Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of November 27-December 1, 2023. 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 DECEMBER 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 27, 2023
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 colder weather 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!
SEE OUR FULL LIST OF TWIN CITIES TOT TIME OPEN GYMS THIS Winter!
Tot Time Open Gyms on Monday:
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (Tot Time, 9:30-11:30am, $5/child)
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/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)
- NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 12-3pm, $8 includes admission to Eagle’s Nest Indoor Playground)
- PLYMOUTH FIELD HOUSE (Open Play, 10:30am-1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $5-$6/child)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY CENTER (Kids Playtime, 9:30-11am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
MONDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: Andover Community Center Tot Time
Andover Community Center, 15200 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
An unstructured, indoor play option for parents of littles in the Twin Cities Northwest metro. November 27, 2023. 9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under.
Twin Cities storytimes on Monday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: On break this week.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Chanhassen & Victoria libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Storytime for babies at Galaxie Library.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Plymouth & Westonka library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Rondo library.
- 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 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 27, 2023, 10:30am. FREE, note that the train tables are pay-to-play.
More family fun ideas for Monday: Try a new indoor playground
For Minnesota parents it’s a must to know where to escape the elements and still keep those kids active and having fun. During the months of November through March we feature the best indoor playgrounds in the Minneapolis-St Paul area in the hopes of helping you discover something new: This week we highlight BROOKVIEW BACKYARD INDOOR PLAYGROUND in Golden Valley. It features a happy mix of slides, crawl tubes, cargo climbs, bumper balls, log rollers, cave crawls, and more to keep kids active indoors during the cold months. Open 9am-2pm, $5.50 ages 2-13. Discounts: Golden Valley, New Hope & Crystal residents get a $1 discount. 316 Brookview Parkway South, Golden Valley, MN 55426.
FIND OUR ULTIMATE LIST OF TWIN CITIES-AREA INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS!
Holiday for baby
Free photos with Santa at Bachman’s
6010 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
If photos of your baby with St Nick is on the list of Christmas traditions, let us suggest this venue: Bachman’s on Lyndale has free photos with Santa scheduled one night this month you can book in advance. Do it now, before the full-on hubbub of the holidays begins. November 27, 2023, 6-7pm.
MORE FUN WITH SANTA AT BACHMAN’S: A longtime tradition, Bachman’s produces an annual play starring Santa & his elf, Albert. The public is invited to attend the play, Albert’s Big Surprise, running weekends thru December 17. We’ve done this as a family and it’s charming. FREE!
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, November 28, 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 too cold or sloppy to be outdoors:
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER (Blast & Play, includes admission to The Blast Indoor Playground (9am-12pm, $5/child)
- 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! 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 28, 2023, 9am-12pm, $4/child.
Twin Cities storytimes on Tuesday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Norwood Young America & Waconia branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Galaxie & Wescott, Burnhaven, Lakeville Heritage, Robert Trail & South St Paul libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Rogers library.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Arlington Hills & Highland Park libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Wild Rumpus Storytime
2720 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55410
This is a popular story time for toddlers & preschoolers in the sweet Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis. Stick around to see how many critters (yes, animal critters) you can spot slinking around the store! November 28, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
Jr Naturalists: Drop In Discovery at Minneapolis Parks
Nature games and activities presented by community parks in Minneapolis. Drop in for free fun in the parks. Here’s the Tuesday schedule:
- 12-1pm: WAITE PARK
- 12:30-1:30pm: WINDOM SOUTH PARK
- 4-5pm: LONGFELLOW PARK
- 4:30-5:30pm: PHILLIPS PARK
- 4:30-5:30pm: WEBBER PARK
- 5-6pm: STEWART PARK
- 5:30-6:30pm: LAKE NOKOMIS PARK
Visit Como Planetarium – Public Tuesday Nights
780 W Wheelock Pkwy #1315, St Paul, MN 55117
This month it’s Retro Nite at the planetarium – with equipment and shows from “decades past” including Larry the Space Cat. Ages 7 & under with their family: register for the 5:30pm show. General audiences: register for the 7pm show. November 28, 2023. $6-8/pp.
Twin Cities holiday events
Plan ahead! This weekend absolutely SHINES in terms of what is offered in the way of holiday tree lighting events and community festivals. For the whole sparkling scoop, jump over to our holiday festival page.
Lakeville Holiday Lighting at Pioneer Plaza
20785 Holyoke Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044
Holiday tree lighting at 6pm, musical performance by Lakeville South High School’s Encore Singers and warm beverages and cookies served. November 28, 2023, 6pm.
Mini-Nutcracker at Lakeville Area Arts Center
Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044
A shorter version of the Minnesota Nutcracker made for shorter people. Perfect for all ages. November 28, 2023. 11am & 6pm performances. Tickets $14-$18/pp. They sell out fast!
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, November 29, 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)
- 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)
- PLYMOUTH FIELD HOUSE (Open Play, 10:30am-1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $5-$7/child)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY CENTER (Kids Playtime, 9:30-11:30am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
WEDNESDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM: 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. November 29, 2023. 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: On break this week.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Waconia & Watertown libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnsville Burnhaven, Lakeville Heritage, Robert Trail, South St Paul & West St Paul Wentworth libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Excelsior, Minnetonka, Rogers & Southdale
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & North St Paul libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Dayton’s Bluff, Rondo & West Seventh branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Storytime at Oakdale Discovery Center
4444 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128
Storytime plus a craft each last Wednesday of the month. You’ll absolutely want to stay to poke around in the OAKDALE DISCOVERY CENTER. My kids enjoyed the large aquarium, hands-on exhibits and book corner. Our picture shows a summer visit, but any season of the year is fun. November 29, 2023, 10:30-11:30am. FREE.
Find our extensive list of Twin Cities Nature Centers & Outdoor Interpretive Centers to explore this fall!
Jr Naturalists: Drop In Discovery at Minneapolis Parks
Nature activities hosted by community parks in Minneapolis. Drop in to learn about animals, plants, play games and more all for free! Here’s the Wednesday schedule:
- 11am-12pm: ST ANTHONY PARK
- 2-3pm: BOHANON PARK
- 3:30-4:30pm: FARVIEW PARK
- 4:30-5:30: LYNDALE FARMSTEAD
Twin Cities holiday tree lightings & community festivals
Cottage Grove Hometown Holiday Celebration
Cottage Grove City Hall, 12800 Ravine Pkwy S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
There will be a festive holiday tree for photos along with Santa and reindeer, bonfires, kids activities, live music and food trucks. November 29, 2023, 5-7pm.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Try some outdoor ice skating!
Most community outdoor ice rinks aren’t quite flooded and ready for skating yet, but we’ve got some refrigerated options for you open this week if you’ve got the urge to lace up:
- CENTRAL PARK ICE SKATING LOOP, Maple Grove: Skate the serpentine loop free, skate rental available for $7.50. 12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove, MN 55369.
- JOHN ROSE MINNESOTA OVAL, Roseville: The largest outdoor refrigerated skating rink in North America. $9/pp, skate rental available for $5. 2661 Civic Center Dr, Roseville, MN 55113.
- M HEALTH FAIRVIEW SPORTS CENTER OUTDOOR RINK, Woodbury: FREE. Skate rental is available for $6 if need be. 4125 Radio Drive, Woodbury MN 55129.
GET EXCITED TO ICE SKATE OUTDOORS THIS WINTER WITH OUR LIST OF TWIN CITIES ICE SKATING RINKS!
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, November 30, 2023
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)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- SAVAGE SPORTS CENTER (Tot Time, 9-11:30am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
THURSDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM: TCO Sports Garden Toddler Thursdays
Little ones with energy to spare: Come to Field 2 for indoor activities such as a bouncy house, kicking around soccer balls and open field time with room to run. The fieldhouse is kept at 55 degrees so dress with this in mind. November 30, 2023, 9:30-11:30am. FREE.
Twin Cities storytimes on Thursday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: No storytimes this week.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Wescott, Farmington, Rosemount Robert Trail & Wentworth libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Edina, Hopkins, Southdale & Oxboro library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer & Sunray branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Cottage Grove Park Grove, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Lil Explorer Thursday Storytime at Como Zoo
Lil Explorer Thursdays program includes themed storytimes. This 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. November 30, 2023, 10am-noon. FREE.
Jr Naturalists: Drop In Discovery at Minneapolis Parks
Nature-based activities at community parks in Minneapolis. Drop in to learn about animals, plants, play games and more for free! Here’s the Thursday schedule:
- 10-11am: BOTTINEAU PARK
- 10-11am: VICTORY PARK
- 12-1pm: MATTHEWS PARK
- 12-1pm: WHITTIER PARK
- 1:30-2:30pm: PAINTER PARK
- 2:15-3pm: JORDAN PARK
- 3-4pm: ARMATAGE PARK
- 4:30-5:30pm: POWDERHORN PARK
- 4:30-5:30pm: BOTTINEAU PARK
Twin Cities holiday tree lightings & community festivals
Savage Tree Lighting Ceremony
City Hall, 6000 McColl Drive, Savage, Minnesota 55378
Cocoa, live music, a bonfire and ornament-making go with the lighting of the tree. November 30, 2023, 5:30pm.
Holidayton Celebration
12260 Diamond Lake Road, Dayton MN 55327
Join in for the holiday tree lighting along with other festivities – Santa photos, smores and hot cocoa, hayrides and a light parade. November 30, 6-8pm.
Nature play on Thursday: Visit a new Twin Cities nature center
Roughly two dozen nature and interpretive centers in the Twin Cities metro are just begging to get your kids excited about the natural world. Through hands-on exhibits, naturalist-led activities and plain old play, these venues make learning fun! This week we would like to introduce you to RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER in Bloomington. Inside, visitors can meet Richardson’s resident raptors, reptiles, and amphibians up close. There are many kid-friendly exhibits such as a puppet theater, child-sized tables and chairs for reading and puzzles, and aquariums at just the right height. Outside enjoy the nature exploration area. Admission is free. 8737 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN 55438.
SPECIAL EVENT: MY PRESCHOOLER & ME: PUPPET ESCAPADES – Learn about winter birds through puzzles, games and movement. Then, watch a puppet show with your preschooler (age 2-6) Reservations are required. November 30, 2023, 10-11am. $5/person.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Friday, December 1, 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, $8/pp)
- EAGAN – GLEASON’S GYMNASTICS (K & under, 9:30-11:30am, pre-register for discount of $10/child or $15/family)
- PLYMOUTH FIELDHOUSE (Youth Open Play, 10:30am to 1:30pm, $5-$6/pp)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
FRIDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM: IGM Gymnastics Preschool Open Gym
12117 Riverwood Dr, Burnsville, MN 55337
This is a special Open Gym time reserved just for kids ages 18 months to 5 years. Work out wiggles on the trampolines, balance beams, obstacle courses and foam pit. No need to pre-register for open gyms. December 1, 2023, 9:30-11:30am, $10/child or $15/family.
Twin Cities storytimes on Friday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America & Waconia branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Galaxie & Wescott, Farmington, Inver Glen & South St Paul libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie, Pierre Bottineau, Ridgedale, Roosevelt & Walker libaries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & White Bear Lake branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Merriam Park & Riverview libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
It’s National Christmas Lights Day!
Load the kids in the car, pack some snacks and popcorn and enjoy dancing lights, giant candy canes and glowing snowmen on your own schedule anytime before Santa’s sleigh arrives (or at least by New Year’s day). Get the whole sparkling schedule in our enormous list LIGHT IT UP: TWIN CITIES HOLIDAY LIGHTS DISPLAYS 2023.
Twin Cities holiday lights displays
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Winter Lights
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318
One of our picks for the best holiday lights displays in the Twin Cities! Lighted greenery and displays throughout the pathways of the arb’s gardens. December 1, 2023, 5-8:30pm. Adults/$25, 15 & under/free.
Twin Cities holiday tree lightings & community festivals
Afton: Village Holiday
Afton, MN 55001
The village Christmas tree is lit Friday eve during Candlelight Night; Saturday is Family Day; both days bring horse and wagon rides, carolers, ice skating and festive activities throughout local shops. December 1, 2023, 5-8pm.
Champlin: Christmas at the Crossings
Mississippi Crossings, 307 East River Parkway, Champlin, MN 55316
The city will be lighting an animated 30-foot LED panel tree, a walk-through ornament and gift box, and snowflake light pole fixtures. Santa will be in attendance. December 1, 2023, 4-7pm.
Forest Lake: Hometown Holiday
Lakeside Memorial Park, 95 East Broadway Avenue, Forest Lake, MN 55025
In addition to the holiday tree lighting ceremony are smores and hot cocoa, holiday musical favorites and a petting zoo. Free with non-perishables or new toys accepted for donation. December 1, 2023, 4:30-7pm.
Hanover: Victorian Caroling at the Historic Bridge
Millpond Trail, Hanover, MN 55341
Sing-along Christmas carols, llamas in their seasonal best, hot cider and cookies and photo opportunities with St Nick are all part of this Victorian-inspired holiday festival. Located at the historic Hanover Bridge. December 1, 2023, 6-8pm.
Inver Grove Heights: Holidays in the Heights
Veterans Memorial Community Center, 8055 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
Friday evening holiday tree lighting outside the community center 6pm-7pm followed by skating with Santa. December 1, 2023, 6pm.
Minneapolis: Elliot Park Winter Party & Community Game Night
Elliot Park Rec Center, 1000 E 14th St. Minneapolis, MN 55404
Games & prizes for all ages plus cookie decorating, hot cocoa & cider and snacks. December 1, 2023, 3-6pm. FREE.
Osseo: MiniDazzle Celebration
Boerboom Veterans Park, 416 Central Avenue Osseo, MN 55369
Start off with the Light Parade down Main Street. Then, pictures with Santa, take a fire truck ride, warm up at the bonfire and watch the Christmas tree lighting. December 1, 2023; 6-8pm.
Rogers: Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Hot cocoa, cookies, caroling and a special activities beginning at 6:00 p.m. with the tree lighting at 7:00 p.m. December 1, 2023; 6pm-8pm.
Where can I find Santa in the Twin Cities?
OPENING NIGHT! Santa Visits the North Pole Express
Union Depot, 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Guests travel in vintage railcars with Santa through hundreds of luminaries. Then roast marshmallows on a fire. December 1, 2023. Tickets start at $37>50 and they go FAST! Don’t hesitate in booking if you have your heart set on riding the Christmas train!
Missed the North Pole Express? Find more Christmas on the Rails in our list of 2023 Christmas in the Twin Cities: Planes, Trains & Sleighs.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, DECEMBER 2-3, 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.
FIND TONS MORE KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS ON OUR TWIN CITIES FAMILY FUN CALENDAR!