(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. 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.
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 “member 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
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/
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!
January Ongoing Events
Night Trains. Twin City Model Railroad Museum. Saturdays through February 29th. Admission to this special show is $15.00 per person and FREE for children age four and under.
Ice Castles. Open January 17th! Save $2 per admission with my code! More here.
Hot Wheels: Race to Win. Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul. January 18 – May 24. Don’t forget to use my discount code “TCFM” to save $2 per ticket every day online!
Bartz Snow Sculptures. January 5 – February 4. We are excited to unveil this year’s snow sculpture. Walvis the Whale! Invite your friends, it will be fun! FREE stickers & postcards for everyone. We are raising money for clean water in Niger & Uganda in Africa. A $25 donation will make Walvis blow steam 🙂 (If there is someone out at the sculpture)
FREE Admission for Preschoolers at the Crayola Experience Mall of America. Weekdays January 13 – February 28.
St. Paul Winter Carnival! January 23 – February 2.
January Events by Date
SATURDAY, JANUARY 4
Read It Down! Ramsey County Libraries/All Day. Hey kids and teens – got fines or fees? Read them away! Visit any Ramsey County Library on the first Saturday of every month to participate. Earn $1 for every 15 minutes you spend reading.
Indoor Winter Market. 10:00am. Mill City Museum, Minneapolis. Shop from over 40 local farmers, food makers and artists for holiday meals, unique handmade gifts and weekly groceries. Mill City Farmers Market is your trusted source for healthy, local and organic food all year round. January 4 & 18.
Free Kids Workshop at Home Depot – 9:00am -12:00pm. FREE hands-on workshops; designed for children ages 5 – 12. Offered the 1st Saturday of every month at all The Home Depot stores. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin. One workshop kit, apron and pin per child. Scheduled on a first come, first served basis, so be sure to register online.
Free Drop-In Discovery Stations. 10:00am – 12:00pm. Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Rd, White Bear Lake. “Owls Up Close.”
FREE FIRST SATURDAY FAMILY DAY at the Walker Art Center from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Family activities scheduled from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Activities are recommended for ages 6-12. Each month has a different theme!
Really, Really Free Market. 1:00 – 3:00pm. East Phillips Park, 2307 17th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN. Everything here is FREE: clothes, toys, household items, food, art, and company. Bring things, take things, share with your neighbors! Just offer what you’d like to give and take what you would like to receive.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 5
Free Family Fun Day: Cabin Fever. 12:00 – 3:00pm. Goodhue County Historical Society, 1166 Oak St, Red Wing. Get out of the House and come Join us at the History Center for our Free Family Fun Day. This month is Cabin Fever Edition. Being stuck inside during the winter is no fun, so come join us at the Goodhue County History Center from 12:00– 3:00. There will be old time games and an art activity from Art Reach! Also join us in our group coloring project of a paper quilt collage.
MONDAY, JANUARY 6
FARE FOR ALL Warehouse Sale in New Hope. 9:30am-7:00pm. Low cost groceries! Takes place on the first Monday of the month. There are other opportunities to get discounted groceries though. See my review for more information.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 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.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10
Free Pet Food Distribution. 3:00pm. St. Paul City Middle School, 643 Virginia St, Saint Paul. The Community Outreach department at AHS has partnered with St. Stephanus Church, Second Harvest Heartland and the Frogtown Neighborhood Association to continue bringing free pet food into the Frogtown Community. Each household will receive ONE FREE gallon-sized bag of dog and/or cat food. All locations are first come, first serve — while supplies last.
Annual Passholder Night! Pajama Party. 6:00 – 8:00pm. Crayola Experience, Mall of America. Save on tickets and membership on my site:
- 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)
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12
Sensory Friendly Mornings. 9:00am. Como Zoo. Head there from 9-10 a.m. for an inclusive experience at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. Spend time exploring exhibits, and activities designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Use the “social narrative” and the “create your own visual schedule” to help prepare you for your Autism Friendly Early Entry day.
FREE “TARGET FAMILY DAY”at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts from 11:00am to 5:00pm. This is a free monthly event for families, kids, and the young at heart. This month’s theme is “Warm and Fuzzy.”
SUNDAY, JANUARY 13
Pre K Mondays. 9:00am – Noon. The Works Museum, Bloomington. Our Pre K Mondays feature special activities just for kids ages 3 to 5 and their adult companions. Kids are natural engineers – experience the amazing fun of hands-on engineering together! Encourage your Pre K student to explore his or her curiosity and design, build, and create. No registration needed! Half price admission ($4.25) for kids from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Grown-up admission is $9.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15
Sensory Friendly Mornings. 9:00am. Como Zoo. Head there from 9-10 a.m. for an inclusive experience at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. Spend time exploring exhibits, and activities designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Use the “social narrative” and the “create your own visual schedule” to help prepare you for your Autism Friendly Early Entry day.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16
Free Third Thursday. This month’s theme: Made in Minnesota. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art. On the third Thursday of every month, join us to experience Mia’s diverse art collection with unique programs, drinks, and live music. Third Thursday events are FREE and open to the public.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17
Free Pet Food Distribution. 3:00pm. St. Paul City Middle School, 643 Virginia St, Saint Paul. The Community Outreach department at AHS has partnered with St. Stephanus Church, Second Harvest Heartland and the Frogtown Neighborhood Association to continue bringing free pet food into the Frogtown Community. Each household will receive ONE FREE gallon-sized bag of dog and/or cat food. All locations are first come, first serve — while supplies last.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19
Target Free 3rd Sunday. Minnesota Children’s Museum. Thanks to the generosity of Target Corporation, visitors can roam the museum free of charge, every third Sunday of each month, from 9 a.m. 5 p.m.
MONDAY, JANUARY 20 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Free admission to National Parks, Thrift Store Sales and more!
FREE Admission to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. 8:00am – 5:00pm. FREE admission on the 3rd Monday of each month. Visitor Center and buildings close at 4:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24
Pet Food Distribution. 3:30pm – 5:00pm. 200 Arch St E, St Paul, MN. The Community Outreach department at AHS has partnered with Twin Cities Mobile Market to bring free pet food into the community.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25
Minnetonka Fire Family Fun Day. 10:00am – 1:00pm. City Of Minnetonka Fire Department Station 1, 14550 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka. Meet Minnetonka firefighters, check out our fire trucks and take a turn on our 20-foot inflatable slide! To top it all off, we’ll be serving delicious firehouse chili and hot cider.
The Great Mystery Soda Challenge! 10:00am – 6:00pm. Blue Sun Soda Shop, 1625 County Highway 10, Spring Lake Park.
2020 Lake Harriet Kite Festival. 12:00 – 4:00pm. Minneapolis Kite Festival, 4135 W Harriet Pkwy. Kites of all shapes, sizes, colors, and themes will fly over frozen Lake Harriet. Other fun family activities at the festival include ice fishing, snowshoeing, fat biking, and a marshmallow roast.
Blaster Battles University of Minnesota. 1:00 – 3:00pm. Field House – University Of Minnesota, 1800 University Ave. SE. Project My Neighborhood is doing our 3rd annual Blaster Battles University of Minnesota. This event is in the University of Minnesota Fieldhouse on their new Turf Field. This is a fundraiser to help us pay for renting and promoting our Toys For Tots campaign we did in 2019. Tickets are $5-15.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26
Sensory Friendly Sunday! 9:00am – 12:00pm. Three Rivers Park District – French Regional Park, 12605 Rockford Rd, Plymouth. Join us from 9 AM – noon on the 4th Sunday of each month for Sensory Friendly Sundays. Explore the visitor center, play area, trails and picnic areas during calmer times.
MONDAY, JANUARY 27
Young Builder’s Club. 6:00 – 7:00pm. Code Ninjas (Eagan, MN), 3825 Cedar Grove Parkway, #S104, Eagan. The challenge: Build a dog house (or furry friend house) and the winning dog house will be featured in the window at the Lego store at the Mall of America. Builders will have one-hour to complete the challenge (we suggest arriving 15 minutes early to allow for check-in, signed waivers, etc. Cost is $12 per child. Please RSVP and you will be contacted.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30
Frozen Family Fun Night. 5:00 – 8:00pm. Join us on Thursday, January 30 from 5-8 p.m. at CHS Field for Frozen Family Fun Night. We’ll have snow princesses from Magical Moments, skating performances by Iceformance, and other family-friendly activities including foam/inflatable archery from the Scouts. Also, be on the lookout for our Junior Royalty and Mud, the Saint Paul Saints Mascot!
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.
