With 12 children between them, the parents of the Family Fun Twin Cities team sure are THANKFUL for a good deal, especially as the holidays are upon us. For hundreds more ideas on how to find free Twin Cities events for kids and families in November visit our:Â
Want to find free things to do in the Minneapolis-St Paul area this weekend? Find our current WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE, packed with suggestions. We also publish a fresh update of THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK WITH KIDS in the Twin Cities. Our jam is inspiring you parents and caregivers to explore local communities and decide how best to invest the valuable time you’ve got with your young ones.
50 free things to do in the Twin Cities this November
Don’t view these ideas as a bucket list or one more to-do list you’ve got to hurry and check off before the end of the month. Rather, think of them as a back-pocket list you can whip out when it’s time to plan some family time.
Twin Cities free fall fun in November
Free pumpkin smash events in the Twin Cities
It’s a reverse pumpkin patch – for free! Have a little fun pulverizing your pumpkin and then have it hauled away (again, for free) to be composted in these community parks in November:
- EDINA Pumpkin Smash & Bash – November 1
- RAMSEY Pumpkin Chuck – November 1
- RICHFIELD Pumpkin Smash – November 8
ST PAUL Fall Flowers in Bloom at Como Conservatory
1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
The colors have faded from the trees outdoors, but autumn is still on fire at the Fall Flower Show in the Conservatory’s sunken garden. It’s all indoors and balmy so noses won’t freeze. Admission is always free w/ donations gladly accepted. Daily, November 1-30, 2025, 10am-4pm.
More free fall 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 November 2025, 10am-12pm.
Free Admission to Minnesota State Parks
A Black Friday tradition! Explore one of the many Minnesota State Parks within an hour’s drive of the Minneapolis-St Paul area without a day pass. November 28, 2025.
TWIN CITIES METRO Try Hockey for Free Day
This program gives kids (ages 4-9) a shot at experiencing the basics of hockey without financial commitment. Plus, coaches will be on hand to offer tips and provide equipment. November 1 & 8, 2025, see link for participating rinks.
More free outdoor fun in Twin Cities-area parks
MINNEAPOLIS November Family Funday at North Mississippi Regional Park
5116 N Mississippi Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55412
Learn about deer that roam in the area and make a pair of antlers this free family program. Spots are limited so register online. November 2, 2025, 10:30am-12pm.
Free fun in the Twin Cities North Metro parks
ST ANTHONY Discover Puppet & Art Adventures in the ParkÂ
2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN 55421
Take in a free puppet show followed by make-and-take nature-inspired art OR take a guided hike with a naturalist around the trails and sculptures. So much outdoor fun to choose from at Silverwood Park. November 9, 2025, 1-3pm.Â
Free fun in the Twin Cities South Metro parks
BLOOMINGTON Pond Dakota Mission Park Living History Open Houses
401 E 104th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Hands-on living history programs fun and free of charge. New themes each Saturday in November 2025. Drop in from 1-4pm.Â
BLOOMINGTON Free Family Fun Days at Richardson Nature Center
8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
New themes each Sunday in November such as Minnesota mammals, raptors and amphibians. Learn more about indoor and outdoor fun at RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER. Sundays in November, 2025. 1-3pm.
WEST ST PAUL Forever Wild Family FridayÂ
Thompson County Park, 1200 Stassen Ln, West St Paul, MN 55118
Visit a select Dakota County park the first Friday of every month for family-friendly outdoor activities. This month play nature BINGO and enjoy free smores around a bonfire. November 7, 2025, 6-7:30pm. Free. No registration necessary.
Free fun in the Twin Cities West Metro parks
EDEN PRAIRIE Nature Rocks! Outdoor Center Open Houses
13765 Staring Lake Parkway, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55347
Drop in for free to meet the resident animals and learn about programs and events. Saturdays, November 1, 8, 15, 24, 2025, 10am-1pm.
Free Twin Cities early holiday events in November
The Twin Cities sparkles in late November & early December as community holiday trees are lit up across the Twin Cities. We have gathered a complete list of those events in our 2025 TWIN CITIES HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING GUIDE. Find our quick list below of FREE events!
Twin Cities Christmas & holiday tree lighting events in November
APPLE VALLEY Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony | November 25
BURNSVILLE Winter Lighting Ceremony | November 29
EDINAÂ Tree Lighting Ceremony |Â November 29
SHOREVIEW Holiday Lighting Event | November 18
OTSEGO Tree Lighting | November 25
TAYLORS FALLS Taylors Falls Lighting Festival | November 29-30
WAYZATAÂ Light Up the Lake Celebration | November 21
Twin Cities holiday festivals with free admission in November
MAPLE GROVE Holiday Walk in the Woods Open House
The Woods Gifts, 15825 95th Ave N, Maple Grove, Minnesota 55369
Visit with Santa and his reindeer at this annual Holiday shopping event. Activities include a visit from Santa and his reindeer, stories, face painting, and food demos. November 22, 2025, 9am-3pm.
Twin Cities free fun with arts & crafts in November
MINNEAPOLISÂ Institute of Art: Art Play
2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
This month, kids of all ages can experiment with multiple types of air-dry clay. Then, embark on a scavenger hunt around the museum’s galleries. No registration needed, drop in. November 1 & 15, 2025, 10am-2pm. FREE.
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS 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. In November, there’s a bonus workshop the last Saturday of the month as well. November 1 & 29, 2025, 9am-12pm.
ST PAUL Saturday Vibe at George Latimer Central Library
This month, there are stand-out art activities hosted on Saturdays at the library including a mini-maker event and a family concert. There is a family storytime once a month as well. Ongoing Saturdays in November 2025.
MINNEAPOLIS Walker Art Center November First Free Saturday
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. Get out and explore the awesome sculpture garden while if weather still permits. November 1, 2025.
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS Lakeshore Learning Events
1721 Beam Ave A, Maplewood, MN 55109
5699 W 16th St, St Louis Park, MN 55416
Drop in for STEM and art-based hands-on learning at the store. November 1 & 15, 2025, 11am-3pm.
MINNEAPOLIS Institute of Art Family Day
2400 Third Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
The museum presents art activities, artist demos, special kid-friendly gallery hunts, self-guided tours and more fine arts events inspired by the current collections. November 9, 2025, 10am-5pm.
ANOKA November Free Family Art Day with Rumriver Art Center
2665 4th Ave #103, Anoka, MN 55303
Free art classes are back for families with kids ages 4 & up. Lessons are free but advance registration is required as space is limited. November 15, 2025, 10-11am.
MINNEAPOLIS Northern Clay Center Winter Open House
2424 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
A hands-on workshop and holiday shopping event. Our family attended a couple years ago and the kids were able to make homemade clay gifts to give to family for Christmas. November 16, 2025.
More free things to do in November in the Twin Cities with kids
BLOOMINGTON Mall of America Toddler Tuesday
Free, live entertainment for the stroller the second Tuesday of the month in the Rotunda. Plus, on Toddler Tuesdays you can purchase an unlimited ride wristband for Nickelodeon Universe for a small discount and kids eat free at participating restaurants w/ purchase of an adult meal. November 11, 2025, 10am-12pm.
ST PAUL Ballet Tuesdays at Landmark CenterÂ
75 W 5th St, St Paul, MN 55102
Join Ballet Co.Laboratory as they perform excerpts from the company repertoire. It’s the perfect sample outing for budding ballerinas. While you’re at Landmark Center, stop in and play with the instruments in the SCHUBERT CLUB MUSIC MUSEUM. An entire afternoon of free fun for young ones! November 18, 2025, 12pm.
  
ST PAUL 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. November 1, 2025.
ST PAUL November 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 November 2025. 10:30am.
MINNEAPOLIS November Stories & Crafts 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. November 15, 2025, 10:30-11:30am.
ST PAUL First Chapter November Storytime at Next Chapter Bookseller
38 Snelling Ave S, Saint Paul, MN 55105
A picture book read-aloud plus related activity just for kids. Saturdays in November 2025, 10:30am.
ST PAULÂ Free Open Swim Sundays at Great River Water Park
270 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104
A special FREE open swim is hosted Sundays with water safety training provided from 3-3:25pm. The zero-depth entry splash pool is perfect for tots trying to get used to the water and there are two tube waterslides for the big kids. Sundays in November 2025, 12-5pm.
ST PAULÂ First Saturday Science at Metro State University
664 East Sixth Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106
The University hosts kid-friendly hands-on STEM activities the first Saturday of the month. November’s program explores the science of microbiology. November 1, 2025, 10am-12pm, FREE.
Free weekly Twin Cities activities
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. TWIN CITIES NATURE CENTERS are wonderful places that offer free admission and hands-on exhibits and outdoor play opportunities most days of the week. And dozens of St Paul & Minneapolis recreation centers offer FREE OPEN GYMS & TOT TIMES to run your littles ragged during the cooler months. Explore from our links below.
Fun Minneapolis-St Paul attractions that are always freeÂ
- Bde Maka Ska Park f/k/a Lake Calhoun, Minneapolis
- Bike at Cedar Lake Park, Minneapolis
- Como Zoo, Conservatory & Japanese Garden, St. PaulÂ
- Cross-country Skiing in Saint Paul (with your own skis & weather dependent). Most other park systems require a paid permit.
- Disc golf courses in local parks
- Mill City Farmers Market November 4th & 18th, 2023. (Back inside the Mill City Museum for the winter.)
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
- Minnehaha Park & Minnehaha Falls Waterfall, Minneapolis
- Stone Arch Bridge and Mississippi River, Minneapolis
- Theodore Wirth Regional Park, Minneapolis
- Weisman Art Museum, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
