Top 12 Free Kids Activities in Minneapolis & St. Paul

The Twin Cities—Minneapolis and St. Paul—offer numerous free activities tailored for children of various ages, ensuring an enjoyable experience for both kids and their parents. From museums to libraries and parks, here are the best family-friendly locations to explore.

Como Park and Como Zoo, St. Paul

Como Park and Como Zoo, along with the Marjory McNeely Conservatory, feature free admission. Regular special events like story times and animal feedings provide added family fun. During the summer, don’t miss the Sparky the Sea Lion show held on weekdays and weekends.

Free Activities at Children’s Stores

Local toy stores such as Creative Kids Stuff frequently host free events, including art projects and entertainment. Notable locations like Wild Rumpus and Choo Choo Bob’s offer engaging experiences for children while exploring imaginative settings.

Free Family Concerts

The Minnesota Orchestra and Minnesota Sinfonia routinely hold free concerts designed specifically for families, featuring fun and engaging music that children will enjoy. However, note that tickets can be in high demand and are often allocated via a drawing.

Tot Time and Open Gym at Recreation Centers

Winter months can be particularly challenging for young children, which is why local recreation centers, like St. Paul’s North Dale, provide open gym sessions to encourage active play. These fun sessions are tailored for toddlers, featuring various toys and activities, and many other centers offer similar programs during the school year.

Free Entertainment in Parks

Parks in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and beyond offer fantastic summer programs, including free children’s movies, concerts, and performances. Centennial Lakes Park stands out as particularly family-friendly, hosting a variety of events throughout the season.

Art and Music at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is an expansive venue worth multiple visits. Families can access free guided tours and participate in Family Day events on one Sunday of each month, featuring art-themed activities and entertainment.

Story Times at Libraries

Most libraries in the Twin Cities host regular story times for various age groups, including babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. They also offer other engaging activities such as science classes and art projects, making them a valuable resource for free family fun.

Indoor Play Areas in Malls

For those looking for a place for little ones to play indoors, several shopping malls in the Twin Cities provide designated play areas. Notable spots include the Midtown Global Market, Maplewood Mall, and the Mall of America’s Lego store.

Free Parades and Annual Events

Throughout the year, the Twin Cities host numerous family-friendly parades and events. Enjoy celebrations like the Winter Carnival in January and the Holidazzle Parade in December, all of which are free for families to attend.

Toddler Tuesdays and Movie Saturdays

Every Tuesday at the Mall of America, toddlers can join free activities, including character appearances and engaging entertainment. Additionally, every Saturday morning, families can watch free children’s movies at the mall’s theater, creating cherished memories at the iconic venue.

Free Kids Workshops

Join in on the free kids’ workshops at the 20 Home Depot locations in the metro area, where children can learn about tools and engage in building activities. Likewise, Lowe’s offers a Build and Grow program featuring free classes on Saturdays for kids, focusing on hands-on projects.

Wee Wednesdays at the Midtown Global Market

On Wednesday mornings, the Midtown Global Market holds special events for younger visitors from 10:30 a.m. until lunchtime. Activities often include art projects, music, and cooking demonstrations, and families can enjoy a free kids’ meal for less than $5 with an adult meal purchase.