May is literally blooming with free events and activities in the Twin Cities! For more ideas on how to find free Twin Cities events for kids and families in May visit our:
- TWIN CITIES MAY FAMILY GUIDE
- THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES IN MAY (SORTED BY AGE)
- 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 with your kids? Find our current TWIN CITIES WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE, packed with suggestions.
Twin Cities free outdoor fun in the parks – in May
There is so much FREE family fun to be had out in Twin Cities-areas parks during the lovely month of May. Here’s a sampling of the best free events Twin Cities-area parks have to offer this month:
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
Seasonal events in May include the Summer Flower Show (starting May 3, 2024) in the Conservatory’s sunken garden. Warm up with the indoor exhibits when the weather isn’t cooperating. Currently, the Zoo & Conservatory are open by reservation only. Suggested donation of $2/child & $3/adult, but all welcome whether or not you choose to donate. 10am-6pm.
More free spring 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 May 2024, 10am-12pm.
Family Funday: Water Creatures
North Mississippi Regional Park, 4900 Mississippi Ct, Minneapolis, MN 55430
Learn about amphibians (specifically toads), play games and create a frog craft to take home. Please register as space is limited. May 11, 2024, 10:30-12pm. FREE.
Free fun in the Twin Cities North Metro parks
Spring Bird Walks at Tamarack Nature Center
5287 Otter Lake Rd, White Bear Township, MN 55110
Family-friendly bird discovery hikes might be more suited for older kids, but if the weather permits, make sure to let the kids run and explore the amazing DISCOVERY HOLLOW NATURE PLAYGROUND. May 4, 11 & 18, 2024, 8am. FREE.
May Free Family Fun Days at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
10360 W River Rd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444
Free nature drop-in programs offered each Sunday in May thanks much Three Rivers Parks. Themes this month at Mississippi Gateway include a Storywalk, a program about spring nests and eggs and learning about animals on the Mississippi. Sundays in May, 2024, 1-3pm. Learn more about MISSISSIPPI GATEWAY REGIONAL PARK.
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. May 12, 2024, 1-3pm.
Free fun in the Twin Cities South Metro parks
Caponi Art Park
1220 Diffley Rd, Eagan, MN 55123
Wander the self-guided trails through the sculpture park. Opens May 1, 2024. 9am-8pm. FREE admission, donations appreciated.
Forever Wild Family Friday
Thompson County Park, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN 55118
All ages can join park naturalists to learn about birds plus activities, a bonfire and smores. What a kid-friendly Friday night! May 3, 2024, 6-7:30pm. FREE.
Nature Rocks! Eden Prairie Outdoor Center May 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. Saturdays, May 4-25, 2024, 10am-1pm.
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. May 7, 2024.
May Free Family Fun Days with Three Rivers Parks
Three Rivers Parks locations
Drop in for free nature programs at EASTMAN NATURE CENTER, MISSISSIPPI GATEWAY REGIONAL PARK & RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER. New themes each week, make sure to check the link for the most up to date schedule. Sundays, May 5-26, 2024, 1-4pm.
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.
Free Twin Cities swimming, wading & splashing in May
These outdoor swimming holes typically open Memorial Day Weekend, weather permitting. Make sure to double check the websites before packing up the swimsuits and heading out.
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.
Minneapolis Wading Pools & Beaches
We have all the details on the FREE MINNEAPOLIS WADING POOLS and the FREE MINNEAPOLIS BEACHES Please note that wading pools attached to a Minneapolis public school will remain closed until the school year is done. Beaches remain unguarded until mid-June. Open daily 10am-9pm. FREE.
Webber Natural Swimming Pool
4300 Webber Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55412
The pool water is treated with plants instead of chemicals. Zero-depth entry for the littlest swimmers. FREE admission.
Twin Cities 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 a scavenger hunt and create art onsite. May 4, 2024, 10am-3pm.
Home Depot Kids Workshops
Twin Cities Home Depot locations
The first Saturday of each month is workshop day at Home Depot. Kids get a kit to build, apron and pin while supplies last; adults must accompany their kids. Please pre-register. May 4, 2024, 9am-12pm.
Michaels May 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, May 5-26, 2024, 2-4pm.
Minneapolis Institute of Art Family Day: Shape of Time
2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
Includes hands-on art activities, live music and dance, artist demos and special tours designed for kids. May 12, 2024, 10am-5pm.
Lakeshore Learning Dinosaur Discovery
1721 Beam Ave A, Maplewood, MN 55109
5699 W 16th St, St Louis Park, MN 55416
Explore color, texture and other sensory activities at this open-house style event. May 4 & 18, 2024.
May Free Family Art Day with Rumriver Art Center
Back in the classroom – ages 4 & up with their adults can pop in for a free art lesson. Free, but you must register as the spots fill quickly. Don’t snag one? Plan ahead – you can register in advance on the website. May 18, 2024, 10-11am.
Free Twin Cities art museums to visit
- 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.
- Weisman Art Museum | Minneapolis – FREE daily, located on the Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota.
More free Twin Cities family entertainment in May
Free special events for families: Touch-a-Truck calendar
Treat your kids to the thrill of getting up close to important safety & service vehicles! We’re talking fire trucks, ambulances, plows, police cars and other rescue rigs. May is THE biggest month to see them while communities observe National Public Works Week. A sampling of our 2024 TWIN CITIES TOUCH-A-TRUCK CALENDAR:
- EDINA VEHICLE DAY – Southdale Center, May 4, 2024
- INVER GROVE HEIGHTS TOUCH-A-TRUCK – VMCC, May 11, 2024
- MENDOTA HEIGHTS TOUCH –A-TRUCK – Mendakota Park, May 11, 2024
- OTSEGO TOUCH-A-TRUCK – Prairie Park, May 14, 2024
- ARDEN HILLS TOUCH-A-TRUCK – Perry Park, May 18, 2024
- BLOOMINGTON PUBLIC WORKS OPEN HOUSE – May 18, 2024
- COON RAPIDS PUBLIC WORKS OPEN HOUSE – May 18, 2024
- FOREST LAKE BIG RIG DAY – Hardwood Creek Library, May 18, 2024
- FARMINGTON POLICE DEPT OPEN HOUSE – Police Station, May 18, 2024
- EAGAN BIG RIG RALLY – Central Maintenance, May 23, 2024
- BURNSVILLE PUBLIC WORKS OPEN HOUSE – Maintenance Facility, May 23, 2024
MINNEAPOLIS 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). May 14, 2024.
Opening Day at Gammelgården Museum
20880 Olinda Trail N, Scandia, MN 55073
Step back into the 1850’s with Swedish immigrant family activities and tours, all free today in celebration of a new spring season. May 3, 2025, 1aam-4pm.
Memorial Day at Lakewood Cemetery
3600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Write custom postcards, create origami, take a guided tour, and enjoy live music and refreshments. May 27, 2024, 10am-2pm.
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.
More free special events for families in May
May Storytime at Red Balloon Bookshop
891 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
Storyteller Angela hosts a free storytime at the charming bookshop perfect for 3s & under (but all welcome) each Wednesday & Thursday in May. 10:30am.
May 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. Then, explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt. May 18, 2024, 10:30-11am.
First Chapter May Storytime at Next Chapter Bookseller
38 Snelling Ave S, Saint Paul, MN 55105
A picture book read-aloud plus related activity just for kids. Ongoing Saturdays in May 2024, 10:30-11am. FREE.
First Saturday Science: Insects – What’s Bugging You?
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. May 11, 2024, 12-2pm.
Saturday Vibe at George Latimer Central Library
This month, take a free mini sports clinic and a family dance class. (Yes, these events are at a library – and it’s a library worth a visit.) May 4 & 11, 2024, 11am.
First Free Sundays at Minnesota Children’s Museum
Free days are an awesome way to save big time and experience three full floors of fun exhibits designed just for kids including Wild Kratts Creature Power (open thru May 12, 2024) the first Sunday of each month. May 5, 2024.
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
Awesome content and ideas. Thank you.
Thank you.
Great ideas for the family. We have a family of six, so time, scheduling, and money are important. Thank you for the wonderful ideas.
We are so glad you find it useful, Virginia. Anne, Gianna and I also each have 4 kids, so we know the balancing act between time, scheduling & money and still finding family fun time. Please drop us a line if you find anything cool we’ve missed.