You don’t have to break the bank to have fun with your kids in the Twin Cities.
The kids just got home for summer, and if yours are anything like mine, it means that the first “I’m bored” is right around the corner. We all know how quickly the cost of kids’ activities can add up, but you don’t have to go broke to have fun with your family in this city.
To this point, we put together this list of the 10 best places in the Twin Cities where you and the kids — and maybe even your babysitter or nanny — can get out of the house and make unforgettable memories, and all without spending a dime!
Minnehaha Falls
Address: 4801 S. Minnehaha Park Dr., Minneapolis, MN 55417
Hours: Open daily from dusk ‘til dawn.
Phone: 612-230-6400
Minnehaha Park lies within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park Service, and boasts 193 acres of spectacular waterfalls and rivers to enjoy throughout summer. The no-fee Waubun wading pool is a perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day. The falls are a great spot to take the kiddies — both human and pet! — and take in an open-air concert, fire up an on-site grill, hit the playground, or explore a few walking trails. Pack a picnic or splurge at the nearby Sea Salt Eatery if you enjoy all things seafood.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Address: 1225 Estabrook Dr., Saint Paul, MN 55103
Hours: Summer Hours (April – September): Open daily, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: 651-487-8200
One of the last free zoos in the United States, the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul is open 365 days a year. The zoo boasts a world-class polar bear exhibit and is also home to a collection of large felines, birds, gorillas, seals, and sea lions, to name a few. The Conservatory features six indoor gardens and several outdoor spaces to explore. Events like children’s storytime and animal feedings are sure to capture the attention of children of all ages.
Wild Rumpus Book Store
Address: 2720 W. 43rd St., Minneapolis, MN 55410
Hours: Monday, 10 a.m – 5 p.m. | Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Saturday, 10 a.m – 5 p.m. | Sunday, noon – 5 p.m.
Phone: 612-920-5005
My kids are 13, 11, and 5 years old, and all love heading to this independent children’s bookstore. I dare you to walk in and not smile.
From the adult- and child-sized doors through which you enter, to the plethora of cats and chickens milling about, its charm is undeniable. They offer free storytimes weekly, including a great sensory-friendly storytime. The curriculum for this special storytime — held before the store opens on the second Thursday of each month from 9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. — was specifically planned by the Autism Society of Minnesota.
Target Field Movie Night
Address: Just outside the stadium from Gate 6, across from North Fifth Street
Hours: Thursday, 7 p.m.
Phone: 612-659-3400
Target Field just announced its free summer movie series, and the line-up looks spectacular. They’re showing family-friendly films like “Footloose,” “Inside Out,” and “Finding Dory” on most Thursdays through August. The movies start at 7 p.m. on the jumbo screen at Target Field Station.
Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket, some good snacks, and get there early to find a good spot on the grass right outside the Twins’ ballpark.
Minnesota City Parks
Address: Varies by location
Hours: Open daily from dusk ‘til dawn.
“The Land of 10,000 Lakes” also has its fair share of amazing parks in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and across the metro area. Almost all the parks run summer programs with free screenings of children’s movies, kid-friendly bands, and magic shows.
Centennial Lakes Park in Edina has a lot to do during the day and early evening like paddle boats, mini golf, and lawn games for kids and adults alike. Lakefront Park in Prior Lake has movie nights on most Fridays. And, as always, don’t forget your bug spray when hitting up these amazing parks to ensure you and your family will have a pest-free night of fun!
The Mall of America
Address: 60 E. Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Sunday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Phone: 952-883-8800
There’s plenty to see at the largest mall in the United States, and even though you may not believe you’d find a mall on this list, there are actually tons of things to do for free at this Minnesota favorite.
For example, you can go check out Legoland and build with Legos for hours, or you can go catch free concerts inside one of the Mall’s many atriums. You can also print off Twin Cities Mom Blog’s scavenger hunt, which is sure to keep the kids busy for hours.
Every Tuesday is Toddler Tuesday at the mall, which offers free entertainment for toddlers and preschoolers every week. The mall also offers free family movies at the movie theater every Saturday morning on a first-come, first-seated basis.
A Picnic at the Lake
Address: 4135 W. Lake Harriet Pkwy., Minneapolis, MN 55409 (Lake Harriet)
Hours: Open daily, 6 a.m. – midnight
Hang out at one or more of the city’s chain of lakes, such as Lake Calhoun, Harriet, or Isles. Each has its own distinct character, miles of walking and biking paths that connect all three lakes, and your choice of amazing picnic spots.
In the summer and fall, you can find free concerts at the Lake Harriet band shell and free exhibits at the nearby Minneapolis Institute of Art. You can also walk through the Lake Harriet Rose Garden, or the kids can play at one of the playgrounds around Lake Calhoun. It’s a perfect Minnesota summer spot that everyone is sure to enjoy!
Minnesota State Capitol
Address: 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Sunday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Phone: 651-296-2881
The Capitol is wrapping up a $310 million renovation and preservation project, which includes the restoration of its extensive artwork, so there is no time like the present to go see it. There are free self-guided and guided tours every hour most days of the week, including tours to the golden horse statues on the roof, where you’ll find amazing views of St. Paul. Your kids will have the opportunity to see our government at work and watch the Senate and House in action from the public viewing area, located on the third floor, during their legislative sessions.
Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary
Address: 1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy., Minneapolis, MN 55422
Hours: Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to one hour before sunset
Phone: 612-370-4903
This Wildflower Garden, which includes 15 acres of forest and wetlands, is the oldest public wildflower garden in the country. It’s home to more than 500 plant species and 130 bird species. There are picnic tables, hiking trails located just outside the garden’s gate, and even a beach. Bring kids of all ages for free and go on regularly scheduled guided tours put on by the park to see the flora and fauna.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Address: 725 Vineland Pl., Minneapolis, MN 55403
Hours: Open daily, 6 a.m. – midnight
Phone: 612-375-7600
The iconic sculpture garden opposite the Walker Art Center has recently received a makeover (which means more amazing art to take in), and now has even more to offer its guests now that it’s reopened! Of course, the old classics like the Cherry and Spoonbridge sculpture still remain.
Free guided tours of the garden are offered through mid-August on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m., starting by the steps at the Vineland Place entrance to the garden. The grounds are stroller-friendly, so feel free to take the babies! And there are plenty of places to picnic and let the big kids run free.
