(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.)
Coronavirus UPDATE: Many events have been cancelled or may be cancelled before I can remove them here. Please check before going!
Have an event to add to this list? Please email me at twincitiesfrugalmom@gmail.com. Thanks!
EVERY DAY:
Get the LOWEST-PRICED Crayola Experience Mall of America Discount Tickets via my link!
EVERY DAY you can get DISCOUNT Crayola Experience Mall of America tickets through my special link! Tickets are $13.99 (regularly $21.99; save $8 per ticket!) THIS IS THE LOWEST PRICE OUT THERE!
- Just click on my personalized online store web link (URL) and enter the access code TCFM. (Or visit https://tickets.crayolaexperience.com and enter my personalized store name: Twin Cities Frugal Mom)
- You’ll be able to purchase and print the tickets right away, saving you time waiting at the entrance turnstiles and bypassing ticket booth lines! And they’re valid for up to a year.
Update: The Crayola Experience is closed temporarily due to the coronavirus. However, you can still purchase tickets through my link for a future visit – they are good for up to a year.
EVERY DAY: Get The Works Museum Discount Tickets!
EVERY DAY you can get DISCOUNTED tickets for The Works Museum in Bloomington with my special code! Tickets are $7.00 (regularly $9.00; save $2 per ticket!)
- Regular admission is $9.00 per person, but you can get admission for $7.00 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.
- You can also save on family memberships: $5 Off Family Memberships (includes Dual, Family, and Family Plus memberships only):
Use code FRUGAL5OFF at checkout. Purchase this at: https://theworks.org/hands-on-kids-museum/membership/. - Discounts are offered for special events if you buy tickets in advance. Follow their website and social media pages for updates.
- $4.50 admission for limited income families through their Gateway program
Update: The Works Museum is temporarily closed.
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 $2 per admission!
- Just go to mcm.org and use my code TCFM to save $2 per admission on tickets online.
- There’s so much to do at the Minnesota Children’s Museum! Check out my review here: https://www.twincitiesfrugalmom.com/2017/06/our-first-visit-new-minnesota-childrens-museum/
Update: The Minnesota Children’s Museum is temporarily closed.
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! The latest to be added to the list is the ALL NEW Bell Museum in St. Paul!
July
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum open for limited access. Chaska. (Free to members, $15 to visitors.)
Free Omnifest at Home. Watch free Omnifest movies at home (extended).
Free Build-a-Bear Virtual Workshops. Build-a-Bear is offering free Virtual Workshops every Wednesday! There are activities, crafts and free printables. See what’s already on their website.
Many events have been cancelled or postponed. For resources, please see my guide, Coronavirus Financial Relief & Resources for Minnesota Families.
For online Minnesota fun, see my guide, Free Minnesota Printables, LiveCams and Activities to Do at Home.
For free meals, see my guide Free Meals for Kids and Families or see list below.
July Events by Date
FRIDAY, JULY 3
Taste of the 4th of July Fair Food Vendors. Forest Lake American Legion, Stop by to taste that Fair Food that you have been missing….Great food finds inside the Legion!! July 3rd and 4th.
SATURDAY, JULY 4 Independence Day!
Looking for fireworks? WCCO has a great guide to the cities offering fireworks this year and which ones aren’t.
Taste of the 4th of July Fair Food Vendors. Forest Lake American Legion, Stop by to taste that Fair Food that you have been missing….Great food finds inside the Legion!! July 3rd and 4th.
TUESDAY, JULY 7
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.
Ruby’s Pantry Food Distribution. 4:30pm. Bring $20 and 2 large totes for an ABUNDANCE of food. No income or residency required. ALL WELCOME! Doors open at 4:30. Walk in or register online for less waiting (just show up 15 mins before your timeslot). Go to https://rubyspantry.org/product/bloomington-mn/.Read about my experience here!
SATURDAY, JULY 11
Dakota County Fair Food Weekend. 11:00am – 6:00pm. Dakota County Fair, 4008 220th St W, Farmington. July 11 – 12.
SUNDAY, JULY 12
Virtual Family Day: Making Home. 11:00am – 5:00pm. Hosted by the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Every second Sunday of the month, Mia hosts a free monthly event for families, kids, and the young at heart featuring hands-on art activities, live music, dance performances, artist demonstrations, family tours and more — all inspired by Mia’s incredible collection. Although the museum’s doors are closed for the safety of our community, we can still gather virtually!
Dakota County Fair Food Weekend. 11:00am – 6:00pm. Dakota County Fair, 4008 220th St W, Farmington. July 11 – 12.
FRIDAY, JULY 24
Free Extreme Sandbox Drive Thru Show. 11:00am & 1:00pm. Free to park, but you can buy tickets for front row reserved seats from $15 – 50. These do sell out though. Check their website regularly as new shows have been continually added.
SATURDAY, JULY 25
Free Extreme Sandbox Drive Thru Show. 9:00am, 11:00am & 1:00pm. Free to park, but you can buy tickets for front row reserved seats from $15 – 50. These do sell out though. Check their website regularly as new shows have been continually added.
Dakota County Fair Food Weekend. 11:00am – 6:00pm. Dakota County Fair, 4008 220th St W, Farmington. July 11 – 12.
SUNDAY, JULY 26
Dakota County Fair Food Weekend. 11:00am – 6:00pm. Dakota County Fair, 4008 220th St W, Farmington. July 11 – 12.
EVERY SUNDAY
Free Family Fun Day at the Carl Kroening Interpretive Center in North Mississippi Regional Park (part of the Three Rivers park district). 1:00-3:00pm. A different theme each week!
Kids eat FREE Sundays at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit locations. 1 Free Kid’s Meal per paid adult meal of equal or greater value. Dine-in only. 12 and under. Must order from Kid’s Meals. Not valid with other offers or promotions. (Dickey’s also offers FREE ice cream with any dine-in purchase, every day!) There are 10+ Dickey’s locations in the Twin Cities area.
EVERY MONDAY
Tail Time at Wild Rumpus. Wild Rumpus Books, 2720 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis. 10:30am. Stories for the wee!
EVERY TUESDAY
Mall of America “Toddler Tuesdays” from 10:00am to Noon. Events, free entertainment and discounts for toddlers.
Minnesota History Center – Admission is free every Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 8:00pm.
EVERY WEDNESDAY
Midtown Global Market -“Wee Wednesdays” from 10:30-11:15am. Fun, entertaining and educational FREE programming for kids 5 years and younger. Every week it’s something different – music, puppet shows, cooking, and more! See their website for schedule.
Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing Hangar and Museum. Open to the public 10:00am-4:00pm. (Wednesdays and Saturdays) South St. Paul. Admission is free of charge.
EVERY THURSDAY
Storytime in the Library. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. 10:30 a.m. every Thursday in Andersen Horticultural Library, Snyder Building. Enjoy stories for the young and the young at heart! (Gate admission is $12.00 per adult, free for kids 12 and under.)
Goodwill thrift stores offer 50% off children’s clothing.
Walker Art Museum – Gallery Admission is free from 5:00-9:00pm.
EVERY FRIDAY
Family Night at the Midtown Global Market. Every Friday night from 5:00 – 8:00pm. Free live music, a children’s play area, and free balloons for the first 50 children. Businesses will validate your parking (for up to three hours) with purchase if you park in the 10th Avenue parking ramp.
EVERY SATURDAY
Free Nature Rocks! Outdoor Center Open House. Eden Prairie. 9:00 – 12:00. Enjoy free family-friendly activities such as hiking, hands-on interaction with live animals, craft projects and more! Every Saturday!
Free Kids Club Workshops at Michael’s stores. 10:00am.
Saturday Live! at the St. Paul Public Library. FREE. 11:15am to Noon.
Free children’s craft activity at Lakeshore Learning Stores. 11:00am to 3:00pm. Ages 3 and up. No reservation necessary.
Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing Hangar and Museum. Open to the public 10:00am-4:00pm. (Wednesdays and Saturdays) South St. Paul. Admission is free of charge.
