Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of September 4-8, 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 4, 2023
It’s Labor Day in the Twin Cities
Last call for summer fun – and the State Fair! If you’re planning to go, it might be a good idea to consult our 2023 FAMILY GUIDE TO THE MINNESOTA STATE FAIR, filled with tips on finding the best free activities and entertainment for families with kids. Labor Day is KIDS DAY at the Fair – kids ages 5-12 are admitted at the discount ticket price of $13.
More Labor Day Weekend activities in the Twin Cities
A couple more places to check for family activities happening over Labor Day here in the Minneapolis-St Paul are: our list of 30 THINGS TO DO BEFORE LABOR DAY is not strictly limited to things you must fit in prior. Also, our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE includes a few events taking place out in public parks on Monday (Labor Day).
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 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.
SEE OUR FULL LIST OF TWIN CITIES TOT TIME OPEN GYMS THIS FALL!
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- 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 5, 2023, 9am-12pm, $4/child.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Tuesday:
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnhaven, Pleasant Hill (Hastings) & South St Paul library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie & Minneapolis Northeast library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: St Anthony Park branch library.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME! Family Storytime at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park
9653 Keats Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
A special outdoor storytime at the park that coincides with Free First Tuesday in Washington County Parks. Indoor craft or activity to follow. Dress for the elements, however in the case of extreme weather, stories will be inside Ravine Landing. September 5, 2023, 10:30am. FREE. More Washington County parks you can explore free today include:
- BIG MARINE PARK RESERVE (Marine-on-St Croix, MN)
- ST CROIX BLUFFS REGIONAL PARK (Hastings)
- SQUARE LAKE PARK (Stillwater)
- PINE POINT PARK (Stillwater)
- LAKE ELMO PARK RESERVE (Lake Elmo)
- Point Douglas Park (Hastings)
More family fun ideas for Tuesday: Indoor activities
Open Climbing at Base Camp
6202 Bloomington Rd, St Paul, MN 55111
Open rock climbing is available on climbing walls inspired by the natural rock face of the St. Croix River bluffs near Taylors Falls. There are 16 routes to try between 24 and 32 feet high. It is required that youth are accompanied by an adult who is able to belay for them at the climbing wall. Open archery may be available too. Register at the link. September 5, 2023, 6-9pm. $10/participant (adult spotters free).
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2023
Tot Time Open Gyms on Wednesday:
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-12pm, $8/pp)
- NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 12-3pm, $8/child includes admission to Eagles Nest Indoor Playground)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- STARTS TODAY! ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
WEDNESDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM! Tot Times at St Paul Recreation Centers
It’s fun, unstructured, nearly always free and a total sanity-saver during our cold 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 Wednesday mornings this fall:
- LINWOOD RECREATION CENTER, 860 St Clair Ave, St Paul, MN 55105 (11am-1pm)
- NORTH DALE REC CENTER, 1414 St Albans St N, St Paul, MN 55117 (10am-noon)
Twin Cities Storytimes on Wednesday:
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnhaven, Robert Trail, South St Paul & Wentworth branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Linden Hills & Washburn library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Dayton’s Bluff & Rondo library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME:
More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Indoor activities
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! September 6, 2023, 10am-12pm. $10-$13/pp or $35/family pack.
WHERE ELSE CAN I BRING A KID WHO LOVES TRAINS IN THE TWIN CITIES?
Featured Twin Cities community festival:
Burnsville Festival & Fire Muster
Nicollet Commons Park, 12550 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville, MN 55337
You’re invited to a city block party Wednesday evening. Celebrate back-to-school with food trucks, inflatables and a KidsDance DJ. September 5, 2023. FREE.
GET EXCITED FOR MORE CRISP FALL FESTIVALS WITH OUR TWIN CITIES FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL CALENDAR!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2023
Tot Time Open Gym on Thursdays:
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
THURSDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM! Millz House Open Play
14645 Felton Court, Suite #104, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Work out the wiggles with indoor playsets, trampolines and basketball courts. Cost is $8/child; parents and babies under 18 months free. Open play 9am-4pm.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Thursday:
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Lakeville Heritage, Pleasant Hill, Robert Trail & Wentworth branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Edina library branch.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer (St Paul) & Sun Ray library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Cottage Grove, Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME! Stories on the Pond
McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center, 13550 Dakota Ave S, Savage, MN 55378
This evening only – a special storytime with song and activities. September 7, 5:30pm. FREE.
Nature play on Thursday:
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. September 7, 2023, 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 7, 2023, 10am, FREE.
More family fun ideas for Thursday:
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 INSTITUE 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 7, 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.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2023
Tot Time Open Gyms on Friday:
- STARTS TODAY! 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, $15/family)
- MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $3/child)
- 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: SkyZone Little Leapers
SkyZone 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 8, 2023, 90-min sessions from 9-10:30am. $17.99/child plus $3 re-useable jump socks.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Friday:
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington library branch.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie, Maple Plain, Minneapolis East Lake, Pierre Bottineau, St Louis Park & Walker branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Rice Street & Riverview branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
FRIDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Puppet Storytime at Westwood Nature Center
8300 W Franklin Ave, St Louis Park, MN 55426
Open play and exploration of Westwood Hills Nature Center, naturalist-led activities, puppet show and a hike. September 8, 2023. 10am-11am, $5/person. Registration required.
Free Movies in the Park
The days where we can stay out later may be very 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?
- HYLAND HILLS, BLOOMINGTON: Movie on the Hill – Hocus Pocus, food trucks begin at 4pm, movie at dusk. FREE.
- MINNETONKA MOVIES IN THE PARK: Civic Center Amphitheater – Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, 8pm. FREE.
- TOWN GREEN PARK, MAPLE GROVE: Dear Evan Hansen, dusk.
Featured Twin Cities community festival:
Inver Grove Heights Days
Friday night is Community Family Fun Night (Oakwood Park – 78th & Clayton) with a carnival, inflatables, live music and food for purchase. admission. $3 button requested for admission.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, SEPTEMBER 9-10, 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.
FAMILY FUN ALL WEEK IN THE TWIN CITIES
Ideas to pull out of your “back pocket” nearly any day of the week!
BEST outDOOR PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES
Here at FFTC we’re up to our ears covering more than 800 TWIN CITIES PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS in our Parks Directory. Or, to get just a taste of the best, head over to our round up of the TOP PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES TO TRY THIS SUMMER.
Twin Cities-Area Library Summer Storytimes
Your local library is a wonderful place for kids to curl up for a storytime, browse books, play with educational toys and games and slow their pace. We cover more than 100 Metro area library branches in our GUIDE TO TWIN CITIES LIBRARIES: MAPPED. Or, pick from this quick list to find library storytimes and events:
TWIN CITIES NATURE CENTERS AND NATURE PLAY
Early spring is an exciting time to visit a Twin Cities area nature center, fresh with the promise of a new season and programming. But, as we know, April weather can be as temperamental as a toddler. Good thing these interpretive venues can be nearly as fun indoors as out.
TOP TWIN CITIES KID-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS
- BAKKEN MUSEUM – STEM-based fun
- BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
- MILL CITY MUSEUM
- MINNESOTA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
- MINNESOTA HISTORY CENTER
- THE WORKS MUSEUM – engineering exhibits for kids
BROWSE OUR BIG LIST OF TWIN CITIES MUSEUMS TO VISIT WITH KIDS!
Got an event you’re excited to share? Find our submission form and guidelines he