TWIN CITIES GUIDE TO FAMILY ACTIVITIES THIS WEEK: DECEMBER 4-8, 2023
Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of December 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 early winter inspiration you can check our ULTIMATE 2023 TWIN CITIES HOLIDAY GUIDE, DECEMBER FAMILY GUIDE 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, December 4, 2023
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.
TAKE NOTE! Several Twin Cities Tot Time Open Gyms are just getting started in the month of November. We’ve added several to our usual listings this week so make sure to check if your community has been included. See our full list of Twin Cities Tot Time Open Gyms this fall!
Tot Time Open Gyms on Monday:
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER: No Tot Time today.
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- 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)
- NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 12-3pm, $8 includes admission to Eagle’s Nest Indoor Playground)
- PLYMOUTH FIELD HOUSE (Open Play, 10:30am-1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $5-$7/child)
- SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY CENTER (Kids Playtime, 9:30-11am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
MONDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: 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 Monday:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Chanhassen & Victoria library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Apple Valley Galaxie library.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Eden Prairie, Linden Hills & Westonka library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: No storytimes scheduled today.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland, Mahtomedi, Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
MONDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Engineer Paul at Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store
1665 West End Blvd, St Louis Park, MN 55416
The beloved train shop is BACK in a new location, complete with Engineer Paul’s train-tastic storytime. Our littles grew up with Choo Choo Bob’s original shop in St Paul so this is happy news. (Photo from the old store until we can get to the new one!) December 4, 2023, 8:30am. FREE, note that the train tables are pay-to-play.
Where can I find Santa today in the Twin Cities?
Shoreview Santa Cruise
Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N., Shoreview, Minnesota 55126
Santa will be cruising the neighborhoods of Shoreview on a decked-out fire truck collecting food shelf donations. December 4, 2023, 5pm-8pm.
FIND MORE SANTA SIGHTINGS AT: HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS IN THE TWIN CITIES.
That jolly old guy sure can get around! Santa starts accepting visitors and offering photo opportunities as early as the beginning of November at department stores and malls. You can find many early Holiday events featuring Santa appearances over on our Santa Claus is Coming to Town page, including visits at community holiday festivals and at area malls and shopping districts.
More family fun ideas for Monday: Try a new indoor playground
For Minnesota parents it’s a must to know where to escape the elements and still keep those kids active and having fun. During the months of November through March we feature the best indoor playgrounds in the Minneapolis-St Paul area in the hopes of helping you discover something new: This week we highlight LOOKOUT RIDGE INDOOR PLAYGROUND in Woodbury. It sports a nature theme cliffs with caves to explore, a giant tree to scale and wildlife murals on the wall. Plus, it’s located in lovely indoor park lush with landscaping and a branch of the Washington County Library. $5.50 plus tax per child. Woodbury Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place, Woodbury, MN 55125.
Find our complete listing of Twin Cities Indoor Playgrounds for more energy-burning ideas!
Nature play on Monday
Roughly two dozen nature and interpretive centers in the Twin Cities metro are just begging to get your kids excited about the natural world. Through hands-on exhibits, naturalist-led activities and plain old play, these venues make learning fun! This week we would like to introduce you to WESTWOOD HILLS NATURE CENTER in St Louis Park. Indoors, the center is packed with hands-on exhibits to pique kids’ interest. To explore with kids outdoors, pick up a scavenger hunt sheet in the front entry of the interpretive center and see how much you can check off.
SPECIAL EVENT: PUPPET STORYTIME – Winter Birds – A humorous, while also educational puppet show plus open play & exploration. December 4, 2023, 10-11am. $5-$6/pp, pre-register.
Find more Twin Cities Nature & Interpretive Centers to Explore!
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Tot Time Open Gyms on Tuesday:
Tot Time open gyms across the Twin Cities are absolutely 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)
- SAVAGE SPORTS CENTER (Tot Time, 9-11:30am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
TUESDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: Savage Sports Center Tot Time
13450 Dakota Ave S, Savage, MN 55378
An option for those in the southwest metro, Tot Time features activities for the 5 7 under set- inflatables, balls, other sporting equipment and space to run around when it’s chilly. December 6, 9-11:30am, $3/child.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Tuesday
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Parachute Play Storytime at Northtown.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Norwood Young America & Waconia branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Galaxie & Wescott, Lakeville Heritage & Robert Trail libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Minneapolis Nokomis library.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Arlington Hills & Highland Park libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek & 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. December 5, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
Jr Naturalists: Drop In Discovery at Minneapolis Parks
Nature games and activities presented by community parks in Minneapolis. Drop in for free fun in the parks. Here’s the Tuesday schedule:
- 12-1pm: WAITE PARK
- 12:30-1:30pm: WINDOM SOUTH PARK
- 4-5pm: LONGFELLOW PARK
- 4:30-5:30pm: PHILLIPS PARK
- 4:30-5:30pm: WEBBER PARK
- 5-6pm: STEWART PARK
- 5:30-6:30pm: LAKE NOKOMIS PARK
Twin Cities holiday tree lightings & community festivals
EAGAN: Community Holiday Tree Lighting
Eagan Community Center, 501 Central Pkwy, Eagan MN
Complete with music & hot cocoa and followed by STORIES WITH SANTA & MRS. CLAUS. Make an evening of it with free admission to the Blast Indoor Playground and gym time for the youngest kids. You can also take in the lit outdoor pathways. December 5, 2023. 4:30-7pm.
RAMSEY: City Holiday Tree Lighting
7550 Sunwood Dr NW, Ramsey, MN 55303
Free cocoa, cookies and pictures with Santa at the holiday tree lighting event. Rumriver Art Center will offer a create-your-own holiday ornament class ($10 fee, pre-registration required.) December 5, 2023, 6-8pm.
ROBBINSDALE: Annual Holiday Tree Lighting & Sing-Along
The event will take place at City Hall and includes a sing along, Santa visit and refreshments. December 5, 2023, 6-6:30pm.
More family fun ideas for Tuesday: Try some outdoor & indoor sports!
Most community outdoor ice rinks aren’t quite flooded and ready for skating yet, but we’ve got some refrigerated options for you open this week if you’ve got the urge to lace up:
- CENTRAL PARK ICE SKATING LOOP, Maple Grove: Skate the serpentine loop free, skate rental available for $7.50. There are outdoor firepits or a cozy pavilion to warm up in. 12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove, MN 55369.
- JOHN ROSE MINNESOTA OVAL, Roseville: The largest outdoor refrigerated skating rink in North America. $9/pp, skate rental available for $5. 2661 Civic Center Dr, Roseville, MN 55113.
- M HEALTH FAIRVIEW SPORTS CENTER OUTDOOR RINK, Woodbury: FREE. Skate rental is available for $6 if need be. 4125 Radio Drive, Woodbury MN 55129.
GET EXCITED TO ICE SKATE OUTDOORS THIS WINTER WITH OUR LIST OF TWIN CITIES ICE SKATING RINKS!
Base Camp Open Climb & Archery
6202 Bloomington Rd, St Paul, MN 55111
Base Camp is a place to try out exciting physical activities like open rock climbing and archery. Ages 5+ are invited to try scaling the indoor engineered rock walls on the first Tuesday of the month. Please pre-register. December 5, 2023. $10/climber.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, December 6, 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)
- PLYMOUTH FIELD HOUSE (Open Play, 10:30am-1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $5-$7/child)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY CENTER (Kids Playtime, 9:30-11:30am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
WEDNESDAY 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. December 6, 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:
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Waconia & Watertown branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Lakeville Heritage, Robert Trail and Wentworth libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Excelsior, Linden Hills, Minneapolis Central, Minnetonka & Southdale library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Moundsview & North St Paul library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Dayton’s Bluff, George Latimer & West Seventh libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Red Balloon Bookshop Storytimes
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! December 6, 2023, 10:30am.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Indoor activities
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. December 6, 2023.
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 are a couple 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. December 6, 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. December 6, 2023, 10am-8pm. FREE.
Twin Cities holiday tree lightings & community festivals
Nordic Plaza Tree Lighting
The Nordic, 729 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Elves, live music and a tree lighting against a Downtown Minneapolis setting. December 6, 2023; 5:30-7:30pm.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, December 7, 2023
Tot Time Open Gym on Thursday:
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under)
- 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)
- SAVAGE SPORTS CENTER (Tot Time, 9-11:30am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
THURSDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM: TCO Sports Garden Toddler Thursdays
Little ones with energy to spare: Come to Field 2 for indoor activities such as a bouncy house, kicking around soccer balls and open field time with room to run. The fieldhouse is kept at 55 degrees so dress with this in mind. December 7, 2023, 9:30-11:30am. FREE. 1490 County Road E, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110.
Twin Cities storytimes on Thursday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Northtown library.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Wescott, Inver Hills Inver Glen, Rosemount Robert Trail & Wentworth branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Augsburg Park, Edina & Southdale libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Cottage Grove Park Grove, Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
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. December 7, 2023, 10:30am. FREE.
KIDDYWAMPUS HOPKINS: This location hosts its storytime (“Jump in a Book with Jen”) on Wednesdays at 10:30am.
Lil Explorer Thursday at Como Zoo
Lil Explorer Thursdays program includes themed storytimes. This is a fantastic free event aimed at preschoolers and includes all kinds of hands-on activities, manipulatives, games and crafts. Meet in the Visitor Center. December 7, 2023, 10am-noon. FREE.
First Thursday Nature Play at Wargo Nature Center
7701 Main St, Lino Lakes, MN 55038
Kids ages 2-5 can explore a nature topic each month both indoors and out. Dress for the weather. These spots fill quickly – act fast or plan ahead for next month. Choos
Twin Cities holiday events: Where Can I find Santa Claus today?
Holiday Party & Santa Paws at Palace Community Center
Palace Community Center, 781 Palace Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
Join Palace staff for photos with Santa and their pets. Bring your own camera. Families can bring cats and smaller quiet animals (in carriers) for photos beginning at 4:45pm. Families with dogs (on leashes) should wait until 5:15pm. Stick around for a skating party beginning at 5:30pm. Bring your own ice skates. December 7, 2023, 4:45-7:30pm. FREE.
Children’s Storytime at the Fillebrown with Santa
Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110
Santa Claus will be hosting an old-fashioned Christmas story time at the Fillebrown cottage. Families can snap a photo with Santa and enjoy cider and cookies while he reads a holiday story. Pajamas are welcome at this evening event. December 7, 2023, 6:30-8pm. $10/pp. Pre-registration required.
Winter Lights at the Arboretum – Family Fun Night
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318
Winter will be in bloom with lighted greenery and displays throughout the pathways of the arb’s gardens. Family Night has a smaller capacity so participating families can enjoy an special extras, including crafts, cookies, cocoa and characters from The Northern Express. Online ticket reservation required. December 7, 2023, $30/adults 16+; Children 15 and under $5.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Friday, December 8, 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)
- EAGAN – GLEASON’S GYMNASTICS (K & under, 9:30-11:30am, pre-register for discount of $10/child or $15/family)
- PLYMOUTH FIELDHOUSE (Youth Open Play, 10:30am to 1:30pm, $5-$6/pp)
- 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 OPEN GYM: Plymouth Fieldhouse Open Play
When the temps dip, field house opens up for kids who need to run and scoot around indoors. Balls and objects for free play are provided – and inflatables for kids up to age 12 make a special appearance on Wednesdays. The fieldhouse is heated to 55 degrees so dress accordingly. December 8, 2023, 10:30am to 1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $5-$7/pp. 14800 34th Ave., Plymouth, MN 55447-1482.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Friday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Sensory-friendly storytime at Northtown.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America & Waconia branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie, Pierre Bottineau, Ridgedale, Roosevelt & Walker branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & White Bear Lake branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Merriam Park & Riverview libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
Shine on: Twin Cities holiday lights displays & events
GLOW Holiday Festival
CHS Field, 360 N Broadway St, St Paul, MN 55101
CHS Field is converted to a walking tour of holiday decorations and Christmas delights. There will still be a parade of dozens seasonal scenes featuring a plethora of holiday lights, a 60-foot illuminated tree and an art-created mosaic flame, a festive Santa Land, and other attractions. Grab a map and follow the trai to find a “sElfie Plaza”, an enchanted forest, a s’mores station, concessions and more. Tickets: $12.75-$20.75/pp. Now-December 31, 2023.
Sever’s Holiday Lights
Sever’s Festival Grounds, 3121 W 150th St, Shakopee, MN 55379
Holiday light shows, Winter Carnivals, and more. Now thru January 2024, Sun & weekdays 5pm-9pm; weekends 5pm-10pm. $25-$55/vehicle.
Valley Lights at Rockpoint Church
5825 Kelvin Ave N, Lake Elmo MN 55042
Over 100,000 LED lights to enjoy. Tune your car radio in to 97.9 to experience in your vehicle. Now thru December 31, 2023, 5-10pm. FREE.
Map your own Holiday lights route!
Load the kids in the car, pack some snacks and popcorn and enjoy dancing lights, giant candy canes and glowing snowmen on your own schedule anytime before Santa’s sleigh arrives (or at least by New Year’s day). Get the whole sparkling schedule in our enormous list LIGHT IT UP: TWIN CITIES HOLIDAY LIGHTS DISPLAYS 2023.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, DECEMBER 2-3, 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.
FIND TONS MORE KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS ON OUR TWIN CITIES FAMILY FUN CALENDAR!
FAMILY FUN ALL WEEK IN THE TWIN CITIES
Ideas to pull out of your “back pocket” nearly any day of the week!
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 here.