Minnesota Parent welcomes information about events for families throughout the state of Minnesota. Calendar listings are FREE and can submitted here.
You can submit a listing at any time, but the deadline for possible inclusion in the print publication is six weeks prior to the month of the publication. (For example, June 15 for the August issue.)
All events are subject to change. Be certain to check with the event sponsor either by visiting the website or calling, to ensure the featured event is still viable.
Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 3
Minnesota Renaissance Festival on Parade
The regular festival may be cancelled, but the grounds are open for a drive-through experience featuring treats, games and activities.
When: Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 3
Where: Minnesota Renaissance Festival grounds, Shakopee
Cost: $20 per vehicle
Info: renaissancefest.com
Sept. 26-27, Oct. 3-4, Oct. 10-11
Apple Festival
Come for a corn maze, train rides, live music, hayrides, a playground, a petting farm and more.
When: Sept. 26-27, Oct. 3-4, Oct. 10-11
Where: Afton Apple Orchard, Hastings
Cost: General admission $5 for ages 5 and older, $4 for ages 4 and younger; additional charges for corn maze and other attractions
Info: aftonapple.com/apples.html
Oct. 3
Fall Colors Hike
Hike prairie, woods and wetlands with naturalist Jeff Boland to look for the signs of autumn. Using your senses as a guide, learn to identify trees and make art from leaves.
When: 10-11 a.m. Oct. 3
Where: Dodge Nature Center, West St. Paul
Cost: $8, free for children 2 and under
Info: dodgenaturecenter.org/activities
Through Oct. 4
Ancient Caves
Explore the geology and climate science revealed of caves in this first IMAX movie since the Science Museum’s reopening. The theater has reduced capacity and assigned seating.
When: Fridays-Sundays through Oct. 4
Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul
Cost: $3-$9.95
Info: smm.org
Oct. 9-11
Spark Exhibit Opening Weekend
The Bakken Museum has combined three of smaller exhibit spaces to introduce one major experience focused on the cycle of inspiration and innovation.
When: Oct. 9-11
Where: Bakken Museum, Minneapolis
Cost: $5
Info: thebakken.org
Oct. 12-25
Corduroy (Virtual Performance)
Watch from home as Corduroy chases through every section of the department store in search of his missing button. This is an all-ages show lasting 75 minutes.
When: Oct. 12-25
Where: Children’s Theatre Company website
Cost: $25-$45 per device
Info: childrenstheatre.org
Oct. 17
Wargo Fall Festival
Families will drink cider, play pioneer games, and enjoy self-guided nature activities.
When: 2-4 p.m. Oct. 17
Where: Wargo Nature Center, Lino Lakes
Cost: FREE
Info: tinyurl.com/wargonc
Oct. 25
Great Pumpkin Halloween Celebration
This beloved annual event will take place on-site, with reserved, timed entry, and safe-distanced experiences for kids of all ages. Reservations open Oct. 1.
When: Oct. 25
Where: Landmark Center, St. Paul
Cost: FREE
Info: landmarkcenter.org
Nov. 9-22
Last Stop on Market Street (Virtual Performance)
Watch from home as CJ reluctantly stays with his extremely over-the-top Nana, in a world considerably different from the one he’s used to. This is an all-ages show lasting 75 minutes.
When: Nov. 9-22
Where: Children’s Theatre Company website
Cost: $25-$45 per device
Info: childrenstheatre.org
Ongoing
American Swedish Institute
The museum reopened to the public Sept. 11 with requirements for face coverings and advanced registration.
When: Ongoing
Where: American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis
Cost: $12 adults, $8 ages 62+, $6 ages 6-18 and full-time students, FREE for children under age 6
Info: asimn.org