Before your kids can even THINK about uttering the word “BORED”, arm yourself with our huge list of free activities going on across the Twin Cities during the month of August: OUTDOOR CONCERTS and MOVIES IN THE PARK, it’s still swim season at Twin Cities BEACHES, WADING POOLS & SPLASH PADS, classic community SUMMER FESTIVALS keep weekends lively and much more. 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 August savings from FFTC!
More to do in August: Make sure to check our TWIN CITIES AUGUST FAMILY GUIDE, our ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUMMER 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.
TWIN CITIES August OUTDOOR FUN IN THE PARKS: FREE SUMMER MUSIC, MOVIES AND 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.
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.
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 2022 Calendar for bands, movie titles and park locations.
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: lawn games at South Plaza (Tues-Thurs, 11:30am-1:30pm). Also, Epic Go Outside Day (August 11) offers free food and live music. Free outdoor movies at Target Field Station – August 11 (Luca) and August 25 (The Lost City). 7pm.
Find more free fun this summer in Downtown 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 in August 2022, 10am, FREE.
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 in August 2022, 6:30pm.
FAMILY FUNDAYS AT NORTH MISSISSIPPI REGIONAL PARK
North Mississippi Regional Park, 4900 Mississippi Ct, Minneapolis, MN, US 55430
Drop in for free, self-guided nature activities. The park also features a splash wading pool, playground and a nature center to make a day of it. Registration required at the link. August 13 & 25, 2022. 1-3pm.
COMO PARK ZOO & CONSERVATORY
1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
Seasonal events in August include the Summer Flower Show in the Conservatory’s sunken garden and the Sparky the Sea Lion show. Bring along our Como Summer Checklist so you don’t miss a thing! 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.
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 August 2022.
Free carousel rides in August: CAFESJIAN’S CAROUSEL in Como Park offers free spins on August 30, 2022.
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. Saturdays, August 13 & 27, 2022, 11:30am.
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
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. Sundays, August 14-31, 2022, 1-3pm.
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:
- CONCERT AT THE FARM: The Jolly Pops, August 11, 2022, 6pm.
- STORIES FROM THE PORCH: Tuesdays, August 2-30, 2022, 11am & 6pm.
MAPLE GROVE
MAPLE GROVE TOWN GREEN PARK
- SOUNDS OF SUMMER 2022 concerts include free kids shows on Thursdays and free outdoor movies every Friday in August. Town Green, 7991 Main Street, Maple Grove, MN.
August ACTIVITIES AT EASTMAN NATURE CENTER
Eastman Nature Center, 13351 Elm Creek Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
- Free Family Fun Days with Three Rivers Parks – Drop in for free nature programs at EASTMAN NATURE CENTER. New themes each week. Sundays, August 14-28, 2022, 1-3pm.
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
FREE ACTIVITIES AT SILVERWOOD PARK
2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN 55421
- Puppet Adventures & Let’s Get StARTed: Take in a puppet show followded by make-and-take nature-inspired art. August 14, 2022, 1-3pm.
- Sounds of Silverwood: Outdoor live music. Plus, if it’s warm enough, bring a swimsuit for the beach in Silver Lake Park. Wednesdays, August 10-24, 2022, 6:30pm.
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.
- SUMMER EXHIBIT OPEN HOUSES – first Sun/Mon, June-August, 2022.
Roseville
ROSEVILLE COMMUNITY PARKS – FREE SUMMER EVENTS
- ROSEVILLE PUPPET WAGON – Make way for the puppets, coming to 9 Roseville parks this summer. Tues-Thurs in August, 2022. 9:30-11:30am.
- DISCOVER YOUR PARKS – Family activities at eight Roseville parks, refreshments and a bounce castle. Wednesdays, August 3 & 10, 2022.
- LIVE AT THE ROG! PERFORMANCE SERIES – Free concerts at the amphitheater in Central Park. Select dates in August, please see the link for details.
WHITE BEAR LAKE
TAMARACK NATURE CENTER
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 from our SOUTHEAST METRO SUMMER EVENTS GUIDE:
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. August 2, 2022.
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! Thursdays in August, 2022.
- FRIDAY NIGHT FLICKS ON THE BRICKS, August 12, 2022. 7:30pm seating, show at dusk: Encanto.
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: Caponi Art Park celebrates its 30th anniversary with special events this summer. Catch a Community Iron Pour, August 20, 2022.
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 August, 2022.
FARMINGTON
FOREVER WILD FAMILY FRIDAY: Raptor Center
Whitetail Woods Regional Park, 17100 Station Trail, Farmington MN 55024
A free, all-ages presentation by the Raptor Center. August 5, 2022, 6pm.
WOODBURY
WOODBURY COMMUNITY PARKS
- WOODBURY PUPPET WAGON – Traveling around Woodbury parks with fun puppet shows. Ongoing Mon-Thurs thru August 8, 2022.
- STARLIGHT CINEMA OUTDOOR SERIES: The free movie series is hosted at Ojibway Park. Activities start at 7pm, movie at dusk. Ojibway Park, August 4, 2022, 7pm. 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, August 6-27, 2022, 1-4pm.
August 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, August 14-28, 2022, 1-3pm.
BLOOMINGTON ARTS IN THE PARKS – FREE EVENTS
- MONDAY MORNING KIDS SERIES – Final performance of the summer at MOIR PARK. August 8, 2022, 10:30am. 10320 Morgan Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431.
- MIDWEEK MUSIC & MARKET – Music, food trucks, a farmers market and lawn games at Civic Plaza. Wednesday evenings, August 10-24, 2022. 5-8pm.
- THURSDAY BLOCKBUSTER SERIES – Normandale Bandshell, August 11, 2022, 7pm. W 84th St & Chalet Rd, Bloomington, MN 55437.
- FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE – August 12, 2022, 6-9pm.
EDEN PRAIRIE
STARING LAKE PARK – ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PARK
- KIDSTOCK – Staring Lake Amphitheater, Tuesdays August 2-16, 2022, 10:30am. 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347.
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:
- MUSIC IN THE PARK & FARMERS MARKET – Live music and fresh products. Market runs Tuesdays, in August, 2022. 3-7pm. Minnetonka Civic Center Campus Ice Arena B Parking Lot, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd.
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 – Final show Tuesday, August 2, 2022. 11am & 6:30pm.
- 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, 7am-12pm.
RICHFIELD COMMUNITY PARKS:
- FRIDAY FUN AT AUGSBURG ADVENTURE PARK – Storybook hike & end of summer dance party. August 12 & 26, 2022, 10am. 7000 Nicollet Avenue, Richfield MN.
SHAKOPEE
SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY PARKS – FREE ENTERTAINMENT
- HUBER PARK PERFORMANCE & EVENT SERIES – Family entertainment on the riverfront. Wednesdays, August 4-18, 2022, 7pm. Fillmore St N, Shakopee, MN 55379.
Free August Living History Programs at the Landing
2187 County Rd 101, Shakopee, MN 55379
Visit the historic park for free demos such as blacksmithing, doing laundry the old-fashioned way & self-guided farm animal tours. Weekends, August 13-28, 2022.
VICTORIA
NATURE Art exploration AT LOWRY NATURE CENTER
7025 Victoria Dr, Victoria, MN 55386
Create art from objects found in nature. Explore the nature center too! August 27, 2022. Drop-in between 1-3pm.
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. August 13, 2022, 1:30-4pm.
MULTIPLE TWIN CITIES PARK LOCATIONS
August UNIVERSE IN THE PARKS
Afton State Park, 6959 Peller Ave S, Hastings, MN 55033
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. August 2022 date: August 27
Free Tuesday @ Washington County Parks
Explore Washington Cty Parks free on the first Tuesday of every month (non-holiday). No permit required. Find a listing of parks here. August 2, 2022.
Free Admission - Twin CIties August Family Festivals
Anoka: Food Truck Festival (Aug 20, 2022)
Burnsville: Party on the Plaza (Aug 25, 2022)
Chisago City: Ki Chi Saga Days (Aug 18-21, 2022)
Eagan: Food Truck Festival (Aug 12, 2022)
Eden Prairie: PeopleFest (July 26-Aug 9, 2022)
Farmington: Dakota County Fair (Aug 8-14, 2022)
Minneapolis: Powderhorn Art Fair (Aug 6-7, 2022)
Mounds View: Festival in the Park (Aug 19-20, 2022)
New Brighton: Stockyard Days (Aug 11-13, 2023)
North Hudson: Pepper Fest (Aug 19-21, 2022)
Rockford: River Days (Aug 12-14, 2022)
Scandia: Spelmansstämma (Aug 20, 2022)
Shakopee: Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Wacipi (Aug 18-21, 2022)
St Anthony Village: VillageFest (Aug 5-6, 2022)
St Paul: IndiaFest (Aug 13, 2022)
Vadnais Heights: Heritage Days (Aug 15-21, 2022)
Woodbury: Woodbury Days (Aug 19-21, 2022)
Free at the minnesota State fair
FREE TWIN CITIES SWIMMING, WADING & SPLASHING IN August
You don’t have to look far to find a free spot to take a dip in the Twin Cities. The following beaches, pools & splash pads beckon to little swimmers and charge no vehicle fee or admission. Make sure to double check the websites before packing up the swimsuits and heading out!
FREE TWIN CITIES BEACHES
CARVER COUNTY SWIMMING BEACHES
Carver Lake Park, Woodbury
CHASKA CLAYHOLE SWIM BEACH
CRYSTAL BEACH, BURNSVILLE
DAKOTA COUNTY PARKS SWIMMING BEACHES
MINNEApolis beaches
Ramsey County swimming beaches
RILEY LAKE PARK BEACH, Eden Prairie
ROUND LAKE PARK BEACH, Eden Prairie
SILVER LAKE BEACH, NORTH ST PAUL
Phalen regional park beach, St Paul
Plymouth swimming beaches
Three Rivers Park District swimming beaches
Free Twin Cities Swimming Pools & Wading Pools
MINNEAPOLIS WADING POOLS
Some are splashy and elaborate, some are more traditional, all are the perfect FREE way for little swimmers to cool off in August.
Webber Natural Swimming Pool
Webber Park, 4330 Webber Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55412
The water is treated naturally with plants. Swimming is guarded and completely free!
Free Twin Cities Splash Pads
Find our list of the best splash pads in the Twin Cities!
Nicollet Commons Park water feature | Burnsville
FIND OUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE BEST TWIN CITIES BEACHES, SWIMMING POOLS, WATERPARKS & SPLASH PADS!
Free Twin Cities family artS events - August 2022
First Free Saturday at Walker ARt Center
725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Free gallery admission for the whole family every first Saturday of the month. Don’t forget to explore the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden! August 6, 2022, 10am-3pm.
FREE ART MUSEUMS TO VISIT IN AUGUST
- Minneapolis Institute of Art – Daily free admission plus monthly themed art activities for families.
- Walker Art Center | Minneapolis – FREE Thursday evenings & First Saturdays of each month.
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. Reservations required. August 7, 2022.
2022 August Summer Library Programs
Unlike school, there is no “summer break” at your local library! This year many summer reading programs have been tweaked to provide activities and challenges you can complete at home. Remember, most locations are open for online checkout and curbside pickup! Find your local branches and full summer schedules below:
- Anoka County Library | Summer Adventures
- Carver County Library | Tails & Tales Summer Reading Program
- Dakota County Library | Summer Discovery
- Hennepin County Library | Summer Learning
- Ramsey County Library | Summer Learning Program
- Scott County Library | Summer Spotlight
- St Paul Public Library | Summer Spark
- Washington County Library | Summer Adventures
It is already September 2–where is Septembers calendar?
Hi Dianne:
Anne published the September Guides on August 31st. The Family Fun Calendar is also always available with events posted months in advance. — Joy.
Interesting, just finished reading this blogpost. Very nice information you wrote. Totally following your web! Thank you a lot.