Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of November 7-11, 2022. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE.
For more late autumn 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 7, 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 9, 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.
More family fun ideas for Monday:
CHILDREN’S POOL HOUR AT GREAT RIVER WATER PARK
270 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104
Monday, Wednesday and Friday hours are “children’s pool only” from 9am-10am at this perfect little indoor splash spot. And admission isn’t bad either – $7/pp or $25 for a group of 5. November 7, 2022.
Fun things to do in the twin Cities on Tuesday, November 8, 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)
- 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! BLAST AND PLAY
Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55121
Blast & Play Tot Time includes admission to the space-themed Blast Indoor Playground and the community center gym for open play with equipment provided. November 7, 2022, 9am-12pm. $5/child.
The Blast Indoor Playground
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.
More family fun ideas for Tuesday: It’s National STEM/STEAM Day!
Wondering where to take your small fry to experience fun, hands-on science in observation of STEM/STEAM Day this week? Top quick ideas we’ve all tested are as follows:
SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA – a rather obvious one, but families aren’t always aware of all there is to do for young children at the museum. TIP: It is FREE to pop into the Mississippi River Visitor Center located in the museum lobby. STEM learning is to be had there, too.
- BAKKEN MUSEUM – a more budget-friendly alternative to the Science Museum but still packed with super-fun and hands-on science related exhibits. $7-$13/pp.
- BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY – Includes the chance to see a planetarium show! Our family loves the space-related exhibits and the animal habitat dioramas. PLEASE NOTE! This museum is not open Mon & Tues. $9-$12/pp.
- THE RAPTOR CENTER – Book a 30-minute tour for your family and learn how raptors are rehabbed and released. Located on the St Paul campus of the UofM. Tues/Wed/Fri/Sun. $3-$5/pp.
Fun things to do in the twin cities on Wednesday, November 9, 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 9, 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.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday:
Teddy Bear Clinic at Eden Prairie Center
8251 Flying Cloud Dr., Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Designed to ease the fear some little ones have of visiting the doctor, the clinic will give checkups and patch up stuffies. Presented by the EPC Kids weekly program. November 9, 10-11:30am. FREE.
More fun at Eden Prairie Center: FUN AT SCHEELS SPORTING GOODS! Inexpensive family attractions include an indoor Ferris Wheel, mini-bowling, arcade games, a target game and a huge (taxidermy) animal display. We love it on a chilly day!
Fun things to do in the twin cities on Thursday, November 10, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN GYM ON THURSDAYS:
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $6/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 10, 2022, 9:30-11:30am. FREE!
Twin Cities Storytimes on Thursday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Northtown libraries, Circle Pines Centennial & St Francis Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen & Waconia branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Wescott, Farmington, Inver Hills Inver Glen, Rosemount Robert Trail & West St Paul Wentworth libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Edina, Maple Grove, Minneapolis Hosmer & Wayzata branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton & Roseville branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer & Sunray branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
More family fun ideas for Thursday:
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 ADVENTURE PEAK INDOOR PLAYGROUND in Edina. This is our family’s favorite metro-area indoor playground. With plenty of room to move, the kids are entertained for hours running back and forth between the 37-foot “peak” and the Great Hall, an activity room filled with balls, scooters and a bounce house. A small toddler area is included. $9/child. 7700 York Ave S, Edina, MN 55435.
Special event at Adventure Peak this Thursday! Free kids entertainment is performed at Edinborough Park’s indoor amphitheater November 10 at 11am.
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 storytimes. Remember, a reservation to visit the Zoo is free, but required. November 10, 2022, 10am-12pm.
fun things to do in the twin cities on friday, November 11, 2022
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)
- EAGAN – GLEASON’S GYMNASTICS (K & under, 9:30-11:30am, pre-register for discount of $8/child or $10/family)
- EAGAN – ROCKIN JUMP JUNIOR JUMPERS (2-hr sessions starting at 9 & 10am. $12/child plus $3 re-useable jump socks.)
- 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. November 11, 2022, 9:30-11:30am, $10/child or $15/family.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Friday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Northtown & Fridley Mississippi libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America & Waconia branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Wescott, Farmington & Inver Hills Inver Glen libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Minneapolis Penn Lake & Walker branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: White Bear Lake branch library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Merriam Park & St Anthony Park branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
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. Call 651-437-4359 to reserve a space as they are limited. November 11, 2022, 10am. $6/child.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR FRIDAY: Friday Night Fun!
Grand Slam Weekend Special
12425 River Ridge Blvd, Burnsville, MN 55337
My tweens and teens request this outing every so often because they’re confident everyone is going to end up having fun. Included in the $12.95 package price: unlimited laser tag, mini golf & krazy kars and 12 arcade credits. We choose to add on the trampolines for $4. Friday & Saturday nights, 7-10pm.
FREE Family movie night at EDINBOROUGH PARK
7700 York Ave S, Edina, MN 55435
Coming to the indoor park’s balmy amphitheater: Friday screens the movie Encanto at 5:30pm. Stay before or after to enjoy the huge indoor playground (not free, but reasonably priced for a full afternoon of fun – see Thursday’s entry for more details). November 11, 2022.
Fun things to do this weekend in the twin cities, November 12-13, 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. Here’s a sneak peek of what to look forward to this weekend in the Twin Cities:
- EDEN PRAIRIE: NATURE ROCKS! OUTDOOR CENTER OPEN HOUSE
- MINNEAPOLIS: YOGA FOR KIDS AT MIDTOWN GLOBAL MARKET
- ST ANTHONY: PUPPET ADVENTURES AT SILVERWOOD PARK
- ST LOUIS PARK: TEXA-TONKA HOLIDAY COMMUNITY KICKOFF
FIND TONS MORE KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS ON OUR TWIN CITIES FAMILY FUN CALENDAR!