FREE Family Twin Cities Fun Ideas!
We found the best free activities in the Twin Cities for families!
It feels like summer! With more sunny summer days ahead, many parents are wondering about the best free things they can do in the Twin Cities with their family. When the school bell rings for the last time this year, fill your summer bucket list with these exciting, kid-friendly places and activities. Spend warm days lounging on the beach, watching movies in the park, or exploring a nearby nature center. On rainy days (or when you need to beat the heat), head inside one of the many free, kid-friendly museums in the Twin Cities. Indeed, from Minneapolis and Saint Paul to the greater Twin Cities metro area, there are so many fantastic free things to do with kids of all ages.
Please keep reading to discover 20 of our favorite FREE summer things to do with your family in the Twin Cities!
See the Animals at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
Nestled in the heart of Saint Paul, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is a summer must for families! It is also the oldest zoo in Minnesota (opening its doors for the first time in 1897!). Throughout Como Zoo, families can enjoy several indoor and outdoor exhibits, along with other family-friendly amenities.
Kids of all ages will delight in exploring the many exhibits and attractions. You’ll encounter beautiful creatures like zebras, polar bears, orangutans, and giraffes along the outdoor route! When you’re ready to head inside, keep your eyes peeled for tropical frogs, a sloth, and small reptiles. Not to mention beautiful indoor gardens. The tropical gardens are the perfect escape from rainy days!
If you have more time, consider adding one of the other on-site attractions, like Como Town (a small amusement park) or the historic Cafesjian’s Carousel (both an additional expense). Alternatively, the large park and playground across the street are perfect for a quick picnic or to burn any extra energy kids may have. Although Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is one of the best free things to do in Saint Paul with kids, donations are welcome to help care for the animals and facilities.
Explore Minnehaha Regional Park (Minnehaha Falls)
4801 S Minnehaha Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Looking for a place that will impress kids of all ages this summer? Pack a picnic and head to Minnehaha Regional Park. This park is home to one of the city’s most impressive natural wonders: Minnehaha Falls. This towering urban waterfall is 53 feet tall! The waterfall is just off the parking lot (making it easy to reach with toddlers and young kids in tow).
After viewing the falls from above, take the stairs down to view them from below as well. This is an excellent spot for taking pictures! Nearby, you’ll also find trails that meander along the creek. At the top of the falls, several green spaces and picnic tables are available for setting up a family picnic.
Alternatively, Sea Salt Eatery is a great spot for lunch with views of the falls from the patio (they do not have a dedicated kids’ menu, but kids should still find something they love on the menu). After lunch, enjoy the rest of the day playing at the playground, wandering the rose garden, or splashing in the wading pool. Several trails for walking and biking are also available nearby. Finally, check the city calendar; the Minnehaha Bandstand often hosts live music and movies in the park.
While this is one of the best free things to do in the Twin Cities with kids, you may need to pay for parking. Several paid parking spaces and lots are located near the park. Some free street parking is also available nearby.
Get Inspired at the Minneapolis Institute of Art
2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Free things to do in Minneapolis with kids aren’t restricted to outdoor spaces and parks; several museums in the city are also free for all ages! If you’re looking for a rainy day (or a “it’s too hot today”) activity, consider adding the Minneapolis Institute of Art to your agenda. One of the oldest museums in the United States, its collection boasts over 90,000 pieces! Plus, it offers several diverse exhibits and activities suitable for all ages.
The Minneapolis Institute of Art offers numerous long-term and visiting exhibits. The collection features a diverse range of art, from traditional Native American and Latin American pieces to American Gothic styles. Take your time exploring each room. Along the way, encourage kids to select and discuss their favorite works together.
When your kids need a break from viewing art pieces, visit the Family Center for some free playtime. The Minneapolis Institute of Art hosts many free, kid-friendly events throughout the year, including a dedicated Family Day. On the second Sunday of every month, the museum has hands-on art activities, storytelling, artist demonstrations, gallery hunts, self-guided tours, and more for all ages.
Looking for more family-friendly museum ideas? Read about our top picks for the 13 Best Museums in the Twin Cities for Kids (Babies to Teens) – many of which are free or host free admission days throughout the month.
Explore Our Many Nature Centers
Exploring nature centers together ranks highly amongst the best free things to do in the Twin Cities with kids! These natural havens offer a range of amenities, including beautiful hiking trails and outdoor spaces, fun playgrounds, indoor interpretive centers, enriching educational activities, and more. Luckily for us, there are so many great options to choose from!
Near White Bear Lake, Tamarack Nature Center is a leading choice amongst Minnesota families. Parents drive near and far to play together at the Discovery Hollow Play Area. When you’re done exploring the many on-site trails, head inside the nature building, where you can observe several small creatures, including turtles and honeybees.
Families also love Dodge Nature Center for its working farm, raptor mews, and bee apiary. Located in West St. Paul, this nature center has trails through several habitats (including prairies, woodlands, and wetlands). Then, Wood Lake Nature Center is a hidden gem in Richfield. This nature center boasts several wildlife viewing areas, a boardwalk trail beloved for birding, a natural playground, and much more.
No matter which ones you choose, nature centers offer some of the best free things to do as a family in the Twin Cities this summer!
Find all of our favorite nature centers by reading 8 Best Nature Centers in the Twin Cities for Families – Fun in all Seasons!
Meander through the Sculpture Garden at the Walker Art Center
725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Few things are more iconic to Minneapolis than the Spoon and Cherry installation at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden! Fortunately, the entrance to this beautiful sculpture garden is also free all year round, making it a great place to inspire creativity and whimsy in your kids.
When you arrive, grab one of the self-guided tour sheets. This guide will map out all the on-site sculptures. Encourage your kids to use it as a checklist to ensure your family doesn’t miss anything. Depending on where you park, the Spoon and Cherry will likely be the first sculpture you see. Before moving along, snap a quick family photo!
Then, challenge your kids to find their favorite statues scattered across the garden. From the colossal blue rooster to the wind chime tree and the hare leaping over the bell, they have so many whimsical ones to choose from. As one of the best free things to do in Minneapolis with kids, you can pop into the sculpture garden to enjoy the warm summer weather all season long!
Pro Tip: Kids 18 and under are always free at the nearby Walker Art Center (just across the street from the sculpture garden). Admission is free for everyone on Thursday nights and the first Saturday of every month. There is also an admission discount for EBT cardholders. This is a great addition to extend your artsy day in Minneapolis.
Stroll and Play Around a Minneapolis Lake
Few things epitomize Minnesotan culture quite like basking in the warmth of a leisurely summer day by the lake. Fortunately, you don’t need to venture far to experience some of Minnesota’s best lakes. Right here in Minneapolis, several urban lakes beckon families to relax and explore along their shores. These exciting lakes offer many of the best free activities for kids in the Twin Cities, from playgrounds to walking paths.
Wondering which Minneapolis lake to explore first? Here are a few of our favorites for families with kids of all ages. Firstly, Lake Harriet, located in southwest Minneapolis, is surrounded by beautiful neighborhoods and lush green spaces. Beloved for its massive bandshell, Lake Harriet also boasts an enormous playground, two beaches, a fishing pier, and a 2.8-mile loop walking path around the lake. While you stroll together, challenge kids to find the tiny elf house!
Then, Lake Nokomis provides picturesque scenery alongside several family-friendly amenities, including two sandy beaches. Lake Nokomis features two fishing piers, a playground, sports fields, and a 2.5-mile walking path that circles the lake. Finally, Lake Bde Maka Ska is the best-known lake in Minneapolis—and for good reason! You will find three beaches, two playgrounds, a fishing pier, sports fields, and a 3.2-mile loop walking/biking trail around the lake.
Related Article: We Love These 8 Twin Cities Lakes – Find Out Why They’re Perfect for Kids
Splash About at Bush Lake Beach
9140 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Want to do more than look at the lake? Let’s jump into one of the best beaches in the Twin Cities! Beaches offer a great escape from the heat, allowing families to splash about and create lasting summer memories together. In addition to the beaches listed above, Bloomington’s Bush Lake Beach is one of the best free summer things to do in the Twin Cities!
Located in Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve, Bush Lake Beach is a great spot for a summer outing with kids (especially on hot sunny days!). The beach is open from early June to Labor Day Weekend, and admission and parking are always free. A small playground and a sand volleyball court are nearby when you need a break from swimming and splashing. Plus, there is a small concession area near the beach. Restrooms and drinking fountains are also available. Swim diapers are required for children who are not potty-trained. There are no lifeguards on duty here.
Pro Tip: Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve also offers a variety of free activities for families in the Twin Cities, including the Hyland Play Area (also known as “Chutes and Ladders Park”), Richardson Nature Center, walking and biking trails, a disc golf course, and more.
Play Together for Free at Madison’s Place Playground + Splash Pad
4125 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125
Playgrounds are always a great idea, especially when you’re searching for free things to do with kids in the Twin Cities. Madison’s Place Playground in Woodbury is one of our favorite playgrounds in the Twin Cities. In addition to being a phenomenal place to play together, Madison’s Place Playground is also one of the top inclusive and accessible playgrounds in Minnesota. Kids and adults alike are impressed with the outstanding features and epic play spaces!
When you’re ready to play, Madison’s Place Playground includes many captivating play areas (including wheelchair-accessible play equipment), from swings and slides to merry-go-rounds. Kids can also enjoy the playground by zipping, hanging, swinging, and sliding to their heart’s content. Plus, kids of all abilities, skills, and strengths can navigate the entire playground thanks to a series of ramps and decks.
Meanwhile, hot summer days are best spent at the nearby splash pad, which is divided into sections for both big and little kids. The splash pad features dump buckets, spray nozzles, and more watery fun throughout the area, sure to delight your kids!
Finally, the playground also offers plenty of shaded areas and benches. Pack a picnic to make the most of a full day! Ample, free parking is available. The indoor bathrooms include changing areas and attached water fountains.
Enjoy a Movie in the Park Together
Take your kids to a movie in the park to put a new spin on the classic family movie night. Several cities around the Twin Cities metro area offer movies in the park, including Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Oakdale, Bloomington, Columbia Heights, Roseville, Stillwater, Burnsville, and more. Check the movie schedules beforehand, as not every feature is suitable for kids.
Families adore the summer tradition of packing up their kids (and favorite treats!) and bringing them to a movie in the park! Not only can you enjoy a beautiful night outside together, but watching movies in the park adds a fun twist to cinematic entertainment for all ages. Additionally, these films foster a sense of community, as neighbors can gather to share the collective experience.
The relaxed atmosphere also allows children to roam a bit and socialize freely while enjoying a new film or an old favorite.
Inspire a Sense of Wonder at Franconia Sculpture Garden for Free
29836 St Croix Trail N, Shafer, MN 55074
Are you up for a little trek? Embark on a fun day trip adventure with your kids that is filled with whimsy and wonder. Visit Franconia Sculpture Park together! This unique outdoor museum is located in Shafer, Minnesota (just 45 minutes north of Minneapolis). And it’s open every day of the year!
The park spans 50 acres and features contemporary sculptures set against a scenic backdrop. Some installations even encourage kids to interact, ensuring a touch-friendly experience (while some other structures are also marked “no touch”). Children can run and get inspired throughout the grounds. Meanwhile, parents will enjoy spending the day with kids in a creative and beautiful environment.
After exploring the outdoor installations, be sure to visit the indoor gallery and gift shop. Indoor bathrooms are located in this building. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best free things to do with kids near the Twin Cities this summer!
Tour the Minnesota State Capitol
75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, St Paul, MN 55155
Did you know that the Minnesota State Capitol, the seat of our state’s government, is also one of the best free things to do in Saint Paul with kids? You will be excited to learn that it is! Free guided tours are offered several times a day (Monday through Saturday).
Tours leave at the top of the hour. And they last for approximately 45 minutes. Tours are an excellent way to learn about the building’s architecture, art, and history, with impactful stories shared along the way. Alternatively, free self-guided tours are also an option. You can find the suggested itinerary here.
Kids will be captivated by the Minnesota State Capitol’s towering height and the beautiful golden statues that adorn the top. Inside, you will be greeted by a grand staircase leading to historic legislative chambers and numerous art installations. As if that weren’t enough to impress kids of all ages, the world’s second-largest self-supported marble dome is also inside!
Overseen by the Minnesota Historical Society, the free guided tours cover topics of history, art, architecture, and Minnesota state government. Weather permitting, the tour also includes a walk to the Quadriga (those golden horses you saw on top of the building) on the roof! Parking information can be found here.
Check Out the Free Museums at the Landmark Center With Your Family
75 W 5th St, St Paul, MN 55102
When looking for free things to do with kids in downtown Saint Paul, don’t miss the historic Landmark Center! In addition to admiring its enchanting architecture (the building opened in 1902), the Landmark Center has eight free museums and exhibits. Each one has its own hours, so plan accordingly.
First, on the lower level, a cozy exhibit showcases the early years of the Landmark Center, highlighting it as the area’s first post office. Then, families adore the Schubert Club Music Museum. It’s also one of our top picks for must-visit Twin Cities museums with kids. It offers several kid-friendly galleries dedicated to hearing and playing instruments from around the world (either hands-on or through innovative technology!).
Families may also be interested in the Landmark Gallery, the Uncle Sam Worked Here exhibit, the Gallery of Wood Art, and the Heritage Organization of Romanian Americans in Minnesota. Parking information can be found here.
Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden is nestled in Minneapolis’ Theodore Wirth Park. The oldest public wildflower garden in the U.S., it’s also one of the best free things to do in Minneapolis with kids this summer! This peaceful sanctuary for families offers a magical mix of woodland, prairie, and wetland habitats.
Families can wander stroller-friendly trails, spot frogs and butterflies, and search for birds. There are over 130 species known to visit this park! Nature checklists and free guided walks make it even more engaging for curious kids. Bring binoculars or a magnifying glass to turn your visit into a mini nature hunt.
After exploring the garden, stick around Wirth Park for a swim at Wirth Lake Beach. You can also try hiking the Quaking Bog Trail or playing at one of the nearby playgrounds. For families seeking unique summer activities in the Twin Cities, this hidden gem provides a serene and enriching way to connect with Minnesota’s natural beauty.
Attend a Free Summer Event With Your Family
One of the best ways to enjoy summer in the Twin Cities is by attending a free, family-friendly festival. Families love local Minnesota festivals because they provide a fun and affordable way to spend quality time together outdoors. Many offer exciting activities that appeal to all ages! From live music and dancing to food trucks and kid zones, there’s always something new to explore and enjoy as a family.
Here are a few ideas for free, kid-friendly festivals in the Twin Cities:
- The Minneapolis Aquatennial lights up downtown each July with a torchlight parade, riverfront activities, and a spectacular fireworks show.
- The Irish Fair of Minnesota offers live music, Irish dancing, storytelling, and hands-on kid activities on scenic Harriet Island in St. Paul.
- For a fun mix of music, food, and games, check out the Taste of Minnesota. This two-day event includes food trucks, family zones, and live entertainment.
These summer celebrations make it easy to get outside, connect with the community, and soak up the season without spending a dime. Don’t forget sunscreen and snacks, and arrive early to grab a good spot for the shows! These summer festivals are undoubtedly among the best free activities to enjoy with kids in the Twin Cities.
Please read our article on the best July Family Fun Events in the Twin Cities for more budget-friendly July activities and events.
Trail of Small Wonders at Westwood Hills Nature Center
8300 W Franklin Ave, St Louis Park, MN 55426
The Trail of Small Wonders at Westwood Hills Nature Center is a whimsical adventure that brings fairy tales to life—admission is free. Kicking off July 7 with live music, butterfly stilt walkers, face painting, and more, this magical trail invites families to wander ADA-accessible paths lined with tiny, handcrafted fairy and gnome homes. Kids can even come dressed as woodland creatures. Talk about a fun way to let their imaginations soar as they explore this enchanting miniature world tucked into the forest!
The trail remains open throughout July. It’s a perfect repeat visit for nature lovers and dreamers alike. Created by local artists and community members, each tiny dwelling sparks curiosity and creativity. Whether you’re seeking fresh air, outdoor art, or simply a little everyday magic, this is one of the most delightful free activities for families in the Twin Cities this summer.
The Festival runs from July 7 – 26. Want to learn more? Please read our article on the Trail of Small Wonders at Westwood Hills Nature Center.
Webber Natural Swimming Pool
4330 Webber Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55412
Webber Natural Swimming Pool in Minneapolis is a summer must for families looking for unique swimming holes—and it’s completely free! It was the first public natural swimming pool in North America. Webber Natural Swimming Pool utilizes plants (not chemicals) to maintain the water’s cleanliness, resulting in a fresh and gentle feel on the skin.
Located in Webber Park, the facility features zero-depth entry and shallow areas perfect for little swimmers. Additionally, a jumping platform is available for older children, and lap lanes are also available for grown-ups. You’ll also find outdoor showers, lockers, a grassy sunbathing area, and a modern pool house with indoor restrooms and water bottle fillers.
Because the pool relies on a natural filtration system, it may close after storms or heat waves, so check the hours before you go. Families love the eco-friendly approach, accessible design, and calm, clear water. It’s one of the best free summer things to do in Minneapolis with kids when you need a refreshing break from the heat.
Wabun Wading Pool
4825 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Wabun Wading Pool is a charming tot-sized pool tucked next to Wabun Playground in Minnehaha Regional Park. Its easy location and design make it a summer favorite for local families. With zero-depth entry and a max depth of just 2 feet, the Wabun Wading Pool is ideal for toddlers and early swimmers.
Kids love splashing through the arched rock spray feature and bubbling fountains. Meanwhile, parents appreciate the shaded picnic pavilions and easy sightlines to the adjacent playground. Designed to feel like a summer camp, Wabun Playground is Minneapolis’s first fully inclusive play area, complete with a sensory garden and accessible scavenger hunt.
Together, the playground and pool create a full day of outdoor fun that’s both free, fun, and enriching. Add scenic walking paths and green space to the mix, and you’ve got one of the best free things to do in the Twin Cities with kids this summer.
Pump Track at Taft Park
6005 16th Ave S, Richfield, MN 55423
Taft Bike Park in Richfield is a bucket list bike park for families this summer! This new-ish, kid-friendly bike park features a variety of off-road elements. Expect thrilling features like berms, rollers, rock features, jumps, and pump tracks. Plus, a separate tot track for little riders just starting out. Color-coded trails help kids and parents find the right route for their skill level. Additionally, one-way traffic ensures a safe and smooth experience.
Located on the west side of Taft Park, the bike park is just one part of this fun-filled destination. Families can also enjoy a playground, picnic areas, and a scenic walking path around the lake. In the summer, rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the water. Then, watch planes soar overhead from nearby MSP Airport. With so much to do in one spot, Taft Park is easily one of the top free activities for families with kids of all ages in the Twin Cities this summer.
Attend Minnesota Parent’s Park Play Dates
This summer, join US (Minnesota Parent) and Gillette Children’s for a series of free, inclusive park playdates across the Twin Cities! Held at some of the metro’s most accessible playgrounds, these morning meetups are the perfect way for families to connect, play, and learn together.
Geared toward kids aged birth to 10, we welcome all families for open playtime, interactive activities, free books from the Minnesota Parent Free Little Library, and sweet frozen treats from JonnyPops. The first 25 families at each event will also receive goodie bags filled with tickets, chalk, and other summer surprises.
Parents can chat with representatives from Gillette Children’s about inclusive play and pick up helpful resources. Whether you’re at Woodhaven Park (June 27), Shoreview Commons (July 18), or Augsburg Adventure Park (August 15), these events offer fun, connection, and community support—all for free. Don’t miss attending one of the most meaningful free summer things to do with your kids in the Twin Cities!
Take a Family Day Trip to Waconia: Explore Lake Waconia Park Reserve & Waterford Park
Lake Waconia Park Reserve: 8170 Paradise Ln, Waconia, MN 55387
Waconia Park: 1702, Ravencroft Rd, Waconia, MN 55387
For a fun, low-cost summer day trip, head to Waconia. It’s just under an hour from the Twin Cities! During your visit, explore two of the area’s best outdoor spaces and grab a bite to eat.
Start your adventure at Lake Waconia Regional Park. This scenic lakeside park offers a swimming beach, picnic areas, and walking trails. Not to mention stunning views of Coney Island of the West (an island listed on the National Register of Historic Places—it’s open to the public!). Lake Waconia Regional Park’s long stretch of sandy beach is ideal for a day on the water with kids! Large umbrellas are also stationed across the beach to help provide shade. From the beach, you may even spot a sailboat or two. The brand-new Paradise Commons building also provides nearby indoor restrooms and shaded seating. There is no lifeguard on duty here.
Bring a picnic to have at the park. Or, in between stops, grab lunch at Mocha Monkey. They offer coffee, sandwiches, and ice cream at the downtown location. Then, just a 10-minute drive from Lake Waconia Regional Park, Waterford Park awaits with one of the most inclusive playgrounds in Minnesota. Kids of all abilities will love the imaginative play structures, climbing elements, and shaded spinners.
After your adventures at Waterford Park, end your day trip with ice cream at Frozen Five Ice Creamery (downtown Waconia). It’s a great spot to end a fun day exploring, swimming, and playing together. Both Lake Waconia Regional Park and Waterford Park rank highly amongst the best free activities near the Twin Cities for families with kids of all ages this summer.
Have Fun Exploring the Twin Cities for Free with Your Family this Summer!
We hope this list helps you discover some new, fun, and free activities to enjoy with your kids this summer in the Twin Cities. Whether you want to enjoy some fun in the sun or beat the heat and head inside for a bit, this list has something for every Minnesota family. Have fun exploring the many free activities in the Twin Cities for families this summer!
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
Find more places to visit in Minnesota with kids-
13 Best Museums in the Twin Cities for Kids (Babies to Teens)
