Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of October 16-20, 2023 – including the Thursday & Friday of MEA Weekend. If you are in search of things to do with your family this (long) weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE. We also try to go the extra mile with suggestions in our TWIN CITIES MEA WEEKEND GUIDE.
For more autumn inspiration you can check our OCTOBER FAMILY GUIDE, the ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FALL 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, OCTOBER 16, 2023
The start of fall means open season for a new round of Tot Time open gyms across the Twin Cities. A saving grace for parents of squirrelly kids when playground season has come to an end.
SEE OUR FULL LIST OF TWIN CITIES TOT TIME OPEN GYMS THIS FALL!
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 (9-11am, $3/child)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (Type “family indoor playground” into the search box to see schedule for locations, FREE)
- 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: Tot Times at St Paul Recreation Centers
It’s fun, unstructured, nearly always free and a total sanity-saver during our colder 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 Monday mornings this fall:
- LINWOOD RECREATION CENTER, 860 St Clair Ave, St Paul, MN 55105 (11am-1pm)
- NORTH DALE REC CENTER, 1414 St Albans St N, St Paul, MN 55117 (10am-noon)
- PALACE RECREATION CENTER, 781 Palace Ave, St Paul, MN 55102 (11:30am-1:30pm)
- WEST MINNEHAHA REC CENTER, 685 W. Minnehaha Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55104 (12-2pm)
Twin Cities Storytimes on Monday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Columbia Heights & Coon Rapids Crooked Lake branch libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Chanhassen & Victoria branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Eden Prairie, Plymouth & Westonka library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: No storytimes today.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Rondo library.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland, Mahtomedi & Oakdale libraries.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2023
Tot Time Open Gyms on Tuesday:
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.
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER (Blast & Play, 9am-12pm, $5/child)
- 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)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
TUESDAY FEATURED TOT TIME! Blast & Play at Eagan Community Center
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. October 17, 2023, 9am-12pm. $5/child.
The Blast Indoor Playground
Twin Cities Storytimes on Tuesday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Johnsville & Northtown libraries, North Central, Circle Pines Centennial, St Francis & Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, NYA & Waconia branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Wescott, Burnhaven, Hastings Pleasant Hill, Lakeville Heritage, Robert Trail & South St Paul libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Excelsior, Maple Grove, Nokomis & Rogers library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: 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: 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. October 17, 2023, 10:30-11am. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Tuesday: Indoor activities
Ballet Tuesday at Landmark Center
75 W 5th St, St Paul, MN 55102
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! October 17, 2023, 12pm.
More indoor fun: Indoor games for kids
Gearing up for a long weekend at home with the kids? Arm yourself with dozens of ideas for indoor games you can play, many with materials you likely have at the ready. Our list is organized by age from toddler to tween so you can easily find the perfect diversion for your child.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 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)
- 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 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. October 18, 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: Blaine Johnsville & Northtown libraries, Coon Rapids Crooked Lake & Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Waconia & Watertown branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnsville Burnhaven, Lakeville Heritage, Robert Trail, South St Paul & West St Paul Wentworth libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Champlin, Minneapolis Central, Minnetonka, Rogers, Southdale, St Anthony & Washburn branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & North St Paul branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Dayton’s Bluff, Rondo & West Seventh branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, Stillwater & RH Stafford Woodbury library branches.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Fall Color Storytime with the Minnesota DNR
2300 North St. Paul Drive, North St. Paul Minnesota 55109
A park naturalists presents a special fall colors storytime for ages 2-5. October 18, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE BEST FALL COLORS IN THE TWIN CITIES?
More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Twin Cities Halloween Events
Mini Pumpkin Decorating Party at Silverwood Park
2500 County Rd E St. Anthony, Minnesota 55421
Price includes one miniature pumpkin, carving tools, decorations and refreshments. October 18, 2023, drop in anytime from 6 to 8PM. $5/pp.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2023
It’s MEA Weekend in the Twin Cities
And our TWIN CIITES MEA WEEKEND GUIDE is packed full of ideas for ways to spend the extra days with your family!
Tot Time Open Gym on Thursday:
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp)
- MINNEAPOLIS KENWOOD PARK (Indoor Playground, 3:15-5:15pm, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
Twin Cities Storytimes on Thursday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Northtown, Circle Pines Centennial & Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Pleasant Hill, Robert Trail & West St Paul Wentworth libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Augsburg Park, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Oxboro, Southdale & Wayzata branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer library.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Cottage Grove Park Grove, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Storytime at Kiddywampus Chanhassen
860 W 78th St, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Interactive stories, songs & rhymes for kids ages 2-5 at one of the coolest independent toy shops in the Twin Cities. No registration required. October 19, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
KIDDYWAMPUS HOPKINS: This location hosts its storytime (“Jump in a Book with Jen”) on Wednesdays at 10:30am.
Fall Fun on the Farm
Gale Woods Farm, 7210 County Rd 110 W, Minnetrista, MN 55364
Fall activities designed for kids to do alongside their caregivers, done in 45-minute sessions. Take a hike to see fall colors, meet animals and check out the chores. This program requires reservations. October 19, 2023, 10am-2pm. $6/pp.
Lantern-lit Trail Night at Richardson Nature Center
Richardson Nature Center, 8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Stroll along a half-mile illuminated trail near Richardson Nature Center. Families read along with a story stroll then explore indoor exhibits. October 19, 2023. Drop in between 6pm & 8pm.
More family fun ideas for Thursday: Twin Cities Halloween Events
Pumpkin Carving & Seed Baking at Stewart Park
2700 12th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55407
Carve pumpkins and roasts pumpkin seeds. Pumpkins, materials, apple cider and snacks provided. October 19, 2023, 5:30pm-7:30pm.
Halloween Maple Grove Farmers Market Style
Maple Farmers Market, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Kids can wear their costumes and trick-or-treat at the booths. Expect candy or farmers-market style treats. October 19, 2023, 3pm-6pm. FREE.
It’s almost scary how many events we have listed on our Guide to Halloween in the Twin Cities!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 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)
- BURNSVILLE – IGM GYMNASTICS (Ages 1-6, 9:30-11:30am, $10/child)
- EAGAN – GLEASON’S GYMNASTICS (K & under, 9:30-11:30am, pre-register for discount of $10/child or $15/family)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- 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. October 20, 2023, 9:30-11:30am, $10/child or $15/family.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Friday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Fridley Mississippi library.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America & Waconia branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Galaxie & Wescott, Farmington & Inver Hills Inver Glen libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Bottineau, East Lake, Eden Prairie, Maple Plain, Ridgedale & Roosevelt library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & White Bear Lake branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Merriam Park & Riverview library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, Hardwood Creek & Lake Elmo library branches.
FRIDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Storytime with 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!) October 20, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
Family Farm Hikes at Gale Woods Farm
7210 County Rd 110 W, Minnetrista, MN 55364
Meet the farm animals, help with farm and garden chores and take a fall hike to explore the grounds. Designed for preschool-aged kids. Spaces may fill, grab yours now. October 20, 2023, $6/pp.
Visit a Twin Cities Pumpkin Patch
Today might just be it to hit up one of these Twin Cities pumpkin patches before Halloween. And even if you’re not in the market for a jack-o-lantern, these patches are crammed full of fall fun. This week our featured patch is PAHL’S MARKET in Apple Valley. You can pick out your perfect pumpkin for Halloween plus enjoy a free corn pit, a bouncy pumpkin (small fee) and find fall décor like scarecrows, and mums. 6885 160th St W, Apple Valley, MN 55124.
Explore our huge list of the best Twin Cities Pumpkin Patches, most with special MEA Weekend hours!
Twin Cities Halloween Events
Blaine Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt & Family Dance
Tom Ryan Park, 10802 Town Square Dr NE, Blaine, MN 55449
Flashlight pumpkin hunt, outdoor dance, S’mores, Halloween games and a costume contest. Fee includes a treat bag, one pumpkin, one craft, and refreshments. Registration required. October 20, 2023, 7-8:30pm. $20-$21/pp.
Brooklyn Center Halloween Party
Centennial Park, 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Ages 2-12 can trick-or-treat down the trail before doing a little BOOgie at the amphitheater. October 20, 2023, 5:30-7:30pm. $2/child.
Westwood Nature Center Annual Halloween Party
Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W Franklin Ave, St Louis Park, MN 55426
Come in costumes and enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. October 20, 2023, 6:30-9:00pm. $10-$13/pp, pre-registration required.
More family fun ideas for Friday: Nature Play
There’s still time to visit a Twin Cities Apple Orchard
For the most part we’ve moved on to the pumpkin phase of fall, but many orchards are still open for pick-your-own apples and other activities. Check our big list of the best orchards in the Minneapolis-St Paul metro to see the possibilities.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, OCTOBER 21-22, 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. Here’s a sneak peek of what to look forward to this weekend in the Twin Cities:
FIND TONS MORE KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS ON OUR TWIN CITIES FAMILY FUN CALENDAR!