50 Free Things To Do: Twin Cities November Family Events & Activities

With 12 children between them, the parents of the Family Fun Twin Cities team sure are THANKFUL for a good deal, especially as the holidays are upon us.  For hundreds more ideas on how to find free Twin Cities events for kids and families in November visit our: 

Want to find free things to do in the Minneapolis-St Paul area this weekend? Find our current WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE, packed with suggestions. We also publish a fresh update of THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK WITH KIDS in the Twin Cities. Our jam is inspiring you parents and caregivers to explore local communities and decide how best to invest the valuable time you’ve got with your young ones.

weekend family fun guide

50 Free Things To Do in the Twin Cities This November

Don’t view these ideas as a bucket list or one more to-do list you’ve got to hurry and check off before the end of the month. Rather, think of them as a back-pocket list you can whip out when it’s time to plan some family time.

Twin Cities Free Fall Fun in November

Fall Flowers in Bloom at Como Conservatory

1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
Autumn colors are on fire at the Fall Flower Show in the Conservatory’s sunken garden. Plus, it’s all indoors and balmy so noses won’t freeze. Admission is always free w/ donations gladly accepted. Daily thru November 26, 2023, 10am-4pm.

More free fall fun at COMO PARK ZOO & CONSERVATORY: Don’t miss Como Lil’ Explorer Thursdays. Each themed week is packed with free games, art projects and sensory tables. Thursdays in November 2023, 10am-12pm.

Pond Dakota Mission Park Living History Open Houses

401 E 104th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Hands-on living history programs fun and free of charge. New themes each Saturday in November 2023. Drop in from 1-4pm. 

November Free Family Fun Days with Three Rivers Parks

Three Rivers Park locations
Drop in for free nature programs at MISSISSIPPI GATEWAY REGIONAL PARK, EASTMAN NATURE CENTER & RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER. Make sure to check the Three Rivers Parks calendar to be sure of dates and times. New themes each week. Sundays, November 5-26, 2023, 1-3pm (some programs 3-4pm, please see website.)

Forever Wild Family Friday with Dakota County Parks

Thompson County Park, 1200 Stassen Ln, West St Paul, MN 55118
Dakota County parks are host to free activities the first Friday of every month. This month, the Raptor Center visits with a program about birds. Plus, the park features a great new playground. Meet at Dakota Lodge in the park. November 3, 2023, 6-7:30pm.

Discover Puppet & Art Adventures in the Park 

Silverwood Park, 2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN 55421
Take in a puppet show followed by make-and-take nature-inspired art OR take a guided hike with a naturalist around the trails and sculptures. So much outdoor fun to choose from at Silverwood  Park. November 12, 2023, 1-3pm. 

Girls watching mother duck and ducklings at Featured Park: Silverwood Park, Saint Anthony, Minnesota

Free Admission to Minnesota State Parks

A Black Friday tradition. Explore one of the many Minnesota State Parks within an hour’s drive of the Minneapolis-St Paul area without a day pass. November 24, 2023.

Free Twin Cities Early Holiday Events in November

The Twin Cities sparkles in late November & early December as community holiday trees are lit up across the Twin Cities. We have gathered  a complete list of those events in our 2023 TWIN CITIES HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING GUIDE. Find our quick list below of FREE events!

Twin Cities Christmas & Holiday Tree Lighting Events in November

Apple Valley: Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (November 21)

Burnsville: Winter Lighting Ceremony (November 22)

Edina: Tree Lighting Ceremony (November 25)

Shoreview: Holiday Lighting Event (November 13)

Taylors Falls: Taylors Falls Lighting Festival (November 24-26)

Wayzata: Light Up the Lake Celebration (November 24)

Twin Cities Holiday Festivals with Free Admission in November

Holiday Walk in the Woods Open House

The Woods Gifts, 15825 95th Ave N, Maple Grove, Minnesota 55369
Visit with Santa and his reindeer at this annual Holiday shopping event. Activities include a visit from Santa and his reindeer, stories, face painting, and food demos. November 18, 2023, 9am-3pm.

A note about Minneapolis Holidazzle:

One of our very favorite metro-area winter festivals, MINNEAPOLIS HOLIDAZZLE, will not be taking place in 2024. It is, according to the Minneapolis Downtown Council, slated to return next year. We hope this is the case and look forward to free weekend holiday entertainment in Loring Park next year.

Here Comes Santa Claus

More free things to do in November in the Twin Cities

Try Hockey for Free Day

This program gives kids (ages 4-9) a shot at experiencing the basics of hockey without financial commitment.  Plus, coaches will be on hand to offer tips and provide equipment. November 4, 2023, see link for participating rinks.

Boy practicing hockey on an outdoor rink in Saint Paul, Minnesota
Try Hockey for Free Day is an initiative that allows kids ages 4-12 to try hockey at no cost at participating rinks

Free Twin Cities family arts events in November

Walker Art Center November First Free Saturday

725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Activities are geared towards kids ages 6-12, but don’t let that stop you from bringing your littler ones! FREE gallery admission for the whole family. Get out and explore the awesome sculpture garden while if weather still permits. November 4, 2023.

Minneapolis Institute of Art Family Day

2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
The museum presents art activities, artist demos, special kid-friendly gallery hunts, self-guided tours and more fine arts events inspired by the current collections. November 12, 2023, 10am-5pm.

Northern Clay Center Holiday Open House Workshop 

2424 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
A hands-on workshop and holiday shopping event. Our family attended a couple years ago and the kids were able to make homemade clay gifts to give to family for Christmas. November 19, 2023.

November Free Family Art Day with Rumriver Art Center

2665 4th Ave #103, Anoka, MN 55303
Free art classes are back for families with kids ages 4 & up. Lessons are free but advance registration is required as space is limited. November 18, 2023, 10-11am.

Free kids entertainment in November  

November First Free Sunday at Minnesota Children’s Museum

10 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102
Explore the revamped museum FREE of charge; expect to wait in line for admission. November 5, 2023. 9am-5pm.

Mall of America Toddler Tuesday 

Live entertainment for the stroller set the second Tuesday of the month at the Rotunda. Plus, on Toddler Tuesdays you can purchase an unlimited ride wristband for Nickelodeon Universe for just $15 and kids eat free at participating restaurants w/ purchase of an adult meal. November 14, 2023, typically 11am-12pm with some exceptions.

HOT TIP! WHEN YOU VISIT, TAKE ALONG OUR MALL OF AMERICA GUIDE: FLOOR BY FLOOR.

Saturday Vibe at George Latimer Central Library

90 W 4th St, St Paul, MN 55102
Fresh, family entertainment – music, storytelling, puppets and more. Check the schedule for more details. Saturdays in November 4, 18 & 25, 2023, 11am-12pm.

Ballet Tuesday at Landmark Center

75 W 5th St, St Paul, MN 55102
Join the Saint Paul Ballet as they perform excerpts from the company repertoire. It’s the perfect sample outing for budding ballerinas. While you’re at Landmark Center in downtown Saint Paul, stop for indoor fun and play with the instruments in the SCHUBERT CLUB MUSIC MUSEUM. An entire afternoon of free fun for young ones! November 21, 2023, 12pm.

Ballet Tuesdays at the Landmark Center

Free weekly Twin Cities activities

Free abounds in the Twin Cities. Many local bookstores, libraries and other businesses offer free STORYTIMES during the week. Local coffee shops & cafes serve parents with free dedicated play spaces. TWIN CITIES NATURE CENTERS are wonderful places that offer free admission and hands-on exhibits and outdoor play opportunities most days of the week. And dozens of St Paul & Minneapolis recreation centers offer FREE OPEN GYMS & TOT TIMES to run your littles ragged during the cooler months. Explore from our links below.

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