Twin Cities Guide to Family Activities this Week: March 18-22, 2024
Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of March 18-22, 2024. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE.
As always, you can check our MARCH FAMILY GUIDE or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR for more fun ideas on what to do this week in the Twin Cities with your kids. Plan ahead for nicer weather with our ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SPRING FUN IN THE TWIN CITIES!
Planning for Spring Break in the Twin Cities this week?
Why spring break? Because a Minnesota winter wrapping up is worth celebrating. Craft a fun staycation “Spring Break Trip” for your own family whether you have big kids or little kids. Be tourists right in the Twin Cities! Think mini golf, trampolines, scavenger hunts, rock climbing, museums and more. Get some inspiration from our 2024 GUIDE TO SPRING BREAK IN THE TWIN CITIES.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Monday, March 18, 2024
Tot Time Open Gyms on Monday:
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 during colder weather either FREE or at a low cost to you. SEE OUR FULL LIST OF TWIN CITIES TOT TIME OPEN GYMS THIS EARLY SPRING!
- ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER (9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under) – ON SPRING BREAK TODAY, SEE THURSDAY.
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or $3 drop in option)
- CHANHASSEN RECREATION CENTER (8-11:30am, $4-$4.50/child)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $4/child)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS – LOGAN RECREATION CENTER (Tiny Tot Indoor Playground, 10am-1pm, $4/child)
- NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 12-3pm, $8/child includes admission to Eagles Nest Indoor Playground)
- OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER (Open Playtime, 10-11:30am, $3/child up to age 5)
- PLYMOUTH FIELD HOUSE (Open Play, 10:30am-1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $6-$8/child)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY CENTER (Kids Playtime, 9:30-11am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
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 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 Monday mornings this winter:
- BATTLE CREEK REC CENTER, 75 Winthrop Street North, St Paul, MN (10am-12pm)
- EDGCUMBE REC CENTER, 320 Griggs St S, St Paul, MN 55105 (9am-12:30pm)
- 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 (9am-noon)
- PALACE COMMUNITY CENTER, 781 Palace Ave Saint Paul, MN (11:30am-1:30pm)
- WEST MINNEHAHA REC CENTER, 685 W. Minnehaha Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55104 (12-2pm)
Twin Cities storytimes
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Columbia Heights & Crooked Lake libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Victoria & Chanhassen library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Apple Valley Galaxie library.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Brooklyn Park, Plymouth & Westonka library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Family Early Literacy class at Elko New Market & Savage libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: No storytimes scheduled.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland (Valley), Mahtomedi (Wildwood), Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
MONDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Story & Art Time at Eden Prairie Art Center
7650 Equitable Drive, Eden Prairie, MN, 55344
An interactive storytime plus an engaging art project with all supplies provided. Caregivers must stay to supervise children. March 18, 2024, $10/child.
More family fun ideas for Monday: STEM activities!
Experience Gallery now open at The Works Museum
9740 Grand Ave. S, Bloomington, MN 55420
After a period of renovation, the super kid-friendly and hands-on engineering museum has opened their refreshed Experience Gallery. The House exhibit explores the way necessary systems in a house (plumbing, electrical, protective barriers) are engineered. Be mesmerized by the expanded K’nex ball machine. Open Mondays, 10am-1pm. $13/pp admission.
MORE FUN STEM-FOCUSED MUSEUMS FOR KIDS:
- BAKKEN MUSEUM: All about electricity – it’s hair-raising science fun to explore. 3537 Zenith Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55416.
- BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY: Far-out space exhibits and intriguing animal dioramas make it really special. Larpenteur Avenue West, Saint Paul, MN 55113.
SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA: World-class science exhibits and an IMAX theater. 120 W. Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55102.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, March 19, 2024
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 it’s too chilly or sloppy to be outdoors:
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER (Blast & Play Tot Time, 9am-12pm. $5/child.)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- 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: Blast and 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. March 19, 2024, 9am-12pm. $5/child.
FIND OUR GIANT LIST OF SUPER FUN INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES WHEN IT’S NOT QUITE PARK WEATHER!
Twin Cities storytimes on Tuesday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Blaine Johnsville & Northtown, Circle Pines, Ham Lake, Rum River & St Francis libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Galaxie (Apple Valley), Burnhaven, Heritage (Lakeville), Kaposia, Pleasant Hill (Hastings), Robert Trail & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Minneapolis Nokomis & Northeast libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: New Prague library hosts Early Literacy class.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Arlington Hills, Highland Park, Merriam Park & St Anthony Park branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Family Storytime at Woodridge Park
9000 90th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Singing, literacy and playing are all part of this indoor storytime at the park followed by a related activity for kids up to age 6. March 19, 2024, 10:30-11am. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Tuesday: Edutainment for kids
Tour the Raptor Center
1920 Fitch Ave, St Paul, MN 55108
Looking for spring break fun this week? 30-minute tours include learning about and meeting many species cared for and treated by The Raptor Center. Located on the St Paul campus of the U of M, the facility treats about 800 injured birds a year with the goal of releasing them back to the wild. Learn more about visiting the Raptor Center with kids. March 19, 2024, tours run 10am-3pm. $5/adults, $3/children.
Drop In Discovery at Minneapolis Parks
Nature games and activities presented by community parks in Minneapolis. Drop in for free fun in the parks – please note this is the FINAL week for the winter schedule. Spring programming will resume in April:
- 12-1pm: WAITE PARK
- 12:30-1:30pm: WINDOM SOUTH PARK
- 4:30-5:30pm: PHILLIPS PARK
- 4:45-5:45pm: LAKE HIAWATHA PARK
- 5-6pm: STEWART PARK
- 5:30-6:30pm: LAKE NOKOMIS PARK
Visit Como Planetarium – Public Tuesday Nights
780 W Wheelock Pkwy #1315, St Paul, MN 55117
Telescopes will be set up to view the Sun, Moon, Jupiter, and more in the night sky ahead of the solar eclipse. March 19, 2024. FREE, but must register as space is limited. Please see the link.
Dairy Queen Free Cone Day
A classic! Enjoy a free small vanilla cone at participating non-mall Dairy Queen locations on March 19. All day, limit one per person. And, in anticipation of warmer days ahead, we’ve updated our big list of FREE CONE DAYS & FREE ICE CREAM SOCIALS IN THE TWIN CITIES.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Tot Time Open Gyms on Wednesday:
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $15/membership pass or $3 drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open Play 9am-12pm, $8/pp)
- CHANHASSEN RECREATION CENTER (8-11:30am, $4-$4.50/child)
- CRYSTAL COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 10-11:30am, $3/child)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- 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, $6-$8/child)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY CENTER (Kids Playtime, 9:30-11am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
WEDNESDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM: Plymouth Fieldhouse Open Play
While the temps are still cool the field house opens up for kids who need to run and scoot around indoors. Balls and objects for free play are provided. The fieldhouse is heated to 55 degrees so dress accordingly. March 20, 2024, 10:30am to 1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $6-$8/pp. 14800 34th Ave., Plymouth, MN 55447-1482.
Twin Cities storytimes on Wednesday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Johnsville & Northtown, Coon Rapids Crooked Lake & Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnhaven, Heritage (Lakeville), Robert Trail & Wentworth branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Champlin, Eden Prairie, Excelsior, Minneapolis Central & Washburn, Minnetonka and St Anthony libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Maplewood, Moundsview & North St Paul library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Dayton’s Bluff, Rondo & West Seventh library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Storytime at Red Balloon Bookshop
891 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
Storyteller Angela hosts a storytime at the charming bookshop perfect for 3s & under (but all welcome). March 20, 2024, 10:30am. FREE.
Preschool Open Gymnastics at Gleason’s
2015 Silver Bell Rd #180, Eagan, MN 55122
A trip to Gleason’s for open gym is an instant mood-lifter. The kids 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 are open gyms for you, too. March 20 & 22, 2023, 9:30 – 11:30am. $10 per child or $15 per family (online) / $13 per child or $20 (at the door).
Twin Cities nature play on Wednesday
ExploraTots at Como Regional Park Park
Nature play stations include a story, a hike, and a take-home activity appropriate for the age range of 3-5 years. Must register in advance, space is limited. Don’t grab a spot? Plan ahead – this event is held monthly. March 20, 2024, 10-11:30am. FREE.
Nature Adventurers: Maple Syrup at Wood Lake Nature Center
6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield 55423
This parent-child program from preschool kids ages 3-5 will include stories, crafts and outdoor discovery time. Dress for outdoors and please pre-register as space is limited. March 20, 2024, 10am. $10/first child, $5/second child.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, March 21, 2024
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)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER (Open Playtime, 10-11:30am, $3/child up to age 5)
- SAVAGE SPORTS CENTER (Tot Time, 9-11:30am, $3/child)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- VADNAIS HEIGHTS TCO SPORTS GARDEN (Toddler Thursday, 9:30-11:30am. FREE.)
THURSDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM: Andover Community Center Open Gym & Craft
Andover Community Center, 15200 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
We picked this special Tot Time this week because there’s also a special craft included. March 21, 2024. 9:30-11:30am, $5/child ages 5 & under.
Twin Cities storytimes on Thursday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Northtown, Circle Pines, Fridley & Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Hastings, Kaposia, Robert Trail, Wentworth & Wescott (Eagan) branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Augsburg Park, Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Oxboro, Penn Lake and Wayzata library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
- SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: Prior Lake library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer & Sun Ray library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Cottage Grove, Hardwood Creek, Wildwood & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Winter Nature Storytime at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Nature stories and an activity for kids led by garden naturalists – meet inside the trailhead (and dress for the weather). One of the final winter storytimes of the season! March 21, 2024, 10-10:30am. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Thursday: Indoor activities
Free live entertainment at Edinborough Park
7700 York Ave. S., Edina, MN 55435
The indoor park’s balmy amphitheater hosts free live music on select Thursdays. This could be a nice break from a zany run around the giant ADVENTURE PEAK INDOOR PLAYGROUND, also housed within Edinborough Park and reasonably priced at $10/child for hours of energy-busting fun. March 21, 2024, 10:30am.
Try rollerskating – Family Night Thursdays at Cheapskate
3075 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Skate to throwback prices and tunes. Just $6.99 to skate plus skate rental fee (or bring your own). Ongoing Thursdays, 5-8pm. For more rink locations, try our 6 Twin Cities Roller Rink Family Deals.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Friday, March 22, 2024
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)
- BURNSVILLE IGM GYMNASTICS (Preschool Open Gym, 9:30-11:30am, $10/child or $15/family.)
- CHANHASSEN RECREATION CENTER (8-11:30am, $4-$4.50/child)
- HOPKINS PAVILION (Turf Tots, 8am-1pm. $5/child ages 1-5)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- PLYMOUTH FIELDHOUSE (Youth Open Play, 10:30am to 1:30pm, $6-$8/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: Hopkins Pavilion Turf Tots
Indoor turf where there’s more room to run! Kids 5 & under can play with bounce houses, climbing wall, sport balls, crawl tunnels, blocks, trikes and more for kids ages 1-5. Through May 4, 2024; Mon-Fri, 8am-1pm. $5 per session per child.
Twin Cities storytimes on Friday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Fridley library.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America & Waconia library branches.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Farmington, Inver Glen, Kaposia & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Eden Prairie, Maple Plain, Minneapolis Bottineau, East Lake, Roosevelt and Walker libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & White Bear Lake branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Merriam Park and Riverview libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
Eco-Art at Silverwood Park
2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN 55421
Kids ages 7-12 can explore the outdoor ecosystems of Silverwood Park and examine them under the microscope. Then create your own habitat using natural materials. Registration is required. March 22, 2024, 9:30-11am. $8/pp.
Messy Monsters Toddler Art Program
Mess Hall, 906 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
Let the studio take care of the mess so you parents don’t have to! Special for ages 2-6, tots can mess around with art in an educational environment and take home all of their creations. Ongoing Fridays including March 22, 2024, 10:30-11:15am. $28/child-adult pair.
Fun things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities, March 23-24, 2024
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.