Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of October 17-21, 2022 – 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 17, 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.
See our full list of Twin Cities Tot Time Open Gyms this fall!
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- 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)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
Monday FEATURED TOT TIME! MILLZ HOUSE OPEN PLAY
14645 Felton Court, Suite #104, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Work out the wiggles with indoor playsets, trampolines and basketball courts. Cost is $6/child; parents and babies under 18 months free. Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp.
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: FREE STORY & ART TIME AT EDEN PRAIRIE ART CENTER
Staring Lake Park Building, Eden Prairie, MN
Drop in for storytime & an art project. Ages 2-6 years. October 17, 2022, 10-11am. FREE.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR MONDAY:
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. Reserve space 2 days prior. October 17, 2022, $6/pp.
Fun Things to do in the Twin cities on Tuesday, October 18, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN GYMS ON TUESDAY:
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.
- 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)
- 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. October 18, 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: 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: Theater Explorers Storytime at George Latimer Central Library
90 West 4th Street, Saint Paul MN 55102
Teaching artists from Steppingstone Theatre for Youth provide stories, songs and play and art stations to explore independently. October 18, 2022, 10-11:30am, FREE.
More family fun ideas for Tuesday:
MALL OF AMERICA TODDLER TUESDAYS
This week features features a teddy bear clinic with Gillette Children’s. Meet at the Rotunda. Plus, on Toddler Tuesdays you can purchase an unlimited ride wristband for Nickelodeon Universe for just $15 and kids eat free at participating restaurants w/ purchase of an adult meal. October 18, 2022, 11am-12pm.
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, October 19, 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)
- 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 19, 2022. Preschool open gym: Wednesdays & Fridays: 9:30 – 11:30am. Pre-register: $8/child; $10/family ($10/$15 at the door).
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.
Wednesday featured storytime: storytime at RED BALLOON BOOKSHOP
891 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
We love to feature independent bookshops and encourage you to explore and support them. Red Balloon offers baby & toddler storytime each Wednesday. Get there early for the best seating! October 19, 2022, 10:30am.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday:
Twin Cities Halloween Events
Mini Pumpkin Party at Silverwood park
2500 County Rd E St. Anthony, Minnesota 55421
Price includes one miniature pumpkin, tools, decorating materials and refreshments. All you need to bring is your inspiration. October 19, 2022, drop in anytime from 6 to 8PM. $5/pp.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, October 20, 2022
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 THURSDAYS:
- 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)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, 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: Twin Cities Halloween Events
DULUTH & CASE HALLOWEEN PARTY
Duluth & Case Recreation Center, 1020 Duluth St, St Paul, MN 55106
Games, arts and crafts and a bounce house. Wear your Halloween costume! October 20, 2022, 6-7:30pm, FREE.
PALACE HALLOWEEN PARTY
Palace Community Center, 781 Palace Ave, St Paul, MN 55102.
Halloween party with games and crafts for kids of all ages. October 20, 2022, 6pm-8pm. Register here.
HALLOWEEN 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 farmers-market style treats. October 20, 2022, 3pm-6pm. FREE.
PAINT A PUMPKIN AT LINDEN HILLS
Linden Hills Park, 3100 43rd St W., Minneapolis, MN, US 55410
Parent-child program for kids ages 3-6 to paint a real pumpkin for Halloween. Paint and equipment provided. The event for ages 3-6 is 10:30-11:30am and the event for ages 6-13 is 2-3pm. $8-$12/depending on residence.
FAMILY PUMPKIN CARVING NIGHT AT BRYANT SQUARE
Bryant Square Park, 3101 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Carve pumpkins at the park and leave the mess behind. This is an outdoor event, dress for the weather. October 20, 2022, 6pm-7:30pm. $20-$30/depending on residence (we’re assuming at this price, admission includes pumpkins for the family).
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 21, 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.)
- 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 21, 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: Story trails in the park
Thompson County Park, 360 Butler Ave E, West St Paul, MN 55118
Take a self-guided walk at Thompson County Park while reading picture book pages displayed along the trail. The park features a pretty sweet playground to round out your afternoon! October 21, 2022. All day during park hours.
More family fun ideas for Friday:
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!
Twin Cities Halloween Events
FLASHLIGHT PUMPKIN HUNT & 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 21, 2022, 7-8:30pm. $20/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 21, 2022, 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 21, 2022, 6:30-9:00pm. $9-$12/pp, pre-registration required.
STEP INTO THE STORY: THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW BY WASHINGTON IRVING
The Landing, 2187 Highway 101, Shakopee, MN 55379
Families can explore the path of Ichabod Crane and decide for yourself if he really did encounter the mysterious horseman then make a related craft. October 21, 2022, 6-8pm. $12/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 22-23, 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:
- ANOKA: HALLOWEEN LIGHT UP THE NIGHT PARADE
- FARMINGTON: STAR WARS READS DAY
- MINNEAPOLIS: BIKE RODEO AT MISSISSIPPI GATEWAY REGIONAL PARK
- OSSEO: TRICK OR TREAT ON MAIN STREET
FIND TONS MORE KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS ON OUR TWIN CITIES FAMILY FUN CALENDAR!