All of a sudden it’s June! Are any of you out there in my boat — both excited and leery at the thought of another school year ending and a wide expanse of days ahead to fill with…well…whatever floats that boat we’re in? As much as I love watching my kids enjoy their free time by figuring out how to entertain themselves, it’s an absolute must for me to have some fun days out planned to anticipate. Here are the best FREE outing ideas to whip out for your own family in the month of June in the Twin Cities:
10 BEST FREE THINGS TO DO IN JUNE IN THE TWIN CITIES
Catch free outdoor movies in the parks
Minneapolis, St Paul and many of the surrounding ‘burbs offer movies under the stars in community parks starting in June. Bring a blanket or your camp chairs, a picnic dinner and a dose of bug spray to best enjoy family-friendly flicks al fresco. As a bonus, if you follow the link to our list of parks, you’ll also find the scoop on free summer movies in the theaters.
Cool off at free swimming holes & splash pads
You don’t have to look far to find a free spot to take a dip in the Twin Cities. Starting early June, the following beaches beckon to little swimmers and charge no vehicle fee or admission:
- Dakota County beaches – 2 locations, no vehicle permit required
- Three Rivers Park District Beaches – 7 unguarded locations
- Minneapolis swimming beaches – 12 locations
- Ramsey County swimming beaches – lifeguards on duty at 5 locations
- Webber Natural Swimming Pool – Minneapolis. Water treated with plants instead of chemicals. Weekends only until the regular season begins.
MINNEAPOLIS WADING POOLS are perfect for the splash set and those just learning to swim. Pools attached to a city public school building will open after the last day for public schools, all others open Memorial Day Weekend.
Don’t forget the splash pads! Perfect for the littles who don’t need a full dip and are happy to cool off in the sprinklers. We have a giant list of the best splash pads in the Twin Cities and nearly all of them are FREE.
Thursday Rockin’ Lunch Hour (and more free community entertainment)
Bring your picnic lunch to NICOLLET COMMONS PARK and stake out a spot on the grassy amphitheater to take in kid-centric entertainment, then cool off in the most beautifully landscaped splash pad in the Twin Cities. Rockin’ Lunch Hours at Nicollet Commons Park begin June 15, 2023 and kick off around noon after a pre-show storytime.
Jump over here for more FREE summer entertainment in Twin Cities parks (kid bands, puppet wagons, community festivals, the list goes on til Labor Day…)
National Get Outdoors Day
Regularly $7 per vehicle, admission is free to encourage families to get out in Minnesota State Parks & Recreation Areas on National Get Outdoors Day. We’re lucky here in the Twin Cities to have 8 Minnesota State Parks within 60 miles of the heart of the Metro. Other special events have been planned across the state in honor of the day; get a complete listing of them here. National Get Outdoors Day in Minnesota State Parks is June 10, 2023.
Kids Bowl Free in the Twin Cities
Kind of. It’s more like 2 free games daily per registered child with applicable shoe rental fees. Find the lanes closest to you here plus information on how to register and present your vouchers to redeem your free games. Two Twin Cities roller skating rinks are getting in on the free pass program, too.
Twin Cities Library summer reading programs
There is no “summer break” at your local library. Dozens of branches across the seven-county library system are rolling out even more activities, entertainment and reading incentives during the summer months. Hit the link to find out how to register at your local branch. Most programs start June 1.
Twin Cities River Rats water ski shows
Catch the spectacles on skis Thursday nights starting June 1, 2023, 6:30pm. The FFTC team recommends you bring blankets or chairs and a picnic dinner for the best viewing experience! Find more Twin Cities free water ski shows here.
See the Minnesota farm babies for free
The FFTC Team’s city kids love the opportunity to visit farms not much further than their urban backyards. There are a few opportunities in June where your own little ones can get up close to animals:
WEST ST PAUL: Dodge Nature Center & Farm
There are a few public tours this spring, but you and your animal-lovers can feel free (for free) to wander the trails and observe the working farm. The nature center sprawls across three parcels of land; the farm is contained within the “Main Property”. If you’re lucky, you may spot a farm baby or two. 1701 Charlton Street West St. Paul, MN 55118.
BROOKLYN PARK: HISTORIC EIDEM FARM
The turn-of-the-century farmstead is hosting “open gate hours” starting June 20, 2023. The public is free to wander the farm trails, poke around in the garden, meet resident animals and explore with self-guided signage. Mon-Thurs, 10am-7pm & Sat 10am-3pm.
Free June family festivals in the Twin Cities
Mark your calendars for a full slate of FREE Twin Cities family festivals in June! There are more than 40 festivals on our list to choose from this month, spanning each corner of the Metro area, so you’ll want to jump over to our JUNE FESTIVAL CALENDAR to get all the details (which one has free ice cream? Will there be fireworks? What time is the parade?)
Welcome Sparky shows back to Como Zoo
The Como Harbor habitat for the famous Sparky the Sea Lion shows is back to hosting shows for the Zoo’s arguably most famous resident. If you can’t make the party, pick another time to visit this summer – and bring along our Como Summer Checklist to make the most of it. Como Zoo is FREE to visit every day of the week (donations appreciated).
Is there anything to do on my birthday June 20th please we want to have some fun!
Alexis! Join us at the Minnesota Transportation Museum tomorrow! We are calling it a Father’s Day Event, but really, it’s just a LOT of fun for the whole family! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
10 Free or Cheap Ideas for Family Fun In June http://t.co/FrkJqez7dc
10 Free or Cheap Ideas for Family Fun In June http://t.co/7oEB7y9GIk