50 Free Things To Do In July: Twin Cities Family Events

TWIN CITIES JULY OUTDOOR FUN IN THE PARKS: Free summer music, movies & more entertainment

There is loads of fun to be had out in our local communities this summer. 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 are awaiting swimmers. Bike trails beckon. And don’t forget – libraries don’t take a summer break. There is FREE programming going on all summer long.

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.

Minneapolis & St Paul

Minneapolis Music & Movies in the Parks

Live music and movies screened across multiple Minneapolis parks most nights during the summer. And yes, all free! See the 2023 Calendar for bands, movie titles and park locations. Starts Memorial Day Weekend and continues through summer.

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: free movies at Target Field Station – July 6 (Puss In Boots: The Last Wish) and July 20 (Legally Blonde). 7pm.

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 (10-10:30am) & Saturdays (2-2:30pm) in July 2023. FREE. 

Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Shows

West River Road, Minneapolis
Amazing free waterski tricks to amuse you Thursday evenings on the Mississippi River. Ongoing Thursdays in July 2023, 6:30pm.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Summer Checklist

1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
Seasonal events in July 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.

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 July 2023.

Free carousel rides in July: CAFESJIAN’S CAROUSEL in Como Park offers free spins on July 25, 2023.

Groovin’ in the Garden

Como’s outdoor music event offers free concerts and lawn activities while the music is on. Food is available for purchase or bring your own picnic. Ongoing Wednesdays in July 2023, 6-8pm.

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, July 8 & 22, 2023, 11am-noon.

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

July 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, July 2-30, 2023, 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:

• OPEN GATE HOURS: Explore the farm grounds, meet animals and maybe even help with chores. Mon-Thurs & Sat starting at 10am.
• CONCERT AT THE FARM: The Teddy Bear Band, July 20, 2023, 6pm.
• STORIES FROM THE PORCH: Tuesdays, July 11-25, 2023, 11am.

Maple Grove

Maple Grove Town Green Park

• SOUNDS OF SUMMER 2023 concerts include free kids shows on Thursdays and free outdoor movies every Friday starting July 14. Town Green, 7991 Main Street, Maple Grove, MN.

July 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, July 2-30, 2023, 1-3pm.
• DRAGONFLY FESTIVAL – Meet a few dragonflies and and explore one of their habitats. July 15, 2023. Drop in anytime from 10am-2pm.

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 followed by make-and-take nature-inspired art. July 9, 2023, 1-3pm.
• Float-In Movie on Silver Lake: Head for the beach in Silverwood Park, or use the Silver Beach boat launch. The movie will be shown on an inflatable screen in the beach area. July 15, 2023, 9pm.

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

Brunetrup 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, 2023.

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 July, 2023. 9:30-11:30am.
• DISCOVER YOUR PARKS – Family activities at eight Roseville parks, refreshments and a bounce castle. Ongoing Wednesdays July 12-26, 2023.
• LIVE AT THE ROG! PERFORMANCE SERIES – Free concerts at the amphitheater in Central Park. Ongoing Sundays in July, 2023.

White Bear Lake

Tamarack Nature Center

What really shines at Tamarack is its glorious outdoor DISCOVERY HOLLOW & GARDEN, the ultimate nature playground for kids. 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:

Burnsville

Nicollet Commons P ark

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 July, 2023.
• FRIDAY NIGHT FLICKS ON THE BRICKS, 7:30pm seating, show at dusk.

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.

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 July, 2023.

Woodbury

WOODBURY COMMUNITY PARKS

• WOODBURY PUPPET WAGON – Traveling around Woodbury parks with fun puppet shows. Ongoing Mon-Thurs July, 2023.
• STORY TIME IN THE PARK – Ojibway Park, July 21, 2023 at 10:30am.
• STARLIGHT CINEMA OUTDOOR SERIES: The free movie series is hosted at Ojibway Park. Activities start at 7pm, movie (Tangled) at dusk. July 13, 2023. 2695 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, July 1-29, 2023. 

July 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, July 2-30, 2023, 1-3pm.

BLOOMINGTON ARTS IN THE PARKS – Free events

• MONDAY MORNING KIDS SERIES – Alternating between Moir Central Park & Valley View Park, Mondays, July 10-31, 2023. 10:30am. 10320 Morgan Ave South, Bloomington, MN 55431.
• TUESDAY EVENING PERFORMANCE SERIES – Normandale Bandshell, starts July 11-25, 2023. 7-8pm.
• MIDWEEK MUSIC & MARKET – Music, food trucks, a farmers market and lawn games at Civic Plaza. Wednesday evenings, July 12-26, 2023. 5-8pm.
• THURSDAY BLOCKBUSTER SERIES – Normandale Bandshell, July 13-27, 2023, 7pm. W 84th St & Chalet Rd, Bloomington, MN 55437.
  
• SUNDAY FUNDAY – July 9-30, 2023, 6-9pm.

Eden Prairie

Staring Lake Park – Entertainment in the Park

• KIDSTOCK – Staring Lake Amphitheater, Tuesdays July 11-25, 2023, 10:30am. 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347.
• CHILDREN’S THEATER WORKSHOP – free performances in the park. July 28-30, 2023. Please see website for times.

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 July, 2023. 3-7pm. Minnetonka Civic Center Campus Ice Arena B Parking Lot, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd.

Richfield

Richfield 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 – Tuesdays July 11-25, 2023, 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, 7am-12pm.

RICHFIELD COMMUNITY PARKS:

• RICHFIELD SUMMER PLAYGROUND: Free supervised activities for kids ages 6-12 at 4 Richfield parks. See PDF for more information. Registration required. Mon-Thurs in July 2023, 9am-3pm.
• FRIDAY FUN AT AUGSBURG ADVENTURE PARK – Read-a-Story Theater followed by time to play at the inclusive park. July 7 & 21, 2023, 10am. 7000 Nicollet Avenue, Richfield MN.

Shakopee

SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY PARKS – Free Entertainment

• HUBER PARK PERFORMANCE & EVENT SERIES – Family entertainment on the riverfront. Wednesdays, July 13-27, 2023, 7pm. Fillmore St N, Shakopee, MN 55379.

Victoria

Second Saturdays at Grimm Farm

Carver Park Reserve, 7025 Victoria Drive, Victoria, MN 55386
Step back in time with interpreters and old-fashioned lawn games.  July 8, 2023, 1:30-4pm.

Multiple Twin Cities Park locations

July Universe in the Parks

See our out-of-this-world Universe in the Park article to get more details on these stargazing opportunities. $7 vehicle permit required at programs in Minnesota state parks, no fee at nature centers. July 2023 dates: 7, 8 & 15, 2023.