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The Ultimate List of Minnesota Family Fun

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Ultimate List of Minnesota Family Fun

Minnesota is home to amazing family attractions, museums, zoos, parks and so much more.

I grew up in Duluth and then moved to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area to start a family, but no matter where you go in the state, there is so much to discover and explore with kids of all ages.

Cities throughout the state have so much to draw families, from the SPAM Museum in Austin, to the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth, to Valleyfair in Shakopee!

In my 12 years of blogging, I’ve done so much with my family, and have written about TONS of places which you can check out on my page called “Reviews A to Z.” But I decided to compile them all here by category for easy searching!

This is a long list, but more can certainly be added. In fact, I hope to keep adding more and more! What would you add to this list?

A note about links

I realize that adding links would have made this a more useful resource, but I did NOT include links for each item on this list for two reasons:

  • Google does not like blog posts with over 100 links
  • Links change so much that inevitably there would be a broken link no matter how often I update the list, so to avoid that issue I leave it up to you to find the websites yourself. But I did include links to my reviews and discounts and I will continue to add them as I can!

In the time of COVID

Also note that due to COVID, many of these listings may be either temporarily closed or operating at reduced hours/capacity. I added COVID info as I could, but please check in advance.

Make this your bucket list for family fun in Minnesota!

Thank you for visiting and be sure to check back for new additions!

Amusement Parks/Arcade

  • Big Thrill Factory (Oakdale) – temporarily closed
  • Can Can Wonderland (St. Paul)
  • Como Town (St. Paul)
  • Grand Slam Family Fun Center (Coon Rapids)

    Nickelodeon Universe

  • Nickelodeon Universe (Bloomington)
  • Paul Bunyan Land (Brainerd)
  • Valley Fair (Shakopee) – opening May 22nd
  • Zap Arcade (Jordan)

[Read more…]

Star Tribune & Pioneer Press Subscription Deals with Gift Cards!

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Star Tribune digital

Sign up for Pioneer Press and Star Tribune
Subscriptions for DIRT CHEAP!

One thing I love about winter in Minnesota is sitting inside at my kitchen table, enjoying the Sunday paper with breakfast and a yummy cup of hot coffee.

And checking out all the ads and coupons!

And what I love also is sharing these amazing deals for subscriptions!

Pioneer Press coffee

Check out my video about my exclusive local newspaper subscription deals and see below for details!

Star Tribune Practically-for-Free Quarantine Special

Star Tribune Sunday

Right now, you can get 13 weeks of Sunday home delivery plus unlimited digital access for only $20.02 – plus you’ll get a gift card in the mail for $19 to either Cub Foods or Menards (your choice)!!!

That means your total cost after gift card is only $1.02, so it’s practically free!

[Read more…]

Minnesota Drive-Thru Events in January & February 2021

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Minnesota Winter Drive Thrus 2021

It’s the New Year (yay!) and COVID is still canceling many events (boo!), but if there’s one thing people prove, it’s that we still will figure out how to have some fun! Drive-thru holiday lights events were super popular this holiday season, and this guide I put together listed the ones I found throughout the state! 

It’s January now, but fortunately there are still safe DRIVE-THRU events happening this month and next month in Minnesota!

Here are the events I’ve found! Let me know if there are more I should add!

Check out these Holiday Lights Drive-Thru Events while you still can!

Christmas in Color

Christmas in Color Drive-Thru – Shakopee
November 27th, 2020 – January 3rd, 2021
Sun to Thurs 5:30pm – 10:00pm, Fri to Sat 5:30pm – 10:30pm

[Read more…]

Free Water Conservation Kits for Minnesota Energy Resources Residential Customers

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Free Water Conservation Kit

Are you a Minnesota Energy Resources customer? If so, did you know that you may be able to get a FREE water conservation kit?

All active residential customers can receive these kits, which include low-flow showerheads, kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators, and pipe insulation. All items are easy to install and can save you money on your home’s water heating costs right away!

We have all of these installed in our home (it’s easy to do!) and we don’t even notice any difference in water flow. But they definitely can save money and water so I highly recommend them!

Just sign up at cashrebatesnow.com or call Minnesota Energy Resources at 866-872-0052 Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. to order your kit. 

Two types of kits are available:

A) 2 low-flow showerheads, 1 kitchen faucet aerator, 2 bathroom faucet aerators, 3 feet of pipe insulation x 2

B) 1 low-flow showerhead, 1 kitchen faucet aerator, 2 bathroom faucet aerators, 3 feet of pipe insulation x 2

All instructions are included.

To be eligible:

  • Water heater must be fueled by natural gas.
  • Must be a Minnesota Energy Resources residential customer with an existing account.
  • Not available for new construction.
  • Maximum 1 kit per household.

Check out how much money and water you can save!

Minnesota Energy Resources water savings

Sign up here:

http://cashrebatesnow.com

Want more tips on how to save money on water heating in your home? Check out my guide here:

10 ways save money water heating

For more ways to save money and energy in your home:

10 Simple Ways to Save Money and Energy at Home

10 Ways to Save Money Running Your Dishwasher

10 Ways to Save Money Heating Your Home

3 Ways a New ENERGY STAR Certified Washing Machine can Save You Money

 

Plus teach your kids about smart energy use with their e-SMARTkids website:

https://minnesotaenergyresources.e-smartkids.com/kids/

Minnesota Energy Resources SmartKids

For more information about rebates available to Minnesota Energy Resources customers, visit their website.

Not a Minnesota Energy Resources customer? Check with your energy provider for similar freebies and rebates!

(Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% mine.)

Twin Cities Newspaper Subscription Deals

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Looking for Newspaper Discounts?

Check out my video about my exclusive local newspaper subscription deals and see below for details!

Star Tribune Practically-for-Free Quarantine Special

Star Tribune Sunday

I am excited to announce my new exclusive deals for Star Tribune newspaper subscriptions!

Right now, you can get 13 weeks of Sunday home delivery plus unlimited digital access for only $20.02 – plus you’ll get a gift card in the mail for $19 to either Cub Foods or Menards (your choice)!!!

That means your total cost after gift card is only $1.02, so it’s practically free!

Cub Menards Gift Cards

And the gift card really is a gift card, not a coupon. So you don’t have to spend a minimum amount to use it. It’s literally like cash to use in the store!

This deal is only for new subscribers, meaning you haven’t had an active subscription for the past 30 days.

However, if you are a current subscriber, there are other deals you can sign up for!

Here’s how to get the deal (or another deal if you’re currently a subscriber):

  1. Click on my special link to sign up.
  2. Enter your name and contact information. Make sure you read the subscription terms!
  3. Choose in the drop-down box which $19 gift card you want – Cub Foods or Menards.
  4. Click submit and then call Face to Face Solutions at 651-735-5927 to verify your order and make your payment by phone.  

THEN, here’s what to expect:

  1. You’ll receive your gift card by mail within the next 3 weeks. With the gift card will be a receipt and information about your order.
  2. Your subscription will begin soon.
  3. Toward the end of the 13 weeks, you will get a bill for renewal for the regular price, which will continue unless you call 612-673-4343 to cancel. At this point, do one of two things – pay the invoice or call to stop at the end of the offer.

If you live OUTSIDE the Twin Cities metro area:

If you live outside the 13-county metro area, your cost will be slightly higher. It will be $26.52 instead of $20.02. You will still get a gift card. Be sure to check the appropriate box.

[Read more…]

5 Reasons to Pick Up the Free Food from Your Child’s School District

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5 Reasons School Food

(Update: School meals are FREE to ALL students through 2022! Read about that here or on your child’s school district website.)

I previously shared a guide to finding free meals for your kids and family in Minnesota during this time of quarantine. A major source of this food is school districts around the state and nation. We’ve been picking up this free food since shortly after it started.

The above picture shows a sampling of what my kids get from their school. I drive up and am given a paper bag with food for each child. Typically they just put it directly in my trunk, no questions asked (other than “For how many kids?”). The food is different every week, but always includes main entrees, fruits, vegetables, snacks and milk. There are also treats – today they got cookies!

The food is distributed twice a week in our district, but it’s enough to last a week. Other districts have pickup every day or at set times during the week. There are also ways to get the food dropped off near your home by bus, which some districts are offering.

[Read more…]

Coronavirus Financial Relief & Resources for Minnesota Families

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Coronavirus Relief and Resources for Minnesota Families

Coronavirus Financial Relief & Resources for Minnesota Families

*Be sure to check back for updates as more resources are added*

The Coronavirus has affected all of us, and will continue to do so in the coming weeks and months.

Many families are struggling financially because of decreased work and pay, while many others are looking for help caring and educating their kids at home due to schools closing for weeks.

Stores are bare – not just toilet paper bare, but eggs, meat and other staples are often wiped out. (Tip: To get toilet paper, go to a store like Cub or Aldi when it first opens in the morning!)

But there’s good news! Some companies are stepping up to provide free help to get through this time, and there are many new resources popping up every day.

Here is a roundup of what I’ve found so far – though I will update this as it grows. Please share any more that I should add to this list, and JOIN THE DISCUSSIONS on my Facebook page and in my group, Minnesota Money-Saving Moms!

Information and Resources

Cancellations – A list of cancellations in the Twin Cities that is being updated daily.

Center for Disease Control – Latest guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC)

Minnesota Department of Health · Situation Update for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-10).

Minnesota Unemployment Insurance – If your employment has been affected by COVID-19, you can apply for unemployment benefits. You can also qualify if you can’t work due to lack of child care. Be sure to apply online vs. by phone if you can.

MNsure – If your employment changes, you could qualify for free or reduced-cost health insurance.

Facebook groups

There are a lot of helpful discussions happening right now in these groups, and many resources are being shared as they become available.

Helping Hands MN – People sharing items with others in need. Post what you need and what you can share.

MN Parents of K-12 Covid-19 Support – A new (and quickly growing) Facebook group for Minnesota families.

Minnesota Resource Connection – People sharing local resources for food, housing and more.

Minnesota Money-Saving Moms – My group of 1200+ budget-minded moms around the state.

[Read more…]

Kids Bowl Free – 2 Free Games for Kids Every Day All Summer Long!

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It’s March, and we’ve had some warm days that have been making me think more and more of summer.

(July 2020 update – Yes, many bowling centers are open and are still participating in Kids Bowl Free! Check the KidsBowlFree.com website or with the bowling centers nearest you.)

I know many things including camps are already enrolling for the summer, but if you’re looking for free fun for your kids this summer too, sign them up for FREE bowling at KidsBowlFree.com!

Kids Bowl Free is a program designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer. Select schools and bowling centers around the country participate each year, including dozens in Minnesota! Here is a screenshot of most of them:

Yes – this is a real deal!

It’s simple – just register (for free) on their website by clicking on your state, then choose the bowling center that’s most convenient for your kids. Then you’ll fill out information and coupons will be emailed to your email address. Only parents can register kids, and only one bowling center can be chosen per account. Each bowling center has its own age limit for kids to be eligible.

There is also a family pass you can purchase which has been available for as low as $29.95. The family pass covers up to 4 adult family members, so adults can bowl with their kids, too!

In most cases, standard shoe rental fees apply.

Over 21 million kids have participated so far. Definitely worth signing up for some free fun for your kids this summer!

Free Valleyfair Pre-K Pass for 2020 for Children Ages 3-5 (Now Available)

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Valleyfair Pre-K Pass

Families with preschoolers, register for this now!

The FREE Valleyfair Pre-K Pass for 2020 is now available! With this pass your 3 – 5 year-old can get in to Valleyfair and Soak City for FREE during the 2020 season.

Register online by June 21, 2020. Then bring your child to the park to activate their pass by June 28, 2020! Your child must be present and proof of age (original or copy of birth certificate or travel passport) will be required.

Note that kids must be age 3 – 5 at the time of activation, so for example, if your child is 5, be sure to register and activate their pass before they turn 6.

Valleyfair Pre-K Pass

If you had the Pre-K Pass last year, you can now renew online!

(Note: Adults need to buy their own passes. Check my site regularly for any discounts I find!)

Valleyfair started offering this pass in 2017 and it’s been super popular so don’t miss out!

Black Friday Price Comparison Sheet 2019

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Black Friday Price Comparison Sheet 2019

Black Friday deals are here!

Navigating all the Black Friday deals can be so overwhelming (especially since some are starting now!). That’s why I’m excited to offer a Black Friday Price Comparison Sheet for you, which will be updated regularly!

Some tips:

  • To open in a new window, click here.
  • Use “CTRL F” and type in a keyword (aka: iPad) to quickly find what you’re looking for on this huge spreadsheet!
  • Depending on your screen size, you may need to scroll side to side to see the prices and content on the right side of the spreadsheet.
  • NOTE: This is a NATIONAL list, so some stores like BJ’s may not be available near you. Most including Best Buy, Five Below, Walmart and Costco have locations in the Twin Cities area.

To open in a new window click here.

TIPS:

  • Black Friday & Cyber Monday are always the best days for toy deals
  • A toy that’s at least 50% on Black Friday is most likely not going to get cheaper during the holiday season
  • Towels and sheets are at unbeatably low prices right now (for example, $2.99 bath towels at JCPenney, regularly $10)

When do stores open?

Most have not announced their hours yet for 2019.

THESE WERE LAST YEAR’S HOURS – to be updated for 2019:

Open on Thanksgiving (in 2018):

6am   KMart

7am   Big Lots

8am  Walgreens

2pm  JcPenney
Shopko

4pm  Old Navy
GameStop

5pm  
Bed, Bath & Beyond
Best Buy
Macy’s
Target
Kohl’s
Gordmans

6pm  Walmart
Sears
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Five Below
Michael’s
ULTA

Stores Closed on Thanksgiving (in 2018) include:

Ace Hardware
Ann Taylor
Barnes & Noble
Burlington
Cost Plus World Market
DSW
Hobby Lobby
IKEA
The Home Depot
Marshalls
Menards
Office Depot/Office Max
Sportsman’s Warehouse
Staples

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that help support this site at no cost to you.)