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

Twin Cities August outdoor fun in the parks: Free summer music, movies & more entertainment

There is tons of fun to be had out in our local communities during the month of August. 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 still welcome swimmers for a few more weeks. Bike trails beckon. And don’t forget – libraries don’t take a summer break. There is FREE programming going on all summer long.

Minneapolis & St Paul

MINNEAPOLIS Music & Movies in the Parks

Live music and movies screened across multiple Minneapolis parks most nights during the month of August. And yes, all free! See the 2025 calendar for bands, movie titles and park locations. 

MINNEAPOLIS Movie Nights at Target Field Station

Target Field Station, 335 5th Street North Minneapolis, MN 55401 
Free outdoor movies at Target Field Station – get our full lineup of free family flicks at the link. Two each screened in June, July & August.

Find more free fun this summer in Downtown Minneapolis!

MINNEAPOLIS 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  & Sundays (10-10:30am) in August 2025.

MINNEAPOLIS Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Shows

West River Road, Minneapolis
Amazing free waterski tricks to amuse you Thursday evenings on the Mississippi River. Make sure to bring your own seating and maybe a picnic dinner. Ongoing Thursdays thru August 29, 2024, 6:30pm.

ST PAUL Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Summer Checklist

1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
Seasonal events in August include the Summer Flower Show in the Conservatory’s sunken garden. Make sure to take along our COMO SUMMER CHECKLIST to hit all the seasonal highlights. Suggested donation of $2/child & $3/adult, but all welcome whether or not you choose to donate. 10am-4pm.

Little Explorer Thursdays at Como are going strong! 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 August 2025.

Free carousel rides in August: CAFESJIAN’S CAROUSEL in Como Park offers free spins on August 26, 2025.

ST PAUL Saturday Vibe at Central Library

George Latimer Central Library, 90 W 4th St, St Paul, MN 55102
Fresh, free entertainment including live music, puppetry, magicians, storytelling and more. Ongoing Saturdays, August 2025, 11am-12pm.

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:

Brooklyn Park

August 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. Ongoing Sundays, August 2025, 1-3pm.

Historic Eidem Farm Events

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:

• OPEN GATE HOURS: Explore the farm grounds, meet animals and maybe even help with chores. Mon – Wed & Sat (10am-2pm), Thurs (10am-7pm).
• STORIES FROM THE PORCH: Ongoing Tuesdays & Saturdays through August 3, 2025.

Maple Grove

Maple Grove Sounds of Summer Entertainment

Town Green Park, 7991 Main Street North, Maple Grove, MN 55369
2025 concerts include free kids shows on Thursdays and free outdoor movies every Friday in August. 

Eastman Nature Center – Free Funday Sundays

13351 Elm Creek Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Drop in for free nature programs at EASTMAN NATURE CENTER. New themes each week. Ongoing Sundays in August 2025, 1-3pm. 

Twin Cities Northeast Metro free summer events

Covering the Twin Cities, Minnesota, communities of Maplewood, New Brighton, Roseville, St Anthony, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights & White Bear Lake. Some highlights and family fun ideas:

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. SUMMER EXHIBIT OPEN HOUSES – first Sun/Mon, June-August, 2025.

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. June-Sept, the museum exhibits are open weekends from 1-4pm. 

Roseville

Roseville Puppet Wagon

Make way for the puppets, coming to 9 Roseville parks this summer. Through August 14, 2025, please see link for individual schedules.

Discover Your Parks

Fun and free family activities provided at eight Roseville parks plus refreshments and a bounce castle. Wednesdays through August 13, 2025.

St Anthony

Puppet Art Adventures at Silverwood Park

2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN 55421
Take in a puppet show followed by make-and-take nature-inspired art. August 10, 2025, 1-3pm.

White Bear Lake

Tamarack Nature Center’s Discovery Hollow

What really shines at Tamarack is its glorious outdoor DISCOVERY HOLLOW & GARDEN, the ultimate nature playground for kids and perfect to visit in August. 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:

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. We recommend this as the perfect chance to swim at LAKE ELMO SWIM POND in Lake Elmo Regional Park without the vehicle fee. It’s a wonderful, sand-bottomed swim pond with a beach. August 5, 2025.

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.

• THURSDAY ROCKIN LUNCH HOUR concerts – bring a picnic lunch and swimsuits to enjoy the landscaped splash pad! August 1-15, 2024, 12pm.
• FRIDAY NIGHT FLICKS ON THE BRICKS, August 8, 2025, seating starts at 7:30pm.

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. August special event: Catch a Community Iron Pour, August 9, 2025.

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 through August 27, 2025.

Woodbury

Woodbury Puppet Wagon

Traveling around Woodbury parks with fun puppet shows. The first week of August is the last week of summer shows. Mon-Thurs through August 7, 2025.

Woodbury Starlight Cinema Outdoor Series

2695 Ojibway Drive, Woodbury, MN, 55125
The free movie series culminates August 7 in Ojibway Park. Activities start at 7pm, movie at dusk. 

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:

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 in August 2025, 1-4pm.

August Free Family Fun Days at Richardson Nature Center

Drop in for free nature programs at RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER. New themes each week. Ongoing Sundays, August 2025, 1-3pm.

BLOOMINGTON ARTS IN THE PARKS – FREE EVENTS

• MONDAY MORNING KIDS SERIES – Final performances of the summer at MOIR PARK & VALLEY VIEW PARK. August 4 & 11, 2025, 10:30am.
• MIDWEEK MUSIC & MARKET – Music, food trucks, a farmers market and lawn games at Civic Plaza. Wednesday evenings through August 2025, 5-8pm.
  

Eden Prairie

Kidstock at Staring Lake

14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Just-for-kids entertainment weekly at Staring Lake Amphitheater Tuesdays through August 12, 2025, 10:30am. 

Edina

Centennial Lakes Park Kids Entertainment

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 and the Farmers Market on Thursday.

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:

• RICHFIELD PARK & PLAY – Free, organized kids activities in the city’s parks. See the link for the complete schedule.
• KIDS ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PARK – Final performance is Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Show at 11am.
• 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 August 2025, 7am-12pm.

Shakopee

Huber Park Performance & Event Series

Fillmore St N, Shakopee, MN 55379
Family entertainment on the riverfront. Wednesdays through August 16, 2025, 7pm. 

Multiple Twin Cities park locations

August Universe in the Parks

See our out-of-this-world Universe in the Park article to get more details on this stargazing opportunity. $7 vehicle permit required at programs in Minnesota state parks.

Visit free Twin Cities nature centers in August

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.