Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of October 3-7, 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!)
"BEST OF" The Twin Cities: October
Fun Things to do in the Twin cities on Monday, October 3, 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)
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.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR MONDAY:
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 3, 2022, 10-11am. FREE.
Fun Things to do in the Twin cities on Tuesday, October 4, 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)
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 4, 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.
SPECIAL FEATURE! 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 4, 2022, 10-11:30am, FREE.
More family fun ideas for Tuesday:
Twin Cities ballet “Dance with me” event
Lakeville Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Avenue, Lakeville MN 55044
A fun-filled and highly interactive mini-show, where kids can dance alongside TCB’s professionals, and watch them perform in full costume. October 4, 2022, 10:30am. $6/pp, reserve your tickets.
MALL OF AMERICA TODDLER TUESDAYS
This week, Santiago & his crew perform a pirate show and host a meet-and-greet. Meet at the Rotunda. October 4, 2022, 11am-12pm. FREE!
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 5, 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)
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 5, 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.
SPECIAL FEATURE! 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 5, 2022, 10:30am.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday:
Discover a new nature playground
Elm Creek Park Reserve, 13351 Elm Creek Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
While we still can savor the autumn afternoons! The nature play area is just one of many things to visit within the sprawling ELM CREEK PARK RESERVE. Just a short walk from the nature center building you’ll find the typical elements for nature play plus a log seesaw and a sweet little outdoor play kitchen set. You’ll likely find this spot much less crowded than the giant (but fun!) ELM CREEK PARK RESERVE PLAY AREA.
Find more twin cities nature playgrounds to visit this fall!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, October 6, 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.
MORE Family fun ideas for Thursday: Fire Prevention Week Activities
EXCELSIOR FIRE DISTRICT OPEN HOUSE
24100 Smithtown Rd, Shorewood, MN 55331
Hey kids! Come take a ride on a fire truck! In addition, families can participate in activities, watch demonstrations and see displays related to fire safety. (Fire Safety Week is officially October 9-15, 2022.) October 6, 2022; 5:30-8pm. FREE.
Be prepared and find more upcoming Fire Prevention Week events in the Twin Cities!
Pictured here are some of the FFTC Team Kids on a visit to the MINNESOTA FIREFIGHTERS HALL & MUSEUM. Unfortunately, the museum no longer offers fire truck rides, but the exhibits are hands-on and these kids had a great visit. The website is a little tricky to follow but their social media page lists open hours the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. Admission is $5-$8/pp.
Visit a fall farmers market on Thursday
MAPLE GROVE FARMERS MARKET
Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
On Thursdays, the Kids POP Club allows kids ages 4-12 to receive a $2 token to spend on fresh produce. Make a day in Maple Grove: The community center is a stone’s throw from the awesome Central Park of Maple Grove playground and green space. Hit this one up while there’s still plenty of sunshine! Farmers market runs 3-6pm on Thursdays.
MORE FUN IN MAPLE GROVE: 10 BEST PARKS IN MAPLE GROVE, MINNESOTA.
Fun things to do in the Twin cities on Friday, October 7, 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)
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 7, 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.
Special feature! Story Trail at Vermillion Falls Park
Vermillion Falls Park, 215 21st Street E, Hastings, MN 55033
Follow the giant picture book pages to both read a story together and explore a local park in Hastings with an exciting waterfall. The Vermillion River and its thundering waterfall gorge are among the top reasons to spend a day in Hastings. Take along our list of the BEST THINGS TO DO IN HASTINGS, MINNESOTA, WITH KIDS to get planning! October 7, 2022. Self-guided, all day. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Friday:
VISIT A TWIN CITIES APPLE ORCHARD
Sorry to say folks, but the clock is ticking for apple orchard season already. Browse our list of the BEST TWIN CITIES APPLE ORCHARDS to get planning for a sweet time while you can. This week, our featured apple orchard is PINE TREE APPLE ORCHARD near White Bear Lake. You don’t pick-your-own here, but your little ones should love exploring the big red retail barn and watching the equipment run. Outdoors you’ll find an orchard trail, a corn maze and a pumpkin patch (weekdays starting October 5). 450 Apple Orchard Rd, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. FREE admission, small fee for maze.
Twin Cities Early Halloween Events
PUMPKIN FEST at Tiny Diner
Tiny Diner, 1024 E 38th St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
FRIDAY DINNER IDEA! Kids can paint pumpkins, listen to live music, face painting, fall treats and drinks and pick-your-own pumpkins. While you’re at this highly kid-friendly restaurant, enjoy reasonably-priced meals for kids 12 & under. October 7, 2022, 4pm. FREE.
SPOOKY SANBORN
Sanborn Park, 4242 Drew Avenue N. Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Trunk or Treat from 5pm-6pm; listen to No So Spooky Stories, participate in crafts and a pumpkin carving contest; dress up for a costume contest, watch Frankenweenie. October 7, 2022. Event begins 5pm & 7pm movie. FREE.
Find more Twin Cities FREE Halloween Events!
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, OCTOBER 8-9, 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: CITY-WIDE OPEN HOUSE (BIG TRUCKS & EQUIPMENT)
- MAHTOMEDI: PUNKINMANIA FESTIVAL
- WATERTOWN: CONCERT IN THE COUNTRY AT LUCECLINE APPLE ORCHARD
FIND TONS MORE KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS ON OUR TWIN CITIES FAMILY FUN CALENDAR!