Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of September 5-9, 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 5, 2022
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 2022 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 $12.
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 6, 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
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR TUESDAY:
FREE TUESDAY AT WASHINGTON COUNTY PARKS
Explore Washington County Parks free on the first Tuesday of every month (non-holiday). No vehicle permit required. Find a listing of parks here. September 6, 2022.
MALL OF AMERICA TODDLER TUESDAYS
This week, it’s Rodeo Roundup time for tots in the Rotunda. Plus wristband and dining specials Tuesday only. September 6, 2022, shows at 11 & 11:30am. FREE!
HOT TIP! WHEN YOU VISIT, TAKE ALONG OUR MALL OF AMERICA GUIDE: FLOOR BY FLOOR.
Fun Things to do in the Twin cities on Wednesday, September 7, 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 7, 2022. Preschool open gym: Wednesdays & Fridays: 9:30 – 11:30am. Pre-register: $8/child; $10/family ($10/$15 at the door).
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR WEDNESDAY:
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 7, 2022, 10am-12pm. $7-$11/pp or $30/family pack.
WHERE ELSE CAN I BRING A KID WHO LOVES TRAINS IN THE TWIN CITIES?
WEDNESDAY FUN IN THE PARKS
BLOOMA OUTDOOR LITTLE KIDS YOGA
Nokomis Naturescape Garden, 5000 E Lake Nokomis Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55417
A special yoga class for kids ages 9 mons-4 yrs w/ their caregivers. Simple yoga poses, stories and songs, all outdoors and a short walk from the LAKE NOKOMIS PLAYGROUND. September 7, 2022, 9:30-10:15am. $12/class, must register in advance.
BURNSVILLE FESTIVAL FIRE MUSTER at 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, a balloon artist clown, face painting, live music and a laser light show! FREE admission.
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 8, 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)
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 8, 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 8, 2022, 10am, FREE.
Ice Cream & Music at Creekside Community Center
9801 Penn Avenue South, Bloomington, MN
Free ice cream treats paired with a performance by the Roe Family Singers. Registration encouraged but not required. September 8, 2022, 1:30-3pm, 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 8, 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.
Fun things to do in the Twin cities on Friday, September 9, 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 9, 2022, 2-hr sessions starting at 9 & 10am. $12/child plus $3 re-useable jump socks.
FRIDAY Featured 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.
More family fun ideas for Friday:
Free Fun Friday at Gammelgarden Museum
20880 Olinda Trail N, Scandia, MN 55073
You don’t need to take a formal tour to enjoy the outdoor GAMMELGARDEN MUSEUM in Scandia (but they’re available FREE today if you’d like.) Kids will enjoy roaming the grounds to see how many colorful Dala horses they can find. September 9, 2022, tour at 1:30pm.
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?
- EIDEM FARMSTEAD: Movie on the Barn – Clifford the Big Red Dog, 8pm, FREE.
- HYLAND HILLS, BLOOMINGTON: Movie on the Hill – Hook, food trucks begin at 4pm, movie at dusk. FREE.
MINNETONKA MOVIES IN THE PARK: Civic Center Amphitheater – Sing 2, 8pm. FREE.
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.
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