Twin Cities Guide to Family Activities This Week - Family Fun Twin Cities (2024)

Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!

This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of July 1-5, 2024. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to ourWEEKEND 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!

As always, you can check our JULY FAMILY GUIDE, theULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUMMER FUN IN THE TWIN CITIESor ourFAMILY FUN CALENDARfor 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, July 1, 2024

Tot Time Open Swims on Monday:

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!

• BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $10/pp)
• EAGAN: CASCADE BAY (9:30-10:30am, $6/child, 1 adult free per child)
• RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $11/pp)
• SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $2/pp)
• ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)

FEATURED TOT TIME SWIM: Pictured below is my little one enjoying some splashy time at Eagan’sCASCADE BAYbefore the big kids arrive at the pool.

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 the60 Minneapolis parks that offer free wading pools.Pictured is the super cute pool at LAKE HIAWATHA PARK. The wading pool has a zero-depth entry great for little swimmers and some fun splash features for the older ones. 2701 E 44th St, Minneapolis, MN 55406.

Monday entertainment in the parks

MAPLE GROVE Sounds of Summer Concert Series

7991 Main St, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Town Green is a tree-dotted gathering space for families to relax and take in an outdoor concert or movie. If you’re up for a walk or short bike ride, it’s about a half-mile over to CENTRAL PARK OF MAPLE GROVE, home to an amazing playground. Just be aware that if your kids see the splash fountains there, you’re going home soaked. July 1, 2024, 7pm. FREE.

Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Tot Time Open Swims on Tuesday:

• BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $10/pp)
• BUNKER BEACH WATERPARK TOT TIME (9:15-10:15am, $5/child, adults free)
• EAGAN: CASCADE BAY (9:30-10:30am, $6/child, 1 adult free per child)
• RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $11/pp)
• SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $2/pp)
• ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)
• ST PAUL: BATTLE CREEK WATERWORKS (9:30-10:30am, $2.50/pp)

FEATURED TOT TIME SWIM: You can’t beat the price (just $2.50!) of a tot swim at BATTLE CREEK WATERWORKS WATERPARK. Kids 5 & under can splash about in a more relaxed environment before the waterpark opens to all ages. If you choose to stay, individuals will need to pay an additional $4.50/pp. 2401 Upper Afton Rd E, Maplewood, MN 55119.

Battle Creek Waterworks – Image Courtesy of Ramsey County Parks

Tuesday entertainment in the parks

EDINA Tuesday Children’s Performance at Centennial Lakes Park

7499 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435
Kids entertainment at Maezold Amphitheater: today’s guest is Richardson Nature Center with a nature program. If you have older kids, they might be tempted by the lawn bowling or putting greens. Younger kids might enjoy a paddle boat ride. July 2, 2024, 10am. FREE.

STILLWATER Summer Entertainment at Teddy Bear Park

207 Nelson St E, Stillwater, MN 55082
Tricia & the Toonies perform their eco-friendly show twice a month in the park. This charming park is perfect for preschool play with its teddy bear-and-train theme. July 2, 2024, 10am. FREE.

Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Tuesday?

• APPLE VALLEY PUPPET WAGON SCHEDULE
• EAGAN SPARK! MOBILE PUPPET WAGON SCHEDULE
• LAKEVILLE PUPPET WAGON
• ROSEVILLE PUPPET WAGON SCHEDULE
• WOODBURY PUPPET WAGON SCHEDULE

MINNEAPOLIS Kids Summer Matinees at Riverview Theater

3800 42nd Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55406
Our favorite local retro theater is again offering matinees for kids this summer – just $1.00 general admission seats. This week screens Cloudy With a Chance of Meatball. July 2, 2024, 10:30am.

MINNEAPOLIS Movies in the Park

Whittier Park, 425 W 26th St, Minneapolis,MN55404
Tonight’s screening is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, a free movie in the park, BYO popcorn. July 2, 2024, 9pm.

Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Tot Time Open Swims on Wednesday:

• BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $10/pp)
• RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $10-$11/pp)
• SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $2/pp)
• ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)

FEATURED TOT TIME SWIM: How sweet and perfect for your youngster to splash around in is the pool at LORRAINE PARK in South St Paul? Simple, zero-entry depth and a super budget-friendly price of just $2/pp. Kids ages 4 & under only, please.

Wednesday entertainment in the parks & community

ST LOUIS PARK Kids Summer Concert Series

Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive, Saint Louis Park, MN
Special kid-friendly entertainment in the park every Wednesday through August 14. Today’s performer is Tricia & the Toonies. July 3, 2024, 10-11am. FREE.

QUICK! WHAT ELSE CAN I DO IN ST LOUIS PARK THIS AFTERNOON? A better question may be, what CAN’T you do? Just a ten minute drive or less from WOLFE PARK are these fun family destinations:

• WESTWOOD HILLS NATURE CENTER: Families can borrow a backpack stocked with nature activities, investigation tools, books and ideas for art projects. Each pack has a different nature theme. Explore both indoor and outdoor exhibits. 8300 W Franklin Ave, St Louis Park, MN 55426.
• BAKKEN MUSEUM: Interesting exhibits all about electricity that cater to youth and families. $7-$13/pp. 3537 Zenith Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55416.
• COMO-HARRIET STREETCAR LINE: Take a retro ride on a real, historic streetcar! $3/ride. 2330 W 42nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410.
• BDE MAKA SKA BEACHES: Sandy beaches can be found on the lake’s south side (THOMAS BEACH), east side (32ND STREET BEACH) & north side (NORTH BEACH). The first two are guarded and all are free.

ST PAUL Groovin in the Garden at Como Zoo

1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
FREE concerts and activities in front of the conservatory. Some food and beverages will be available to purchase. Concerts will take place in visitor center if it rains.July 3, 2024, 6pm-8pm.

Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Wednesday?

• APPLE VALLEY PUPPET WAGON SCHEDULE
• EAGAN SPARK! MOBILE PUPPET WAGON SCHEDULE
• GOLDEN VALLEY PUPPET WAGON SCHEDULE
• LAKEVILLE PUPPET WAGON
• ROSEVILLE PUPPET WAGON SCHEDULE
• WOODBURY PUPPET WAGON SCHEDULE

More things to do on Wednesday in the Twin Cities: Discover a new park or playground!

ST PAUL Rec 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 Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30pm at the following parks:

• SIBLEY MANOR–1300 W Maynard Dr, St Paul, MN 55116
• SYLVAN PARK – 77 Rose Ave W, St Paul, MN 55117

BROOKLYN PARK Open Gate at Eidem Farm

4345 101st Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
The gates are open on select weekdays so the public can meet the farm animals, explore gardens and trails and possibly even help with chores. July 3, 2024, 10am-4pm, FREE. See link for additional weekly hours.

Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Thursday, July 4, 2024

Twin Cities Independence Day/Fourth of July Events:

Happy Fourth! Where can you find the fireworks displays and community festivals in honor of Independence Day in the Twin Cities? Consult our list of communities to find one near you:

• APPLE VALLEY: Arrive early for a pre-fireworks carnival beginning at 1pm; fireworks at 10pm. Johnny Cake Ridge Park East, Apple Valley, MN
• BLAINE: Fireworks at 10pm at the National Sports Center. 1700 105th Ave NE Blaine, MN
• CHANHASSEN: Fireworks at Lake Ann Park, 10pm. 1456 West 78th Street, Chanhassen
• COON RAPIDS: Fireworks at 10pm at Coon Rapids Ice Center. 1100 Crooked Lake Boulevard, Coon Rapids, MN
• EAGAN: Fireworks at 10pm in Central Park. 1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan, MN
• EDEN PRAIRIE:Fireworks at 10pm in Round Lake Park. 16691 Valley View Road Eden Prairie
• EDINA: Fifes and drums start at 8pm. First John Sousa Memorial Band concert at 8:45. Fireworks at dusk, all in Rosland Park. 4300 W 66th St, Edina, MN
• EXCELSIOR: Fireworks at 9:50pm at Excelsior Commons. 135 Lake St, Excelsior, MN
• FOREST LAKE:Fireworks at 10pm in Lakeside Memorial Park. 95 E Broadway Ave, Forest Lake, MN
• LAKEVILLE: Fireworks at 10pm at Lakeville North High. 19600 Ipava Ave, Lakeville, MN
• MAPLEWOOD: Fireworks at 10pm in Hazelwood Park. 1663 County Rd C E, Maplewood
• MENDOTA HEIGHTS: Fireworks at dusk in Mendakota Park. 2111 DoddRoad
  MendotaHeights,MN
• MINNEAPOLIS: Red, White & Boom! is back in town. Live music & food trucks starting at 6pm, fireworks at 10pm. Water Works and the Stone Arch Bridge parking lot.
• PRIOR LAKE: Festivities at Mystic Lake include Food Trucks and Gin Blossoms concert beginning at 5pm. Fireworks at 10pm. FREE. 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd NW, Prior Lake, MN
• ROSEVILLE: Fireworks over Bennett Lake in Central Park at 10pm. 2540 Lexington Avenue North, Roseville, MN
• SHAKOPEE: Fireworks at Valleyfair have been cancelled due to flooding.
• STILLWATER: Fireworks at dusk in Lowell Park. 201 Water St N, Stillwater, MN
• ST LOUIS PARK:Fireworks at 10pm in Aquila Park. 3110 Xylon Ave S, St Louis Park, MN
• WACONIA:Fireworks at dusk in Lake Waconia Regional Park. 8170 Paradise Ln, Waconia, MN
• WOODBURY: Fireworks at 10pm at M Health Fairview Sports Center. 4125 Radio Dr., Woodbury, MN
• WHITE BEAR LAKE: Manitou Days Fireworks set to music at Memorial Beach, 8pm-11pm. 4980 Lake Ave, White Bear Lake, MN
• DULUTH JULY 4th GETAWAY: Featuring live music in Bayfront Festival Park all day and fireworks at 10:10pm. 350 Harbor Dr, Duluth, M.10 Best Things To Do in Duluth with Kids in the Summer.

Fun things to do in the Twin Cities on Friday, July 5, 2024

Tot Time Open Swims on Friday:

• BLOOMINGTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER (10am-12pm, $8-$10/pp)
• RICHFIELD OUTDOOR POOL (10am-11am, $10-$11/pp)
• SOUTH ST PAUL: LORRAINE SPLASH POOL (11am-12:30pm, $3/pp)
• ST LOUIS PARK AQUATIC PARK (9:30am-11am, $10-$15/pp)

Or play it simple for little ones with a local splash pad

Don’t forget that splash pads are a perfect place to cool off without the full investment of a day at the pool. This week we highlight the splash pad atM HEALTH FAIRVIEW SPORTS CENTERin Woodbury. Right next to the terrificMADISON’S PLACE INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND.

• Get our huge list of the!

Where can I find the Puppet Wagon in the Twin Cities on Friday?

• APPLE VALLEY PUPPET WAGON SCHEDULE
• FARMINGTON PUPPET WAGON
• ROSEMOUNT PUPPETS IN THE PARK SCHEDULE

We all scream for ice cream socials in the park!

ST PAUL 1st Friday Ice Cream Social

Arlington Hills Community Center, 1200 Payne Avenue, Saint Paul, MN, 55130
Outdoor yard games and free ice cream monthly on the first Friday all summer. July 5, 2024, 3:30-4:30pm.

We all scream for ice cream! Find our calendar of Twin Cities ice cream socials for summer 2024.

MINNEAPOLIS Movies in the Park

Dickman Park, 614 Second St NE, Minneapolis,MN55413
Tonight’s flick is Shrek, a free Friday night movie in the park, BYO popcorn. July 5, 2024, 9pm.

More family fun ideas for Friday: Play a round of miniature golf

Yes, I can still rouse my teens away from their smartphones and snapchat by suggesting a trip to play miniature golf in the summertime. And you can, too! Especially armed with this guide to the best outdoorMINIATURE GOLF COURSES IN THE TWIN CITIES.Quick hits we’ve enjoyed:

• ,Minnetrista: Part mini golf course, part outdoor art gallery equals a totally fun family outing.
• WHEEL FUN MINI GOLF,Richfield: There’s a playground and snack shack nearby, helpful if you have younger kids.
• SKYLINE MINI GOLF AT WALKER ART CENTER,Minneapolis: Add a trip to the art museum onto your golf ticket for a fabulous outing with your teen.

Fun things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities, July 6-7, 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!