We needed a new list of Twin Cities Toddler Fun Spots! This is a list of weekly Twin Cities events structured specifically for toddler play. Scroll to the end to check out some ideas for more spontaneous fun around town. Many can also work for other ages. Add your ideas in the comments!

I used to keep a daily list of options in my phone, along with local library storyhours, so we were always ready to make a plan! Getting two littles out of car seats is tricky, I would get the 3-yr-old out first, with the rule that he had to have one hand on the car at all times while I got the 1-yr-old out - keeps everyone safe in the parking lot.

MONDAYS

EAGLE’S NEST INDOOR PLAYGROUND 400 10th Street NW, New Brighton. Monday and Wednesday, noon-3pm. In addition to children burning off energy in the Eagles Nest, they can play and have fun in the gymnasium too! Preschool Playtime includes the use of gym equipment, inflatables, and playtime in the Eagles Nest Indoor Playground. All children must be supervised by an adult and have a wristband visible to staff.

TUESDAYS

TODDLER TUESDAY, Mall of America, Second Tuesdays, 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 – check out Underwater World, play for a bit in Legoland, and just walk through the ride area and watch the roller coasters – all amazing! They also have a Youtube channel if you want to try out an event from home first https://www.youtube.com/c/mallofamerica/videos

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.

WILD RUMPUS STORYHOUR 2720 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis, Tuesdays 10:30am. Enter through the tiny front door, read stories, sing songs, dance a little, and maybe even pet a cat! (Okay, we can't guarantee that last one, but you can wave hello at least!) There are several pets in this store which adds to the fun.

WEDNESDAYS

TOTS & TRAINS - Select (1st & 3rd) 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 $13, Child (age 5-15) $10, Senior (age 62+) $11, Toddler (age 2-4) $8

RED BALLOON BOOKSHOP 291 Grand Ave. St. Paul. Thursdays, 10:30am. Join Storyteller Kelly every Wednesday and and Storyteller Angela every Thursday at 10:30am for stories, rhymes, and fun!

GLEASON’S GYMNASTIC SCHOOL PRESCHOOL OPEN GYM, 2015 Silver Bell Rd. #180, Eagan. Wednesdays and Fridays, Pre-Register: $10 per child or $15 per family; At the Door: $13/child; $20/family. Infant to kindergarten age only. Most of the Open Gym is unstructured play time for kids to bounce, navigate obstacle courses, and explore much of the gymnastic school equipment. A group “circle time” is held each session for simple stretches and games. Professional staff are on hand to assist and play with the kids, but parents are required to supervise their children while in the gym, and a waiver must be filled out once per school year before the kids are allowed to participate. You can download the waiver at Gleason’s website to complete ahead.

EAGLE’S NEST INDOOR PLAYGROUND 400 10th Street NW, New Brighton. Monday and Wednesday, noon-3pm. In addition to children burning off energy in the Eagles Nest, they can play and have fun in the gymnasium too! Preschool Playtime includes the use of gym equipment, inflatables, and playtime in the Eagles Nest Indoor Playground. All children must be supervised by an adult and have a wristband visible to staff.

THURSDAYS

LIL’ EXPLORER THURSDAYS, Como Zoo, 1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul, 10am-noon. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week! An ASL interpreter will be there every Thursday through August from 10:15am-12:15pm interpreting both Lil’ Explorer story times and the 11:30am Sparky Show!

RED BALLOON BOOKSHOP 291 Grand Ave. St. Paul. Thursdays, 10:30am. Join Storyteller Kelly every Wednesday and and Storyteller Angela every Thursday at 10:30am for stories, rhymes, and fun!

FRIDAYS

KIDS AT THE CASTLE, Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, 9-10am. $10/family. 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.

IGM GYMNASTIC Preschool Open Gym, 12117 Riverwood Drive Burnsville, MN 55337, 9:30-11:30, $10/child 18months-5years, or $15 family.

GLEASON’S GYMNASTIC SCHOOL PRESCHOOL OPEN GYM, 2015 Silver Bell Rd. #180, Eagan. Wednesdays and Fridays, Pre-Register: $10 per child or $15 per family; At the Door: $13/child; $20/family. Infant to kindergarten age only. See more info above.

MONTHLY SATURDAYS

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

HOME DEPOT KIDS WORKSHOPS - First Saturday of the month, 9-noon. FREE themed project workshop.

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 learn 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 most are starting up in person again! Some (Brooklyn Park) are like mini Children's Museums! You can get your library card registered into any system. The Stillwater library has a lovely building - fireplace, nooks and crannies, outdoor deck for a picnic, and a trolley coming by. They have been doing outdoor storyhours with Baby Bear, even in W-I-N-T-E-R!

OTHER FUN SPONTANEUS FUN AROUND TOWN

Great Wolf Lodge, Bloomington. Cub Paw Pool is designed for toddlers. Half-Day and Full-Day Passes available (prices vary and subject to availability).
Extreme Sandbox, Hastings and Sachse, Texas. Scheduled Saturday drive-throughs to watch the construction equipment perform amazing feats! Front row parking available for an additional price. Twin Cities Frugal Mom always has coupons!
Maplewood Mall Venetian Carousel, Maplewood. Classic spinning teacups, gondolas, and two dozen hand-painted horses. It is hard to pin down hours, but you could call the main number for Maplewood Mall to be sure on a given day.
Did you know that you could “pay-to-play” at the Rainbow Outdoor Playset Builder Showroom in Bloomington? The cost is $8 per child, but much more when they talk you into that playset!
Shoreview Community Center Waterpark, Shoreview. Fun Shipwreck Beach Kiddie Area. Tropical Adventure Indoor Playground is also part of the complex.
Many of the Nature Centers are opening up. Minnesota Parent has a list of some favorites HERE – Maple Syrup tapping might be fun for March! Explore Minnesota has a complete list from all over the state!
KIDS FREE PLAY, Ninth Street Soccer and Coffee 801 SE 9th St. Minneapolis. Unstructured and child-initiated activities - check their schedule.
Minnemamaadventures.com has a thorough list of outdoor play parks in and around the Twin Cities (the weather is changing, right?!). Her posts always have great details about all the age-appropriate pros and cons, and what to bring along for the perfect outing.

Comment if you know of another fun Toddler Event!

TWIN CITIES TODDLER FUN 2024