SPRING FREE FAMILY FUN
Twin Cities Free Easter Egg Hunts
Grab your baskets and get ready for the hunt! Kids all over the Twin Cities can scramble through the spring weather (take that as you will) in search of eggs, bunnies, candy and all sorts of treasures. We’ve got a master list of free hunts along with other helpful hints.
Spring Family Festivals
After our long winter’s rest, the Twin Cities is awake with a full lineup of spring family festivals, most of which offer free admission and activities. Get started planning those beautiful spring weekends
Spring Farmers Markets Offer Budget-Friendly Family Activities
The produce isn’t complimentary, but you have to buy groceries anyway. Meanwhile, the markets often attract shoppers (and their minis) with free live music, demonstrations, samples and activities to keep kids entertained.
Stroll Through A Public Flower Garden
The winter has been long. It’s time to get outside and get excited about the flowers coming up. This list of public flower gardens includes both free gardens and some with inexpensive admission.
SUMMER FREE FAMILY FUN
Twin Cities Splash Pads & Wading Pools
Created especially for those with younger swimmers, a splash pad or wading pool is an inexpensive (usually free) way to get in some waterplay during hot summer days. Browse these simple spots where you might beat the heat – for FREE.
Twin Cities Beaches & Playgrounds
I have fond memories of playing on the beach with my siblings. There is typically no charge to spread out on the sand and while away the day in the water or spend the summer swinging on the monkey bars. We’ve assembled a lineup swimming holes we think are worth checking out, most of which are free to enjoy (some have a small fee for parking or entrance).
Free Summer Movies
Classic outdoor flicks under the stars or features screened while escaping relief from the summer heat, here’s where to catch the free movies over summer break.
Twin Cities Cheap Flicks: Cheap Theater Options
We gather the best ticket deals at local movie theaters for that family matinee or night out at the movies.
Free Summer Concerts – Cheap Family Entertainment
Get to know the best of our local music community at free concerts in and near the Twin Cities. Whatever your favorite genre, you’ll probably find a local band to love. These live performances are perfect to combine with a summer picnic.
Free Summer Meals for Kids
You need not qualify for any aid programs to enjoy free summer meals in the parks and other community gathering spots. Get your kids out for a bit every day while also making sure they get a reasonably healthy meal.
Summer Festivals & Parades
Parades are some of the best free family fun in the summer. And chances are, there’s a free festival with your family’s name on it for every single weekend during the long break. We keep on top of them all.
10 Free Things To Do With Kids In Downtown Minneapolis in Summer
Summer is a great time to explore downtown Minneapolis. Thursdays are the best day, but any day of the week will offer some free family fun.
Free and Inexpensive Family Activities at the Minnesota State Fair
Yes, folks, it is absolutely possible to attend the Minnesota State Fair as a family without spending a dime. Of course, it’s an unlikely and difficult proposition to consider. Instead, we focus on strategies for getting discount admission and finding free family fun across the Fairgrounds.
Free Minnesota State Fair Tickets
We outline the best ways to score Free and discounted admission to the state fair.
Go Chasing Waterfalls!
Take your family on a local waterfall tour with these 8 nearby cascades. Plus we list more to look for when traveling the state. These are free to visit, but may have a small parking fee. This includes one of the Twin Cities most popular attractions – Minnehaha Falls!
Free Walking Tours of St. Paul
The Landmark Center offers free walking tours of historic St. Paul during June, July, August & September. Even locals will find something interesting on these walks. If you prefer to go it alone, you can find virtual versions online.
FALL FREE FAMILY FUN
Free Twin Cities Halloween Events
Have no fear- all the events listed in this Halloween guide are free. Dress up and bring your treat bag.
Free Apple Orchard & Pumpkin Patches
We’ve harvested two dozen orchards and patches that offer free admission, and many of them also offer kid-pleasing, free activities like hayrides, mini corn mazes, petting farms and more.
Fall Family Festivals offer Free Activities for Kids
 The Twin Cities does our gorgeous fall season in a major way, celebrating the last sunny days before winter with a bumper crop of fall festivals, many of which offer free admission.
Enjoy the Fall Colors
Although we have some splurges on this list, the majority of self-guided fall color tours are free and a beautiful way to enjoy a beautiful day before the cold and snow sneak in.
WINTER FREE FAMILY FUN
Free Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks
Strap on your skates and hustle the kids out to enjoy a classic Minnesota winter activity. As most of the rinks on our list are located in city parks, there’s no charge for the skating. If you don’t own a pair of skates, a handful offer rentals or free loaners.
Free Sledding Hills
As soon as that first blanket of snow hits until the spring melt, sledding hills can’t really be beat in the free outdoor winter fun department. They are abundant and come in all shapes and sizes – consult our guide to find the best places with the right slope for your crew.
Winter Family Festivals
We embrace our winter with a lifestyle that includes recreating in the snow: find free admission and take a sleigh ride, build a snowman, try a new winter sport, or warm up around a crackling bonfire.
Visit Como Conservatory
The closest thing the Twin Cities has to botanical gardens, Como’s conservatory is a little dose of sunshine during the darkest and coldest days of the years. The best thing is that it is a FREE attraction (although they are happy to accept donations).