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

With 12 children between them, the parents of the Family Fun Twin Cities team are always scouting out ways to score a good deal. April is literally blooming with free events and activities in the Twin Cities! This includes several free EASTER EGG HUNTS & EVENTS you might be interested in hopping on over to.

For more ideas on how to find free Twin Cities events for kids and families in April visit our: 

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.

children in a family bike ride

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 2024, 10am-12pm.

Free Twin Cities April

Last of the Minneapolis Easter egg hunts in April

Windom Park Bunny Party & Egg Hunt

2251 Hayes Street N.E., Minneapolis, MN 55418
Windom Park hosts ages 5-10 with games in the gym, children’s egg hunt and more. April 6, 2024, 9am-11am.

Sibley Park Bunny Brunch and Egg Hunt

 1900 E 40th St. Minneapolis, MN 55407
Begin the day with a bunny brunch consisting of pancakes, fruit and beverages. Egg hunts for different age groups at 11am (ages 0-5), 11:15 (ages 6-12) and 11:30am (ages 13+). April 6, 2024. 9:30am-11:30am. Egg Hunt is free. Brunch portion costs $5-$8 and is paid the day of the event. Limited spaces.

Harrison Park Spring Egg Hunt

503 Irving Ave N., Minneapolis, MN, US 55405
Family-friendly fun, including springtime activities, games, giveaways, and an egg hunt. Activities are best for ages 5-12, but all families are welcome. April 13, 2024, 1-3pm. FREE. Limited spaces.

Free fun in the Twin Cities North Metro parks

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 a CSI investigation, an alphabet trail and spring birds and wildflowers. Sundays in April, 2024, 1-3pm.  Learn more about MISSISSIPPI GATEWAY REGIONAL PARK.

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 27, 2024. Drop in anytime for Discovery Hollow.

Art & Nature Exploration 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 14, 2024, 1-3pm.

Photo Collage of kids enjoying Silverwood Park in St. Anthony Minnesota -- Girl in a pink dress dancing in field of yellow flowers, girls skipping rocks, girls in the doorway of a tiny art house

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 2, 2024.

Forever Wild Family Friday 

Thompson County Park, Dakota Lodge. 1200 Stassen Ln, West St Paul, MN 55118
Play games, take a nature walk and warm up at a bonfire with smores. Meet at the visitor center. April 5, 2024, 6-7:30pm

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 6-27, 2024. 

Nature Rocks! Eden Prairie 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 6-27, 2024, 10am-1pm.

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 2024. Learn more about RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER.

Free Earth Day events in Twin Cities parks

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 20, 2024; 12-4pm. Learn more about the WARGO NATURE CENTER including the fun nature-based playground.

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 20, 2024; 10am-2pm. Learn more about HARRIET ALEXANDER NATURE CENTER.

Harriet Alexander Nature Center

April Family Funday 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.

Spring animals & more – free!

Waldoch Farm Open House

8174 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes, MN, 55014
Kids can plant a spring pot and visit the baby farm animals in the Joyer Barnyard. Free this weekend only. April 27-28, 2024, 10am-4pm.

Twin Cities April free fun with arts & crafts

April Michaels Sunday Makebreak

Participating Michaels stores across the Twin Cities offer free weekend “Makebreak” classes and “Take & Make” Kids Club crafts ongoing Sundays. Spring themes this month include paper flower collages and friendship bracelet making. Sundays in April 2024, 2-4pm.

April 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 to take home. April 6, 2024, 10am-3pm.

April 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. April 13, 2024, 10-11am.

April 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 to ensure enough supplies. This month, kids can build a spring mini-planter. April 6, 2024, 9am-12pm.

Minneapolis Institute of Art Family Day: Spring Magic

2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
Includes hands-on art activities, live music and dance, artist demos and special tours designed for kids. April 14, 2024, 10am-5pm.

April Lakeshore Learning events

1721 Beam Ave A, Maplewood, MN 55109
5699 W 16th St, St Louis Park, MN 55416
Two open-house style events this month to pick from: play detective around the store and take a space adventure. All free, fun and hands-on with store materials. April 6 & 20, 2024, 11am-3pm.

Free Twin Cities art museums to visit 

Twin Cities free family entertainment in April

Free special events for families!

April cultural programs at Landmark Center

Landmark Center, 75 W 5th St, St Paul, MN 55102
The beautiful, historic building downtown is always busy hosting cultural and fine arts events, many of which are free to the public and family-friendly. In April, kids might be interested in:

  • Ballet TuesdaysExcerpts from the classics, perfect for budding ballerinas. April 16, 2024, 12pm.
  • Urban Expedition: Uganda, Kenya & South Sudan – Travel the globe and learn about a new culture without hopping a plane! Experience through music, food, crafts and exhibits. April 7, 2024. 1-3pm.

  • SCHUBERT CLUB MUSEUM – a free, hidden gem that allows kids to experiment with a cacophony of musical instruments. Plus free snacks and kid-friendly activities. Open Saturdays in April, 12-2pm.

Saturday Vibe at George Latimer Central Library

Fresh, family entertainment – music, storytelling, puppets and more. Check the schedule for more details. April 6, 13 & 20, 2024, 11am.

Music & Melody Makers

Minnesota Youth Symphonies, 790 Cleveland Ave, St. Paul, MN 55116
Kids ages 3-14 can try out instruments of the orchestra, ask the musicians questions, and hear a mini-concert. Registration required. April 6, 2024, 9-10am.

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). This month follows the “Earth Day” theme with eco-friendly crafts and storytelling. April 9, 2024, 10am-12pm.

More free special events for families in April

April 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 April 10:30am.

Summer Reading Programs at Local Bookstores

April 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. April 20, 2024, 10:30-11am.

First Chapter April 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 April 2024, 10:30-11am. FREE.

First Saturday Science: Atoms & Elements

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. March 6, 2024, 12-2pm.

April Free Open Swim Sundays at Great River Water Park

270 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104
A special FREE open swim will be hosted Sundays starting this weekend 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. Ongoing Sundays in April 2024, 12-5pm.

Families swimming playing at the Great River Waterpark in Saint Paul, Minnesota

First Free Sundays at Minnesota Children’s Museum

Free days are back to stay at the museum and we’re super excited about it! Explore the exhibits, including Wild Kratts: Creature Power! admission-free the first Sunday of each month thanks to Securian Financial. Tickets available while supplies last. April 6, 2024.

Twin Cities museums with free admission

Free weekly Twin Cities activities in April

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. 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 and tot times to run your littles ragged during the cooler months. Explore from our links below.

2 thoughts on “50 Free Things to Do in April: Twin Cities Family Events”

  1. Hello,
    If we are putting on a free event and want to make people are of it, do we just leave it in this comment box? It is May 7th.
    Thanks!
    Carolyn

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