50 Free Things to Do in April: Twin Cities Family Events

Twin Cities April free outdoor fun in the parks

There is so much FREE family fun to be had out in Twin Cities-areas parks during the early spring months if you’re willing to perhaps 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 April:

Spring free & fun ideas in the parks – Minneapolis & St Paul

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
Seasonal events in April include the Spring Flower Show in the Conservatory’s sunken garden. Warm up with the indoor exhibits when the weather isn’t cooperating. Suggested donation of $2/child & $3/adult, but all welcome whether or not you choose to donate. 10am-4pm.

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 April 2025, 10am-12pm.

Free fun in the Twin Cities North Metro parks

BROOKLYN PARK April 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 April courtesy of Three Rivers Parks. Themes this month at Mississippi Gateway include river birdwatching and disc golfing. April 13 & 27, 2025, 1-3pm.  Learn more about MISSISSIPPI GATEWAY REGIONAL PARK.

WHITE BEAR LAKE Spring Bird Walk at Tamarack Nature Center 

5287 Otter Lake Rd, White Bear Township, MN 55110
This might be an outing for older kids who have patience and enjoy the attention to detail required for birding. But don’t skip Tamarack if you have younger kids – they will adore the amazing DISCOVERY HOLLOW NATURE PLAYGROUND. Free spring bird walk April 26, 2025. Drop in anytime for Discovery Hollow.

ST ANTHONY Puppet Art Adventures at Silverwood Park

2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN 55421
Start the afternoon off by listening to stories with a naturalist then make nature-inspired art. Antsy to get outdoors? You can either take a guided walk or explore the park’s sculptures on your own. April 13, 2025, 1-3pm.

Free fun in the Twin Cities South Metro parks

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. April 1, 2024.

EAGAN Forever Wild Family Friday 

Lebanon Hills Regional Park, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN, 55123
Play games, take a nature walk and warm up at a bonfire with smores. Meet at the visitor center. April 4, 2025, 6-7:30pm

BLOOMINGTON Pond Dakota Mission Park April open houses

Pond Dakota Mission Park, 401 E 104th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Hands-on living history programs fun and free of charge located at the historic GIDEON POND HOUSE. New themes each week include old-fashioned sweets and history of the Dakota people. Saturdays, April 5-26, 2025. 

EDEN PRAIRIE Nature Rocks! Outdoor Center April 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, April 5-26, 2025, 10am-1pm.

BLOOMINGTON April Free Family Fun Days at Richardson Nature Center

8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Drop in for free nature programs in the Southwest Metro thanks to Three Rivers Parks. Themes at Richardson Nature Center in April include bugs, fort building, Earth Day and May Day basket-making. Sundays in April 2025. Learn more about RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER.

Free Earth Day events in Twin Cities parks

LINO LAKES Wargo Nature Center Family Earth Day Celebration

7701 Main St, Lino Lakes, MN 55038
This annual event has included service projects, trivia, picnics, gardening seminars, naturalist programs, Earth Day games and activities, including an Earth Day sound garden. April 19, 2025; 1-4pm. Learn more about the WARGO NATURE CENTER including the fun nature-based playground.

ROSEVILLE Harriet Alexander Nature Center Earth Day Celebration

2520 Dale St N, Roseville, MN 55113
This annual free event traditionally includes live music, storytelling, earth-friendly activities, crafts and tours. It also observes the nature center’s birthday, so grab some cake. April 26, 2025; 10am-2pm. 

MINNEAPOLIS April Family Fun at North Mississippi Regional Park

5116 N Mississippi Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55412
This month’s family fun celebrates Earth Day. You can hike with a naturalist to pick up litter in the park, create recycled art and explore the nature center’s indoor exhibits. Drop-in program, but please register as space is limited. April 20, 2024, 10:30am-12pm.

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.