Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of October 2-6, 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 the following 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 2, 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:
- 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: 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.
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, Plymouth & Westonka library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Rondo library.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland, Mahtomedi, Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
MONDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Puppet Storytime at Westwood Nature Center
8300 W Franklin Ave, St Louis Park, MN 55426
Open play and exploration of Westwood Hills Nature Center, naturalist-led activities, puppet show and a hike. October 2, 2023. 10am-11am, $5/person. Registration required.
More family fun ideas for Monday: Indoor play
Children’s Pool Hours at Great River Water Park
270 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104
Monday, Wednesday and Friday hours are “children’s pool only” from 9am-10am at this perfect little indoor splash spot. And admission isn’t bad either – $7/pp or $25 for a group of 5. October 2, 2023.
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.
Anoka Small People Big Trucks Event
Castle Field parking lot, 600 Castle Field Blvd, Anoka MN
According to the press release you can explore a loader, excavator, plow truck, backhoe, fire truck and electric bucket truck with city workers. Exciting! October 2, 2023, 11:30am-1:30pm. FREE.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2023
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.
Tot Time Open Gyms on Tuesday:
- 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 3, 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 & South St Paul libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Maple Grove & 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 Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park
9653 Keats Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
A special outdoor storytime at the park that coincides with Free First Tuesday in Washington County Parks. Indoor craft or activity to follow. Dress for the elements, however in the case of extreme weather, stories will be inside Ravine Landing. October 3, 2023, 10:30am. FREE. More Washington County parks you can explore free today include:
- BIG MARINE PARK RESERVE (Marine-on-St Croix, MN)
- ST CROIX BLUFFS REGIONAL PARK (Hastings)
- SQUARE LAKE PARK (Stillwater)
- PINE POINT PARK (Stillwater)
- LAKE ELMO PARK RESERVE (Lake Elmo)
- Point Douglas Park (Hastings)
More family fun ideas for Tuesday: Indoor activities
Open Climbing at Base Camp
6202 Bloomington Rd, St Paul, MN 55111
Open rock climbing is available on climbing walls inspired by the natural rock face of the St. Croix River bluffs near Taylors Falls. There are 16 routes to try between 24 and 32 feet high. It is required that youth are accompanied by an adult who is able to belay for them at the climbing wall. Open archery may be available too. Register at the link. October 3, 2023, 6-9pm. $10/participant (adult spotters free).
Try a new indoor playground
Writing this after a string of gray and rainy days, it’s time to share our stock of information on indoor play areas. We list more than 25 of these creative spaces to burn off energy around town on our TWIN CITIES INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS & PLAY AREAS GUIDE. Here’s an idea from the north metro: The K.U.B.E INDOOR PLAYGROUND in Plymouth brings backyard fun indoors with playhouses, ramps, spiral slide, towers with ladders and more. Best for ages 2-12. $6/child. Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Avenue North, Plymouth, MN 55447.
Fall Bonfire at Linwood Recreation Center
860 St Clair Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105
Warm up at the bonfire and roast free smores. October 3, 2023, 6-7pm. FREE.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 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 4, 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, South St Paul & West St Paul Wentworth libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Minneapolis Central, Minnetonka, Rogers, 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 & 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 4, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
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!
More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Indoor activities
Tots & Trains at Jackson Street Roundhouse
193 Pennsylvania Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55130
Your little train lovers will go nuts for this playdate! Tinker around with train tables and interactive displays. Run through real passenger train cars. Create a craft to take home and listen to a transportation-themed story. Coffee for adults! October 4, 2023, 10am-12pm. $10-$13/pp or $35/family pack.
WHERE ELSE CAN I BRING A KID WHO LOVES TRAINS IN THE TWIN CITIES?
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023
Tot Time Open Gym on Thursdays:
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/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, Circle Pines Centennial & Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Wescott, Farmington, Pleasant Hill & West St Paul Wentworth libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Augsburg Park, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Oxboro, Plymouth & 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 5, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
KIDDYWAMPUS HOPKINS: This location hosts its storytime (“Jump in a Book with Jen”) on Wednesdays at 10:30am.
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 5, 2023, 10am-12pm. FREE!
More family fun ideas for Thursday: Fall community bonfires
Tour de Rec: Smores & Stories
Thompson County Park, 1200 Stassen Ln, West St Paul, MN 55118
Staff will set up activities and equipment for youth to enjoy: tonight it’s a bonfire with treats. If weather is questionable, please call 651-259-2671 to hear the status of the program. Program is for ages 6-12. October 5, 2023, 6-7pm, FREE.
Fall Bonfire at Highland Park
1978 Ford Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55116
A bonfire open to all complete with smores, activities for kids and music. October 5, 2023, 6:30-8:30pm. FREE.
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 8-14, 2023.) October 5, 2023; 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 6, 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 $8/child or $10/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 TOT TIME: SkyZone Little Leapers
SkyZone Trampoline Park, 2015 Silver Bell Road, Suite 195, Eagan, MN 55122
Kids up to 6 years get a special jump time separate from the big kids. Yours will love the trampolines, foam pit and soft play area as much as mine do! October 6, 2023, 90-min sessions from 9-10:30am. $17.99/child plus $3 re-useable jump socks.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Friday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Fridley Mississippi libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America & Waconia branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington & Inver Hills Inver Glen libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Bloomington Penn Lake, Bottineau, East Lake, Eden Prairie, Maple Plain, Ridgedale, Roosevelt & Walker library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & White Bear Lake branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Merriam Park library.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
Visit a Twin Cities fall festival
Get ready for a bumper crop of Twin Cities fall festivals this month (and into October), bursting with classic activities for families like hayrides, corn pits, pumpkin patches, mazes and petting farms. This week’s recommendation:
Anoka County Farms
125 Bunker Blvd., Ham Lake, MN 55304
Fall activities include hayrides, pedal tractors, a play area and lots more. Get your pumpkins from the patch! Concessions are also available weekends with “State Fair” inspired food. Weekends: 10am-6pm; Tues-Fri: 4-7pm. $5/pp with many fun fall activities included in the price. Cash only, no checks or credit cards accepted at the farm.
Twin Cities Early Halloween Events
Robbinsdale Birdtown Boo Bash
Sanborn Park, 4242 Drew Avenue N. Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Crafts, treats, games, storytime, dress up for a costume contest and watch Despicable Me 2. October 6, 2023. Event begins 5pm & 7pm movie. FREE.
Lilli Putt Haunted Glow Golf
Find more Twin Cities FREE Halloween Events!
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, OCTOBER 7-8, 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:
- EDEN PRAIRIE: CITY-WIDE OPEN HOUSE (BIG TRUCKS & EQUIPMENT)
- WATERTOWN: CONCERT IN THE COUNTRY AT LUCECLINE APPLE ORCHARD
FIND TONS MORE KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS ON OUR TWIN CITIES FAMILY FUN CALENDAR!