Let's Go School Shopping ! Family Fun Twin Cities

Get ready for the new school year with our family fun guide to back-to-school in the Twin Cities! From school supply shopping and family meals to fun events, we’ve got you covered.

We know it is hard to prioritize family time in August and September when we’re getting ready to go back to school, but this is a particularly important time to offer kids the emotional support of family time to balance out school anxiety that comes with changing routines and new environments. Between setting up study spaces at home, managing schedules, and starting new sleep and health habits for the new school year, help create a smooth transition into the school year with some time for relatively low-stress family fun.

First Pack in the Summer Fun!

There is still time to pack in a few more family fun opportunities before the busy school year starts, the days get too short and the cold starts to creep in to our days!

Family Fun Guide to the Ultimate Summer Events in the Twin Cities

Twin Cities Back-to-School Family Fun

Celebrate the end of summer and beginning of the academic year with the community. These fun events can help kids to prepare emotionally for the back-to-school transition:

East Phillips Back to School Community Event & Neighborhood Festival (FREE)

Date(s): 08/20/2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: East Phillips Park & Rec Center, 2399 S 17th Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55404

Enjoy food, a school supply giveaway, fun activities and games and more at East Phillips Park free Back-to-School Community Event! Some activities will have fee. FREE. All Ages. Drop In.

Playground at East Phillips Park in Minneapolis Minnesota — East Phillips Playground

Loring Park Back to School Event (FREE)

Date(s): 08/22/2026 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Loring Park, 1382 Willow Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55403

Celebrate the end of summer and back to school at Loring Park’s Back to School Event. There will be free school supplies, games, and music.

Family Dinners on Busy School Nights

When you don’t have time for a home-cooked meal, we keep a list of local restaurants with Kids-Eat-Free deals and Family Take-Out Options around Town.

Family enjoying a take-out spaghetti & meatball meal: "Twin Cities Family Meal Deals. Restaurants with family meals you can get to go."

Family Fun that Promotes Learning

Back to School Shopping

It’s time for the new school year. And not only do our kids need school supplies, they probably need new clothes. T-shirts, jeans, sweatshirts, shoes. You name it, there is a good chance someone will need it.

Shopping for Your Back to School Wardrobe

There was a time when a school clothes shopping trip sent shivers up my spine. But after 13 years of school shopping, I have learned there are some great alternatives to the mall, department stores or even Target that can help you keep the prices down and fill your kids’ closet with staples and an outfit or two.

ReSale Retail for School Clothes

I worked for a resale retail children’s clothing shop when I was in college. Ironically, it was the one and only time I was robbed at gunpoint. Interesting to say the least. That was over 20 years ago and I think they caught the guy. You have nothing to worry about while you do your shopping.

If thrift stores are intimidating, resale shops are a great place to start. Resale shops work a little bit differently than consignment shops in paying the seller. Consignment stores only pay the seller if their items are purchased by the public. Resale shops pay the seller upfront.

For both types of stores, the clothing is examined to see if its in good condition. Some of my kids have received a whole new wardrobe through these resale shops.

Here are some options for resale school season shopping in the metro.

Once Upon a Child • Various Locations throughout the Metro
With racks upon racks of clothes, as well as a bazillion locations throughout the metro, you will have a big selection to choose from.

Kids Rack • 11350 Aquila Dr. N, Champlin
The shop just moved to behind Dairy Queen in Champlin. They have my favorite selection of shoes. I got my sons’ soccer cleats here!

Kid to Kid • 1278 Town Centre Dr #140B, Eagan.
Located around the country, I have never shopped here. But the company has been around for over 30 years, so I’m guessing they know what they’re doing.

Thrift Stores for School Clothes

The best way to utilize thrift stores is to return frequently. Sometimes its hard to get the simple basics, but they are a blast for unexpected gems like graphic tees or a cardigan. Shopping at thrift stores is a treasure hunt for current or returning trends.

Salvation Army
Big stores usually have a better selection of adult clothing versus kids’, but you never know what you can find.

Goodwill
Most likely, you have heard or been to Goodwill. They are a hot spot for Halloween costumes and are the most well-known thrift stores in the Twin Cities.

Arc’s Value Village
You find a different selection of children’s clothes at each store, but like I have said before, inventory is always changing.

Multiple Family to Family Sales

These sales are like a clean and indoor gigantic garage sale. Get it done all in one place.

Munchkin Markets • Various Locations at various times and dates • Read website page for location you are interested in to get all the details about times of sales and admission fee.

Just Between Friends Sale • Various Locations at various times and dates • Admission fee usually charged. Make sure you check the website for all the shopping details.

Online Sales

I know this goes without saying, but you can always shop online. If you decide to use online shops, look for coupon codes and buy a couple of different sizes. The best part about Amazon is if you keep the packaging, you can return anything you need to at Kohl‘s. Buy a couple of pairs of pants and whichever don’t work, you can return super easily. Amazon is also a pretty good place to stock up on socks and underwear. Even school uniforms.

Another place to check out especially for kids clothing is Facebook Marketplace, especially if you find a seller that is in your area.

If you shop online, look for free shipping to help reduce the price as well.

Mall Sales

While this isn’t my absolute favorite way to go shopping, if you have a tween or teen, a day trip to the mall for a new school wardrobe could be really fun as long as you take along a list of needs.

You could head over to Old Navy and see what their current deals are. Shop the clearance racks at department stores.

I got my favorite dress ever at Macy’s for $8 off the clearance rack. It was 100% silk and was so so cute! You don’t know what you will find unless you dig through the shelves and racks.

Take any discounts or store coupons and grab any gift cards you may have laying around. See what you can purchase for a reasonable price.

Family Fun Guide to Back-to-School in the Twin Cities