Twin Cities Toddler Times

I keep this list in my phone, along with local library storyhours, so we are always ready to make a plan! Since I am getting two littles out of car seats, my trick is to get the 3-yr-old out first, and he has to have one hand on the car at all times while I get the 1-yr-old out - keeps everyone safe in the parking lot. See you there!

MONDAYS

PRE K MONDAYS, The Works Museum, 9740 Grand Avenue South, Bloomington, 9am-noon. Certain Mondays (calendar on the link) with special themed activities for young engineers, ages 3-5, at half price admission ($5.50). Adults are $11. There is access to the Museum’s activity floor, but the activity takes place secluded from the “big kids.” https://theworks.org/hands-on-kids-museum/prek-museum-mn

TUESDAYS

TODDLER TUESDAY, Mall of America, 11am-noon, FREE. Toddler Tuesdays is a program that provides events, free entertainment and discounts especially for toddlers. Events include special character appearances, arts and crafts, story time and much more! Additional information is also available at any Guest Services desk on Level 1 at all main entrances. Toddlers can also eat free at a long list of MOA restaurants, and there is a special $14.95 unlimited ride wristband offer as well. What I like about the MOA event is the easy parking and strollering, you can bail if the characters are not quite your toddler’s thing, and there are so many other adventures to add to the morning – use your GrandyCamp Underwater World discount, play for a bit in Legoland, and just walk through the ride area and watch the roller coasters – all amazing! http://www.mallofamerica.com/events/feature/toddler-tuesdays They also have a Youtube channel if you want to try out an event from home first https://www.youtube.com/c/mallofamerica/videos

SKYZONE TRAMPOLINE PARK 595 Hale Ave N., Oakdale, MN 55128, 9am – noon, M-F, Cost: $10.99/hr per jumper plus $2 SkySocks fee (you can save them for next time). Ages 5 & under AND caregivers. A time for your little ones to discover the joy of being active, bouncing under the supervision of their parents, and without interference from the big kids. This space made up of wall-to-wall trampolines, even up the wall. There’s even a foam pit the kids can launch themselves into! https://www.skyzone.com/stpaul/attractions-and-programs

BALLET TUESDAYS, Landmark Center, St. Paul noon-1pm. Landmark Center hosts FREE ballet performances and demonstrations, in partnership with Ballet Co.Laboratory. This program has grown exponentially in popularity, especially with families. The kids are asked to join in toward the end. Ballet Tuesdays are the second Tuesday of the month, October – April.  Beginning at 12 pm, Saint Paul Ballet performs excerpts from the company repertoire, highlighting events for their coming season.

WEDNESDAYS

TOTS & TRAINS - Select Wednesdays from 10am-1pm, Minnesota Transportation Museum. Head to the Jackson Street Roundhouse, 193 Pennsylvania Ave. E, St. Paul, 55130 on select Wednesdays (first and third Wednesdays) for a morning of family fun! Play in their open play area with train tables and new display additions, create a craft to take home, listen to train-themed story time, and enjoy coffee and treats as well! Check the website for dates; you can purchase tickets ahead or at the door. Admission Adult $11, Child (age 5-15) $9, Senior (age 62+) $9, Toddler (age 2-4) $7 http://mtm.my-free.website

THURSDAYS

FRIDAYS

KIDS AT THE CASTLE, Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, 9-10am. $8/family. These are still planned for, but cancelled with the most recent mandate. Check back for updates - the March and April programs are still on. Mark your calendars for the third Friday (and selected Saturdays) of every month for this themed, action-packed kids and family creative playtime. The Institute reserves an hour before the museum opens to the public so kids and their adults can romp and explore the Turnblad Mansion. Activities include circle time, storytelling, crafts, visual play, and music and movement. Registration is required; check in at ASI's front desk by 9 am. Suggested for ages 2-5. https://asimn.org/experience/programs/youth-family/early-childhood-programs/

KIDS FREE PLAY, Ninth Street Soccer and Coffee 801 SE 9th St. Minneapolis. Starts Feb. 11, 10am-noon, FREE. Unstructured and child-initiated activities.

MONTHLY SATURDAYS

KIDS AT THE CASTLE - Some Saturdays, 9-10am. (See Fridays for info)

DON’T FORGET THE LIBRARIES!

Try out the storyhours of several libraries in your area too (besides the listed bookstores) - they have them for babies, toddlers, family, even reading to dogs. They don't care, really, who comes to which, but they do choose books according to reading level. It really helped my Grands understand about "sitting on your pockets," and when it was time to get up for a little song or activity. Our libraries have so much to offer, and there is almost always a storyhour somewhere! Some (Brooklyn Park) are like mini Children's Museums! You can get your library card registered into any system. Rose wrote and especially liked the Saturday Live! at the downtown St. Paul Library, but that is not offered at the moment. We recently went to the Wednesday storyhour at the Stillwater library and loved the building - fireplace, nooks and crannies, outdoor deck for a picnic, and a trolley coming by. I add to this list often (and edit) - comment if you know of another fun Toddler Event!