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:Â
- FAMILY FUN TWIN CITIES MARCH FAMILY GUIDE
- FAMILY FUN CALENDAR
- ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SPRING IN THE TWIN CITIES
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:
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
Seasonal events in March include the Winter Flower Show in the Conservatory’s sunken garden. Warm up with the indoor exhibits. Currently, the Zoo & Conservatory are open by reservation only. Make yours today, they fill fast. Suggested donation of $2/child & $3/adult, but all welcome whether or not you choose to donate. 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 2023, 10am-12pm.
Free Tuesday @ Washington County ParksÂ
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 7, 2023.
Forever Wild Family Friday: Bison on the Prairie
Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center 13690 Pine Bend Trail, Rosemount, MN 55068
Learn about bison and their role in the prairie ecosystem. March 3, 2023, 6-7:30pm
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 4-25, 2023.Â
March Free Family Fun Days with Three Rivers Parks
Three Rivers Parks locations
Drop in for free nature programs at MISSISSIPPI GATEWAY REGIONAL PARK & RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER. New themes each week. Sundays in March 2023, 1-4pm or 3-4pm (please see schedule for times).
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 4-25, 2023, 10am-1pm.
Puppet Adventures & Let’s Get StARTed
Silverwood Park, 2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN 55421
Take in a puppet show followded by make-and-take nature-inspired art. March 12, 2023, 1-3pm.
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 25-26, 2023. 10am-4pm on Saturday and 12-4pm on Sunday.Â
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.
TWIN CITIES MARCH FREE FUN WITH ARTS & CRAFTS
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 March, 2023, 2-4pm.
St Paul Chamber Orchestra Free Family Music
We’re excited for the return in March of SPCO’s free family programs including a Family Concert. The musical experience introduces kids ages 5-12 to classical music in an interactive, storytelling style. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance. March 4, 2023.
HOME DEPOT KIDS WORKSHOPS
Kids can put together simple DIY projects the first Saturday of the month for free. This month’s project is for Valentine’s Day and could make a sweet gift. March 4, 2023, 9am-12pm.
Free Story & Art Time at Eden Prairie Art Center
7650 Equitable Drive, Eden Prairie, MN
Drop in for storytime & an art project. Mondays, March 6-27, 2023, 10-11am.
Walker Art Center First Free Saturday: Kids Film FairÂ
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 pick up an art kit to take home. March 4, 2023, 10am-3pm.
Saturday Vibe at George Latimer Central Library
Fresh, family entertainment – music, storytelling, puppets and more. Check the schedule for more details. March 11 & 25, 2023, 11am.
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 2023:
- Ballet Tuesdays – Excerpts from the classics, perfect for budding ballerinas. March 14, 2023 12pm.
- Urban Expedition: Nigeria – Travel the globe without leaving St Paul – music, crafts, food & more. March 12, 2023, 1-3pm.
- Â SCHUBERT CLUB MUSEUMÂ – a free, hidden gem that allows kids to experiment with a cacophony of musical instruments.
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. March 18, 2023, 9:30-11am.
MORE TWIN CITIES FREE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT IN MARCH
Free Special Events for Families!
First Saturday Science: Migrations & The Seasons
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 4, 2023, 12-2pm.
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. Reservations required. March 5, 2023, 9am-4pm.Â
Rock the Cradle at Minneapolis Institute of Art
2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Presented by 89.3 The Current: musical performances, hands-on activities, and lots more for the whole family. March 12, 2023, 10am-4pm.
Mall of America Toddler TuesdaysÂ
Back in-person entertainment for the stroller set. Entertainment in the Rotunda and more. March 14, 2023, 11am – 1pm.
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 31, 2023, 8″30-10pm.
Maple Sugaring program at Pond House
Pond Dakota Mission Park, 401 E 104th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
This is a rare chance to attend a FREE maple syrup family program in the Twin Cities. We attended last year. Volunteers at the Pond House make it fun! March 2023.
DAIRY QUEEN FREE CONE DAY
A classic! Enjoy a free small vanilla cone at participating non-mall locations. All day, limit one per person.Â
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 17, 2023. Downtown St Paul, 12pm.
Minneapolis’ St. Patrick’s Day ParadeÂ
40th Avenue NE & Van Buren St., Columbia Heights MN
The 54th annual parade kicks off at the above intersection at 6pm. March 17, 2023.
Twin Cities Museums with Free Admission
- Minneapolis Institute of Art – FREE daily, plus Family Day is great for all ages.
- Walker Art Center, Minneapolis – FREE Thursday evenings & First Saturdays of each month
- Weisman Art Museum, Minneapolis – FREE dailyÂ
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.
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