Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of May 8-12, 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!)
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON MONDAY, MAY 8, 2023
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 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 (9-10:30am, $15/membership pass or $3 drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 9am-2pm. $5/child.)
- MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $3/child)
- 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)
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 $3/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 8, 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:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Victoria & Chanhassen library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Apple Valley Galaxie library.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Linden Hills & Plymouth library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: No storytimes today.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: No storytimes today.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland (Valley), Mahtomedi (Wildwood), Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
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 8, 2023, 10-11:30am.
More family fun ideas for Monday: Bright blooms & more
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 9, 2023
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 still just shy of playground weather:
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-12pm, $6/pp)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER (Blast & Play, 9am-12pm, $5/child)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 9am-2pm. $5/child.)
- LINO LAKES ROOKERY (Tot Time, 9am-12pm, ages 1-10, $4)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
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 10, 2023, 9am-12pm, $4/child.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Tuesday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Galaxie & South St Paul library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Bloomington Penn Lake, Maple Grove, Minneapolis Central, Nokomis and Northeast and Rogers library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: No storytimes today.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Arlington Hills, Highland Park, Merriam Park, St Anthony Park & West Seventh branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek, Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME! Stuffed Animal Sleepover at Wentworth Library
199 Wentworth Ave E, West St Paul, MN 55118
Kids ages 3-7 – bring your favorite stuffy for a special bedtime story and leave it for a sleepover at the library. Registration required. May 9, 2023, 6:30-7pm. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Tuesday:
Mall of America Toddler Tuesdays
This week, it’s EXPEDITION MOA. (No, we don’t have any idea, either, but stop by the Rotunda to grab your map and gear.) May 9, 10am-12pm. FREE!
HOT TIP! WHEN YOU VISIT, TAKE ALONG OUR MALL OF AMERICA GUIDE: FLOOR BY FLOOR.
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. PLAN AHEAD: Caponi has a whole lineup of activities scheduled this season forest bathing, theater in the park and community hot metal pour. 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.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2023
Tot Time Open Gyms on Wednesday:
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-12pm, $8/pp)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 9am-2pm. $5/child.)
- 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! 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:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Robert Trail (Rosemount), South St Paul & Wentworth branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Linden Hills, Minneapolis North Regional, Minnetonka, Rogers & St Anthony library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & North St Paul library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Dayton’s Bluff and Rondo library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
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. May 10, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Outdoor nature play
Discover a new nature playground
May is a wonderful month to enjoy outdoor, unstructured play areas – before the skeeters and other bugs descend upon summer. Featured this week is the amazing DISCOVERY HOLLOW NATURE PLAY AREA within the TAMARACK NATURE CENTER property. This natural playground has been designed with all the elements kids crave: fallen logs and stumps to balance on, sticks to build forts, beautifully-engineered and arranged boulders to clamber over and a sufficient amount of sand and water to keep them entertained for hours.
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 10, 2023, 4:30-5:30pm. FREE.
HEY TEENS! There’s a “maker” program for you as well. Check it out at the Shoreview Library on May 9 from 4-6pm. Get hands-on with a 3-D printer and more gadgets. 4-6pm.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023
Tot Time Open Gym on Thursdays:
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER (Blast & Play, 9am-12pm, $5/child)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 9am-2pm. $5/child.)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
THURSDAY FEATURED TOT TIME! Kenwood Rec Center Indoor Playground
2101 W Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405
FINAL THURSDAY OF SPRING! Unstructured free play in the rec center gym – please sign up for a free Active Pass first. Coffee provided for adults! May 11, 2023, 3:15-5:15pm. FREE.
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON THURSDAY:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Inver Glen & Robert Trail branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Golden Valley, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Oxboro, Penn Lake (Bloomington), Plymouth, Richfield Augsburg Park & Wayzata library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Sun Ray library branch.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove, Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
Extra! Extra! Read all about Special Storytime Thursday!
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 11, 2023, 10am, FREE.
Little Roos Summer Storytime
122 Pioneer Trail, Chaska MN
Local Minnesota authors telling stories, some with crafts plus Little Roos own activities for kids. May 11, 2023, 10:3oam. FREE.
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 11, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Thursday: Shop a farmers market
Maple Grove Farmers Market Opening Day
Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Rock the Market offers weekly live music by local musicians, POP starts in June for kids ages 4 to 12 (learn more here), and seasonal activities round out the fresh local offerings at various booths. May 11, 2023, 3-7pm.
Make a Day: The Maple Grove Community Center, Maple Grove Library and Town Green Park all interconnect through easy walking paths. Maple Maze Indoor Playground is open until 8pm on Thursdays. Or visit one of our favorite Maple Grove Parks.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2023
Tot Time Open Gyms on Friday:
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp)
- BURNSVILLE – IGM GYMNASTICS (Ages 1-6, 9:30-11:30am, $10/child)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 9am-2pm. $5/child.)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
FRIDAY FEATURED TOT TIME! TOT TIMES AT ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS
It’s fun, unstructured, nearly always free and a total sanity-saver during our cold months. I used it routinely when my firstborn was a toddler. He thrived on the small bikes, balls, tumbling mats and other provided equipment for free physical play. The following St Paul recreation centers have tot times on Friday mornings this spring:
- DAYTON’S BLUFF RECREATION CENTER, 800 Conway St, St Paul, MN 55106
- EDGCUMBE RECREATION CENTER, 320 Griggs St S, St Paul, MN 55105 (9:30am-noon)
- LINWOOD RECREATION CENTER, 860 St Clair Ave, St Paul, MN 55105 (11am-1pm)
Twin Cities Storytimes on Friday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Inver Glen library branch.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Maple Plain & Walker branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & White Bear Lake branch library.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: Family Literacy class at Belle Plaine library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Riverview, St Anthony Park, Merriam Park & Hamline Midway branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
FRIDAY FEATURED STORYTIME! Our Favorite Stories with Theater Mu
George Latimer Central Library, 90 W 4th St, St Paul, MN 55102
Performance artists lead a special storytime then learn more about cultural arts. Ages 3 & up. May 12, 2023, 11am-12pm. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Friday: Check out a new playground!
Friday Fun at Augsburg Adventure Park
7000 Nicollet Ave, Richfield, MN 55423
This week features Read-a-Story Theater. Select Fridays & Saturdays (thru Aug 25) will bring unique entertainment to the all-inclusive playground, followed by open playtime. May 12, 2023, 10am. FREE. Learn more about Richfield’s Augsburg Adventure Park.
HUNGRY YET? It’s Food Truck Friday at Augsburg Adventure Park! Soul to Soul BBQ from 10am-2pm.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, MAY 13-14, 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.
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:
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:
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, 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.
