Memberships to local museums, playgrounds, and other family fun experiences are some of the most cost effective ways to enjoy time together with your family.
It can feel like a big up-front cost, but if you are intentional throughout the year to use your membership, you will feel less pressure to make the most of every dollar spent. When you know you can come back on a better day, everyone benefits.
Family Fun Twin Cities has affiliate relationships with many different businesses that we love. These business relationships don’t add a cost to you as the consumer, but FFTC does earn a small percentage of the total purchase (as a thank you for referring the business to them). Also, there have been many experiences that our FFTC family has tried at no cost to us.
Trying to be transparent with all that we do.
Active Experiences
A Twin Cities Favorite:
Minnesota Children’s Museum
MCM sparks imagination through play. It has two locations included in membership – downtown St Paul and Rochester, Minnesota. Qualifying families can take advantage of need-based memberships.
Basic Family Membership Price: $169 (Needs Based All Play Membership $45)
Membership Perks: Unlimited admission for 12 months for two adults named on the membership and all children under age 18 residing in a single household. Plus discounted admission for up to six guests per visit. Discounts on programs, seasonal events. Consider upgrading to a Plus Perks Membership if you plan to travel this year so you can benefit from the ASTC Travel Passport Program.
How to Become a Member: Visit the Minnesota Children’s Museum website. They also offer gift cards for a more budget friendly gift of family fun.
Twin Cities Bouldering Project
Bouldering is rock climbing without ropes, and my family members are 100% major fans of it. All my kids love it. And they have two locations now: North Minneapolis and St. Paul
Membership Price: $50-$90 pp/month
Membership Perks: Unlimited access to climbing, yoga, and classes, special members only events, 2 free guest passes
How to Become a Member: Purchase a membership here
Vertical Endeavors
Vertical Endeavors is a Twin Cities favorite for adventurous families ready to reach new heights! With multiple locations and walls for every skill level, it’s the perfect spot for beginners, seasoned climbers, and everyone in between.
Family Membership Price: $189/month
Membership Perks: Unlimited climbing, free yoga and fitness classes, various discounts, one guest past a month
How to Become a Member: https://www.verticalendeavors.com/visit-us/pricing/month-to-month-membership/
Classes for Circus Arts
Ever consider learning how to fly on a trapeze or perform aerial magic with hoops or silks? Maybe your kiddo would love to learn some skills.
Stomping Ground Studio
Circus Juventas
Twin CitiesTrapeze Center
Horsemanship and Riding
There are many opportunities in the Twin Cities to introduce horses to a horse-loving member of your family. We have collected and updated our list in the link above
Water Parks & Swim Lessons
Many of these Twin Cities Indoor Waterparks and Pools offer membership options so your family can splash together all year.
Indoor Playgrounds
As an addition or alternative to the expensive museum options, many indoor playgrounds offer membership options that can help parents who want to save on regular visits.
Cross-Country Ski Pass
All cross-country skiers on ski trails in State Parks or Forests, or on State or Grant-in-Aid Trails, who are aged 16 and above must have a Minnesota Ski Pass.
Pass Price: One-season ski pass: $25. Minneapolis Parks ($50-$102 aged 12+) and Three Rivers Parks ($90/skier).
Pass Perks: Once you have your Minnesota Ski Pass, you can ski on any trail on the 135 ski pass trails in Minnesota, including 20 in the Metro area. Or buy a pass for Minneapolis or Three Rivers Parks.
How to Purchase your Pass: Passes are easy to purchase. You can purchase in person at parks, electronic licensing stations and at the DNR License Center. You can also purchase online or by phone. Details can be found HERE. Duplicate passes are available via any of the above purchasing methods. Duplicate passes are $2.50. (This does require them to have their own skis.)
Como Town Amusement Park
Como Town is the seasonal amusement park located adjacent to Como Zoo. If carnival-type roller coaster rides is your family’s thing, season passes may be the perfect gift.
Season Pass Prices: $70-$83/pp
Membership Perks: Each Season Pass includes unlimited zipline rides.
How to Become a Member: You can purchase your membership online or by calling 651.487.2121 ext. 106.
Valleyfair
SeasonPass Prices: Up to $129/pp
Membership Perks: Access to Six Flags Parks including Six Flags Great America, Unlimited visits for entire season, free general parking, food and meal discounts, 2 Pre-K Passes, Admission to Tricks and Treats and Valleyscare
How to Become a Season Pass Holder: Get Your Season Pass Here
Nickelodeon Universe
A year-round adventure can be had a Nickelodeon Universe. If you family enjoys a climate controlled atmosphere, a year round Annual Pass could not only save you money in the long run, but give you something to do all year long.
Annual Pass Price: $175-$350 pp
Pass Perks: starts with Unlimited Ride Wristband, 20% discount on food + beverage, 25% discount on merchandise, 20% discount on one birthday party package
How to Purchase Annual Pass: Shop your annual pass here
Animal Experiences
Minnesota Zoo
Every young family I know who has had a membership to the Minnesota Zoo has loved it. In the winter, you have the tropical indoor exhibits to explore, Farm babies in the spring, acres of exotic animals all summer long and zoo boo in the fall.
Family Membership Price: Approximately$200.
Membership Perks: Free Zoo admission and free parking during regular Zoo hours, plus special member events. Discounts to zoos across the country. Guest discounts. Discount on classes, camps, and overnights for named members. Discounts at Zoo store. Advance sale of a limited number of “Music in the Zoo” concert tickets.
How to Become a Member: You can purchase your membership online HERE.
Sea LIFE
Maybe finding a fishing pole, buying bait, putting on a life jacket and getting into a boat (or walking on a dock) is not your thing, but you still really appreciate fish.
Membership Price: $55-$110/pp
Membership Perks: Sunday-Friday visits for the lower cost, Anytime visits for the higher cost, Discounts for friends and family, Discounts in gift shop, Birthday Party Discounts, Special Events for Members
How to Become a Member: You can purchase your membership online HERE.
Art Experiences
Minneapolis Institute of Art
MIA memberships start at $0 and always include 10% purchases at the cafe.
Family Membership Price: FREE at the Explorer Level. If you think you may want to see some special paid exhibits, the $60 Contributor Level may be best.
Membership Perks: NEW points and rewards program, ticketing privileges, and discounts at the café — even just for coffee. Plus communications and invitation.
How to Become a Member: Sign up at the help desk when you get to the museum (Do this before you stop for coffee, because your membership gets you discounts). Or order online.
Walker Art Center
Honestly, the best family-friendly parts of Walker are already free on First Saturdays, but with a Walker membership, you always have a place to take out-of-town guests; and the films that they show are a nice alternative to going to a movie for a date night.
Family Membership Price: $95.00 (look for discount offers in December)
Membership Perks: Free gallery admission for two adults (children are already FREE). Walker Cinema discounts and free offers, special invitation, discounted guest admission.
How to Become a Member: Membership can be purchased online HERE or in person at The Walker.
Buy a Gift Certificate.
Crayola Experience
This membership is a really simple way to have access to art supplies. Annual passes allow families to drop in to make art anytime the mall is open.
Annual Pass Price: $44.99/pp
Membership Perks: Unlimited admission to all Crayola Experience locations for 1 year and discounts on purchases.
How to Become a Member: You can purchase at the front desk but go online because there are often extra discounts online.
Art Classes and Gift Certificates at Local Art Studios
There are art studios and classes around the entire metro. Pick a style of art that your gift recipient would enjoy and set it up.
The Museum of Russian Art
With Story Time in the Gallery and other exhibits that delight children, The Museum of Russian Art is an off-the-beaten path option for families interested in art.
Family Membership Price: $85 and includes members of the same household plus grandparents and grandchildren
Membership Perks: Free Museum Admission (Open Daily with free parking), Member Discounts to concerts, performances, lectures, and events, 10% discount on all purchases at TMORA Shop, Subscription to the online Member Newsletter, Free admission to Opening Nights for all exhibitions and other special member events
Hands-On Science Experiences
BUILDING, INNOVATING, DISCOVERING, EXPLORING
The Bell Museum of Natural History
Minnesota’s official natural history museum and planetarium on the U of M’s Saint Paul campus! With a planetarium, wildlife dioramas, their Touch & See Lab, and green roof, it’s a great gift for curious kids, future scientists, and families who love to explore.
Family Membership Price: $105/year
Membership Perks: Unlimited and free access to galleries, Various discounts, Various early access, and more
How to Become a Member: Purchase Membership Here
The Works Museum
Family Membership Price: $99 for up to two adults and their children or $129 for Family Plus. Or the $79 Dual Membership is perfect for the mom or dad who wants to attend Museum Mondays with a small child.
Membership Perks: All memberships are tax-deductible. Enjoy unlimited visits all year. The savings over one-day admissions add up quickly. Discounts on birthday parties. Discounted admission to special events. With the Family Plus membership: Visit over 250 participating science centers across the country and around the world for free or discounted admission through the ASTC Passport Program.
How to Become a Member: Online, mail or phone.
LEONARDO’s BASEMENT
Created to help children learn personal skills and attributes through open-end ed project-based learning, Leonardo’s Basement offers classes year round, bi-weekly Adventure Playground times and Design and Build Days.
Price: Classes start at $90 ($40 with scholarship)
How to Purchase: Register for Workshops and Adventure Playground Times Here.
BAKKEN MUSEUM
Family Membership Price: Household: $90/year.
Membership Perks: Free admission all year, including the popular Discovery Days, gift shop discounts, special member offers and discounted tickets to other museums.
How to Become a Member: Sign up Online.
SNAPOLOGY CLASSES
Classes at Snapology are open to students from pre-K to 8th grade.
Schedule classes online.
The Science Museum of Minnesota
The Science Museum’s free parking with membership is one of the best reasons to consider this option. That and all the fun galleries to explore.
Family Membership Price: $179.00.
Membership Perks: Museum admission for two adults and all dependents under 21. One Omnitheater admission for all regularly scheduled films for each member each time you visit. Discounts on special exhibitions. Free advance reservations. Discounted reservation fee when buying tickets online. Discounted parking rates. 10% discount in the Explore Store. Free exhibit admission to over 350 museums around the world. Household memberships are tax deductible. Subscription to member emails. Priority registration for youth camps and classes. Discounts on youth camp, classes, and birthday parties. Discounts on Computer Education Center classes.
How to Become a Member: Memberships may be purchased online, via phone at (651) 221-9444, or at the Box Office.
Minnesota History Experiences
Minnesota Historical Society
This membership consists of 26 historical landmarks all over the state — six of them are right in the Twin Cities. You can get your money’s worth without leaving the Metro area or you can use it as an excuse to explore this great state.
Family Membership Price: $105-$135. We like the Household Plus because it allows us to bring guests – ie: a grandparent, a child’s friend or a cousin.
Membership Perks: Free general admission at 26 MNHS historic sites and museums in Minnesota. Free or discounted tours, family activities, pub crawls, classes, and other special events. Various Discounts at all locations, Time Travelers reciprocal benefits at nearly 250 historical societies nationwide. A portion of your membership is tax-deductible.
How to Become a Member: Membership can be purchased online HERE.
Ramsey County Historical Society
Gibbs Farm is probably the most popular destination of the RCHS, but it is well worth it. Seasonal fun and living history are a perfect combination for families.
Family Membership Price: $75
Membership Perks: Free admission to Gibbs Farm for everyone in Member’s household, Subscription to Ramsey County History print edition, Invitation to four members-only events annually, 10% discount on summer camps, gift shop, and publication purchases
How to Become a Member: Membership can be purchased online here
American Swedish Institute
Located in the old Swan Turnblad Mansion and founded in 1929, ASI serves as a gathering place for people to share stories and experiences around universal themes of tradition, migration, craft and the arts, all informed by enduring ties to Sweden. Daily Admission is $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for children 6 and up. So, depending on your family size, the membership will pay for itself in 3-4 visits.
Family Membership Price: $105.00.
Membership Perks: Free admission to the Turnblad Mansion during open hours for two adults and all children ages 18 and under. 10% discount at the ASI Museum Shop and ShopSwedish.com. Subscription to Posten newsletter. Free or discounted admission to films, lectures, concerts, dinners, and special events. Reduced tuition for classes and workshops. Reciprocal admission privileges to eight Swedish museums in the United States and Sweden (including Gammelgarden Museum in Scandia).
How to Become a Member: Join or renew here.
Gammelgarden Museum Membership
A lesser known and slightly less expensive opportunity to learn about the Nordic culture and the history of the the immigrants who settled here.
Family Membership Price Starts at $60
Membership Perks: 10% discount at Scandia Butik, Free guided tours of museum, Member pricing for select events/classes/workshops, Membership Appreciation Day, Access to the Time Travelers Network
How to Become a Member: Shop your options here
Pavek Museum
This museum houses over 12,000 square feet of antique radios, televisions, and broadcast equipment. Anyone who has worked with modern P.A. Systems will find this collection fascinating.
Family Membership Price: $85
Membership Perks: Unlimited admission for two (2) named membership holders and all children 17 and under at same address, Free admission for two (2) guests per visit, Early access to events and programs, Member pricing on select events and programs, 15% gift shop discount, Reciprocal admission to 350+ museums and science centers worldwide through the ASTC Passport Program*
How to Become a Member: Sign up Online.
Minnesota Outdoor Experiences
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
The Arb is always free for children under the age of 16, but the adult admission of $15 still adds up to $30 for two adults and their children. If you plan to visit once per season as a family, you’ll get your money’s worth on a dual membership. If you plan on attending story times as a parent/preschooler activity, you only need to attend 4 times to recoup a solo membership. There are additional membership levels for families with older teens or additional adults, as well as those who want to bring their dogs.
Membership Price: $75 Solo Membership; $125 Dual Membership.
Membership Perks: Free admission, reciprocal admissions to other gardens, free gardening and plant advice, discounts, EZ Pass Lane Admission, free magazine subscription.
How to Become a Member: Purchase a membership online.
Minnesota State Parks
Don’t let a vehicle permit keep you from exploring the 76 State Parks in Minnesota. Daily vehicle passes are $7.00. It only takes 5 visits to earn back the cost of an annual pass. This is a good pass to combine with camping trips, the Minnesota Historical Society Membership, and/or the Great Minnesota Ski Pass.
Annual Pass Price: $35.00 (There are discounts for disabled veterans and active duty personnel.)
Membership Perks: A year-round permit provides unlimited access to all 76 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas for a full year from the month of purchase. By purchasing a permit, you help maintain and improve the natural resources, facilities, and education and outreach programs that make Minnesota’s state parks among the best in the nation. (This isn’t just a brag. I’ve been to other states’ parks, Minnesota State Parks are amazing in comparison.)
How to Purchase a Pass: The online option is probably the best way to purchase a vehicle permit as a gift. If you want to toss in a State Park gift card, you’ll find it on the same page.
We chose to add our State Park Pass to our license plate. This way, we never forget to renew our annual membership. It is just tacked onto our plate renewal fee.
County Parks
Two Twin Cities counties require vehicle permits to enter their parks: Anoka and Washington (Carver County dropped its fees in 2019). However, they are reciprocal, so you only have to buy one and you can visit both park systems. (Your State Park pass is NOT reciprocal with the county parks.) A daily permit is $7 in both Anoka County and Washington County. Five visits in a year will pay for an annual pass. Also, note that increases usually happen at the new year, so you may be getting a better price this month than you will in January.
Annual Pass Price: $30 for Anoka & Washington.There are discounts for disabled veterans and active duty personnel.
Membership Perks: A year-round permit provides unlimited access to all the county parks in both counties.
How to Purchase a Pass: Purchase an annual pass at the park office the first time you visit a park or click the links above to order online.
Music Experiences
SPCO Concert Membership
The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra offers some really great membership packages. Packages start at $5/month/adult. Children up to age 17 can sit in any available seat at any regular concert for FREE. Each paid adult can bring up to 4 children.
Family Membership Price: $120-$240/year (assuming both parents want to attend and you have less than 8 children)
Membership Perks: Unlimited SPCO concerts. Some levels offer discounts to the Ordway & Ted Mann.
How to Become a Member: Sign up Online.
Minnesota Orchestra
Concert Subscriptions/Easy Pass Vouchers let you pick and choose what concerts you would like to see. Some of my favorites would be the Movies and Music Concert Series, Ben Rector Concert, and the Family Concerts.
Subscription Price: Varies, but tickets are discounted
Subscription Perks: 6-12 shows, your choice of concerts, 40% savings, seat of your choice, free exchange of concert tickets
How to obtain Easy Pass Vouchers: Purchase them here.
Music Lessons
If you don’t know where to begin, ask your child’s music teacher for local recommendations or you could choose among the listings in our Guide to Family Music Classes.
Sporting Event Experiences
Season Tickets or Single Game
Minnesota Wind Chill (Men’s Ultimate Frisbee)
Minnesota Strike (Women’s Ultimate Frisbee)
Ultimate Frisbee is much more than the game you watch the college co-eds play on the quad of campus. It’s an actual certified professional/semi professional sport. And my family loves it. Both the Wind Chill and the Strike play at Sea Foam Stadium on Concordia’s campus.
Minnesota United FC (Men’s Soccer)
Minnesota Aurora FC (Women’s Soccer)
We have many friends who enjoy soccer so much. The men play at Allianz Field in St. Paul and the women play at TCO Stadium in Eagan.
Minnesota Vikings (Men’s Football)
Minnesota Vixen (Women’s Football)
As you probably know, the Vikings play at US Bank Stadium: A well-established team in the NFL. The Vixen is just getting started and play their home games at Kuhlman Field in Edina.
Minnesota Timberwolves (Men’s Basketball)
Minnesota Lynx (Women’s Basketball)
We couldn’t be prouder of our basketball teams right now. If you love basketball, Minnesota is the place for you all year long. Both teams play at the Target Center.
Minnesota Wild (Men’s Hockey)
Minnesota Frost (Women’s Hockey)
In the State of Hockey, we cannot discredit our two pro hockey teams. The Minnesota Frost won the national championship in the inaugural season. And the Wild are always a force to be reckoned with. Both teams play at Grand Casino Arena (formerly Xcel Center) in St. Paul. Though the Frost has an occasional game on a different rink.
Minnesota Twins
Target Field in Minneapolis is your home for the Minnesota Twins–major league baseball. You can find decently priced tickets and make it a family experience by enjoying the plaza outside of gate 34.
St. Paul Saints
Minor League Baseball is so fun the time flies at CHS Field in St. Paul.
Minnesota Gemini (Women’s Rugby)
Head down to TCO Stadium in Eagan for the Gemini Rugby home games. If you are a fan of rugby, this what Minnesota offers.
Theatre Experiences
Choose your favorite Twin Cities theatre or your favorite show and expose your family to what Gianna thinks is one of the best experience gifts ever. We listed some of the best options for families.
Children’s Theatre Co.
Honestly, you can never go wrong with Children’s Theatre Company. Their musicals are the best for families of all ages!
Stages Theater
Stages Theater has delightful shows that feature local students as well as professional actors. You will enjoy the collaborations and musicals as well.
Hennepin Theater Trust
This is where you go to get the traveling Broadway shows that come to Minneapolis. And purchasing season packages assures you will get tickets for the most popular shows.
Ordway Center of the Performing Arts
This is another stage that offers traveling Broadways shows in St. Paul.
Guthrie Theatre
Minneapolis’s pride and joy is the Guthrie Theatre. It is the home to three performance spaces: the thrust stage, a proscenium stage, and a studio space. This is where the well-known, iconic A Christmas Carol plays each year.
Chanhassen Dinner Theatre
A much smaller theatre out in the western suburbs, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre is a well-loved staple of Minnesota. Where else can you eat a from a full menu and enjoy an incredible show?
Theatre Latte Da
The Twin Cities is jam packed with small and smaller theaters. We couldn’t list them all here, but we wanted to feature at least one. You can see TLD shows at the Ritz Theatre in Northeast Minneapolis.
Train Experiences
Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store
A trip to Choo Choo Bob’s is always a fun time for the whole family. Gift cards to Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store make it possible to play with trains in all kinds of ways in the heart of Union Depot.
How to Purchase Gift Cards: Online through this link
Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum Membership
If you have a train enthusiast in your family and don’t want to invest in model trains, this membership can give them a taste of what model trains can be.
Household Membership Price: $129
Membership Perks: Unlimited Free Admission for a family during regular Museum Hours, 10% Discount at Gift Shop (Excludes Consignment Items), Free Admission for the household to Shows/Sales hosted by TCMRM, Free Admission for the household to Night Trains®
How to Become a Member: Shop your options here
Minnesota Transportation Museum
We recommend this membership most for young families with two or fewer children and, rather than purchasing the family membership, purchase 2 Supporting memberships.
Family Membership Price: Supporting (Dual): $50; Contributing (Family): $125.
Membership Perks: Free admission. Contributing or Sustaining Memberships also receives 2 or 4 coach ride passes for Osceola & St. Croix line.
How to Become a Member: You can purchase your membership online or at the museum.
Family Adventure Experiences
These tend to be a little pricier, but if you have the budget for them, your family could have the celebration of a lifetime!
Great Wolf Lodge: Gianna and her family had a blast visiting the Great Wolf Lodge for a weekend: 7 Tips for Visiting Great Wolf Lodge Bloomington. Take a mini family vacation, enjoy the waterpark, and have a memorable experience.
Duluth Weekend Getaway: Anne loves visiting Duluth with her family — both in Winter and in Summer. She has even gathered the best places to stop along the drive up north.
Wisconsin Dells: A favorite in the summer for Twin Cities Families, but a trip during the winter break may be one of the most thoughtful gifts your family can enjoy together.
Disney Vacation Discounts: Theme Park Tickets for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts onlineMinnesota Frost (Women’s Hockey)
Escape Rooms
This would be such a fun family experience. Possibly. You know your family. I think my family would highly enjoy it because the youngest is 15 and everyone can contribute to solving the puzzle.Cooking Classes
There are parent/child classes at some schools that you can take advantage of.
Love this post! As a busy working mom, I know how hard it can be to find the perfect gift for my family that doesn’t involve clutter or waste. Experience gifts are such a great idea, and I’m definitely going to start incorporating them into my gift-giving this year. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks for the love, Natalie. Which gifts are you leaning toward. Lately my family favorites have been the Minnesota Historical Society and a State Park Vehicle Pass because they go well with a summer full of camping; the Bell Museum for space stuff; and a Mia membership because its FREE and Mia is my happy place.
Love the idea of experience gifts! As a busy working mom, I know it can be hard to find time for family activities. This post has inspired me to make more of an effort to plan quality time with my loved ones. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you. As a photographer, you might love what I’ll be adding later this week! (Hint: It is photo-related).
FYI, membership to the MPLS Toy Library is going up on January 1st, so get in now!
Thanks for the heads up, Jessica. We’ll definitely watch for the increase and update our site.