Twin Cities Guide to Family Activities this Week: June 22-26, 2026
Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of June 22-26, 2026. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE. Because the parents that make up the FFTC are always dreaming up ways to make life easier to manage with kids, we’ve organized our summer event information by region of the Twin Cities metro area – we’ve got you covered no matter your corner!
How to plan your family fun this week
More events this week around the Twin Cities Metro Area
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Monday, June 22, 2026
Open now for daily summer hours: St Paul swimming pools
Highland Park Aquatic Center
1840 Edgcumbe Rd, St Paul, MN 55116
Children’s activity pool, diving well & slide. Open regular weekday hours, 2026. $6-$8/pp. Twilight discount – $5 after 5pm.
Como Regional Park Pool
1151 Wynne Ave, St Paul, MN 55108
Features a zip line, climbing wall, lazy river and separate splash pool. Open regular hours starting, $6-$8/pp. Twilight discount.
Around the Twin Cities Metro: Tot Time Open Swims
Minneapolis & St Paul do not have weekday tot swims, but there are several pools around the greater Twin Cities metro that offer these special times. Make sure to note for tot swims that each pool sets their own age limit to participate. These typically range from kids under 5-8 years of age so you’ll want to hit the link for details before heading out to swim. Also note that not each venue offers a discounted admission rate – but many do! FIND ALL THE DETAILS ON TWIN CITIES TOT SWIMS HERE!
- APPLE VALLEY Splash Valley Tots-Only Swim – 9:30-10:30am
- EAGAN Cascade Bay Little Mates – 9:30-10:30am
- EDINA Aquatic Center Lil Lagoon Tot Time – 10-11:30am
- RICHFIELD Outdoor Pool Tot Time – 10-11am
- SOUTH ST PAUL Lorraine Park Splash Pool Toddler Time – 11am-12:30pm
- ST LOUIS PARK Aquatic Park Parent & Tot Time – 9:30am-11am
Or keep it simple with a free wading pool…
The FREE wading pools that dot Minneapolis parks are the perfect place for toddlers and kids who have not yet learned to swim but love to make a good splash. Many of them are no-frills with a standard depth of about 18″ but a few have been updated with fun spray features and zero-depth entry. All are located adjacent to a playground, rest rooms and space to spread out with a picnic. For all the details, jump over to our page that covers the 60 Minneapolis parks that offer free wading pools. Pictured is the splashy pool at WABUN PICNIC AREA within MINNEHAHA REGIONAL PARK. 4655 46th Ave S., Minneapolis.
Monday kids entertainment in the parks: Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities?
If you’re willing to venture a little outside of the mid-Metro, several Twin Cities communities offer free puppet shows in the park. We track progress of the wagon here:
- APPLE VALLEY Puppet Wagon – daily during the week
- EAGAN Spark! Mobile Puppet Wagon – daily during the week
- GOLDEN VALLEY Puppet Wagon – Wed-Thurs
- LAKEVILLE Puppet Wagon – Mon-Thurs
- ROSEVILLE Puppet Wagon – Tues-Thurs
- WOODBURY Puppet Wagon – Mon-Thurs
Discover a new Twin Cities park or playground
ST PAUL Recreation In Motion
Formerly know as Roaming Rec, this is a free, structured program at community parks for kids. Games, arts and crafts and other organized activities are led by a parks staff team. Snacks are served at each session. Find the FREE fun Mondays from 5:30-7:30pm at the following parks: Sibley Manor & Wacouta Commons – see link for more details.
MONDAY FEATURED STORYTIMEÂ Linden Hills Baby Storytime
2900 W. 43rd Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55410
Even if you no longer are toting babies, the Linden Hills Library is a lovely and calming place to spend the morning browsing and playing. Plus, you can pair a visit with a tour of the charming neighborhood with many kid-friendly venues beckoning like Wild Rumpus Books and Pinwheel Play to name a few. June 22, 10 & 11am. FREE.
More around the Metro: Summer festivals
ROSEVILLE Rosefest Rose Parade
Parade starts on County Road B between Hamline & Lexington Avenues, Roseville
The 34th annual Rose Parade is the traditional start to the city’s Rosefest summer festival. It will be incredibly popular! You can get a look at the parade route here. June 22, 2026, 6:15pm.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Around the Twin Cities Metro: Tot Time Open Swims
- APPLE VALLEY Splash Valley Tots-Only Swim – 9:30-10:30am
- COON RAPIDSÂ Bunker Beach Tot Time – 8:45-10:45am
- EAGAN Cascade Bay Little Mates – 9:30-10:30am
- EDINA Aquatic Center Lil Lagoon Tot Time – 10-11:30am
- RICHFIELD Outdoor Pool Tot Time – 10-11am
- SOUTH ST PAUL Lorraine Park Splash Pool Toddler Time – 11am-12:30pm
- ST LOUIS PARK Aquatic Park Parent & Tot Time – 9:30am-11am
MINNEAPOLIS Wild Rumpus Storytime
2720 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55410
This popular story time for toddlers & preschoolers is one of our favorites in the Twin Cities. Stick around to see how many critters (yes, animal critters) you can spot slinking around the store! June 23, 2026, 10:30am. FREE.
ST PAULÂ St Anthony Park Storytime In the Park
2223 Carter Ave, St Paul, MN 55108
The storytime, aimed at kids through age five with their caregivers, offers stories, music and and puppets is offered at nearby College Park during the summer. Drop right in. June 23, 2026, 10:30am. FREE.
ST PAUL Red Balloon’s Club Create
891 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
Kids ages 8-16 can drop into this charming independent bookshop (RSVPs helpful but not required) every other Tuesday between June 9-August 18 to get help with creative writing or art prompts. June 23, 2026, 4-6pm. FREE.
MINNEAPOLIS Riverview Theater Summer Kids Matinees
Riverview Theater, 3800 42nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Playing this week of June is How To Train Your Dragon. All seats just $2! June 23, 2026, 10am.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Wednesday free entertainment in the parks
ST PAUL Groovin in the Garden at Como Zoo
1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
FREE concerts and family-friendly activities in front of the conservatory. Some food and beverages will be available to purchase. June 24, 2026, 6pm-8pm.Â
Bonus Fun: Como Zoo is open until 6pm. Make a day of it at the zoo before the concert. Or just pack a picnic and enjoy some fun playground time.
Around the Twin Cities Metro: Tot Time Open Swims
- APPLE VALLEY Splash Valley Tots-Only Swim – 9:30-10:30am
- EDINA Aquatic Center Lil Lagoon Tot Time – 10-11:30am
- SOUTH ST PAUL Lorraine Park Splash Pool Toddler Time – 11am-12:30pm
- RICHFIELD Outdoor Pool Tot Time – 10-11am
- ST LOUIS PARK Aquatic Park Parent & Tot Time – 9:30am-11am
Try a new park or playground on Wednesday
MINNEAPOLIS Drop-in Canoeing at Loring Lake
1382 Willow St. Minneapolis, MN 55403
This is the perfect way to get your feet wet (pun intended) if you’re new to canoeing or a little rusty. All equipment, including life jackets, are provided. And park staff are on hand to dole out tips and techniques. Learn more about what you’ll find at LORING PARK – a free wading pool, newer playground equipment, gardens and a pretty fountain. June 24, 2026, 5-7pm. FREE.
MINNEAPOLISÂ Institute of Art Discovery Day
2400 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55404
Best for kids in grades 3-6, visit special stations around the museum staffed specially to help younger visitors get the most out of the art, plus hands-on art activities in the museum studio. No need to register. June 24, 2026, 10am-1pm. FREE.
MINNEAPOLIS Powderhorn Storytelling In the Park
3400 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Join the Story Table on Wednesday afternoons to listen to stories, draw and dance. Local musicians, storytellers and authors to accompany the interactive storytelling – see the link for a list of performers. June 24, 2026, 2-3:30pm. FREE.
MINNEAPOLISÂ Ride the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line
2330 W 42nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55410
All aboard for a historic streetcar ride with the kids! If you stick around the neighborhood on a Wednesday night you can also hit a family-friendly outdoor concert at the Lake Harriet Bandshell (starting at 7:30pm) and have a picnic dinner from Bread & Pickle. June 24, rides starting at 1pm. $3/ride.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, June 25, 2026
MINNEAPOLIS Twin Cities River Rats Water Ski Show
West River Road, Minneapolis
Amazing free waterski tricks to amuse you Thursday evenings on the Mississippi River. Make sure to bring your own seating (get there early for the best viewing) and consider bringing a picnic dinner as well. June 25, 2026, 6:20pm preshow, 7pm main show.
Around the Twin Cities Metro: Tot Time Open Swims
- APPLE VALLEY Splash Valley Tots-Only Swim – 9:30-10:30am
- COON RAPIDS Bunker Beach Tot Time – 8:45-10:45am
- EAGAN Cascade Bay Little Mates – 9:30-10:30am
- EDINA Aquatic Center Lil Lagoon Tot Time – 10-11:30am
- RICHFIELD Outdoor Pool Tot Time – 10-11am
- SOUTH ST PAUL Lorraine Park Splash Pool Toddler Time – 11am-12:30pm
- ST LOUIS PARK Aquatic Park Parent & Tot Time – 9:30am-11am
Featured St Paul splash pad
Phalen Regional Park Splash PadÂ
1600 Phalen Dr, Saint Paul, MNÂ 55106
Kids can make a quick dash from the splash pad fountains to the large and sandy Phalen Park beach. This beautiful park also offers trails, a tot lot, a fire ring, a rec center, tennis courts and regular family events. Daily 9am-9pm. FREE.
ST PAUL Lil’ Explorer Thursdays at Como Zoo
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MNÂ 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. June 25, 2026, 10am-12pm.
MINNEAPOLIS Toddler Time at Simply Jane
3805 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Simply Jane art studio is offering a special Toddler Time every Thursday at 10am! You can bring your little artist in to paint their own masterpiece, color and play in the studio. Just $5 per canvas board for members and $10 for non members. Grab a friend and make it a painting playdate! June 25, 2026, 10am-12pm.
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MINNEAPOLIS 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. June 25, 2026, 10am, FREE.
ST PAUL Minnesota History Center – Free Thursday Nights
345 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102
The MINNESOTA HISTORY CENTER is FREE for touring every Thursday evening in June and is packed with hands-on and kid-friendly exhibits that make learning about early Minnesota more fun than your young ones will imagine. June 25, 2026, 4-8pm.
MINNEAPOLIS Movies in the Parks
Webber Park, Minneapolis
Bring snacks, seating & bug spray! Tonight’s flick is The Bad Guys 2. June 25, 2026, 9pm. FREE.
Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Friday, June 26, 2026Â
Around the Twin Cities Metro: Tot Time Open Swims
- APPLE VALLEY Splash Valley Tots-Only Swim – 9:30-10:30am
- EAGAN Cascade Bay Little Mates – 9:30-10:30am
- EDINA Aquatic Center Lil Lagoon Tot Time – 10-11:30am
- RICHFIELD Outdoor Pool Tot Time – 10-11am
- SHAKOPEE SandVenture Splish & Splash Tot Time – 9:15-10:45am
- ST LOUIS PARK Aquatic Park Parent & Tot Time – 9:30am-11am
MINNEAPOLIS Friday Art-Making In the Garden
725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Pop in to the eclectic Minneapolis Sculpture Garden for art-making activities each Friday. Free and best enjoyed by ages 4 and up. Set aside time to explore the funky outdoor sculptures as well. June 26, 2026, 10am-1pm. FREE.
ST PAUL Minnesota Children’s Museum: Monster Yoga
10 West Seventh St, St Paul, MN 55102
Bring all the kids for a Friday morning of Monster Yoga on the Children’s Museum’s rooftop and plan plenty of time to explore the museum, including the new exhibit Monsters On Vacation. June 26, 2026, yoga at 10am. Included with admission of $20/person.
MINNEAPOLIS Walker Skyline Mini Golf
1750 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Artist-designed mini golf holes on the rooftop of Walker Art Center – clocking in at one of the most unique outdoor miniature golf courses in town. $12/pp, ages 6 & under golf free. Register as a new Walker member and your family plays a round of golf for free. Membership starts at $5/month. Tee times MAY be available between 10am-8:30pm. Please see link to purchase.
Fun things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities, June 27-28, 2026
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.
