Deals & Events Calendar - Twin Cities Frugal Mom

(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 of these 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

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 through March 27th.

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!

March Ongoing Events

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! (Temporarily closed)

Minneapolis Home & Garden Show. Feb 26 – March 1.

Museum of Memories opens March 6th at the Mall of America. Read about our SNEAK PEEK experience!

Twin Cities Auto Show. March 7 – 15. Minneapolis Convention Center. (Read about my awesome “girls'” experience in 2018!) Cancelled

March Events by Date

SUNDAY, MARCH 1

Peter Rabbit at the Minnesota Zoo. 11:00am – 3:00pm. Minnesota Zoo. Hop hop hooray – the lovable rogue is back in PETER RABBIT 2: THE RUNAWAY! Come meet Peter Rabbit on his next adventure to Mall of America. Peter will be available for photo ops + there will be free family-fun activities for all. Don’t miss Peter Rabbit when he hops into theaters this Easter!

Family Day. 12:00pm – 5:00pm. American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis. Cost: Included in museum admission. No registration required. Celebrate the opening weekend of extra/ordinary with a day of fun for all ages.

MONDAY, MARCH 2

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.

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.

Rock-n-Roll Story Time w/ Engineer Paul! 10:30am. Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, 2050 Marshall Ave, Saint Paul. A Rockin, Train-tastic story time with Engineer Paul! It’s educational & interactive! Come hear stories, songs, and jokes about….TRAINS! Free parking behind the store.

TUESDAY, MARCH 3

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.

THURSDAY, MARCH 5

Just Between Friends Spring Kids Consignment Sale. 12737 Riverdale Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids. 10:00am – 7:00pm. Opening Day at JBF Coon Rapids Spring Children’s & Maternity Sale! (Click here for a FREE admission ticket.)

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/

FRIDAY, MARCH 6

Just Between Friends Spring Kids Consignment Sale. 12737 Riverdale Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids. 10:00am – 7:00pm.

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.

Mardi Gras Passholder Party! Crayola Experience Annual Passholders enjoy exclusive access to all 24 attractions from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. during this Mardi Gras themed event! 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)

Junie B. Jones the Musical. 7:00pm. St.Thomas More Catholic School, 1065 Summit Ave, Saint Paul. A full cast of 60 students in grades K-8 will keep you entertained you in this heartwarming production which follows the adventures of a precocious first-grader, Junie B., as she navigates the classroom, the playground, and everywhere in between! Relive the excitement (and fears!) of first grade in this musical that’s fun for the whole family! (Adults: $10; Kids: $5) Buy your tickets now! moretheater.brownpapertickets.com .

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

Just Between Friends Spring Kids Consignment Sale. 12737 Riverdale Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids. 10:00am – 7:00pm. Cat Boy and Gekko will visit for photo opportunities from 10:30am – 12:30pm.

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.

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.

Kids, Family, & Home Expo. 9:00am – 2:00pm. Savage Sports Center, Savage. The FREE event will feature a DJ, inflatables, games, and plenty of activities for kids, while providing families the opportunity to connect with and learn about local businesses for home improvement, youth activities, health care, and more!

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.

Free Drop-In Discovery Stations. 10:00am – 12:00pm. Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Rd, White Bear Lake.

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!

Minnesota Parent’s Camp Fair. 10:00am – 2:00pm. Como Zoo.

Free Family Fun Day: Mama Went to Jail for the Vote. 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. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Free Family Fun Day: Crafts, Candy, & History at the Goodhue County History Center. On Saturday, February 1st, visit the History Center and create a variety of fun Valentine’s Day gifts and cards—including a Peanuts-themed paper airplane—while learning the history behind the famous Hallmark holiday. The program begins at 12 PM and runs until the museum closes at 3 PM.

March 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, MARCH 8

Just Between Friends Spring Kids Consignment Sale. 12737 Riverdale Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids. 10:00am – 7:00pm. Half Price Bargains! *All items without a star will be 50% off today! PLUS – the Bazillions will be performing Kid-Friendly Rock and Roll from 10:30am – 11:30am! The Bazillions are the creation of Twin Cities’ parents/educators/singer-songwriters Adam and Kristin Marshall.

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 “Rock the Cradle” – see below!

Rock the Cradle. 11:00am – 4:30pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art. The Current’s annual free, no-ticket-required Rock the Cradle event for kids and their grownups to explore music, art and culture returns Sunday, March 8 to the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Enjoy annual favorites such as the Kids’ Disco Dance Party with Twinkle the mascot, Pop Up Story Time with The Current’s DJs, live music from The Jolly Pops, and more. Find sponsor activities spread throughout the museum, including singalongs and stories in the Amazing Kid Zone from Children’s Minnesota, an art activity for Mia’s Family Day, Classical Kids Storytime and lots more. Fuel up with free snacks from GoGo squeeZ and get a caffeine boost from Peace Coffee. Rock the Cradle is perfect for kids up to age 8.

Urban Expedition: Indonesia. The Landmark Center, St. Paul. 1:00 – 3:00pm. FREE. Children and adults alike receive a travel “passport” that will be stamped for each country in the series. Along with music and dance, each Urban Expedition features live animals native to the featured country, and language lessons.

MONDAY, MARCH 9

FRIDAY, MARCH 13

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

Kids’ Used Clothing & Equipment Sale. 10:00am – 3:00pm. Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan. $2 (for the public) On sale at 9:00am. MVMOM is a not for profit community organization. All proceeds from the sale go back to support our members–mothers of multiples. 100+ SELLERS! Thousands of items! Cancelled.

Family Adventure Fest. 10:00am – 5:00pm. Ridgedale Center, Minnetonka. Fun day with the family! Fun and entertainment will include:
~~-Dancing the day away to some sweet DJ beats~~
~~-Corda Mór Irish dancers performances~~
~~-Get adventurous with crafts, wall climbing, archery and more~~
~~-Capture memorable photo ops~~

Postponed

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

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. Temporarily closed

MONDAY, MARCH 16

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. Temporarily closed

THURSDAY, MARCH 19

Free Third Thursday. 6:00 – 9:00pm. This month’s theme: Women and Femmes to the Front. 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. Cancelled

Movies Under the Domes: The Lion King. 6:30pm. Minneapolis Convention Center. Four dates. Four movies. For FREE! Powered by Pepsi, these movies are open to the public for FREE admission. Snacks & beverages available for purchase prior to each showing. The first 100 people through the doors will receive a free Pepsi gift!

FRIDAY, MARCH 20

SATURDAY, MARCH 21

Minefaire, an Official Minecraft Community Event. RiverCentre, St. Paul. Get discounted tickets! Cancelled

SUNDAY, MARCH 22

Minefaire, an Official Minecraft Community Event. RiverCentre, St. Paul. Get discounted tickets! Cancelled

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.

Urban Expedition: Poland & Hungary. The Landmark Center, St. Paul. 1:00 – 3:00pm. FREE. Children and adults alike receive a travel “passport” that will be stamped for each country in the series. Along with music and dance, each Urban Expedition features live animals native to the featured country, and language lessons.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

Maple Syruping Festival. 10:00am – 1:00pm. Three Rivers Park District – French Regional Park
12605 Rockford Rd, Plymouth. Tap a tree, collect sap and watch it boil down. Sample the park’s natural sweetness wit pancakes. Drop in anytime, all ages encouraged to attend!

Bunny Bash – Welcome The Easter Bunny! Eden Prairie Center. Join Eden Prairie Center and the Twin Cities Road Crew on March 28 from 10-1pm for our annual Bunny Bash. The event is located in the Lower Level Barnes and Nobel Court. We will have music, dancing, crafts, games and giveaways! Kids of all ages welcome. The first 50 kids that attend the event will receive a FREE pair of Bunny Ears.

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.