17 Fantastic September Events & Activities for Families with Kids of All Ages
Ready to jump into early fall fun? September is packed with awesome events and kid-friendly activities across the Twin Cities! Even though kids are back in school, it doesn’t mean the family adventures need to stop. There are still plenty of ways to enjoy September’s beautiful sun and mild temperatures. Whether you’re looking for free things to do this September or planning weekend adventures across the Twin Cities with your kids, we’ve got you covered. From apple orchards to outdoor festivals, bike tours to train rides—there’s something for every age, interest, and budget.
This list highlights our top picks for the best September events and things to do in the Twin Cities with kids.
Grab your calendar and let the planning begin! Here are 17 can’t-miss early fall favorites in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and beyond!
Treasure Island on Stage at the Children’s Theatre Company
2025 Dates: September 9 – October 19
Set sail on a thrilling adventure this fall! Treasure Island brings pirates, sword fights, live Scottish music, and buried gold to the Children’s Theatre Company stage. Follow clever young Jim as he navigates secret plots, shifting loyalties, and high-seas drama—perfect for kids who love action and mystery. Is Long John Silver a friend or foe? You’ll have to decide for yourself!
This swashbuckling tale, adapted from the classic novel, is best enjoyed by kids eight and up. It’s a bold and high-energy way to kick off your calendar of September events and things to do in the Twin Cities with kids.
Hit a High Note at MacPhail Center for Music’s KidsFest
2025 Dates: September 6
Looking for unique fall events in Minneapolis for families with kids? Don’t miss KidFest at the MacPhail Center for Music. Kids of all ages will love this joyful celebration of music and movement.
During the event, enjoy live performances by Rimshots!, a high-energy student percussion ensemble, featuring everything from marimbas to cymbals. With concerts at 10:15 am and 11:15 am, you’ll have plenty of time to explore mini music classes, dance parties, snacks, and instrument petting zoos. Plus, there’s even a shaker-decorating station to play along with the band!
Located in downtown Minneapolis, the MacPhail Center for Music is a nonprofit music education center that has been inspiring students of all ages and abilities for over 100 years. Their Sing Play Learn program is specially designed for young children to discover the joy of music through active play. It’s one of the best free things to do this September in the Twin Cities with kids—mark your calendar!
Visit an Apple Orchard
2025 Dates: Check each orchard’s website for dates and hours.
One of the best kid-friendly fall things to do near Minneapolis and Saint Paul is visiting a local apple orchard! September is prime time for apple picking, hayrides, corn mazes, and cider tastings. And, these orchards are bursting with fall fun. If you are looking for free things to do with kids in the Twin Cities this September, many orchards offer no-cost admission or budget-friendly activities. So, grab your coziest flannel, pack some snacks, and load up the kids.
Here are some top apple orchards near the Twin Cities for families with kids:
- Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest, Jordan: Voted Minnesota’s #1 orchard, this spot offers a corn maze, cow train, and apple cannons! Activities are included with admission (except cannons and gem mining).
- LuceLine Orchard, Watertown: Sprawling and scenic, LuceLine features pony rides, a 30-acre corn maze, and live music—plus apple fritters and Caramel Apple Sangria.
- Pleasant Valley Orchard, Shafer: This free-admission orchard boasts weekend hayrides, live music, scenic trails, and a food trailer serving cider slushies and apple donuts.
- Fireside Orchard and Gardens, Northfield: A peaceful, family-run orchard offering 27 apple varieties, garden strolls, koi ponds, and vintage tractors for photo ops.
For more local spots, read our article on the Best Apple Orchards within 90 Minutes of the Twin Cities for Families with Kids.
Ride the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway
2025 Dates: Check the website for specific tour themes, dates, and hours.
Hop aboard one of the most scenic train rides in the Midwest! Along the Minnesota/Wisconsin border, the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway offers unforgettable fall excursions. We think this experience is perfect for families with kids of all ages! Operated by the Minnesota Transportation Museum, these vintage train rides offer a scenic journey through postcard-perfect bluffs, waterfalls, and forests.
Families seeking unique September activities in the Twin Cities with kids have several options to choose from. Try the Dresser Ice Cream Train (with a sweet treat included!). Or, the Pizza Train. While on board, you’ll enjoy a full family meal together! Each ride features restored railcars, friendly conductors, and fun themes. Plus, with special events like the Fall Colors Train and Pumpkin Express, this is one of the best kid-friendly fall things to do near Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
Have a kiddo who adores trains? This is Your Ultimate Guide to Train Experiences in Minnesota.
James J. Hill Days, Wayzata
2025 Dates: September 5 – 7
Get ready for big-time fun on the shores of Lake Minnetonka! James J. Hill Days is one of the top September events in the Twin Cities for families. The event celebrates 50 years of lakeside history, community, and fun.
This beloved festival honors railroad tycoon James J. Hill with a weekend filled with kid-friendly activities. Think carnival rides, logrolling shows, live music, a bustling street market, and even animal encounters. There’s truly something for everyone at this lively festival! Undoubtedly, if you’re searching for can’t-miss kid-friendly fall things to do near Minneapolis and Saint Paul, this is it. Join the crowd, explore the historic train depot, and enjoy the best of small-town charm with big festival energy!
CLUES Fiesta Latina, Saint Paul
2025 Dates: September 13
Looking for free things to do this September with kids in the Twin Cities? Fiesta Latina is a vibrant, family-friendly festival that celebrates Latino culture with food, music, art, and more!
Hosted by CLUES (Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio), this lively community event features folkloric and contemporary dance performances, live music, a craft market, and a backpack giveaway for kids. Families can also enjoy games and hands-on art activities. With delicious food from Latino food trucks and plenty of family-friendly fun, Fiesta Latina is one of the best kid-friendly fall things to do in Saint Paul this September. The event promises to be a full day of celebration, community, and connection!
Sever’s Fall Festival, Shakopee
2025 Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, September 13 – October 26 (plus, MEA Thursday and Friday, October 16 & 17
Fall fun doesn’t get bigger—or better—than Sever’s Fall Festival! One of the top things to do in the Twin Cities with kids in September, this Shakopee tradition packs in autumn thrills, treats, and tons of outdoor adventure.
Home to Minnesota’s original and largest hand-cut corn maze, Sever’s draws families from all over with over 30 attractions. Bounce on giant jumping pillows. Race through obstacle courses. Zip line across the field. And, meet animals at the upgraded petting zoo. Plus, don’t miss live music, tasty eats, and fresh-picked apples from Sever’s Chaska farm. Whether you’re conquering the maze or just soaking in the autumn vibes, Sever’s is a must-do for kid-friendly fall things to do near Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
The Minneapolis Monarch Festival, Minneapolis
2025 Dates: September 6
Celebrate one of nature’s most remarkable journeys at the 17th Annual Minneapolis Monarch Festival! This free event is one of the most unique fall events in Minneapolis for families with kids.
Held near Lake Nokomis, the festival honors the monarch butterfly’s 2,300-mile migration from Minnesota to Mexico. Kids can get up close with real monarchs and create hands-on art with local artists—all while learning how to support our favorite pollinators! The event also includes live music, bilingual performances, delicious food, and native plant vendors. If you’re looking for kid-friendly fall activities in Minneapolis that combine fun with purpose, this vibrant celebration is a must.
Twin Cities Bike Tour, Minneapolis
2025 Dates: September 14 (with kid-friendly pre-event activities on September 13)
Pedal your way through one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country! The Twin Cities Bike Tour is a top pick for September things to do in the Twin Cities with kids. Families can kick off the weekend with the free Loons Loop Ride on Saturday. This 4.5-mile, kid-friendly ride travels along scenic trails with rest stops, refreshments, and a playground at the start and finish. It’s a guided, all-ages experience starting at Brackett Park (perfect for little riders and biking newbies!).
Then, on Sunday, older kids and families can choose from 20-, 34-, or 41-mile routes that explore the best of Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and surrounding communities. With music, snacks, and support along the way, this is a safe, active way to celebrate biking and community. Don’t miss this joyful celebration of two wheels and family fun in Minnesota!
Minnesota Ukrainian Festival, Minneapolis
2025 Dates: September 19 and 20
Step into a vibrant celebration of heritage at the Minnesota Ukrainian Festival. This is one of the most enriching September events in the Twin Cities for families! Held in the historic St. Anthony East neighborhood, this free, family-friendly festival is packed with energy, culture, and community spirit.
Enjoy traditional Ukrainian dance, music, and food. You can even see performances by the Ukrainian Village Band and Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. Kids and adults alike will love the colorful costumes, folk art exhibits, and festive atmosphere. Plus, with authentic homemade dishes, craft vendors, and interactive cultural displays, this festival is a welcoming space for families to learn, connect, and celebrate together. If you’re looking for a meaningful and joyful way to spend a September weekend, this is a must-do!
Animé Wonder (Japanese Festival), Saint Paul
2025 Dates: September 20 and 21
Calling all anime fans and curious newcomers—Animé Wonder is your ticket to a fun, family-friendly cultural experience in Saint Paul this fall! This two-day Anime & Japanese Pop-Culture Festival features everything from anime voice actors and cosplay competitions to artist vendors and live entertainment. Not to mention, delicious Japanese and Asian street food. Your family can also explore colorful Itasha car displays, meet guest cosplayers, and participate in hands-on activities.
Whether your kids are die-hard anime fans or just love dressing up and trying new foods, this is one of the most exciting kid-friendly fall things to do in Saint Paul. Get ready for a weekend filled with creativity, culture, and plenty of photo-worthy fun!
Keep reading to discover more Twin Cities September Events!
Sundays at Landmark: Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, Saint Paul
2025 Dates: September 21
Celebrate the magic of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival with an afternoon of family-friendly fun in the heart of Saint Paul! Part of the Sundays at Landmark series, this free event brings Southeast Asian traditions to life with music, dance, crafts, storytelling, and delicious food. Plus, the crowd-favorite lion dance and lantern parade in beautiful Rice Park.
The event takes place at the Landmark Center. This stunning historic building in downtown Saint Paul is known for regularly hosting arts and cultural programming (mainly through its Sundays at Landmark program). If you’re looking for meaningful things to do in the Twin Cities with kids in September, this one shines bright!
Sunflower Festival at Waldoch Farm, Lino Lakes
2025 Dates: Thursdays – Sundays, August 14 – September 14
Nothing says late summer/early fall like a walk through a golden sea of sunflowers. Waldoch Farm’s Sunflower Festival delivers just that! Located in Lino Lakes, this family-friendly event offers over 150,000 sunflower seeds planted across fields the size of six football fields.
With your admission to Joyer Adventure Farm, you’ll enjoy hayrides to the sunflower fields, a stroll through picture-perfect blooms, and access to U-pick flower areas. One sunflower is included with admission. You can also build your bouquet with sunflowers and other specialty cutting flowers. Add a little extra magic by putting them into a hand-painted mason jar or metal bucket to take home! This festival is a September favorite for families looking for photo ops, fresh flowers, and farm fun just north of the Twin Cities. We think that it’s one of the most beautiful kid-friendly fall things to do near Minneapolis and Saint Paul!
Taste of Greece Festival, Minneapolis
2025 Dates: September 5 – 7
Opa! One of Minneapolis’s most unique and flavorful fall festivals returns this September with the Taste of Greece Festival at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church. This three-day celebration offers families a chance to experience the music, flavors, and hospitality of Greece—without leaving Minnesota!
Friday night kicks off with a vibrant outdoor party featuring Mediterranean beats from DJ Evie. The music will, of course, be complemented by the beautiful view of Bde Maka Ska! Over the weekend, kids and parents alike will love the energy of the traditional Greek dancing (performed hourly on Saturday and Sunday). Families can also try yummy eats like grilled halloumi, loukoumades (Greek honey donuts), and warm baklava sundaes. Parents can even indulge in Greek wines if they want to! Plus, there will be homemade pastries to take home with you (or, eat on-site!). While you munch on tasty treats, enjoy live music on indoor and outdoor stages. It’s a joyful, cultural, and delicious way for families to spend an early fall weekend in Minneapolis!
MinnesoThai Street Food Festival, Saint Louis Park
2025 Dates: September 27 and 28
Get ready for bold flavors, bright colors, and cultural fun at the MinnesoThai Street Food Festival—one of the most vibrant family-friendly events in the Twin Cities this September! Hosted at Wat Promwachirayan, this free two-day festival celebrates Minnesota’s Thai and Southeast Asian communities with nonstop food, music, and tradition.
Families can enjoy authentic Thai street food (to-go options available), cultural performances, a festive parade, and live music. Plus, there will even be a giant Pad Thai cooking demo and tasting! Kids will love the fire dancing and musical chair contest. Meanwhile, grownups can explore the beer and wine garden featuring local brews. Then, don’t miss highlights like the Thai wedding demo, Muay Thai, Thai folk dance, and the ever-entertaining papaya salad eating contest. With free parking and a warm community vibe, this event is a flavorful and festive way to experience Thai culture right in Saint Louis Park.
HermannFest, New Ulm
2025 Dates: September 6
Celebrate German culture in the most iconic way—under the watchful eye of Hermann the German in New Ulm! Held at Hermann Heights Park and nearby Harman Park, HermannFest is a free, all-day event packed with live German music, dancing, food, and Schell’s beer (plus, 1919 Root Beer on tap for the kids).
Throughout the day, don’t miss highlights like the Thunder in the Valley cannon shoot at 6 pm.. And, dazzling fireworks over the 102-foot monument at 8:30 pm.. HermannFest is a lively celebration with deep roots in New Ulm’s rich German heritage, which you can explore with a stroll through the charming downtown. New Ulm is beloved for its historic architecture, Bavarian-style shops, and German-inspired restaurants. The city is just 1 hour and 45 minutes from Minneapolis. HermannFest makes for a festive and fun-filled fall day trip!
Defeat of Jesse James Days, Northfield
2025 Dates: September 3 – 7
Step back in time at Northfield’s Defeat of Jesse James Days. This is a multi-day celebration honoring the townspeople who bravely stood up to the infamous James-Younger Gang during the attempted bank robbery of 1876.
Held the weekend after Labor Day, this beloved annual event brings history to life with reenactments of the dramatic shootout. Additionally, there is a full slate of family-friendly activities, including a rodeo, grand parade, carnival rides, live music, car show, craft fairs, and more.
Don’t miss the chance to tour the actual bank that was robbed (now fully restored). Alternatively, visit the Northfield Historical Society Museum for a more in-depth exploration of this captivating chapter of Minnesota history. Only about 45 minutes from the Twin Cities, Northfield’s Defeat of Jesse James Days is a perfect fall day trip packed with adventure, local pride, and small-town charm.
Enjoy These September Events & Activities in Twin Cities with Your Kids!
Make the most of the season with these unforgettable September events and things to do in the Twin Cities for kids. From cultural celebrations and historic reenactments to tasty street food and festive parades, there’s no shortage of kid-friendly fall things to do in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Hopefully, you’ve found an event or two that piques your interest! We think these Minnesota events are the perfect way to savor the crisp autumn air and create lasting family memories.
Have fun exploring Minnesota with your kids this September!
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.
