Twin Cities Guide to Family Activities This Week: March 11-15, 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 11-15, 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. Looking ahead, get excited for a fresh season with our ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SPRING FUN IN THE TWIN CITIES.

Ultimate Guide to Spring in the Twin Cities

Twin Cities March Family Events & Activities Guide

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 11, 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 cooler weather either FREE or at a low cost to you. SEE OUR FULL LIST OF TWIN CITIES TOT TIME OPEN GYMS!

ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER – No Tot Time today
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 (9-10:30am, $3/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: Plymouth Fieldhouse Open Play

While the temps are still dipped, 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 11, 2024, 10:30am to 1:30pm, ages 12 & under, $6-$8/pp. 14800 34th Ave., Plymouth, MN 55447-1482.

Twin Cities storytimes on Monday:

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 & White Bear Lake library branches.
SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Family Early Literacy class at Elko New Market branch library & St Patrick’s storytime at New Prague library.
ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: No storytimes scheduled.
WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland (Valley), Mahtomedi (Wildwood), Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.

MONDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Maple Syrup Puppet Storytime at Westwood Hills 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. March 11, 2024. 10am-11am, $6/person. Registration required.
Can’t make this program? Bookmark our page of TWIN CITIES MAPLE SYRUP FAMILY PROGRAMS for the future!

More family fun ideas for Monday

Monday meal deal (plus more fun nearby)

7465 France Ave. So. Edina, MN 55435
Fresh, yummy and healthy are all ways to describe QCUMBERS RESTAURANT in Edina. On Mondays, you can add “a bargain” to this description when kids up to age 12 eat for just $5.99 (two per paying adult). It’s a buffet restaurant so if you’ve got kids who eat like mine, this is a great deal! Find more KIDS EAT FREE & CHEAP MEAL DEALS in the Twin Cities for every day of the week!

FAMILY FUN NEARBY: We like to dine at QCumbers after we work up an appetite running around the enormous ADVENTURE PEAK INDOOR PLAYGROUND within the balmy, indoor EDINBOROUGH PARK. The whole family climbs, slides and navigates the webs on this giant, multi-story play structure. And then boy, are we ready to EAT! Open all week, $10/child, parents play FREE! 7700 York Ave. S. Edina, MN 55424.

FIND OUR GIANT LIST OF SUPER FUN INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TWIN CITIES WHEN IT’S NOT QUITE PARK WEATHER!

Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, March 12, 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 cold 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: 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. March 12, 2024, 9-11:30am. $3/child.

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: Apple Valley Galaxie, Burnhaven, Heritage (Lakeville), Pleasant Hill (Hastings), Robert Trail & Wescott (Eagan) library branches.
HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: No storytimes scheduled today.
RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: New Brighton & Roseville 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 & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.

TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Kids Storytime & Cocoa at Shakopee Brewhall

124 1st Ave E, Shakopee MN 55379
Free hot cocoa for kids and stories presented by the Shakopee Library. Coffee and pastries available for purchase. March 12, 2024, 10-10:30am. FREE.

More family fun ideas for Tuesday:

Mall of America Toddler Tuesday

This month’s theme is “Luck of the Little Ones” with Irish music and Irish dance demonstrations. March 12, 2024, 10am-12pm. FREE.

Ballet Tuesdays (and more) at Landmark Center

Landmark Center, 75 W 5th St, St Paul, MN 55102
Excerpts from the classics, perfect for budding ballerinas. March 12, 2024, 12pm. While you’re at the beautiful LANDMARK CENTER, pop in to the free SCHUBERT CLUB MUSEUM, a hidden gem that allows kids to experiment with a cacophony of musical instruments. FREE admission!

Tuesday is Discount Movie Day

Traditionally, Tuesday is the day of the deal at Twin Cities-area movie theaters. While we can’t guarantee a kid-friendly flick will be screening at your local cinema, we do keep track of a list worth checking out. $5 movies are offered across theaters in communities like Minneapolis, St Paul, Eagan, Shakopee, Woodbury and more. Pass that popcorn!

My Preschooler & Me: Puppet Escapades – Maple Syrup

Eastman Nature Center, 13351 Elm Creek Road, Dayton, MN 55369
This is a special program about maple syrup designed just for ages 4-5 with caregiver. This is an immersive, outdoor program with registration required. March 12, 2024. $6/pp.

We have oodles of family programs to share with you in our guide to MAPLE SYRUP IN THE TWIN CITIES. Most programs are on the weekends, but there are a few scattered throughout the week as well.

Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday March 13, 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)
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 – type “indoor playground” into search bar, most 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: 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 winter:

DAYTON’S BLUFF REC CENTER (10am-12pm)
EDGCUMBE REC CENTER (9am-12:30pm)
LINWOOD RECREATION CENTER (11am-1pm)
NORTH DALE REC CENTER (10am-noon)
PALACE COMM CENTER (11:30am-1pm)

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, Lakeville Heritage, Robert Trail & Wentworth branch libraries.
HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Champlin, Eden Prairie, Excelsior, Minneapolis Central & Washburn, Minnetonka, Plymouth & Southdale library branches.
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 13, 2024, 10:30am. FREE.

Summer Reading Programs at Local Bookstores

Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, March 14, 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: 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 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 Pleasant Hill, Inver Glen, Kaposia, Robert Trail, Wentworth & Wescott (Eagan) branch libraries.
HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Augsburg Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Oxboro, Penn Lake, Plymouth, Southdale & Wayzata library branches.
RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview library branches.
SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY: Prior Lake library.
ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer, Hayden Heights & Sun Ray library branches.
WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Cottage Grove, Hardwood Creek, Park Grove & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.

THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Lil Explorer Thursday Storytime at Como Zoo

1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
Lil Explorer Thursdays program includes a themed storytime. 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. March 14, 2024, 10am-noon. FREE.

March weather not cooperating for outdoor plans? Stay as toasty as the tropics wandering the indoor gardens and exhibits. The animal enclosures are heated, too. Please note that reservations are a must. FREE, donations appreciated.

Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Friday, March 15, 2024

Tot Time Open Gyms on Friday:

APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or $3 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: 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. March 17, 2023. Preschool open gym: Wednesdays & Fridays: 9:30 – 11:30am. Pre-register: $10/child; $15/family ($13/$20 at the door).

And hey! Did you know that March 15 is World Sleep Day? After a trip to Gleason’s make it mandatory naptime for everyone in the house, caregivers included!

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 & Ridgedale 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.

FRIDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Preschool Storytime at Carpenter Nature Center

12805 St. Croix Trail S, Hastings, MN 55033
Each month at the nature center features a new nature theme and activities aimed at ages 2-5 w/ a caregiver. This month’s theme is maple syrup. Call 651-437-4359 to reserve a space as they are limited. March 15, 2024, 10am. $6/child.
If you can’t make storytime, the nature center is always free to visit, whether checking out the indoor displays or exploring the topography of the valley along the river.

More family fun ideas for Friday

Kids at the Castle: Northern Lights

American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
It’s a creative playdate at a real castle! The museum presents themed circle time, storytime, crafts, music and movement for kids ages 2-5 (with caregiver). Then you get to explore the rest of the castle on your own, including the interactive family exhibit. Advance registration required. March 15, 2024, 9-10am. $15/family. (Great deal!)

MORE GREAT TWIN CITIES MUSEUMS KIDS WILL ENJOY:

Fun things to this this weekend in the Twin Cities – March 16-18, 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.