Twin Cities Guide to Family Activities This Week: September 25-29, 2023

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Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!

This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of September 25-29, 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 25, 2023

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

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:

MONDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: Tot Times at St Paul Recreation Centers

It’s fun, unstructured, nearly always free and a total sanity-saver during our colder 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 Monday mornings this fall:

Indoor Toddler Activities

Twin Cities Storytimes on Monday:

MONDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Lake Johanna Fire Department

Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126
A special Fire Safety Storytime: Learn about fire safety, meet a firefighter, and explore a real fire truck. Recommended for kids ages 2-5. Free. September 25, 2023; 10:30am-11am and September 26, 2023; 6pm-6:30pm.

Touch A Truck Calendar for the Twin Cities Minnesota Metro Area

More family fun ideas for Monday: BIG RIGS

Chanhassen Fire Department Open House

Chanhassen Fire Station, 7610 Laredo Drive, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Kids can see firetrucks, try out a fire-fighter obstacle course, play in a bounce house and watch demos. Snacks, ice cream and drinks available. September 25, 2023, 6pm-8pm. FREE.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

Tot Time Open Gyms on Tuesday:

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.

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. September 26, 2023, 9am-12pm. $5/child.

FIND OUR GIANT LIST OF SUPER FUN INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES WHEN IT’S NOT QUITE PARK WEATHER!

The Blast Indoor Playground at Eagan Central Park, Eagan Minnesota

Twin Cities Storytimes on Tuesday:

Extra! Extra! Read all about Special Storytime Tuesday!

Wild Rumpus Storytime

2720 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55410
This popular story time for toddlers & preschoolers is BACK after a lengthy hiatus. Stick around to see how many critters (yes, animal critters) you can spot slinking around the store! September 26, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.

Stories From the Porch at Eidem Farm

4345 101st Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Bring your blanket to spread out and listen as children’s stories are read aloud, then stay to explore the farm and meet the animals. September 26, 2023, 11am storytime. FREE.

Eidem Homestead

Lake Johanna Fire Department Storytime

Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126
In case you missed the chance on Monday (see above) here’s a second one to meet a firefighter and hop on a truck! September 26, 2023; 6pm-6:30pm.

More family fun ideas for Tuesday: Fun in the parks

Cafesjian’s Carousel – free rides!

1245 Midway Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55103
It has become an annual tradition of ours to visit Cafesjian’s Carousel in Como Regional Park, the beautiful antique merry-go-round. The daily price to ride is $3/pp but a handful of days during the summer are FREE – including September 26. See our page on Cafesjian’s Carousel for more information. 

girl riding cafesjian's carousel at Como Park in Saint Paul Minnesota

Make a (free & fun!) day of it at COMO PARK ZOO & CONSERVATORY! More things to do:

  • Visit the animals (including Sparky the Sea Lion – shows continue into September).
  • See the end of the Summer Flower Show in the balmy conservatory.
  • Walk through the peaceful Japanese Garden.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

Tot Time Open Gyms on Wednesday:

WEDNESDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: Preschool Playtime at New Brighton Community Center

Preschool Playtime in New Brighton is double the fun because it includes open play in the gym w/ equipment and inflatables AND admission to EAGLES NEST INDOOR PLAYGROUND. This special indoor playtime is held each Mon & Wed when school is in session. September 27, 2023. 12-3pm, $7/child. 400 10th St NW, New Brighton, MN 55112.

Twin Cities Storytimes on Wednesday:

WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Storytime at Oakdale Discovery Center

4444 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128
Storytime plus a craft each last Wednesday of the month. You’ll absolutely want to stay to poke around in the OAKDALE DISCOVERY CENTER. My kids enjoyed the large aquarium, hands-on exhibits and book corner. Our picture shows a summer visit, but any season of the year is fun. September 27, 2023, 10:30-11:30am. FREE.

Find our extensive list of Twin Cities Nature Centers & Outdoor Interpretive Centers to explore this fall!
Girls exploring at the Oakdale Discovery Center in Oakdale Minnesota

Nature play on Wednesday: 

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. September 27, 2023, 10-11am. $10/adult; up to 2 kids FREE.

Collage of visit to Raptor Center in Saint Paul Minnesota: Left: two bald eagles; Right top: little girl playing with eagle puppet. Right Bottom young by examining wing and nest.

Discover a new nature playground

While the weather still allows! Try this park – it combines elements of traditional playground equipment — like a zipline and climbing webs – with natural elements found in nature such as building materials and tree trunks to scale. Learn more about the nature play area at PATRICK EAGAN PARK and watch a video from our visit with kids. Patrick Eagan Park, 3995 Lexington Ave S, Eagan, MN.

Find more twin cities nature playgrounds to visit this fall!

Indoor play on Wednesday: Climbing the walls

Student Climb Night at Dick’s House of Sport

12547 Ridgedale Ctr, Minnetonka, MN
Does your kid want to dabble in rock climbing without a big $ investment? Try this: 15 minutes to try 8 vertical climbing routes for just $5. Reserve your spot between 4-8pm. September 27, 2023 (and ongoing Wednesdays).

More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Arts & crafts

Heartfelt Crafts Preschool Fall Festival

4306 Upton Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
The seasonal festivals offers a simple craft or two for the kids and their adult plus
a wholesome snack. To get an idea of Heartfelt’s fall craft lineup, browse here. September 27, 2023. $24/first child, $12/additional. Please register in advance.

Heartfelt Parties
Heartfelt Parties

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

Tot Time Open Gym on Thursday:

Twin Cities Storytimes on Thursday:

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. September 28, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.

KIDDYWAMPUS HOPKINS: This location hosts its storytime (“Jump in a Book with Jen”) on Wednesdays at 10:30am.

Save NOW on admission to Waldoch Farm Fall Fun

8174 Lake Dr, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
Joyer Adventure Farm is now open 6 days a week and you’ll save if you visit before September 30 (savings of $3 per ticket before the price hikes for weekends). There is so much to do here: a corn maze, hayrides to the pumpkin patch, pedal trikes, a low ropes course, barnyard animals, train rides…the list goes on. Must purchase tickets online in advance! $14.99/pp (closed Tuesdays).

Explore more Twin Cities pumpkin patches this fall!
Girl in a wagon full of pumpkins at Waldoch Farm in Lino Lakes Minnesota
Waldoch Farm

More family fun ideas for Thursday: Free museums to visit on Thursday

Here’s a chance to visit a couple of family-friendly Twin Cities museums FREE today:

Free Thursday 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 28, 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.

Free Thursday Night at Walker Art Center

725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
We recommend this chance to visit the Walker for free with older children or teens who enjoy art in a less hands-on experience. For a more kid-friendly (and still admission-free) opportunity, make sure to visit the first Saturday of each month for special programming. September 28, 2023, 5-9pm.

More great twin cities museums kids will enjoy:

Text: Family-Friendly Museums & Historic Places in the Twin Cities & Greater Minnesota. Family Fun Twin Cities. Background of kids exploring the Minnesota History Museum in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023

Tot Time Open Gyms in the Twin Cities Minnesota this week

Tot Time Open Gyms on Friday:

FRIDAY 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. September 29, 2023, 9:30-11:30am. $10/child or $15/family.

Twin Cities Storytimes on Friday:

FRIDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Family Storytime at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318
Beyond storytime, there are plenty of kid-friendly outdoor things to do at the beautiful Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Kids will enjoy the Green Play Area, Pollinator Discovery Center, the hedge mazes, and wide open space to run! September 29, 2023, 10:30am. Adults/$15 admission, kids under 16 are FREE.

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 WHISTLING WELL FARM in Hastings, Minnesota. With no entrance fee, you are welcome to roam around the farm at your leisure. It’s a more quiet, laid-back experience than many orchards; this one offers farm animals (including chickens, which our kids loved) and apple picking. While in the southeast corner of the metro, we suggest pairing a trip to Whistling Well Farm with a visit to the city of Hastings. Among other delights you’ll find a beautiful waterfall, a smooth bike loop, sweet little playgrounds and the best chocolate milkshakes we’ve ever tasted. 8973 St Croix Trail S, Hastings, MN 55033.

Girl eating apple picked from a tree: "Twin Cities Apple Orchards - Family Fun Twin Cities"

FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES – SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 1, 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:

Find tons more kid-friendly events on our Twin Cities Family Fun Calendar!

weekend family fun guide

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