire afternoon of free fun for young ones! April 16, 2024, 12pm.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, April 17, 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)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 12-3pm, $8/child includes admission to Eagles Nest Indoor Playground)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
WEDNESDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: Gleason’s Gymnastics Open Gyms
2015 Silver Bell Rd #180, Eagan, MN 55122
So flipping fun! This used to be a family go-to when the cold set in and my kids needed to get their wiggles out. Yours 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’s an open gym for you, too. April 17, 2024. Preschool open gym: Wednesdays & Fridays: 9:30 – 11:30am. Pre-register: $10/child; $15/family ($13/$20 at the 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: Burnhaven, Heritage (Lakeville), Robert Trail (Rosemount) & Wentworth branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie, Minneapolis Central & Linden Hills, Rogers, Southdale & St Anthony library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Maplewood, Mounds View & North St Paul library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Dayton’s Bluff, Rondo & West Seventh library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Stillwater library branch.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Storytime at Kiddywampus
1023 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
Interactive stories, songs & rhymes for kids ages 2-5 at one of the coolest independent toy shops in the Twin Cities. No registration required. April 17, 2024, 10:30am. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Where can I see trains today?
Mid-week is excellent to spot trains in the Twin Cities if that’s what your little ones (or big ones) are into. Here’s a handful of places to consider; plan ahead and find more on our article MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL, A TRAIN LOVERS DESTINATION:
- TOTS & TRAINS AT JACKSON STREET ROUNDHOUSE – Play at the train tables, run through a read train car, hear a train-themed story and more. Located in St Paul. April 17, 2024. $9-$15/pp or $45/family.
- GAMES GALORE AT UNION DEPOT – Play life-sized versions of favorite games like chess & Connect Four in the historic depot, then watch some of the modern trains roll in outside. April 17, 2024, 10am-8pm. FREE.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, April 18, 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: 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. April 18, 2024. 9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under.
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, Hastings Pleasant Hill, Kaposia, Robert Trail, Wentworth & Wescott branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Augsburg Park, Edina, Hopkins, Maple Grove, Oxboro, Plymouth, Southdale & Wayzata branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton & Shoreview library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: No storytimes scheduled today.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Cottage Grove, Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: 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 offers weekly themed activities to the 4-and-under set. Think sand tables, sponge painting, worm digs and storytimes. April 18, 2024, 10am-12pm. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Thursday: Nature play
Try visiting a new park or nature center!
In celebration of spring park weather, check out the links on our big list of Twin Cities nature & interpretive centers for details on which have natural playgrounds nestled within them. You can build with natural materials, climb, balance, even wade and garden at some of the more elaborate spaces. Our kiddos are pictured here having a keen time at the nature play yard at MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Friday, April 19, 2024
Tot Time Open Gyms on Friday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Fridley library.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America library & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Inver Glen, Kaposia & Wescott library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie, Minneapolis Bottineau, East Lake, Linden Hills and Roosevelt, Ridgedale & St Louis Park branch branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & White Bear Lake branch library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Riverview & Merriam Park branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
Twin Cities storytimes on Friday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Fridley library.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America & Waconia libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Inver Glen, Kaposia & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Maple Plain, Minneapolis Bottineau, East Lake, Linden Hills, Roosevelt & Walker, St Louis Park
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: No storytimes today.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Highland Park library.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove & Lake Elmo libraries.
FRIDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Family Storytime with Wargo Nature Center
Fridley Mississippi Library, 410 Mississippi St NE, Fridley, MN 55432
Join naturalists from WARGO NATURE CENTER as they read stories, sing songs and meet an animal ambassador. April 19, 2024, 10:15am. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Friday: Get ready for Earth Day!
We’ll list some community-specific Earth Day events here, but if yours isn’t hosting a local gathering make it a DIY event with ideas for EARTH DAY HIKES, RIDES, WALKS & HUNTS.
Kids at the Castle: When Spring Comes
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
It’s a creative playdate at a real castle! The museum presents themed circle time, storytime, crafts, music and movement for kids ages 2-5 (with caregiver). Then you get to explore the rest of the castle on your own, including the interactive family exhibit. Advance registration required. April 19, 2024, 9-10. $15/family. (Great deal!)
Fun things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities, April 20-21, 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!
FAMILY FUN ALL WEEK IN THE TWIN CITIES
Ideas to pull out of your “back pocket” nearly any day of the week!
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
- 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!
Got an event you’re excited to share? Find our submission form and guidelines here.
