Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of September 26-30, 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!)
"BEST OF" The Twin Cities: October
Fun Things to do in the Twin cities on Monday, September 26, 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)
- MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $3/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)
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: 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. Monday, September 26, 2022, 6pm-8:30pm.
FAMILY STORYTIME: SPECIAL GUEST 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 26, 2022; 10:30am-11am and Tuesday, September 27, 2022; 6pm-6:30pm.
PRE-K DAY AT BASE CAMP
6202 Bloomington Road Fort Snelling, MN 55111
Kids ages 2-5 and an adult are invited to this fun program with activities that include: free play, circle time, games, story, and a craft. September 26, 2022, 9am-12pm. $10/child.
Learn more about BASE CAMP – a place to try out exciting physical activities like rock climbing, high ropes and archery. Base Camp also makes for a super cool kids birthday party!
Fun Things to do in the Twin cities on Tuesday, September 27, 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.
SPECIAL FEATURE! Theater Explorers Storytime at George Latimer Central Library
90 West 4th Street, Saint Paul MN 55102
Teaching artists from Steppingstone Theatre for Youth provide stories, songs and play and art stations to explore independently. September 27, 2022, 10-11:30am, FREE.
More family fun ideas for Tuesday:
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 27. See our page on Cafesjian’s Carousel for more information.
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 Fall Flower Show in the balmy conservatory.
- Walk through the peaceful Japanese Garden.
Fun Things to do in the Twin cities on Wednesday, September 28, 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)
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 28, 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 28, 2022, 10:30am.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday:
Discover a new nature playground
Patrick Eagan Park, 3995 Lexington Ave S, Eagan, MN
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.
Find more twin cities nature playgrounds to visit this fall!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, September 29, 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.
SPECIAL FEATURE! 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 29, 2022, 10am, FREE.
MORE Family fun ideas for Thursday:
Save with weekday admission to Waldoch farm Fall Fun
8174 Lake Dr, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
Joyer Adventure Farm is open 6 days a week but you’ll save if you visit on a day like Thursday (savings of $3 per ticket compared to weekend pricing). 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/weekdays (closed Tuesdays).
Explore more Twin Cities pumpkin patches this fall!
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 29, 2022.
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 29, 2022, 5-9pm.
More great twin cities museums kids will enjoy:
- BAKKEN MUSEUM, Minneapolis
- BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, St Paul
- MILL CITY MUSEUM, Minneapolis
- MINNNESOTA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, St Paul
Fun things to do in the Twin cities on Friday, September 30, 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 30, 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 feature! 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 30, 10:30am. Adults/$15 admission, kids under 16 are FREE.
More family fun ideas for Friday:
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 30, 2022. $24/first child, $12/additional. Please register in advance.
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.
Fun things to do this weekend in the twin cities, October 1-2, 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. Here’s a sneak peek of what to look forward to this weekend in the Twin Cities:
- APPLE VALLEY: PAHL’S MARKET FALL FESTIVAL
- LAKE ELMO: ROCKPOINT CHURCH CORN TRAIL
- MINNEAPOLIS: FIRST FREE SATURDAY AT WALKER ART CENTER
- ST ANTHONY VILLAGE: FIRE DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE
Find tons more kid-friendly events on our Twin Cities Family Fun Calendar!