(Please note: This list is updated as events become known. Be sure to check with the event host/venue in advance as there may be changes or cancellations at any time.)
Have an event to add to this list? Please email me at twincitiesfrugalmom@gmail.com. Submissions are not guaranteed – if you would like guaranteed placement, paid advertising packages start at $200. Thanks!
EVERY DAY: Get The Works Museum Discount Tickets!
- Regular admission is $13.00 per person, but you can get admission for $11.00 per person with my special code! (Children 2 and under are free.) For $2 Off Admission: Use code TCFMB$2OFF in the “promo code” field on the shopping cart page. (Not valid for special events) Purchase via THIS LINK.
- Discounts are offered for special events if you buy tickets in advance. Follow their website and social media pages for updates.
- 50% off admission for limited income families through their Gateway program
EVERY DAY: Get Minnesota Children’s Museum Discount Tickets!
EVERY DAY you can get DISCOUNTED tickets for the Minnesota Children’s Museum in St. Paul with my special code TCFM! Save $3 per admission!
- Just go to mcm.org and use my code TCFM to save $3 per admission on tickets both online and in person. You can also use that code to save $20 on a membership either in-person or online.
- There’s so much to do at the Minnesota Children’s Museum! Check out my review here.
Also, be sure to check my Twin Cities Discount Guide for Families for how to save (and get FREE admission!) at places all around the Twin Cities!
And check out my list of Free or Discounted Admission Programs for Limited Income Families in Minnesota!
January
Ongoing Events
The Rock and Rock Playhouse: Concerts for Kids!. First Avenue & 7th St Entry, Minneapolis
Vatican Unveiled. Mall of America. January 10 to February 1, 2026. See my reel from our visit!
Save 50% on tickets at Zero Gravity! Mounds View.
St. Paul Winter Carnival. January 22 – February 1.
Spring Flower Show. January 31 – March 15. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska.
Giraffes Can’t Dance. January 23 – February 22. Stages Theatre, Hopkins.
January 2025
Events by Date
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1 NEW YEARS DAY
Want a reset for the new year? Enjoy my FREE printable:
25 Ways to Reset for the New Year
FRIDAY, JANUARY 2
Friday Morning Story Time with Engineer Paul. 10:15am. Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, St. Paul. Included with admission. The admission is: $10 for kids 1-10 yrs and $2 for adults. Twins are always BOGO!
Mini Mia. 10:15am and 2:15pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Mini Mia features a gallery tour specially designed for caregivers and little ones (ages 0–5), a movement class with Young Dance, and a cozy story time. Make new friends and introduce your child to the wonders of art in a comfortable, kid-friendly setting. Free registration is required. First Wednesday of the month and first Friday of the month.
LEGO Building Competition. 2:00pm. Bricks & Minifigs, 11351 Aquila Dr, Suite 104, Champlin, MN.
First Friday -Paper Bag Luminaries! 5:30 – 7:00pm. Eagan Art House. This month’s activity will be gift wrap origami! No need to register: just drop in!
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 3
FREE Museum Admission for Bank of America cardholders. January 3-4. First weekend of each month.
FREE Kids Workshop. 9:00am – 12:00pm. Home Depot locations. This month: Tow Truck.
Cocoa, Crafts and Sleds. 10:00am – 1:00pm. 200 Doctor Justus Ohage Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN. Bundle up winter adventurers! And join us for FREE frosty fun! Bring your sled or jump on one of ours! Enjoy cozy cups of cocoa, and hands-on kids’ crafts that let your imagination sparkle. Bring your warmest mittens, your biggest smiles, and let’s slide, sip, and make something amazing together! All ages welcome. Also February 7th.
Art Play. 10:00am – 2:00pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art. 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. This month’s theme: Creative Cardboard!
Free First Saturday: Seek & Find. 10:00am – 5:00pm. Activities are 10:00am – 3:00pm. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. Free First Saturday also features free gallery admission on the first Saturday of every month. Gallery admission tickets are available online in advance and on-site on the event day from the Main Lobby desk.
Mini Mia. 2:15pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Mini Mia features a gallery tour specially designed for caregivers and little ones (ages 0–5), a movement class with Young Dance, and a cozy story time. Make new friends and introduce your child to the wonders of art in a comfortable, kid-friendly setting. Free registration is required. First Wednesday of the month and first Friday of the month. Plus today!
Night Trains. 3:00 – 7:00pm. Twin City Model Railroad Museum, St. Paul. Saturdays from November 8th through February 28th.
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4
FREE Museum Admission for Bank of America cardholders. January 3-4. First weekend of each month.
Music Under Glass. 4:30 – 6:30pm. Como Zoo, St. Paul. Select Sundays and Wednesdays from January 4 – February 4.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6
FREE First Tuesday at Washington County Parks. On the first Tuesday of every month (non-holiday), visit any Washington County Park FREE. No Vehicle Permit required.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7
Tots & Trains. 10:00am – 12:00pm. Minnesota Transportation Museum, St. Paul. First and third Wednesdays. Admission is $11 for adults, $6 for ages 3-6. Check their website for pricing bundles and more info.
Mini Mia. 10:15am and 12:15pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Mini Mia features a gallery tour specially designed for caregivers and little ones (ages 0–5), a movement class with Young Dance, and a cozy story time. Make new friends and introduce your child to the wonders of art in a comfortable, kid-friendly setting. Free registration is required. First Wednesday of the month and first Friday of the month.
Free Public Tours. 1:00 – 2:00pm. Union Depot, St. Paul.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Thursday Nights at the Minnesota History Center. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Target Free Thursday Nights. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9
Friday Morning Story Time with Engineer Paul. 10:15am. Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, St. Paul. Included with admission. The admission is: $10 for kids 1-10 yrs and $2 for adults. Twins are always BOGO!
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10
Free Admission at 8 Minnesota Historical Society Sites! Four are in the Twin Cities area, and four are in other areas of Minnesota.
Snowman Snack N’ Craft event. 9:00am – 2:00pm. Fleet Farm locations. Each participant will have the chance to create their own Snowman clothes pin craft, and Snowman snack mix! This event is FREE and open to all ages, so bring your family and we’ll see you there!
FREE Community Showing of How to Train Your Dragon. 10:00am. Odyssey Century 9 Theatre, Hutchinson.
Night Trains. 3:00 – 7:00pm. Twin City Model Railroad Museum, St. Paul. Saturdays from November 8th through February 28th.
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11
Family Day. 10:00am – 5:00pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Join us for our free monthly event for families, kids, and the young at heart. On the second Sunday of every month, the museum is filled with hands-on art activities, live music, dance performances, artist demonstrations, family tours and more — all inspired by Mia’s incredible collection.
Music Under Glass. 4:30 – 6:30pm. Como Zoo, St. Paul. Select Sundays and Wednesdays from January 4 – February 4.
MONDAY, JANUARY 12
Anoka Winterfest. January 12 – 16.
Ruby’s Pantry Food Distribution. 4:30pm. Bring $26 and 2 large totes for an ABUNDANCE of food. No income or residency required. ALL WELCOME! Doors open at 4:30. Read about my experience here!
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14
Anoka Winterfest. January 12 – 16.
Free Public Tours. 1:00 – 2:00pm. Union Depot, St. Paul.
Music Under Glass. 4:30 – 6:30pm. Como Zoo, St. Paul. Select Sundays and Wednesdays from January 4 – February 4.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15
Anoka Winterfest. January 12 – 16.
Winter Warehouse Sale! January 15 – 17. Sweetpea and Co. 1452 85th Ave NE, Spring Lake Park.
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Thursday Nights at the Minnesota History Center. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Target Free Thursday Nights. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16
Anoka Winterfest. January 12 – 16.
Winter Warehouse Sale! January 15 – 17. Sweetpea and Co. 1452 85th Ave NE, Spring Lake Park.
Friday Morning Story Time with Engineer Paul. 10:15am. Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, St. Paul. Included with admission. The admission is: $10 for kids 1-10 yrs and $2 for adults. Twins are always BOGO!
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
Viking Lakes Ice Festival begins. January 16th – 25th. Eagan.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17
Winter Warehouse Sale! January 15 – 17. Sweetpea and Co. 1452 85th Ave NE, Spring Lake Park.
Art Shanty Projects in Minneapolis. January 17 – February 8.
MacPhail Presents: Free Family Concert. 10:00am – 12:00pm. Antonello Hall, Minneapolis.
Art Play. 10:00am – 2:00pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art. 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. Theme this month: Creative Cardboard.
2026 Physics Force Winter Shows. 11:00am & 2:00pm. Northrop, Minneapolis.
Ninjago Days. 11:00am – 8:00pm. LEGO Store, Mall of America.
Art Sled Rally! 2:00 – 4:00pm. Powderhorn Park, Minneapolis.
Night Trains. 3:00 – 7:00pm. Twin City Model Railroad Museum, St. Paul. Saturdays from November 8th through February 28th.
Midwinter Celebration. 4:00 – 7:00pm. Franconia Park, Shafer. $20 a person.
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18
Community Pet Clinic. 9:00am – 2:00pm. North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center, 2825 2nd St N, Minneapolis, MN.
Ninjago Days. 12:00pm – 6:00pm. LEGO Store, Mall of America.
Music Under Glass. 4:30 – 6:30pm. Como Zoo, St. Paul. Select Sundays and Wednesdays from January 4 – February 4.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21
Music Under Glass. 4:30 – 6:30pm. Como Zoo, St. Paul. Select Sundays and Wednesdays from January 4 – February 4.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22
Minneapolis Boat Show. January 22 – 25. Minneapolis Convention Center.
St. Paul Winter Carnival. January 22 – February 1.
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Thursday Nights at the Minnesota History Center. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Target Free Thursday Nights. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23
Minneapolis Boat Show. January 22 – 25. Minneapolis Convention Center.
St. Paul Winter Carnival. January 22 – February 1.
Friday Morning Story Time with Engineer Paul. 10:15am. Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, St. Paul. Included with admission. The admission is: $10 for kids 1-10 yrs and $2 for adults. Twins are always BOGO!
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24
Minneapolis Boat Show. January 22 – 25. Minneapolis Convention Center.
St. Paul Winter Carnival. January 22 – February 1.
Minneapolis Totally Rad Vintage Fest. January 24 – 25. Minneapolis Convention Center.
Sensory Friendly Saturday. 8:00am – 10:00am. Bell Museum, St. Paul.
Free Hot Cocoa Bar. 9:00am. Fleet Farm locations.
Family Fun Day at Minnetonka Fire. 10:00am – 1:00pm. Minnetonka Fire. Explore Fire Station 1, meet with firefighters, touch a fire truck and end your fun with chili and hot cider.
Free Snow Days at the Farm. 10:00am – 2:00pm. Historic Eidem Farm, Brooklyn Park. 4345 101st Ave N, Brooklyn Park.
Indoor Beach Party. 10:00am – 3:00pm. Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul. Included with regular admission. Save the most on admission with my code TCFM.
Winter Festival. 11:00am – 4:00pm. Wildlife Science Center, Stacy. Adults: $15, Kids: $10. Under 4: Free.
K Pop Dance Party & Market. 11:00am – 7:00pm. Maplewood Mall, Maplewood. Vendors start at 11 AM And the Dance party goes from 3 to 7 PM.
Free Minneapolis Winter Kite Festival. 12:00 – 4:00pm. Lake Harriet, Minneapolis. Free.
Night Trains. 3:00 – 7:00pm. Twin City Model Railroad Museum, St. Paul. Saturdays from November 8th through February 28th.
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25
Minneapolis Boat Show. January 22 – 25. Minneapolis Convention Center.
Minneapolis Totally Rad Vintage Fest. January 24 – 25. Minneapolis Convention Center.
MONDAY, JANUARY 26
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28
Music Under Glass. 4:30 – 6:30pm. Como Zoo, St. Paul. Select Sundays and Wednesdays from January 4 – February 4.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30
Friday Morning Story Time with Engineer Paul. 10:15am. Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, St. Paul. Included with admission. The admission is: $10 for kids 1-10 yrs and $2 for adults. Twins are always BOGO!
Play at Springbrook Nature Center. 1:00pm. Springbrook Nature Center, Fridley.
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31
Plymouth Library Book Sale. 9:00am – 3:00pm. Plymouth Library, 15700 36th Ave N, Plymouth. Items range in price from $1 to $3. And from 2-3 PM, you can fill entire bags for just $5 per bag! Proceeds benefit the Plymouth Library and Friends programs and events.
Polar Fest. 11:00am – 2:00pm. North River Hills Park, Burnsville.
Free Days at the Weisman Art Museum. 11:00am – 5:00pm. Weisman Art Museum, 333 E River Pkwy, Minneapolis.
Lake of the Isles Winter Party. 1:00 – 3:00pm. 2500 E Lake of the Isles Pkwy, Minneapolis. Good cheer, pit fires, hot cocoa and puppy dog tails from Isles Bun & Coffee.
Snow Day. 1:00 – 4:00pm. Wargo Nature Center, Lino Lakes.
Wonders of Winter. 1:00 – 4:00pm. Central Park, Maple Grove.
Frost Fest. 2:00 – 4:00pm. Groveland Ice Rinks, 1978 St Clair Ave, St Paul.
Night Trains. 3:00 – 7:00pm. Twin City Model Railroad Museum, St. Paul. Saturdays from November 8th through February 28th.
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1
Sensory Friendly Play at Urban Air Coon Rapids. 8:00am – 10:00am. First Sunday of each month.
Doggie Depot. 10:00am – 3:00pm. Union Depot, St. Paul.
Kids Fest. 11:00am – 2:30pm.14600 Minnetonka Boulevard, Minnetonka.
MONDAY, MAY 18
The Hobbit Pay-What-You-Can Night at Theatre in the Round. 7:30pm. Theatre in the Round, Minneapolis.
EVERY WEDNESDAY
Games Galore. 10:00am – 8:00pm. Union Depot, Waiting Room, 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN. (Not yet confirmed for 2026)
Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing Hangar and Museum. 310 Airport Rd Hangar 3, South Saint Paul, MN. Museum is open to the public Wednesdays and Saturdays each week from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Please call ahead on all major holidays as the museum may be closed. Admission is free of charge. Donations are always welcome and appreciated when visiting.
EVERY THURSDAY
Walker Art Museum – Gallery Admission is free from 5:00-9:00pm.
EVERY FRIDAY
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
EVERY SATURDAY
Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing Hangar and Museum. 310 Airport Rd Hangar 3, South Saint Paul, MN. Museum is open to the public Wednesdays and Saturdays each week from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Please call ahead on all major holidays as the museum may be closed. Admission is free of charge. Donations are always welcome and appreciated when visiting.
Free Kids Club Workshops at Michael’s stores. 10:00am.
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
SELECT SATURDAYS
Free children’s craft activity at Lakeshore Learning Stores. 11:00am to 3:00pm. Ages 3 and up. No reservation necessary.