50 Free Things To Do In March In the Twin Cities: Kids & Family Events

With 12 children between them, the parents of the Family Fun Twin Cities team are always scouting out ways to score a good deal. March is filled with all the anticipation of spring and the FREE family events and activities it has to offer. From maple syruping events to early spring festivals that usher in the green season in Minnesota, here’s what the month ahead will bring in ways to save big.

For more ideas on how to find free Twin Cities events for kids and families in March visit our: 

Weekend Family Guide - Family Fun Twin Cities Banner.

Want to find free things to do in the Minneapolis-St Paul area this weekend? Find our current WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE, packed with suggestions.

Twin Cities March free outdoor fun in the parks

There is so much FREE family fun to be had out in Twin Cities-areas parks during the winter and early spring months if you’re willing to bundle up your team and brave the indecisive weather. Here’s a sampling of the best free events Twin Cities-area parks have to offer in March:

Spring free & fun ideas in the parks – Minneapolis & St Paul

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
Seasonal events in March include the final day of the Winter Flower Show (March 17) and the opening day of the Spring Flower Show (March 22) in the Conservatory’s Sunken Garden. Warm up with the tropical indoor exhibits and heated animal enclosures. Suggested donation of $2/child & $3/adult, but all welcome whether or not you choose to donate. Winter hours in 2024, 10am-4pm.

More free winter 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 March 2024, 10am-12pm.

March Family Funday at North Mississippi Regional Park

5116 N Mississippi Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55412
All about seeking signs of spring outdoors at the end winter this month. You can tap a tree with a naturalist and explore the nature center’s indoor exhibits. Drop-in program, but please register as space is limited. March 9, 2024, 10:30am-12pm.

Free fun in the Twin Cities North Metro parks

March Free Family Fun Days at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park

10360 W River Rd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444
Free nature drop-in programs offered each Sunday in March courtesy of Three Rivers Parks. Themes this month at Mississippi Gateway include meeting animals, observing birds and embarking on a “green” scavenger hunt. Sundays in March, 2024, 1-3pm.  Learn more about MISSISSIPPI GATEWAY REGIONAL PARK.

Art & Nature Exploration at Silverwood Park

Silverwood Park, 2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN 55421
Start with storytime in the Great Hall, get hands-on with objects from nature and do a related art activity. If you like, join a naturalist afterwards for a guided hike.  March 10, 2024, 1-3pm. LEARN MORE ABOUT SILVERWOOD PARK.

It’s Tapping Time! Maple Syrup Program

Harriet Alexander Nature Center, 2520 Dale St N., Roseville, MN 55113
A FREE event, with tours and stations for identifying maple trees, tree tapping, sap cooking, and sampling maple flavor.  March 23-24, 2024. 10am-4pm on Saturday and 12-4pm on Sunday. 

Free fun in the Twin Cities South Metro parks

Pond Dakota Mission Park open houses

Pond Dakota Mission Park, 401 E 104th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Hands-on living history programs fun and free of charge. New themes each week. Saturdays, March 2-30, 2024. 

March Free Family Fun Days at Richardson Nature Center

8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Drop in for free nature programs in the Southwest Metro thanks to Three Rivers Parks. Themes at Richardson Nature Center in March include free maple syruping demos and learning about spring eggs and nests. Sundays in March 2024. Learn more about RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER.

Free Tuesday at Washington County Parks 

Explore Washington County Parks free on the first Tuesday of every month (non-holiday). No vehicle permit required. Find a listing of parks here. March 5, 2024.

Forever Wild Family Friday: Nature Bingo

Lebanon Hills Regional Park, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan MN
Wind down on Friday with a nature-themed family game night. March 1 , 2024, 6-7pm.

Free fun in the Twin Cities West Metro parks

Nature Rocks! Eden Prairie Outdoor Center Open House

Eden Prairie Outdoor Center, 13765 Staring Lake Parkway, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55347
Drop in to meet the resident animals, learn about programs and events. Saturdays, March 2-30, 2024, 10am-1pm.

Visit a free Twin Cities nature center in March

Nature and outdoor interpretive centers are wonderful places that offer free admission and hands-on exhibits and outdoor play opportunities most days of the week. Find our complete listing of TWIN CITIES NATURE CENTERS.

Twin Cities March free fun with arts & crafts

March Michaels Sunday Makebreak

Participating Michaels stores across the Twin Cities are offering free weekend “Makebreak” classes and “Take & Make” Kids Club crafts. They’re simple, yet could lend a nice personal touch to a small gift. March free crafts include spring wreaths, friendship bracelets and decorated Easter eggs. Sundays in March (excluding March 31), 2024, 2-4pm.

March Home Depot Kids Workshop

Kids can put together simple DIY projects the first Saturday of the month for free. This month’s project, kids can build their own butterfly house to attract pollinators. March 2, 2024, 9am-12pm.

Walker Art Center First Free Saturday: Kids Film Fair 

Walker Art Center, 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. Explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt and roll up your sleeves for art-making. March 2, 2024, 10am-3pm.

Minneapolis Institute of Art Family Day

2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
Includes free hands-on art activities, live music and dance, artist demos and special tours designed for kids. March 10, 2024, 10am-5pm.

Family Art Day with Rumriver Art Center

Take a free art class from resident mentors. Must register in advance, spots fill quickly. March 23, 2024, 10-11am.

Twin Cities free family entertainment in March

Saturday Vibe at George Latimer Central Library

Fresh, family entertainment – music, storytelling, puppets and more. Check the schedule for more details. Saturdays, March 2-30, 2024, 11am-12pm.

Landmark Center cultural programs

Landmark Center, 75 W 5th St, St Paul, MN 55102
Landmark Center in St Paul is a beautiful, historic building stuffed with museums and exhibits and space to host cultural programs throughout the year. A sampling of what is offered in March in 2024:

  • KidsJam Workshop at Schubert Club Museum – A free, interactive musical program that exposes kids to a wide variety of cultural music. Plus, the physical museum is a free, hidden gem that allows kids to experiment with a cacophony of musical instruments. Registration required. March 1, 2024, 10:30am.
  • Urban Expedition: Brazil – Travel the globe without leaving St Paul – music, crafts, food & more. March 10, 2024, 1-3pm. 
  • Ballet Tuesdays – Excerpts from the classics, perfect for budding ballerinas. March 12, 2024, 12pm. 

Mall of America Toddler Tuesday: Luck of the Little Ones

The longtime Toddler Tuesday program is now a free monthly event. In March, it takes place not long before St Patrick’s Day with a special playdate for the stroller set. March 12, 2024, 10am-12pm.

More free special events for families in March

First Saturday Science: Electronics

Metro State University, Science Education Center, 664 6th St E, St Paul MN 55106
The first Saturday of each month during the school year, kids explore a specific scientific field in a hands-on lab setting. March 2, 2024, 12-2pm.

Bell Museum Star Party

Bell Museum of Natural History, 2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul, MN 55113
Explore the night sky with the aid of pros and a telescope on the museum’s outdoor observation deck. Recommended for families with kids ages 7+. FREE, but please register. March 8, 2024, 7:30-9pm.

 

First Free Sundays at Minnesota Children’s Museum

Free days are BACK at the museum and we’re super excited about it! Explore the exhibits admission-free the first Sunday of each month thanks to Securian Financial. Make sure to grab your tickets in advance as space is limited and the program is popular. March 3, 2024, 9am-4pm. 

Twin Cities museums with free admission

Free St Patrick’s Day events in the Twin Cities

St. Paul’s St Patrick’s Day Parade

St Patrick’s Day is traditionally a time for the Irish in St Paul to show their deep roots and pride. March 16, 2024. Downtown St Paul, 12pm.

Minneapolis’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade 

40th Avenue NE & Van Buren St., Columbia Heights MN
The 54th annual parade kicks off at the above intersection at 6pm. March 16, 2024.

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. 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 and tot times to run your littles ragged during the cooler months. Explore from our links below.

Storytime at Red Balloon Bookshop

891 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
Storyteller Angela hosts a free storytime at the charming bookshop perfect for 3s & under (but all welcome) each Wednesday & Thursday in March 10:30am.

Summer Reading Programs at Local Bookstores

Museum of Russian Art: Storytime in the Gallery

5500 Stevens Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Currently, the museum is offering a FREE Storytime in the Gallery the third Saturday of the month with no charge for adults to accompany their kids. Explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt. February 17, 2024, 10:30-11am.

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