Story hours have always been one of our favorite outings with children from babies through school age. While each is unique, you can expect story time programs generally to offer a story along with age-appropriate kids activities, rhymes, finger-plays, maybe a simple craft and free play time. This list includes some of the most dependable story times. Check our calendar regularly for special one-time story times.
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Monday Story Times
Puppet Story Time
Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave., St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Monthly Monday & Friday Story Times, 10am-11:30am
Stories about a different nature theme each month told by the Westwood puppets. There is a fee of $4-$5/pp for this program which includes a story, naturalist-led activities. Registration is required.
Tuesday Story Times
Wild Rumpus Books
2720 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Weekly story times have returned to Wild Rumpus as of April 2023. Arrive early if you want to get a decent spot at this popular story time geared towards toddlers and preschoolers with their caregivers. Stick around to see how many critters (yes, animal critters) you can spot slinking around the store! 10:30am ongoing Tuesdays. Learn more here.
Wednesday Story Times
Red Balloon Bookshop
891 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105
Themed stories, songs, puppets and other preschool pleasures. Red Balloon also hosts many weekend family events celebrating local authors. Wednesday & Thursday mornings at 10:30am. Learn more here.
Kiddywampus
1023 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
Interactive stories, songs & rhymes for kids ages 2-5 at one of the coolest independent toy shops in the Twin Cities. No registration required. Spring storytime runs Thursdays thru May 10. 10:30am.
Thursday Story Times
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
The wonderful Lil Explorer Thursdays program includes two 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. Ongoing Thursdays, 10am-noon. Advance registration is currently required to enter the zoo.
Red Balloon Bookshop
891 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105
Themed stories, songs, puppets and other preschool pleasures. Red Balloon also hosts many weekend family events celebrating local authors. Wednesday & Thursday mornings at 10:30am. Learn more here.
Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden & Bird Sanctuary
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. NOTE: This is a seasonal storytime hosted May thru mid-October. Thursdays, 10am & Saturdays, 2pm.Â
Little RoosÂ
122 Pioneer Trail, Chaska MNÂ
This children’s boutique features local Minnesota authors telling stories, some with crafts plus Little Roos own activities for kids. Summer Storytime runs select Thursdays & Saturdays in 2023. 10:30am.Â
Rockin’ Readers
Nicollet Commons Park, 12600 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, MN 55337
Arrive early for the Thursday Rockin’ Lunch Hour Concerts (which start at noon), to join educators from Burnsville School District read some of their favorite stories. Then catch a concert and play in the splash pad.Â
Friday Story Times
Barnes and Noble Galleria
3230 Galleria, Edina, MN 55435
While most Barnes & Noble Stores offer a themed storytime on Saturdays, the Galleria offers weekly story hours on Fridays. 10am. FREE!
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318
The Arb is a beautiful place to spend time year-round. Storytime at the Arborteum is currently held at the Andersen Horticultural Library monthly on the last Friday, but this is subject to change. Free with with Arb admission (Kids are free, adults $15).Â
Preschool Story Time
Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center, 12805 St Croix Trail S, Hastings, MN 55033
Monthly Friday Story Times, 10am-11am
Call ahead to register for Preschool Story Time. There is a fee of $5 per child for this program which includes a story, craft, and nature and animal education. Accompanying adults are free. One Friday each month, 10 – 11am. Registration is required.
Puppet Story Time
Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave., St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Monthly Monday & Friday Story Times, 10am-11:30am
Stories about a different nature theme each month told by the Westwood puppets. There is a fee of $4-$5/pp for this program which includes a story, naturalist-led activities. Registration is required.
Saturday Story Times
Barnes and Noble Themed Story Times
These story time themes are chosen by corporate headquarters and offered all over the country. Not all Barnes & Noble stores participate, but a good many local locations do. You can check for participating stores here. Ongoing Saturdays, usually 10:30am (but check this at your own store). FREE!
Little RoosÂ
122 Pioneer Trail, Chaska MNÂ
This children’s boutique features local Minnesota authors telling stories, some with crafts plus Little Roos own activities for kids. Summer Storytime runs select Thursdays & Saturdays in 2023. 10:30am.Â
Library Storytimes - Baby, Family & Preschool Storytimes
Library staff often offer resources for parents for introducing early literacy skills to preschool children. Find family, preschool, infant and toddler storytime opportunities at the links below:
More Interactive Play for 1-5 Year Olds
Looking for Sensory Activities?
Find resources for grown-ups and children of all abilities, including sensory story time opportunities:
Scoops and Stories, a preschool storytime with books, music and more is every Tuesday at 9:30am at Cold Front in St. Paul! Come listen to stories while enjoying coffee and ice cream.
Thank you Ashlee! That is exciting. I am following up with them right now so I can add it to the list.
Joy.
Thanks again, Ashlee. It’s added. You didn’t mention that you were the host. I could have added faster. 🙂