Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of September 18-22, 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 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 18, 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!
- 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 (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)
MONDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: 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! September 18, 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 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, Eden Prairie, Plymouth & Westonka library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland, Mahtomedi, Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
SPOTLIGHT ON SHOREVIEW: After storytime at the Shoreview Library (10:30am), it’s just a quick walk over to the brand new and super cool destination playground at SHOREVIEW COMMONS. Take advantage of the September weather while you can!
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 18, 2023.
Play free & green at a nature playground
DO THIS BEFORE THE SNOW FLIES! I get a deep satisfaction from watching my park-bound kiddos play in a more natural setting: digging, figuring out how to climb that tree, following paths, building forts. They become immersed in tossing rocks into the water, scouting frogs, collecting wildflowers. More places have popped up around the Minneapolis-St Paul metro where kids get the opportunity to interact with the landscape and, perhaps, develop a greater appreciation for it. We include 17 of these spaces in our roundup of TWIN CITIES NATURE PLAYGROUNDS.
Pictured: Nature Exploration Area within ELM CREEK PARK RESERVE. 13351 Elm Creek Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2023
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, $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! The Rookery Activity Center in Lino Lakes
Rookery Activity Center, 7690 Village Drive, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
A special Tot Time held in the gym for ages 1-10. Make sure your little ones wear socks for the bounce house! September 19, 2023, 9am-12pm, $4/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, Robert Trail & South St Paul libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Maple Grove, Minneapolis Northeast & 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 Woodridge Park
9000 90th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Singing, literacy and playing are all part of this indoor storytime at the park followed by a related activity for kids up to age 6. September 19, 2023, 10:30-11am. FREE.
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. Past events included Sparky the Fire Dog, a squirt house, fire truck displays and free snacks. September 19, 2023, 5pm-7:30pm.
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.
More family fun ideas for Tuesday: Indoor activities
Now open for play at Minnesota Children’s Museum: Ball-o-rama
10 West Seventh Street, St. Paul, MN 55102
Oh boy did my son love Ball-o-rama each time it cycled through the Children’s Museum when he was a squirt. Ball ramps and races (which the exhibit uses to teach physics laws) would hold his attention like nothing else. Time for a new generation to explore! Included with museum admission. Open Tues-Sun, 10am-4pm. Save online, tickets $15/pp.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 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)
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. September 20, 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, Robert Trail, South St Paul & West St Paul Wentworth libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Linden Hills, Minneapolis Central, Minnetonka, Plymouth, 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! September 20, 2023, 10:30am.
Nature play on Wednesday
ExploraTots at Crosby Farm Park
2595 Crosby Farm Rd, Saint Paul, MN 55116
Nature play stations include a story, a hike, and a take-home activity. Must register in advance, space is limited. Don’t grab a spot? Plan ahead – this event is held monthly. September 20, 2023, 10-11:30am. FREE.
More family fun ideas: Where can I see the trains on Wednesday?
Mid-week is excellent to spot trains in the Twin Cities if that’s what your little ones (or big ones) are into. Here’s a handful of places to consider; plan ahead and find more on our article MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL, A TRAIN LOVERS DESTINATION:
- TOTS & TRAINS AT JACKSON STREET ROUNDHOUSE – Play at the train tables, run through a read train car, hear a train-themed story and more. Located in St Paul. September 20, 2023. $10-$13/pp or $35/family.
- GAMES GALORE AT UNION DEPOT – Play life-sized versions of favorite games like chess & Connect Four in the historic depot, then watch some of the modern trains roll in outside. September 20, 2023, 10am-8pm. FREE.
- HISTORIC WAYZATA DEPOT MUSEUM – Explore the hands-on exhibits in the depot and play I-Spy with the miniature train outside! Open Wednesdays in September, 12-4pm. FREE.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 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 libraries, Circle Pines Centennial & Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Wescott, Farmington, Inver Hills Inver Glen, Pleasant Hill, Rosemount Robert Trail & West St Paul Wentworth libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Augsburg, Edina, Hopkins, Maple Grove, Oxboro, Plymouth & Wayzata branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer branch library.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Cottage Grove Park Grove, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek, Wildwood & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: 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 21, 2023, 10am, FREE.
Thursday nature play:
Family Nature Time at Westwood Hills Nature Center
8300 W. Franklin Ave, St Louis Park MN, 55426
Aimed at kids ages 2-5, each themed month includes indoor and outdoor exploration time, stories, games and nature education. Register in advance on their website. September 21, 2023, 10-11am. $5/pp, child & adult pay.
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. September 21, 2023, 10am-12pm. FREE!
More family fun ideas for Thursday:
Free Thursdsay Night at American Swedish Institute
2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Have your kids ever thought it would be awesome to explore a castle? Here’s their chance (and yours) while the very family-friendly AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE offers FREE admission every Thursday after 3pm. There is a rotating family gallery kids will enjoy playing in and nooks and crannies to explore. September 21, 2023.
PAIR A VISIT WITH DINNER: Our kids have enjoyed the Swedish meatballs at FIKA Cafe in the museum. Plus happy hour pricing from 3 until 8 p.m. on Thursdays.
More family fun ideas for Friday: Visit a Twin Cities Apple Orchard
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. This week, our featured apple orchard is AFTON APPLE ORCHARD. There is lots to do here that is included with the admission fee ($5-$7/pp) such as the playground, huge tire mountain and petting farm. We’ve easily made a full day of it just with those diversions and riding the hay wagon into the orchard to pick apples. Open Fridays 10am-6pm.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 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: Parent/Tot Open Gym at Rosemount Community Center
13885 S Robert Trail, Rosemount, MN 55068
Fun and FREE, youngsters 5 & under can play with balls and large motor equipment. Drop in Mon/Wed/Fri, 9:30-11am. September 22, 2023.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Friday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Fridley Mississippi library.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America & Waconia branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Wescott, Farmington & Inver Hills Inver Glen libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Bottineau, East Lake, Eden Prairie, Maple Plain, Roosevelt, St Louis Park & Walker library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View, Roseville & White Bear Lake branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Merriam Park & Riverview branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
FRIDAY FEATURED 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 22, 2023, 10-11, am. $6/child.
FREE Outdoor MOVIES!
The days where we can stay out later may be numbered, but there’s still time to pack a blanket and snacks and settle in for a movie in the park. What’s screening this Friday, September 22?
- BROOKLYN PARK – VILLAGE CREEK PARK: Black Panther, 7-9pm, FREE.
- MAPLE GROVE – TOWN GREEN PARK: Good Will Hunting, dusk. FREE.
- ST PAUL UNION DEPOT: Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix. 6pm start, FREE.
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:
Sever’s Fall Festival
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. It’s a bit of a splurge but we’ve found that it results in a full day of fun, a great value. Open Fri-Sun & MEA Weekend, $19/pp – make sure you book tickets online for the best price.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, SEPTEMBER 23-24, 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:
- ST LOUIS PARK: ROCTOBERFEST
- PLYMOUTH: PLYMOUTH ON PARADE
- WOODBURY: BIG TRUCK DAY