Free March Family Events & Activities in the Twin Cities, Minnesota

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:

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.

Free Tuesday @ 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 1, 2022.

Forever Wild Family Friday

Whitetail Woods Regional Park, Farmington
Explore trails and Fawn Crossing Nature Play Area. Meet at the Empire Shelter. March 4, 2022, 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 5-26, 2022.

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 2022, 1-4pm.

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 5-26, 2022, 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 13, 2022, 1-3pm.

IT’S TAPPING TIME!

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. Craft kits to take home. March 26-27, 2022. 10am-4pm on Saturday and 12-4pm on Sunday.

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 THE ARTS

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, 2022, 2-4pm.

St Paul Chamber Orchestra Free Family Music

We’re excited for the return in March of SPCO’s free family programs including Xplorchestra (March 12 & 26, 2022) and a Family Concert (March 5, 2022). All introduce kids ages 5-12 to classical music in an interactive, storytelling style. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance.

Free Story & Art Time at Eden Prairie Art Center

7650 Equitable Drive, Eden Prairie, MN
Drop in for storytime & an art project. Mondays, March 7-28, 2022, 10-11am.

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 pick up an art kit to take home. March 5, 2022, 10am-3pm.

Ballet Tuesdays

Landmark Center, 75 W 5th St, St Paul, MN 55102
Excerpts from the classics, perfect for budding ballerinas. March 8, 12pm.

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. Take home a copy of the story and explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt. March 19, 9:30-11am.

Virtual free Family Art Day with Rumriver Art Center

Take a free art class from the comfort of your home. Register for Zoom link. March 19, 2022, 11am-12pm.

Urban Expedition: Peru

Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W, St Paul MN 55102
Travel the globe and learn about a new culture without hopping a plane! Experience through music, food, crafts and exhibits. March 20, 2022. 1-3pm.

MacPhail Free Family Music Series

Another free family music event has returned this March! MacPhail’s series features a kid-friendly percussion band (30 min performance) and a chance to craft an instrument. No tickets necessary. March 26, 2022, 10am-12pm.

More twin cities free family entertainment in March

Free Special Events for Families!

Try hockey for FREE!

March 5 is the day when you can dabble in the sport of hockey for FREE. The nation-wide event gives kids (ages 4-9) a shot at experiencing the basics of hockey without financial commitment. It’s strictly for fun! Plus, coaches will be on hand to offer tips and provide equipment. Please see the link for participating rinks.

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 Thomas and Friends admission-free the first Sunday of each month thanks to Securian Financial. Reservations required. March 6, 2022, 9am-4pm. SOLD OUT! WATCH FOR APRIL’S FREE DAY!

Friday Family Movie Night at Edinborough Park

7700 York Ave S, Edina, MN 55435
Free admission to a family movie in the amphitheater. March 11, 2022, 5:30pm.

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 11, 2022, 7-9pm.

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 12, 2022, drop in between 1-4pm.

DAIRY QUEEN FREE CONE DAY

A classic! Enjoy a free small vanilla cone at participating non-mall locations. All day, limit one per person. March 21, 2022.

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, 2022. 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 17, 2022.

ONGOING March WEEKDAYS & Weekends – FREE Events

Mall of America Toddler Tuesdays

Back in-person entertainment. Meet Bubble Guppies in West Market Square and more. Ongoing Tuesdays in March, 10am – noon.

Saturday Vibe at George Latimer Central Library

Fresh, family entertainment – music, storytelling, puppets and more. Check the schedule for more details. March 5 & 19, 2022, 11:30am.

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 daily

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.