Twin Cities Guide To Family Activities This Week: October 23-27, 2023

Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!

This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of October 23-27, 2023. 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 23, 2023 

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

Tot Time Open Gyms on Monday:

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!

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 $8/child; parents and babies under 18 months free.
Open play 9am-4pm.

Millz House Indoor Playground in Minnesota
Millz House, Apple Valley

Twin Cities Storytimes on Monday:

More family fun ideas for Monday: Twin Cities Halloween events

Anoka Halloween Movie Night: Addams Family Values

George Green Park, 1498 6th Ave S., Anoka, MN 55303
Bring your own seating and snacks for a movie in the park. October 23, 2023, movie start time: 5pm. FREE.

Minnetonka Orchards Boo Bash – rescheduled to October 29!

6480 County Rd 26, Minnetrista, MN 55364
Kids are encouraged to come in costume to trick-or-treat around the orchard, bouncy house, DJ dance party, games and  prizes, and pumpkin decorating. October 23, 2023, 12-5pm. $7-$10/pp.

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 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

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.

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 24, 2023, 9am-12pm. $5/child.

FIND OUR GIANT LIST OF SUPER FUN INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES WHEN IT’S NOT QUITE PARK WEATHER!

The Blast Indoor Playground at Eagan Central Park, Eagan Minnesota

Twin Cities Storytimes on Tuesday:

TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Stories From the Porch at Eidem Farm

4345 101st Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
FINAL WEEK! Bring your blanket to spread out and listen as children’s stories are read aloud, then stay to explore the farm and meet the animals. October 24, 2023, 11am storytime. FREE.

Eidem Homestead

Visit Como Planetarium – Public Tuesday Nights

780 W Wheelock Pkwy #1315, St Paul, MN 55117
Two educational & entertaining shows to choose from, one featuring Big Bird & Elmo from Sesame Street and one for older kids & adults about black holes. Pre-K kids with their family: register for the 5:30pm show. activities. General audiences: register for the 7pm show. October 24, 2023. $6-8/pp.

More family fun ideas for Tuesday: Twin Cities Halloween events

Hazel Park Halloween 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. October 24, 2023, 6pm-7:30pm. FREE.

Lunds & Byerly’s Boo Blast & Fall Festivals

Whether your local store calls it Boo Blast or Fall Festival, kids can dress up, troll for treats and enjoy other activities. Find your local store from the following lineup:

  • Bloomington | 4-7 pm
  • Eden Prairie | 4-7 pm
  • Golden Valley | 4-7pm
  • Navarre | 4-7pm
  • Richfield | 4-6:30pm

More indoor fun: Indoor games for kids

Gearing up for a week 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.

List of Indoor Games & Activities for Kids - Boredom Busters for All Ages

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

Tot Time Open Gyms on Wednesday:

WEDNESDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM: 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. October 25, 2023. 12-3pm, $8/child. 400 10th St NW, New Brighton, MN 55112.

Twin Cities Storytimes on Wednesday:

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. October 25, 2023, 10:30-11:30am. FREE.

Find our extensive list of Twin Cities Nature Centers & Outdoor Interpretive Centers to explore this fall!
Girls exploring at the Oakdale Discovery Center in Oakdale Minnesota

More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Arts & crafts

Heartfelt Crafts Preschool Fall Festival

4306 Upton Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
The seasonal festivaloffers a simple craft or two for the kids and their adult plus
a wholesome snack. This month’s theme is a pumpkin festival. To get an idea of Heartfelt’s fall craft lineup, browse hereOctober 25, 2023. $24/first child, $12/additional. Please register in advance.

Twin Cities Halloween events by city:

Minneapolis: Parent & Child-Halloween Candy Scene with Kidcreate Studio

Folwell Park, 1615 N Dowling Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55412.
For kids 5 to 12 with a parent, make a spooky graveyard scene made out of candy. October 25, 2023, 6:30-8pm. $30; Registration required.

Oak Grove: Grove Kids Trunk or Treat

Oak Grove Church, 5920 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55422
Decorated cars will fill the parking lot of the church for kids to trunk-or-treat, plus games, candy, hot drinks, inflatables and food trucks. October 25, 2023, 5:30pm-7:30pm. FREE.

St Paul: McDonough Recreation Center Halloween Party

1544 Timberlake Rd, St Paul, MN 55117.
Includes Halloween games, crafts and fun! Costumes encouraged. October 25, 2023, 6pm-7:30pm. No registration. FREE.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

Tot Time Open Gym on Thursday:

THURSDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: Andover Community Center Tot Time 

15200 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
HALLOWEEN EVENT TODAY! Kids ages 6 & under can drop in for free play time and fire safety tips with the Andover Fire Department. Feel free to wear your Halloween costume! October 26, 2023, 9:30-11:30am. $5/child.

Twin Cities Storytimes on Thursday:

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 26, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.

KIDDYWAMPUS HOPKINS: This location hosts its storytime (“Jump in a Book with Jen”) on Wednesdays at 10:30am.

Lantern-lit Trail Nights at Richardson Natuer Center

8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Take am evening stroll along a half-mile illuminated trail near Richardson Nature Center. Families can read along with a story stroll then stop by the nature center to explore indoors. October 26, 2023, drop in between 6pm & 8pm. FREE.

Lil’ Explorer Thursday at Como Zoo

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
The beloved (at least by my family) preschool program offers weekly themed activities to the 4-and-under set. Think sand tables, sponge painting, worm digs and storytimes. October 26, 2023, 10am-12pm. FREE.

Vadnais Heights Community Scarecrow Trail

Community Park, 641 E County Rd F, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
STARTS TODAY! Stroll along the Scarecrow Trail, take pictures with the funniest or most creative, and vote for your favorite before you leave. October 26, 2023, during open park hours.

Twin Cities Halloween events by city:

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 26, 2023, 4-5:30pm or 5:30-7pm, $10/child. Registration required.

Minneapolis: Harrison Park Trick-or-Treat

503 N Irving Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Games and fun, plenty of snacks, candy, and treat bags for those 15 years old and under. October 26, 2023, 6-8pm. FREE.

Minneapolis: Lyndale Farmstead Park Preschool Halloween Party

3900 Bryant Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409
A special parent-child trick-or-treat party with tricks and treats, games and music. Costumes welcome. Ages 0-6. Pre-registration is required. October 26, 2023, 10:30am-noon. FREE.

Minneapolis: North Commons Trick-or-Treat

1801 N James Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Games, snacks, trick-or-treating and entertainment for those 15 years of age & under. October 26, 2023, 5-7pm. FREE.

Minneapolis: Powederhorn Park Preschool Halloween for Mummies & Monsters

3400 15th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55407.
Open gym for kids to run, ride and play with seasonal crafts and treats. Costumes encouraged. Open to all ages, but aimed at preschool kids with parents. October 26, 2023, 10-30am-noon. FREE.

Robbinsdale: Give & Get Trick-or-Treat

W Broadway Ave, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
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. 4-6pm.

St Paul: Halloween Party at El Rio Vista Recreation Center 

179 Robie St. E., Saint Paul, MN 55107
Includes Halloween games, crafts and fun! Costumes encouraged. October 26, 2023, 6pm-7:30pm. No registration. 

Lunds & Byerly’s Boo Blast & Fall Festivals

  • Apple Valley | 4-7pm
  • Burnsville | 4-7 pm
  • Chanhassen | 4-7 pm
  • Eagan | 4-7 pm
  • Edina, France Avenue | 4-7 pm
  • Maple Grove | 4-7pm
  • Roseville | 4-7pm
  • White Bear Lake | 4-7pm

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

Tot Time Open Gyms on Friday:

FRIDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM: 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 Friday mornings this fall:

Indoor Toddler Activities

Twin Cities Storytimes on Friday:

FRIDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Storytime at the Minnesota Landscape Arborteum 

3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318
The Arb is a beautiful place to spend time year-round and very much in the fall when the grounds are decorated with pumpkins, scarecrows and fall colors. Storytime is currently held at the Andersen Horticultural Library. Free with with Arb admission October 27, 2023, kids are free, adults $15.

child and mother playing in the crabapple trees at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Wizard Craft & Fantastic Beasts at the Raptor Center

1920 Fitch Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108
Create a magic wand and potion while learning about some of the Raptor Center’s fantastical resident rescue birds. Two program sessions, one starting at 5:15PM and the other at 6:15PM. October 27, 2023. $8/adults, $3/kids.

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 WALDOCH FARM PUMPKIN PATCH & CORN MAZE. Your ticket to the Joyer Adventure Farm includes a massive amount of fall fun activities for kids of all ages. Ages 3+ $14.99/weekdays and $17.99/weekends. Online ticket purchase required. 8174 Lake Dr, Lino Lakes, MN 55014.

Explore our huge list of the best Twin Cities pumpkin patches!

Girl in a wagon full of pumpkins at Waldoch Farm in Lino Lakes Minnesota
Waldoch Farm

Twin Cities Halloween events by city:

Afton: Trunk or Treat at Memorial Lutheran Church

15730 Afton Blvd S, Afton MN
The St. Croix Fire Department will be there to entertain while you walk through a parking lot filled with cars and candy at this trunk-or-treat. October 27, 2023, 5-6:30pm. FREE.

Anoka: Halloween Big Parade of Little People

Anoka Main Street, 1922 1st Ave. S., Anoka, MN 55303
Local school kids don their costumes and march through historic Downtown Anoka. October 27, 2023, 1:15pm-2:15pm.

Brooklyn Park: Ghostly Gala

5600 85th Ave. N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Enjoy pizza, games, prizes, music, dancing, and a costume contest. All ages & abilities welcomed. October 27, 2023, 5:30-8pm. $10 advance; $15 door.

Burnsville: Halloween Fest

12550 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, MN, 55337
Family-friendly event includes an illuminated trick-or-treat trail, family entertainment and candy. Wear a costume. October 27, 2023, 6pm-8pm. $5/pp. 

Farmington: Halloween Walk

Dodge Middle School, 4200 208th St W, Farmington, MN 55024
Kids dress up and stroll through non-scary, Halloween-themed stations that promote local businesses and groups, collecting candy. October 27, 2023, 5:30-7pm. FREE.

Hastings: Community Halloween Party

Hastings High School Parking Lot, 200  General Sieben Drive, Hastings, MN 55033
Activity stations, DJ music, games, inflatable obstacle course, costume contest and food trucks onsite. October 27, 2023, 6pm-8pm. Freewill offering appreciated.

Inver Grove Heights: Ghostly Gathering 

8150 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
Family-friendly, non-scary event for kids ages 4-12, with trick-or-treating, activities, photo booth and a DJ. Preregistration is required. October 27, 2023, 5:30-7:30pm. $8/child.

Lino Lakes: Wargo Nature Center Little Goblins Costume Party

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 27, 2023, 6:30-8pm. $10/pp plus tax.

Minneapolis: Bare Bones Halloween Extravaganza

Midtown Greenway, 2828 11th Avenue S, Mpls, MN 55407,
The annual Halloween puppet extravaganza is back to its traditional glory. Dress warm and bring your own seating.  7pm-8pm. $20/pp recommended donation. 

Minneapolis: Midtown Global Market Not-So-Scary 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 27, 2023, 5-7pm. 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 27, 2023, 5-8pm. FREE.

Plymouth: Halloween at the Lake

Parkers Lake Playfield, 15500 County Rd 6, Plymouth, MN 55447
Annual Halloween event with treats and  family fun. Costumes encouraged. October 27, 2023, 5-8pm. FREE.

St Louis Park: Goblins on Ice

3700 Monterey Dr, St Louis Park, MN 55416
Free indoor or outdoor Halloween skating event. Free rental skates are available and costumes welcome. The event is for all ages. October 27, 2023, 12pm-1:30pm. FREE.

St Paul: Minnesota Children’s Museum Halloween Spooktacular

10 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102
Trick-or-treat in the galleries, enjoy other themed activities, including a DJ dance party, games and play in the museum’s super fun exhibits. Admission includes a trick-or-treat bag and a night of not-so-scary Halloween fun as well as access to the museum galleries. October 27, 2023, 6-9pm. $8-$25/pp.

St Paul: Northwest Como Halloween Bonfire

1550 Hamline Ave N, St Paul, MN 55108
Bonfire, outdoor activities and crafts. Costumes encouraged. October 27, 2023, no registration required. 6pm-8pm. FREE.

St Paul: Phalen Park Halloween Spooktacular Bash

1000 E Wheelock Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55106
Games, a spooky arts and craft project, treats and a movie. October 27, 2023, 5:30-9pm.

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. Food truck on site. October 27, 2023, 5pm-7pm. FREE.

FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, OCTOBER 28-29, 2023

Too many fun things to list here, I’ll tell you that. Halloween is practically upon us this weekend! 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!

weekend family fun guide

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