Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of October 24-28, 2022. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY 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 24, 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 24, 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 24, 2022, $6/pp.
Fun Things to do in the Twin cities on Tuesday, October 25, 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 25, 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 25, 2022, 10-11:30am, FREE.
More family fun ideas for Tuesday:
KidsJam with Schubert Club Museum
Landmark Center, 75 W 5th St, St Paul, MN 55102
This month, kids can listen to and learn about the rhythms of Haitian music and its culture. They’ll craft their own folk instrument and play along with the ensemble Afoutayi. The SCHUBERT CLUB MUSIC MUSEUM is hands-on fun our own kids have enjoyed. October 25 (& 26), 2022. $5/participant, registration required.
MY PRESCHOOLER AND ME: PUPPET ESCAPADES – PUMPKINS GALORE
Eastman Nature Center, 13351 Elm Creek Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Parent-child activity for kids ages 3-5 includes a puppet show and outdoor activities with a pumpkin theme. October 25, 2022, 10am-11am. $5/pp.
Twin Cities Halloween Events this Tuesday
HAZEL PARK TRUNK OR TREAT DRIVE THRU
Hazel Park, 945 Hazel St. N., Saint Paul, MN 55119.
Vehicle line starts at Case Avenue. Families drive up to each table in their vehicle to receive candy. No walkers or cyclists or any registration required. October 25, 2022, 6pm-7:30pm. FREE!
MOVIE NIGHTS IN THE PARK – HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA II / ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES
George Green Park, 1498 S 6th Ave, Anoka, MN 55303
Bring your own chairs, blankets and snacks for a Halloween double feature in the park. October 25, 2022, 6:30-9:30pm.
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 Wednesday, October 26, 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 26, 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: HALLOWEEN STORYTIME AND COSTUME PARADE
Burnhaven Library, 1101 County Rd 42 W, Burnsville, MN 55306
Halloween-themed, but not scary, story time, with songs, stories, crafts and a short movie, followed by a costume parade. Ages: 2–6 (siblings welcome). October 26, 2022.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Twin Cities Halloween Events
LORING PARK HALLOWEEN TREASURE HUNT
Loring Park, 1382 Willow St, Loring Park, Minneapolis, MN 55403.
Find the treasure, report back with the secret code and get a prize. Learn more here. October 26, 2022. 6pm-7:30pm. FREE!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, October 27, 2022
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.
Twin Cities Halloween Events this thursday! By City:
Bloomington: HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA
Creekside Community Center, 9801 Penn Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55431
Bingo and Halloween fun. October 27, 2022, 9am-3pm. Free, but registration required.
Edina: HALLOBOO TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL
Edinborough Park, 7700 York Ave S, Edina, MN 55435.
Trick-or-treating, games and family fun throughout Adventure Peak and the Great Hall. October 27, 2022, 4-5:30pm or 6-7:30pm, $10/child.
Minneapolis: HARRISON HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREAT
Harrison Park, 503 Irving Ave N., Minneapolis, MN 55405.
Kids are encouraged to wear comments. Participate in activities, games, giveaways, inflatables and face painting and tons of fun costumes to see. Best for ages 5-14. October 27, 2022, 6pm-8pm. Pre-registration available. FREE!
ROBBINSDALE: GIVE & GET TRICK-OR-TREAT
Kids up to 12 can dress up and trick-or-treat at local businesses on Broadway with the donation of a non-perishable food item. October 27, 2022, 4-6pm. FREE!
Fun things to do in the Twin cities on Friday, October 28, 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 28, 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
Spring Lake Park Reserve, 8395 127th St. E., Hastings
Take a self-guided walk at SPRING LAKE PARK RESERVE while reading picture book pages displayed along the trail. The park features a playground, picnic space, walking trails and, best of all, an awesome bluff-top view of the Mississippi River. If you’ve got a pair, bring binoculars to see if you can spot an eagle! October 28, 2022. All day during park hours.
More family fun ideas for Friday:
LAST CHANCE! VISIT A TWIN CITIES Pumpkin Patch
We’ve arrived at “last chance weekend” 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
Explore our huge list of the best Twin Cities Pumpkin Patches!
Twin Cities Halloween Events This Friday! BY CITY:
Burnsville: HALLOWEEN FEST ON THE GO
Lac Lavon Park, 15501 Lac Lavon Drive, Burnsville, MN 55337
Family-friendly event includes a drive-thru illuminated trick-or-treat trail. Space is limited – register early. October 28, 2022, $15/car.
Farmington: HALLOWEEN WALK & SKATE
Dodge Middle School, 4200 208th St W, Farmington, MN 55024
Kids dress up and stroll through non-scary, Halloween-themed stations, collecting candy. A FREE open skate follows at Schmitz-Maki Arena. Friday, Oct. 28, 2022.
Inver Grove Heights: GHOSTLY GATHERING
Veterans Memorial Community Center, 8150 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights, MN
Family-friendly, non-scary event for kids ages 4-12, with trick-or-treating, activities, photo booth and a DJ. Preregistration is required. October 28, 2022, 5:30-7pm. $8/child.
Lino Lakes: LITTLE GOBLINS COSTUME PARTY
Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St, Lino Lakes, MN 55038
For kids 8 and under, carnival games, crafts, refreshments and photo opps. Costumes encouraged. Pre-registration required. October 28, 2022, 6:30-8pm. $10/pp plus tax.
MINNEAPOLIS: TRICK OR TREAT HALLOWEEN PARTY
Pearl Park, 414 Diamond Lake Rd E, Minneapolis, MN, US 55419.
Trick or treat trail, costume parade, freeze dance, games and crafts. Best for kids 12 and under. Pre-registration available. October 28, 2022, 5:30-7:30pm. FREE!
Minneapolis: MIDTOWN GLOBAL MARKET TRICK-OR-TREAT
920 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
A special Family Friday edition where kids can trick-or-treat at participating market vendors. October 28, 2022, 5-7pm. FREE!
Minneapolis: MATTHEWS PARK HALLOWEEN PARTY AND PARADE
Matthews Park, 2318 29th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406.
Tricks and treats, games and goodies and a parade at 5pm sharp. October 28, 2022, 5-6:30pm. FREE!
Minnetonka: BURWELL HOUSE SPOOKTACULAR FESTIVAL
Charles H. Burwell House, 13209 E McGinty Rd E, Minnetonka, MN 55305
Take a spooky scavenger hunt, do crafts, listen to the storyteller, take a tour of the Burwell House, and build and race a pirate ship. October 28, 2022, 5-8pm. FREE!
St Paul: BATTLE CREEK DRIVE THRU HALLOWEEN PARTY
Battle Creek Rec Center, 75 Winthrop St S, St Paul, MN 55119.
Drive thru for treats and other gifts from community partners. No registration required. October 28, 2022, 6pm-8pm. FREE!
St Paul: NORTHWEST COMO HALLOWEEN BONFIRE
Northwest Como Rec Center, 1550 Hamline Ave N, St Paul, MN 55108.
Bonfire, outdoor activities and crafts. Costumes encouraged. No registration required. October 28, 2022, 6pm-8pm. FREE!
PLYMOUTH: HALLOWEEN AT THE LAKE
Parkers Lake Playfield, 15500 County Rd 6, Plymouth, MN 55447
Kids can get close up looks at first-responder vehicles, get treats and participate in family fun. Costumes encouraged. October 28, 2022. FREE!
St Paul: MJM HALLOWEEN BASH
Martin Luther King Recreation Center, 271 N Mackubin St, St Paul, MN 55102
Merriam Park, Jimmy Lee, MLK Rec Centers celebrate together with food, games and more. Costumes encouraged. No registration required. October 28, 2022, 5-7pm. FREE!
St Paul: PHALEN PARK HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR BASH
Phalen Recreation Center, 1000 E Wheelock Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55106
Games, a spooky arts and craft project, treats and a movie. October 28, 2022, 5:30-9pm. FREE!
VADNAIS HEIGHTS: HALLOWEEN PARTY
Community Park, 641 E County Rd F, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
Costume parade along the Scarecrow Trail, followed by games and treats on the softball field. Dress for outdoors. October 28, 2022, 5pm-7pm. FREE!
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, OCTOBER 29-30, 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:
FIND TONS MORE KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS ON OUR TWIN CITIES FAMILY FUN CALENDAR!