THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL WITH YOUR KIDS!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of November 21-25, 2022 – including Thanksgiving. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE.
For more early winter inspiration you can check our NOVEMBER FAMILY 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, NOVEMBER 21, 2022
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.
TAKE NOTE! Several Twin Cities Tot Time Open Gyms are just getting started in the month of November. We’ve added several to our usual listings this week so make sure to check if your community has been included.
SEE OUR FULL LIST OF TWIN CITIES TOT TIME OPEN GYMS THIS FALL!
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under)
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp)
- MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $3/child)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (Type “family indoor playground” into the search box to see schedule for locations, FREE)
- PLYMOUTH FIELD HOUSE (Open Play, 10:30am-1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $5-$6/child)
- SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY CENTER (Kids Playtime, 9:30-11am, $3/child)
- 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. November 21, 12-3pm, $7/child. 400 10th St NW, New Brighton, MN 55112.
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON MONDAY:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids Crooked Lake & St Francis branch libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Chanhassen branch library.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland, Mahtomedi, Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
MONDAY FEATURED STORYTIME! ENGINEER PAUL AT CHOO CHOO BOB’s TRAIN STORE
1665 West End Blvd, St Louis Park, MN 55416
The beloved train shop is BACK in a brand new location, complete with Engineer Paul’s train-tastic storytime. Our littles grew up with Choo Choo Bob’s original shop in St Paul so this is happy news. (Photo from the old store until we can get to the new one!) November 21, 2022, 10:30am. FREE!
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR MonDAY: Try some outdoor ice skating!
Most community outdoor ice rinks aren’t quite flooded and ready for skating yet, but we’ve got a couple refrigerated options for you open this weekend if you’ve got the urge to lace up:
OPENS TODAY! M Health Fairview Sports Center Outdoor Rink
M Health Fairview Sports Center, 4125 Radio Drive, Woodbury MN 55129
The refrigerated outdoor pleasure rink is free to use starting November 20! Skate rental is available for $6 if need be.
Roseville’s Guidant John Rose MN OVAL
2661 Civic Center Dr, Roseville, MN 55113
The OVAL is the largest outdoor refrigerated skating rink in North America. Skate outdoors November to March ($8/pp, skate rental available for $5). The rink is typically decorated with lights during the holiday season and is a beautiful place to skate outdoors.
Get excited to ice skate outdoors this winter with our list of Twin Cities skating rinks!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2022
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 playground season has come to an end.
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp)
- 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 LOUIS PARK (Little Tot Playtime, 9:30-11:30am, ages 1-5, $3/child)
- 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! November 22, 2022, 9am-12pm, $4/child.
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON TUESDAY:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Johnsville & Northtown libraries, Circle Pines Centennial & St Francis Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska & Waconia branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Wescott, Hastings Pleasant Hill & South St Paul libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Minneapolis Central & Northeast Library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Arlington Hills, Highland Park & St Anthony Park branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Preschool Storytime in the gym at Highland Park
Highland Park Recreation Center, 1974 Ford Parkway, Saint Paul MN 55116
Open play for tots in the gym starting at 9:30am followed by storytime and songs. November 22, 2022. FREE.
Twin Cities Holiday Events
It’s about time for the Twin Cities to sparkle! Several Minneapolis-St Paul Metro Area communities are lighting up their holiday trees in grand style over the next few weeks. Featured community today is Apple Valley, Minnesota, and their annual tree lighting ceremony:
Apple Valley HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
7100 147th Street W, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Complete with caroling, cookies and cider. November 22, 2022, 6:15-7pm.
Prepare to shine on in the Twin Cities with our big list of community HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTINGS and our even brighter TWIN CITIES HOLIDAY LIGHTS GUIDE.
OPENS TODAY! GINGERBREAD WONDERLAND at NORWAY HOUSE
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR TuesDAY:
MALL OF AMERICA TODDLER TUESDAYS
This week, kids can screen the feature-length movie Blue’s Big City Adventure. The Blue’s Clues movie will start at approximately 11:05 a.m. This event will take place at Parkview Meet + Event Center. November 22, 2022, 11am-12pm. FREE!
HOT TIP! WHEN YOU VISIT, TAKE ALONG OUR MALL OF AMERICA GUIDE: FLOOR BY FLOOR.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2022
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, $6/pp)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 12=3pm, $7/child includes admission to Eagles Nest Indoor Playground)
- SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY CENTER (Kids Playtime, 9:30-11am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
WEDNESDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM! PLYMOUTH FIELDHOUSE OPEN PLAY
When the temps dip, field house opens up for kids who need to run and scoot around indoors. Balls and objects for free play are provided – and inflatables for kids up to age 12 make a special appearance on Wednesdays. The fieldhouse is heated to 55 degrees so dress accordingly. November 23, 2022, 10:30am to 1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $5-$6/pp. 14800 34th Ave., Plymouth, MN 55447-1482.
TWIN CITIES STORYTIMES ON WEDNESDAY:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Johnsville & Northtown libraries, Coon Rapids Crooked Lake & St Francis Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria & Waconia branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnsville Burnhaven, South St Paul & West St Paul Wentworth libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Champlin, Minneapolis Webber Park & Minnetonka branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: North St Paul branch library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Dayton’s Bluff & West Seventh branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
Twin Cities Holiday Tree Lightings
Burnsville WINTER LIGHTING CEREMONY
Nicollet Commons Park, 12550 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville, MN 55337
The city’s central plaza shines with 200,000 mini lights, 230 streetlight snowflakes and a 30-foot-tall tree. Mr & Mrs Claus will be on hand to light things up. November 23, 2022.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Turkeys & Thanksgiving
Heartfelt Preschool Festival: Thankful Festival
4306 Upton Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
The seasonal festivals offers a simple craft or two for the kids and their adult plus
a wholesome snack. To get an idea of Heartfelt’s winter & holiday craft lineup, browse here. November 23, 2022. $24/first child, $12/additional. Please register in advance.
Turkey Bingo & Turkeys on Ice
St Louis Park Rec Center Banquet Room, 3700 Monterey Drive
Play BINGO for prizes (and learn a thing or two about turkeys – must register) then stay for ice skating, skate rental included. If you choose not to register for BINGO, ice skating is free from 12-1pm. For ages 6-12. November 23, 2022, 11am-12pm. $7-$10/child.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022
Thanksgiving in the Twin Cities
We highlight some festive events to get you in the spirit in our ideas for Thanksgiving Week post. Or, if you’re just looking for some ideas to keep the kids entertained over school break (mine always get an ENTIRE WEEK off!) we’ve got suggestions for those, too in our ideas for a peaceful Thanksgiving at home (think snacks, crafts, games).
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022
Twin Cities Holiday Tree Lightings & Community Festivals
Minneapolis HOLIDAZZLE
Loring Park, 1382 Willow St. Minneapolis, MN 55403
Our favorite downtown Holiday tradition, Holidazzle will once again begin the Friday prior to Thanksgiving Weekend in 2022. Expect the return of the Holidazzle Yeti, fireworks, live entertainment and definitely Santa Claus. Friday, November 25, 2022. 5-9pm. FREE admission!
EXCELSIOR CHRISTKINDLSMARKT TREE LIGHTING
249 Water St, Excelsior, MN 55331
Annual tree lighting plus bonfires, carolers, Santa, and carriage rides. November 25, 2022.
TAYLORS FALLS LIGHTING FESTIVAL
Downtown Taylors Falls, Minnesota
The annual tree lighting takes place at 6pm downtown. Festival highlights include the Santa Parade, Christmas at the Folsom House, storytime with Mrs. Claus and wagon rides. November 25-27, 2022.
Waconia COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING
City Square Park Gazebo, 100 E Main Street, Waconia, MN 55387
Hot cocoa, a bonfire and a visit with Santa included. Nov 25, 2022, 6pm.
Wayzata LIGHT UP THE LAKE CELEBRATION
Downton Wayzata, MN 55391
Holiday music, an enhanced holiday lights display, warm fire pits, and Santa visits Wayzata in the annual Parade of Lights, 5:15pm. November 25, 2022.
Where can I find Santa in the Twin Cities?
Someway, somehow, Santa manages to keep up with a very busy appearance schedule all over the Twin Cities during the holiday season. We keep a close track on his calendar on our list of WHERE TO FIND SANTA CLAUS IN THE TWIN CITIES. Friday we are highlighting the following:
Santa Reg at Midtown Global Market
Midtown Global Market, 920 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Visit with Santa Reg, watch food demos pose at the holiday selfie station and participate in kid’s art activities. November 25-26, 2022; 3pm-5pm both days. FREE.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR FriDAY: SKIP Black friday shopping!
Free Park Friday at Minnesota State Parks
Entrance to all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas are free on the Friday after Thanksgiving! Activities usually include free naturalist programs. You can also take a hike, relax in the woods with some good reads, or (possibly) take in a free wild turkey sighting. Explore our list of 9 Twin Cities Metro-Area Minnesota State Parks within an hour’s drive of the city center to start planning your trip.
Find more Black Friday alternatives in the Twin Cities!
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, NOVEMBER 26-27, 2022
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!