Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of September 12-16, 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 SEPTEMBER 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, September 12, 2022
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, $6/pp)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 9am-2pm. $5/child.)
- MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
See our full list of Twin Cities Tot Time Open Gyms this fall!
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.
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:
Opening Day + 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. September 12, 2022.
Fun Things to do in the Twin cities on Tuesday, September 13, 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)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER (Blast & Play, 9am-12pm, $5/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)
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.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR TUESDAY:
St Louis Park FIRE DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE
Fire Station 1, 3750 Wooddale Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55416
This annual open house features kid-friendly activities, including Sparky the Fire Dog and a squirt house, along with fire truck displays. There will be hot dogs, chips, cookies and water available. September 13, 2022, 5pm-8pm, FREE.
PLAN AHEAD TO SEE THE BIG RIGS! Consult our list of places this fall that feature the chance for kids to touch-a-truck and explore other exciting vehicles.
Fun Things to do in the Twin cities on Wednesday, September 14, 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)
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. September 14, 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! September 14, 2022, 10:30am.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR WEDNESDAY:
Music Together at Plymouth Farmers Market
Parkers Lake Park, 15205 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN 55447
Music Together (fun musical activities for kids) will be at the Community Table during the farmers market. Plus, kids will enjoy running around the playground. September 14, 2022, 2:30-6:30pm.
EXPLORE MORE TWIN CITIES FALL FARMERS MARKETS & ACTIVITIES!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, September 15, 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 Thursday fun in twin cities parks:
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 is finally back offering weekly themed activities to the 4-and-under set. Think sand tables, sponge painting, worm digs and storytimes. Remember, a reservation to visit the Zoo is free, but required. September 15, 2022, 10am-12pm.
GARDEN STORYTIME AT ELOISE BUTLER WILDFLOWER GARDEN
1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405
A naturalist hosts a different nature themed story each week within the Garden followed by an activity. Meet just outside the Visitor Shelter. Bring a blanket to sit on. September 15, 2022, 10am, FREE.
Thursday Featured community festival:
North St Paul Fall Round-up Parade
The parade will make its way down 7th Ave. E. in downtown North St. Paul. The parade offers family fun for all ages, including a community celebration at the end of the route. September 15, 2022. Parade begins at 6pm.
Fun things to do in the Twin cities on Friday, September 16, 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)
- 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)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
ROCKIN JUMP JUNIOR JUMPERS
Rockin Jump 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! September 16, 2022, 2-hr sessions starting at 9 & 10am. $12/child plus $3 re-useable jump socks.
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 storytime! Preschool Storytime at Carpenter St Croix Nature Center
12805 St. Croix Trail S, Hastings, MN 55033
These special storytimes for ages 2-5 at the nature center are held once a month. In September, the theme is Orchard Fun. Please call ahead to register as space is limited. September 16, 2022, 10-11, am. $6/child.
More family fun ideas for Friday:
Kids at the Castle at American Swedish Institute
2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Music, movement and play aimed at kids ages 2-5 presented in a real castle! This month, Kids at the Castle is inspired by ASI’s featured exhibition The Morning Dip. September 16, 2022, 9-10am. $8/family, museum admission included.
FRIDAY Featured community festivals:
SEVER’S FALL FESTIVAL Opens
3121 W 150th St, Shakopee, MN 55379
A full lineup of fun – obstacle course, corn maze, petting zoo, magic shows, zip line, playground and jumping pillow; additional activities extra. Open Fri-Sun & MEA Weekend, $19/pp online or $23/pp at door.
EXCELSIOR APPLE Day
The Happy Apple Kids Corner is open this Friday. Listen to local music and try out regional food vendors. Tots will love the Happy Apple Kids Corner, parents may like the artisan vendors, music and street dance. 9am-10pm (events also run Saturday, Sept 17).
VISIT A TWIN CITIES APPLE ORCHARD THIS WEEKEND! Apple-picking could make a picture-perfect family fall outing. Browse our list of the BEST TWIN CITIES APPLE ORCHARDS to get planning for a sweet time.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, SEPTEMBER 17-18, 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.