100 Free Things To Do in June: Twin Cities Family Events

kid with chalk in June

June explodes with FREE family events that bring that summer feeling: OUTDOOR CONCERTS and MOVIES IN THE PARK, the opening of BEACHES, OUTDOOR POOLS, WATERPARKS & SPLASH PADS, classic community SUMMER FESTIVALS and much more. And, in order to better serve our readers, we’ve organized our usual roundup of activities by regions of the Minneapolis-St Paul (Twin Cities) metro area. As always, if you don’t see a favorite event listed in YOUR hometown, please drop us a line and we’ll add it. Happy June savings from FFTC!

More to do in June: Make sure to check our TWIN CITIES JUNE FAMILY GUIDE , our ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SPRING IN THE TWIN CITIES and our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR for a complete listing of events around town.

Things to do this weekend in Minneapolis-St Paul

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

children in a family bike ride

Free summer meals in the Twin Cities

In case your family is needing a nutrition boost this season while you’re out and about, FREE SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS are offered at more public venues than you would imagine – parks, libraries, elementary schools, churches and many more. There is no income level requirement to participate, just drop in.

TWIN CITIES JUNE FREE OUTDOOR FUN IN THE PARKS: Free summer Music, Movies and more entertainment

There is loads of fun to be had out in our local communities this summer. Literally, something to do every day of the week (consult our TWIN CITIES GUIDE TO ACTIVITIES THIS WEEK for hints) and much of our carefully curated community events are FREE: local parks are buzzing with festivals, theater in the park, farmers markets and the puppet wagon. Live music is performed most nights of the week. The beaches and pools are awaiting swimmers. Bike trails beckon. And don’t forget – libraries don’t take a summer break. There is FREE programming going on all summer long.

Free Twin Cities Nature Centers

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.

Minneapolis & St Paul

Minneapolis Music & Movies in the Parks

Live music and movies screened across multiple Minneapolis parks most nights during the summer. And yes, all free! See the 2023 Calendar for bands, movie titles and park locations. Starts Memorial Day Weekend and continues through summer.

Go Outside with Hennepin County

Hennepin County Government Center South Plaza & Target Field Station
Reasons to get outdoors in downtown Minneapolis that are kid-friendly: Pianos on Parade (daily thru June, plus live performances Thursdays, 12-1pm). Free family-friendly movie at Target Field Station – June 29 (Space Jam).

Garden Storytime at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden

1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405
A naturalist hosts a different nature themed story each week within the Garden followed by an activity. Meet just outside the Visitor Shelter. Bring a blanket to sit on. Ongoing Thursdays in June, 2023, 10am & Saturdays, 2-2:30pm. FREE. 

Young girl using binoculars at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Eloise Butler Wildflower & Bird Sanctuary

Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Shows

West River Road, Minneapolis
Amazing free waterski tricks to amuse you Wednesday evenings on the Mississippi River. Starts June 1, 2023, 6:30pm.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Summer Activities

1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
Seasonal events in June include the Summer Flower Show in the Conservatory’s sunken garden. Suggested donation of $2/child & $3/adult, but all welcome whether or not you choose to donate. 10am-4pm.

Lil Explorer Thursdays are back! The hall between the Visitor Center & the Conservatory is filled with hands-on activities, manipulatives, art projects and games perfect for the 4 & under set. Explore a different theme each week. Ongoing Thursdays in June 2023.

Free carousel rides in June: CAFESJIAN’S CAROUSEL in Como Park offers free spins on June 27, 2023.

Free Twin Cities April

Groovin’ in the Garden

Como’s outdoor music event offers free concerts and lawn activities while the music is on. Food is available for purchase or bring your own picnic. Ongoing Wednesday starting June 7, 2023, 6-8pm.


Twin Cities Northwest Metro Free Summer Events

Covering the Twin Cities, Minnesota, communities of Andover, Blaine, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Maple Grove, New Brighton, Otsego, Plymouth & St Anthony. Some highlights and family fun ideas from our NORTHWEST METRO SUMMER EVENTS GUIDE:

Brooklyn Park

June Free Family Fun Days with Three Rivers Parks

Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, 10360 W River Rd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444
Drop in for free nature programs at MISSISSIPPI GATEWAY REGIONAL PARK. New themes each week. Sundays, June 4–25, 2023, 1-3pm.

June Events at Historic Eidem Farm

4345 101st Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Travel back and experience the historic farm through self-guided walking tours, old-time demos and free special events during the summer including:

MAPLE GROVE

MAPLE GROVE TOWN GREEN PARK

  • SOUNDS OF SUMMER 2023 concerts include free kids shows on Thursdays at 10:30am. Entertainment starts June 29, 2023. Town Green, 7991 Main Street, Maple Grove, MN.

NEW BRIGHTON

New Brighton History Center Museum

700 Park Drive, New Brighton, MN 55112
Visit the restored train depot in LONG LAKE REGIONAL PARK and let your kids climb aboard the caboose. Open June-Sept, the museum exhibits are open weekends from 1-4pm. FREE admission.

St Anthony

Puppet Art Adventures

Silverwood Park, 2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN 55421
Take in a puppet show followed by make-and-take nature-inspired art. June 11, 2023, 1-3pm.

Photo Collage of kids enjoying Silverwood Park in St. Anthony Minnesota -- Girl in a pink dress dancing in field of yellow flowers, girls skipping rocks, girls in the doorway of a tiny art house


Twin Cities Northeast Metro Free Summer Events

Covering the Twin Cities, Minnesota, communities of Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights & White Bear Lake. Some highlights and family fun ideas from our NORTHEAST METRO SUMMER EVENTS GUIDE:

Maplewood

BRUENTRUP HERITAGE FARM

2170 County Rd D E, Maplewood, MN 55109
Operated by the Maplewood Historical Society, the farm is open during summer open houses and for special events. The public is permitted to walk the grounds and trails at any time.

Maplewood Celebrate Summer Touch-a-Truck

2100 White Bear Avenue, Maplewood MN
Get close to police cars, firetrucks, garbage trucks, snow plows and more favorites plus the event includes activity stations, free hot dogs and chips – all free. June 14, 2023, 6-7:30pm. 

Roseville

ROSEVILLE COMMUNITY PARKS – Free summer events
  • ROSEVILLE PUPPET WAGON – Make way for the puppets, coming to 9 Roseville parks this summer. Tues-Thurs starting June 21, 2023. 9:30-11:30am.
  • DISCOVER YOUR PARKS – Family activities at eight Roseville parks, refreshments and a bounce castle. Wednesdays, June 21 & 28, 2023.
  • LIVE AT THE ROG! PERFORMANCE SERIES – Free concerts at the amphitheater in Central Park. Ongoing Sundays starting June 11, 2023.

White Bear Lake

Tamarack Nature Center

What really shines at Tamarack is its glorious outdoor DISCOVERY HOLLOW & GARDEN, the ultimate nature playground for kids. Bring a change of clothes and prepare to spend hours if you’re able. 


Twin Cities Southeast Metro Free Summer Events

Covering the Twin Cities, Minnesota, communities of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Cottage Grove, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, Rosemount & Woodbury. Some highlights and family fun ideas from our SOUTHEAST METRO SUMMER EVENTS GUIDE:

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. June 6, 2023.

Burnsville

NICOLLET COMMONS PARK

12550 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville, MN 55337
The public space is part of the area Burnsville calls the “Heart of the City“. Families will love the park’s amphitheater where the city hosts summer concerts, movies and story times. There is also room to picnic and a beautiful water feature to splash in.

Kids dancing at a Rockin Lunch Hour Performance at Nicollet Commons Park in Burnsville, MN

Eagan

Caponi Art Park

1220 Diffley Rd, Eagan, MN 55123
Wander the self-guided trails through the sculpture park. Open 9am-8pm. FREE admission, donations appreciated.

EAGAN MARKET FEST

1507 Central Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55121
The Eagan Central Park grounds buzz with weekly concerts and themed nights including one devoted solely to families. Get some fresh produce and let the kids enjoy the splash pad. Ongoing Wednesdays, 4-8pm starting June 7, 2023.

Farmington

FOREVER WILD FAMILY FRIDAY: Nature Play

Whitetail Woods Regional Park, 17100 Station Trail, Farmington, MN 55024​​
Explore the nature play area through guided activities, a bonfire and smores. June 2, 2023, 6-7:30pm. FREE.

Woodbury

WOODBURY COMMUNITY PARKS
  • WOODBURY PUPPET WAGON – Traveling around Woodbury parks with fun puppet shows. Ongoing Mon-Thurs starting June 12, 2023.
  • STORY TIME IN THE PARK – Ojibway Park, June 3, 2022 at 10am.
  • STARLIGHT CINEMA OUTDOOR SERIES: The free movie series is hosted at Ojibway Park. Select Thursdays starting June 9, 2022. Activities start at 7pm. 2695 Ojibway Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125.

Twin Cities Southwest Metro Free Summer Events

Covering the Twin Cities, Minnesota, communities of Bloomington, Chaska, Eden Prairie, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Minnetonka, New Hope, Richfield, Shakopee, St Louis Park & Victoria. Some highlights and family fun ideas from our SOUTHWEST METRO SUMMER EVENTS GUIDE

Bloomington

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, June 3 – August 24, 2023. 

June Free Family Fun Days with Three Rivers Parks

Three Rivers Parks locations
Drop in for free nature programs at RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER. New themes each week. Sundays, June 4-25, 2023, 1-3pm.

BLOOMINGTON ARTS IN THE PARKS – Free events

Eden Prairie

Nature Rocks! Eden Prairie Outdoor Cente June Open Houses

Eden Prairie Outdoor Center, 13765 Staring Lake Parkway, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55347
Drop in to meet the resident animals, learn about programs and events. June 3, 2023, 10am-1pm.

Staring Lake Park – Entertainment in the Park

Edina

CENTENNIAL LAKES PARK

Edina’s crown jewel of a public park is a haven for summer entertainment. Free summer events are held daily Sun-Thurs and include family-friendly concerts at the outdoor amphitheater, Movies in the Park ongoing Thursday evenings, and the Farmers Market. 

Minnetonka

MINNETONKA ART IN THE PARK:

Richfield

RICHFIELD’S VETERANS PARK

6335 Portland Ave, Richfield, MN 55423
Veterans Park (also called Veterans Memorial Park) is Richfield’s largest park. It is home base to a number of free events each summer including:

  • KIDS ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PARK – Tuesdays, startin g June 13, 2023.
  • RICHFIELD FARMERS MARKET – Don’t miss getting your fresh produce at the weekly farmers market – let the kids have the run of the large playground while you shop. Saturdays in June, 2023. 7am-12pm.
RICHFIELD COMMUNITY PARKS:
  • RICHFIELD SUMMER PLAYGROUND: Free supervised activities for kids ages 6-12 at 4 Richfield parks. See PDF for more information. Registration required. Mon-Thurs starting June 12, 2023, 9am-3pm.
  • FRIDAY FUN AT AUGSBURG ADVENTURE PARK – Read-a-Story Theater followed by time to play at the inclusive park. June 10-11 & June 23-24, 2023. FREE. 7000 Nicollet Avenue, Richfield MN.

Shakopee

SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY PARKS – Free Entertainment

Victoria

Second Saturdays at Grimm Farmhouse

Carver Park Reserve, 7025 Victoria Drive, Victoria, MN 55386
Step back in time with interpreters and old fashioned lawn games. June 10, 2023, 1:30-4pm.

FREE TWIN CITIES SWIMMING, WADING & SPLASHING IN June

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, swimming and wading pools beckon to little swimmers and charge no vehicle fee or admission:

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 June 16, 2023, all others are open throughout June.

Nicollet Commons Park water feature

12550 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville, MN 55337
The prettiest splash pad you ever did see. Open daily when weather permits. Free entertainment offered during the summer.

Girl playing in Nicollet Commons Park - Splash Pad in Burnsville, Minnesota

TWIN CITIES JUNE FREE FUN WITH ARTS & CRAFTS

Walker Art Center First Free Saturday

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 activities and create hands-on art. On the lovely months, don’t forget the MINNEAPOLIS SCULPTURE GARDEN is open and also offers free admission. June 3, 2023, 10am-3pm.

MacPhail Center for Music Kids Fest

Water Works Park, 425 West River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Music and movement for the whole family. Two musical performances (10:15 and 11:15) along with a craft table and instrument exploration. June 10, 2023.

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. Sundays in June, 2023, 2-4pm. Please see link for participating stores.

Storytime in the Gallery

Museum of Russian Art, 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 and leave with a take-and-create activity. June 17, 2023, 10:30am.

FREE Twin Cities ART MUSEUMS TO VISIT

MORE FREE TWIN CITIES FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT – JUNE

Free Special Events for Families: Touch-a-Truck calendar

Eagan Big Rig Rally

Central Maintenance Facility, 3501 Coachman Point, Eagan, MN
Families can get a close-up, behind-the-scenes glimpse at the City of Eagan’s big rigs: fire trucks, police cars, mowers, plow trucks and garbage truck! More family fun includes face painting, photo ops, refreshments and fun giveaways. June 1, 2023, 4-7pm. 

West St Paul Days

West St Paul Municipal Center, 1650 Humboldt Avenue, West St Paul MN
A city open house with public works vehicles is held as an event during the city’s annual summer festival. June 8, 2023, 5-8pm. 

Mighty Machines at Dakota County Libraries

Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Ave. Apple Valley, MN 55124
Heritage Library, 20085 Heritage Drive Lakeville, MN 55044
Wentworth Library, 199 Wentworth Ave E, West St Paul, MN 55118
Kids can climb inside and explore trucks, vehicles and other machines from Dakota County’s fleet. FREE touch-a-truck event. Drop in your favorite branch during these times:

  • Wentworth Library – Tuesday, June 13, 2023; 9:30-11:30am.
  • ​Heritage Library – Tuesday, June 22, 2023; 9:30–11:30 a.m.
  • Galaxie Library – Thursday, June 29, 2023, 9:30–11:30 am

Maplewood Touch-a-Truck

2100 White Bear Avenue, Maplewood MN
Get close to police cars, firetrucks, garbage trucks, snow plows and more favorites plus the event includes activity stations, free hot dogs and chips – all free. June 14, 2023, 6-7:30pm. 

Golden Valley Public Safety Open House

Police Station & Fire Station 1, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427
Tour the stations, win p prizes and check out all the safety vehicles. June 21, 2023, 5–8 pm.

Popsicles with Public Safety

Orono Park, 18599 Gary Street, Elk River, MN 55330
Besides the opportunity to explore public safety vehicles, kids can meet a K-9 officer, have a Child Safe ID kit created, meet police officers and firefighters and get a free popsicle. June 21, 2023, 5–8 pm.

Lil’ Sparkler Celebration

Richfield Band Shell & Ice Arena, 636 East 66th Street, Richfield, MN 55423
Richfield Police, Fire & Public Works vehicles will be on display during the annual Lil’ Sparklers Family Night. There will also be food trucks, a kidsdance, ice skating, a movie and a laser light show. June 30, 2023, 5:30-6:30 pm.

More free events for families:

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, including the brand new Shipwreck Adventures admission-free the first Sunday of each month thanks to Securian Financial. Space may be limited. June 4, 2023.

Mall of America Toddler Tuesday 

Back in-person entertainment the second Tuesday of the month (plus meal deals and a Nickelodeon Universe wristband deal for kids). June 13, 2023.

Find more free things to do in the twin cities!

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. And dozens of St Paul & Minneapolis recreation centers offer free open gyms and tot times to run your littles ragged.

TWIN CITIES JUNE FAMILY FESTIVAL CALENDAR – FREE ADMISSION 

June in the Twin Cities is off to a bang with community festivals springing up every weekend on the calendar. How to choose from all the family activities? Bookmark our handy TWIN CITIES JUNE FESTIVAL CALENDAR and our live music calendar: FFTC’s Guide to FREE Summer Concerts in the Twin Cities

June Festivals in the Twin Cities

2023 TWIN CITIES SUMMER LIBRARY READING PROGRAMS & EVENTS 

Unlike school, 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. Nearly every day of the week you can find programming for kids, tweens and teens. Find your local branches and full summer schedule links below. Most start on or around June 1, 2023:

3 thoughts on “100 Free Things To Do in June: Twin Cities Family Events”

    1. Thank you, we changed that on the calendar, but forgot to change it here. We’ll make the update.

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