Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of October 30-November 3, 2023 – the week of Halloween!. 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 NOVEMBER FAMILY GUIDE 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 30, 2023
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!
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (Tot Time, 9:30-11:30am, $5/child)
- 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)
- 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)
- SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY CENTER (Kids Playtime, 9:30-11:30am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
MONDAY 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 a craft. Feel free to wear your Halloween costume! October 30, 2023, 9:30-11:30am. $5/child.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Monday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids Crooked Lake & Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Chanhassen & Victoria branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Baby storytime at Galaxie library.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Eden Prairie & Westonka libraries.
- 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: Costume Parade & Storytime at Rum River Library
4201 6th Ave, Anoka, MN 55303
After a not-so-scary story, kids can show off their costumes in a parade around the library.
Twin Cities Halloween events
Minneapolis is spooky city when it comes to kids Halloween parties. You can choose from free gatherings with all the treats, games and costume parades at the following community parks:
Logan Park Tiny Tot Halloween Party
Logan Rec Center, 690 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
During Logan’s regular indoor playground time for kids up to age 6 with the addition of a Halloween themed bounce house, snacks, refreshments, treat bags, & coffee. October 30, 2023, 10am-noon. FREE.
Pearl Park Halloween Costume Parade
Pearl Park, 414 Diamond Lake Rd E, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Halloween costume parade, freeze dance, and treats. Best for kids 10 and under with parents. October 30, 2023, 5:30-7pm. FREE.
Matthews Park Halloween Party and Parade
Matthews Park, 2318 29th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Tricks and treats, games and goodies. Seward neighborhood parade starts at 5pm. Party goes until 6:30pm. October 30, 2023.
With lots more fun to come – can you stand the suspense? Check our guide to all the family Halloween fun in the Twin Cities to prepare. If you dare.
Fun things to do in the Twin cities on Tuesday, October 31, 2023
It’s Halloween in the Twin Cities!
Most of the community Halloween parties and events take place the weekend before, but there’s still plenty to do on October 31st, a Tuesday this year. If you dare, browse some ideas for only slightly spooky Halloween fun:
- TWIN CITIES HALLOWEEN TRUNK-OR-TREAT EVENTS
- FREE HALLOWEEN PARTIES WITH MINNEAPOLIS PARKS
- FALL FESTIVAL AT WEST MINNEHAHA REC CENTER, St Paul
- MALL-O-WEEN AT MALL OF AMERICA (free event)
- BAREBONES HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA, St Paul (best for tweens & teens, $20)
Mall of America Toddler Tuesday Halloween Treat Trail
Purchase your toddler’s discounted ride wristband for Nickelodeon Universe ($14.99) and in addition to unlimited select rides, kiddos can trick-or-treat around the amusement park from 10am-12pm.
Tot Time Open Gyms on Tuesday:
Tot Time open gyms across the Twin Cities are absolutely a saving grace for parents of squirrelly kids when playground season has come to an end.
- 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: Tot Times at St Paul Recreation Centers
It’s fun, unstructured, nearly always free and a total sanity-saver during Minnesota’s chillier 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 Tuesday this fall:
- ARLINGTON HILLS COMMUNITY CENTER: 9:30am-noon. 1200 Payne Avenue, St Paul.
- EL RIO VISTA RECREATION CENTER: 10am-12pm. 179 Robie St E, St Paul.
- FROGTOWN COMMUNITY CENTER: 10am-noon. 237 Thomas Ave, St Paul.
- HIGHLAND PARK COMMUNITY CENTER: 9-10:30am. 1976 Ford Parkway, St Paul.
- JIMMY LEE RECREATION CENTER: 10am-noon. 270 Lexington Parkway N, St Paul.
- PHALEN RECREATION CENTER: 10am-noon. 1000 E Wheelock Pkwy, St Paul.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Tuesday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Johnsville & Northtown libraries, Circle Pines Centennial, Ham Lake North Central, St Francis & Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, NYA & Waconia branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Galaxie & Wescott, Burnhaven, Hastings Pleasant Hill, Lakeville Heritage, Robert Trail & South St Paul libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Excelsior, Maple Grove, Minneapolis Nokomis & Northeast and Rogers library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: 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: Halloween storytimes & costume contests at Dakota County libraries
Start the day with Halloween-themed storytimes and a chance for kids to show off their costume at three Dakota County libraries: APPLE VALLEY WESCOTT (10am), BURNSVILLE BURNHAVEN (10am) & LAKEVILLE HERITAGE (11am). Suggested age range 2-6 years.
IKEA – Kids Eat FREE!
8000 Ikea Way, Bloomington, MN 55425
Bring the kids in costume on Halloween. Sign up for the (free) IKEA Family program and get two free kids meals per adult entree purchased in the cafe. Plus, members can drop their kids in the play area for up to 2 hours of supervision. October 31, 2023.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, November 1, 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)
- SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY CENTER (Kids Playtime, 9:30-11:30am, $3/child)
- 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. November 1, 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: Lakeville Heritage, Robert Trail, South St Paul & West St Paul Wentworth libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: , Champlin, Minneapolis Central, Rogers, Southdale, St Anthony & Washburn branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & North St Paul branch library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Dayton’s Bluff, George Latimer, Rondo & West Seventh branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Red Balloon Bookshop Storytimes
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! November 1, 2023, 10:30am.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Indoor activity ideas
Children’s Pool Hour 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. November 1, 2023.
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?
Toddler Day Open House at the Raptor Center
1920 Fitch Ave, St Paul, MN 55108
Here’s your chance to attend a preschooler-friendly open house at this University facility that treats hundreds of injured raptors each year. On the schedule: mini-tours, storytime and a coloring activity. November 1, 2023, 10-11am. $10/adult; up to 2 kids FREE.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, November 2, 2023
Tot Time Open Gyms on Thursday:
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (Tot Time, 9:30-11:30am, $5/child)
- 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)
THURSDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM: TCO Sports Garden Toddler Thursdays
STARTS THIS WEEK! Little ones with energy to spare: Come to Field 1 for indoor activities such as a bounce house, kicking around soccer balls and open field time with room to run. The fieldhouse is kept at 55 degrees so dress with this in mind. November 2, 2023, 9:30-11:30am. FREE.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Thursday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Northtown libraries, Circle Pines Centennial & Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Inver Hills Inver Glen, Pleasant Hill, Rosemount Robert Trail & West St Paul Wentworth libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Augsburg Park, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Maple Grove, Oxboro, Plymouth Southdale & 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, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Family Storytime at New Brighton Library
Stories, songs, and rhymes aimed for kids ages 2-5. Stay and explore the nooks of the library, tucked into the NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER – even make a day of it at the EAGLES NEST INDOOR PLAYGROUND ($7/child). November 2, 2023, 10:30am.
Lil’ Explorer Thursdays 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. November 2, 2023, 10am-12pm. FREE.
First Thursday Nature Play at Wargo Nature Center
7701 Main St. Lino Lakes, MN 55038
Designed for kids ages 2-5 with caregiver, each first Thursday program includes outdoor play, exploration and stories. Register ahead on the Anoka County Parks website – spots fill fast. November 2, 2023, 9-10am or 11am-12pm. $5/child plus tax.
Try a new indoor playground from our huge list!
For Minnesota parents it’s a must to know where to escape the elements and still keep those kids active and having fun. During the months of November through March we feature the best indoor playgrounds in the Minneapolis-St Paul area in the hopes of helping you discover something new: This week we highlight GOOD TIMES PARK in Eagan. A self-use park, Good Times has an outdoor feel with its jungle gyms, unwalled pillow jumper, basketball court and plenty of open turf for family games. Open daily, 7am-9:30pm. $11/child for all-day play. 3265 Northwood Circle, #100, Eagan, MN 55121.
Pumpkin Smash & Bash
Countryside Park, 6240 Tracy Ave. South, Edina, MN 55436
Bring unpainted pumpkins for games and smashing before composting. The fire department will be dropping some pumpkins from a tall ladder. Until next year, Halloween! November 2, 2023. 4-6pm.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Friday, November 3, 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 OPEN GYM: Maple Grove Community Center
12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Tots get a designated time in the gym just for them, and it’s cheap at just $3/child, caregivers free. Kick it up a notch with admission to MAPLE MAZE INDOOR PLAYGROUND, also located within the community center. Just look at that helix slide! November 3, 2023, 9-10:30am.
FIND OUR GIANT LIST OF SUPER FUN INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES WHEN IT’S NO LONGER PARK WEATHER!
Twin Cities Storytimes on Friday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Fridley Mississippi library.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: No storytimes today.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington & Inver Hills Inver Glen libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: East Lake, Eden Prairie, Maple Plain, Penn Lake, Pierre Bottineau, Roosevelt & St Louis Park libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & White Bear Lake libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Merriam Park & Riverview libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
FRIDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Stories & Crafts with the Museum of Russian Art
Washburn Library, 5244 Lyndale Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Read “Hedgehog in the Fog” with the museum and then create artwork inspired by the story. November 3, 2023, 10-11am. FREE, but registration required.
More family fun ideas for Friday: Nature play
Forever Wild Family Friday with Dakota County Parks
Thompson County Park, 1200 Stassen Ln, West St Paul, MN 55118
Dakota County parks are host to free activities the first Friday of every month. This month the Raptor Center visits with live birds. Plus, the park features a great playground. Meet at Dakota Lodge in the park. November 3, 2023, 6-7:30pm.
Fun things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities, November 4-5, 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:
- TRY HOCKEY FOR FREE DAY 2023
- MINNEAPOLIS: WALKER ART CENTER FIRST FREE SATURDAY
- ST PAUL: BE MY NEIGHBOR DAY WITH TWIN CITIES TPT
FIND TONS MORE KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS ON OUR TWIN CITIES FAMILY FUN CALENDAR!