(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 Works Museum Discount Tickets!
Temporarily closed for renovation
- Regular admission is $11.00 per person, but you can get admission for $9.00 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!
Yes, they’re open! And 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 IN-PERSON. You can also use that code to save $20 on a membership either in-person or online. (Note that my code is only good for ticket purchases in-person at this time due to COVID restrictions. Just mention my code when you purchase your tickets.)
- 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! (Note that many locations are closed right now.)
And check out my list of Free or Discounted Admission Programs for Limited Income Families in Minnesota! Note: Check before you go as many have updated their offerings since COVID began.
November 2022
Scarecrow Trail. October 27th – November 2nd. Community Park (641 East County Road F), Vadnais Heights.
Jack O Lantern Spectacular. Through November 5th. Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley.
Free A1c Screenings. November 1 – 15. At 50 Hy-Vee locations.
November Events by Date
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1
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.
Toddler Tuesdays. 11:00am. Mall of America Live event. Check their website for each week’s schedule. Purchase your Toddler Tuesdays Wristbands for $14.99 + tax Every Tuesday on-site only.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:15am. 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!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5
TPT Be My Neighbor Day. Twin Cities PBS, 172 E 4th Street, Saint Paul, MN. Join us at the TPT studio in our Lowertown neighborhood for a 55-minute experience of educational activities, interactive media, joyful music, imaginative play, and of course, Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat! This event is free, but reservations are required.
Spotlight Science: Brain Power. 10:00am – 2:00pm. Bell Museum, St. Paul. Activities and events will be held throughout the museum and are included in the cost of regular admission.
Free First Saturday: Offerings. 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 on-site on the event day from the Main Lobby desk; quantities are limited.
Maple Grove’s Holidaze Craft & Gift Expo. 10:00am – 3:00pm. Maple Grove Community Center, Maple Grove. Let’s bring in the holidays with a craft and gift expo!! With over 90 of Minnesota’s best handmade crafters and vendors to shop, there will be something for everyone and all ages!
MN Christmas Market. 10:00am – 4:00pm. Union Depot, St. Paul. Pop-up Christmas market happening November 5 & 6!
Fabfest in Anoka. 10:00am – 4:00pm. Downtown Anoka. Join us for a fabulous day in Anoka! Participating businesses will have in-store specials and a mystery prize (min. value of $50).
FREE Stranger Awareness Clinic. 11:00am. American Top Team, Savage. Ages 5-9. Saturday Nov. 5th, 11am. Free pizza and bounce house after clinic. Only accepting 14 children to make this a quality, educational clinic.
Saturday Afternoon Tours in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. While you’re at Free First Saturday, stay for free tours!
Night Trains. 3:00 – 7:00pm. Twin City Model Railroad Museum, St. Paul. Tickets may be purchased online at tcmrm.eventbrite.com or at the door. Kids under the age of 4 are free.
CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER: Heavy Metal Dine-In. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Extreme Sandbox, Hastings.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Free First Sunday. Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul. Sign up asap! These “sell” out fast.
Free First Sunday. Spark Children’s Museum, Rochester.
MN Christmas Market. 10:00am – 4:00pm. Union Depot, St. Paul. Pop-up Christmas market happening November 5 & 6!
November Alpaca Open House. 12:00 – 4:00pm. Whispering Oaks Alpacas, Prior Lake.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9
EPC Kids: Teddy Bear Clinic. 9:00am – 10:30am. Eden Prairie Center, Eden Prairie. Bring your favorite teddy or other stuffed animal to patch up and take the scare out of visiting the doctor. Check their height, weight, and receive a certificate that shows they are happy and healthy.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:15am. 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!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Kids Yoga with Miss Lydia- English and Spanish. 10:30am – 11:30am. Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis. Free!
Free JcPenney Kids Zone Craft. 11:00am – 12:00pm at participating JCPenney locations. Parents get a 10% off coupon.
Second Saturdays Open Studios & Galleries. 12:00 – 6:00pm. Solar Arts Building, Minneapolis. Each month on the Second Saturday a few us art buildings pop open our studios & galleries for y’all to take a peek.
Harvest-tober Fest. 4:00pm. 12000 Central Park Way N, Maple Grove. Featuring local craft and food vendors, food trucks, live music, and of course, beer!
Rice Park Tree Lighting Celebration. 5:30pm. Rice Park, St. Paul.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Sensory Friendly Sunday. 8:00 – 11:00am. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. Sensory Friendly Sunday is a monthly event designed for kids, teens, and adults with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental disabilities.
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.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Ruby’s Pantry Food Distribution. 4:30pm. Bring $25 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!
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Toddler Tuesdays. 11:00am. Mall of America Live event. Check their website for each week’s schedule. Purchase your Toddler Tuesdays Wristbands for $14.99 + tax Every Tuesday on-site only.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17
FREE reusable red cup at Starbucks today with holiday drink purchase! You can then use the reusable cup to get $.10 off future drink orders plus earn 25 free stars in your Starbucks account!
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:15am. 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 American Swedish Institute. Admission is FREE 3-8pm. 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN.
55407
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, NOVEMBER 18
November Taste of Sam’s Club. At Sam’s Club locations. Sample foods daily from 12:00 – 5:00pm!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19
Sensory Friendly Saturday at Bell Museum. 8:00 – 10:00am. Bell Museum, St. Paul.
Santa visits the Zoo. 10:00am – 2:00pm. Hemker Park Zoo, near St. Cloud.
The Santa Experience begins at the Mall of America.
Holiday Artisan Market. 10:00am – 3:00pm. 307 East River Parkway, Champlin.
Santa Claus at JBF Coon Rapids. 10:30am – 12:30pm. Just Between Friends Maple Grove and Coon Rapids.
November Taste of Sam’s Club. At Sam’s Club locations. Sample foods daily from 12:00 – 5:00pm!
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Minnesota Reptile Show. 10:00am – 4:00pm. 7800 Normandale Boulevard, Minneapolis.
November Taste of Sam’s Club. At Sam’s Club locations. Sample foods daily from 12:00 – 5:00pm!
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21
FREE tickets now available for Free First Sunday at the Minnesota Children’s Museum, November 6th.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 THANKSGIVING
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25 BLACK FRIDAY
Check out my Black Friday Price Comparison Sheet 2022!
European Christmas Market. 4:00 – 9:00pm. Union Depot, St. Paul. The European Christmas Market in St. Paul is the most authentic traditional holiday market of its kind in Minnesota, offering a unique shopping experience, family-friendly entertainment & intercultural activities. It is an admission-free public event based on the festive open-air Christkindl Markets that spring up in Germany, Austria, and other European countries during the Advent season.
Waconia Tree Lighting. 6:00pm. City Square Park, Waconia.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26
Christmas at Folsom House. 10:00am – 7:00pm. 272 W. Government St. Taylors Falls. Enjoy a self-guided tour of Folsom House decorated for the holidays during the Lighting Festival weekend in Taylors Falls.
European Christmas Market. 10:00 – 8:00pm. Union Depot, St. Paul. The European Christmas Market in St. Paul is the most authentic traditional holiday market of its kind in Minnesota, offering a unique shopping experience, family-friendly entertainment & intercultural activities. It is an admission-free public event based on the festive open-air Christkindl Markets that spring up in Germany, Austria, and other European countries during the Advent season.
Black Friday & Small Business Saturday. 11:00am – 5:00pm. Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis.
Strolling Santa. 1:00 – 3:30pm. Woodbury Lakes, Woodbury.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27
European Christmas Market. 11:00 – 6:00pm. Union Depot, St. Paul. The European Christmas Market in St. Paul is the most authentic traditional holiday market of its kind in Minnesota, offering a unique shopping experience, family-friendly entertainment & intercultural activities. It is an admission-free public event based on the festive open-air Christkindl Markets that spring up in Germany, Austria, and other European countries during the Advent season.
Sundays at Landmark: Saint Paul Civic Symphony Concert. 1:00 – 3:00pm. Landmark Center, St. Paul. The gorgeous sounds of the St. Paul Civic Symphony will fill the Musser Cortile during its first concert of the season. This event is free for attendees!
Christmas at Folsom House. 1:00pm – 4:00pm. 272 W. Government St. Taylors Falls. Enjoy a self-guided tour of Folsom House decorated for the holidays during the Lighting Festival weekend in Taylors Falls.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Toddler Tuesdays. 11:00am. Mall of America Live event. Nick Jr. Halloween Bash today! Purchase your Toddler Tuesdays Wristbands for $14.99 + tax Every Tuesday on-site only.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:15am. 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 American Swedish Institute. Admission is FREE 3-8pm. 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN.
55407
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.
Kids eat FREE Sundays at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit locations. 1 Free Kid’s Meal per paid adult meal of equal or greater value. 12 and under. Must order from Kid’s Meals. Not valid with other offers or promotions.
Kids eat FREE at Kona Grill. Up to 2 free kids meals with purchase of an adult meal from 2pm to close.
EVERY MONDAY
Tail Time at Wild Rumpus. Wild Rumpus Books, 2720 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis. 10:30am. Stories for the wee!
EVERY TUESDAY
Toddler Tuesdays.11:00am. Mall of America Live event. Check their website for each week’s schedule. Purchase your Toddler Tuesdays Wristbands for $14.99 + tax Every Tuesday on-site only.
EVERY WEDNESDAY
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
Midtown Global Market -“Family Fridays” starting at 5:00pm.
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 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.
MORE FUN & RESOURCES
Science Museum Learn at Home. The museum IS OPEN but also has a website with many at-home learning activities.
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 Food for Kids and Families or see list below.
