(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.)
COVID 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 $17.50 (regularly $22.99 – $24.99) 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 “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. I’ll update when they open again!
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 online. You can also use that code to save $20 on a membership.
- 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! The latest to be added to the list is the ALL NEW Bell Museum in St. Paul!
January – February 2021
Mid Winter Fest. Apple Valley. January 29th – February 7th.
Snowflake Days. Coon Rapids. January 30th – February 14th.
Minnesota Drive-Thru Events in January & February 2021!
Night Trains. Twin City Model Railroad Museum, St. Paul. The museum is open each Saturday 10-2 for daytime hours and reopen from 3-7 for Night Trains! Regular Admission: $10.00, children 4 and under FREE! Family rates available. Night Trains Admission: $15 per guest, kids under the age of 4 are free. There will be no group rate for the 2020-2021 season due to COVID precautions. Tickets are sold in 2 hour blocks for each event. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum open by reservation only. Chaska. (Free to members, $15 to visitors.) Must make reservations.
Saint Paul Winter Carnival Drive-Thru Ice & Snow Sculpture Park! January 29th – February 7th, 2021. Tickets are $20 and up.
Ice Palace Maze. Starting January 22nd. Stillwater. Tickets are selling fast! Read our REVIEW here!
Anansi the Spider: Re-spun. Unicorn Theatre’s enormously popular digital theatre experience based on their five-star hit show about the infamous mischief-maker and master spinner of yarns (whose schemes don’t always go as planned!) Available January 11 – 31, 2021. Pay $50 for an All-Access Pass from the Children’s Theatre Company to view this and more.
Free Omnifest at Home. Watch free Omnifest movies at home (extended). Each vehicle is $20 (this includes sales tax). Be sure to purchase your ticket early for best choice of date and time.
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.
January – February Events by Date
Be sure to also check the guides above for holiday events!
Note that many events are currently on pause due to COVID restrictions, including Toddler Tuesdays at the Mall of America. I will add them back when they return.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 30
Virtual TwinsFest. Virtual TwinsFest, presented by Your Northland Ford Dealers, will be streamed live and free of charge, in its entirety, to all fans via the Twins’ Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 30; additionally, News Talk 830 WCCO will offer a live simulcast beginning at 11:00 a.m. and lasing through the event’s conclusion.
St. Paul Winter Carnival Virtual Family Day. For both Saturdays during Carnival (January 30 and February 6), families can gather ‘round their computers and smart TVs in the comfort and safety of their homes to participate in Family Day activities. Each day’s schedule will be filled with entertaining performances, educational seminars, arts and crafts lessons, storytelling sessions, and much more.
St. Paul Farmers Market. 9:00am – 1:00pm. 290 5th St E, St Paul. Locally grown foods: root veggies, mushrooms, micro greens, meats, eggs, baked goods, honey, syrups, sauces, salsas and more.
Winter Charm on the Farm. 11:00am – 3:00pm. 7367 360th Ave, Waseca. Discover the beauty of winter at Farmamerica! Explore our winter wonderland by horse-drawn sleigh, snowshoe, cross country ski or warm up by a fire. This is the first of two events – the second one is February 20th.
SnowBLAST. 3:00 – 6:00pm. Huset Park, Columbia Heights. Come one and all to the City’s newest annual winter celebration, SnowBLAST! This FREE family friendly event will include a skating rink, music, outdoor activities, and food and drink options. Celebrate Columbia Heights’ 100 year anniversary as we bring back ice skating at Huset East for this special event.
St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Live Stream. 8:00pm. Piano Quartets with Stewart Goodyear.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31
Ice Gardens. 1:00pm. Firemen’s Park, Chaska.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2
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 at Home: Dancercise Kids. 10:00am. Mall of America Virtual event.
Storytime on Facebook Live. 10:30am. Washington County Library. Join us on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for Facebook Live storytimes! We’re so excited to virtually sing, talk, read, write, and play with you.
Create Your Own Lunar New Year Kirigami 3-D Pop-up Card. 2:00 – 3:00pm. Virtual program offered by Dragonflies and Cards. FREE. Pick up kit in advance.
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!
Mid-Winter Melt. 6:00 – 8:00pm. Three Rivers Park District – Silverwood Park, St. Anthony. In the spirit of Groundhog Day, break out of your winter routine and join in an evening of spectacular shadows, mesmerizing lights and outdoor fun on frozen Silver Lake. Drop in any time from 6 to 8PM. Free. All ages.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Storytime on Facebook Live. 10:30am. Washington County Library. Join us on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for Facebook Live storytimes! We’re so excited to virtually sing, talk, read, write, and play with you.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4
St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Live Stream. 8:00pm. Piano Quartets with Stewart Goodyear – repeated.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Free Dental Care for Kids in Need. Free dental care services will be provided for children in need across Minnesota on Friday, February 5th and Saturday, February 6th, 2021.
2021 Hudson Hot Air Affair. February 5-7. Hudson, WI. The 2021 event will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual, including added virtual programing with balloons in the air, an evening drive through balloon glow and candlestick event and lots of fun. Some of the in-person events will not be possible, so we are working on creating virtual versions of these events. Some of the events will be presented in a different format, like the balloon glow and candlestick as a drive-thru event. We are partnering with the River Channel (Hudson/North Hudson community Access Television) to add virtual programs including film live video of balloon launches and the balloon glow and candlestick event.
Winter Recreation Sampler. 11:00am – 3:00pm. Keller Regional Park, Maplewood. Join us for free winter fun for all ages at Keller Regional Park! Experience kick-sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding and more.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Pick up a FREE Valentine’s Tic-Tac-Toe Game Kit for Kids at Home Depot! We picked ours up early which you can do if you ask customer service, otherwise stop by your local Home Depot on February 6th for these free kits. Note: You’ll need paint and tools as well.
Free Dental Care for Kids in Need. Free dental care services will be provided for children in need across Minnesota on Friday, February 5th and Saturday, February 6th, 2021.
2021 Hudson Hot Air Affair. February 5-7. Hudson, WI. The 2021 event will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual, including added virtual programing with balloons in the air, an evening drive through balloon glow and candlestick event and lots of fun. Some of the in-person events will not be possible, so we are working on creating virtual versions of these events. Some of the events will be presented in a different format, like the balloon glow and candlestick as a drive-thru event. We are partnering with the River Channel (Hudson/North Hudson community Access Television) to add virtual programs including film live video of balloon launches and the balloon glow and candlestick event.
St. Paul Winter Carnival Virtual Family Day. For both Saturdays during Carnival (January 30 and February 6), families can gather ‘round their computers and smart TVs in the comfort and safety of their homes to participate in Family Day activities. Each day’s schedule will be filled with entertaining performances, educational seminars, arts and crafts lessons, storytelling sessions, and much more.
MPLS Farmers Market – Winter Market. 9:00am – 12:00pm. 312 E Lyndale Avenue, Minneapolis. Please visit us during our winter market open on select dates. Shop for locally produced eggs, meat, cheese, maple syrup, and more! The market will be 100% outdoors and free parking is available inside the market.
St. Paul Farmers Market. SUPER BOWL SATURDAY! 9:00am – 1:00pm. 290 5th St E, St Paul. The Market vendors will have all the fixings for a winning Super Bowl celebration, including brats and sauerkraut, meats, cheeses, salsas, baked goods, and much more. Chef Earl’s BBQ will be there selling delicious BBQ foods to go and their 30+ sauces for savory, sweet, tangy, and hot dishes to make at home. Many vendors will offer free recipes for festive game day foods.
Northeast Farmers Market. 11:00am – 1:00pm. 629 2nd St. Ne, Minneapolis. A true Northern winter experience for hardy Minnesotans who like to brave the cold to support local small businesses!
Walker Free First Saturday. 11:00am – 3:00pm. This month’s theme: “Snowshoes and Fun!” Bring the whole family to the Walker this February for some physically distant outdoor fun. See the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden like never before: on snowshoes! Self-guided scavenger hunts will be available, you can grab a sled or saucer and fly down the hill, or create your own snow castle. Snowshoes will be available. FREE though tickets required.
Free Family Fun Day: Frozen Fun. 12:00 – 3:00pm. Goodhue County Historical Society, Red Wing. “Come take a look at our newest temporary outdoor exhibit Frozen Fun. what did past Minnesotans do for fun when the weather turned frigid? While snow and cold drove others inside, the people of Goodhue County were a hearty bunch. From sleds to skating, explore the historic winter activities used to combat cabin fever! Inside there will also be some winter themed games and crafts to do around the museum.”
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7
2021 Hudson Hot Air Affair. February 5-7. Hudson, WI. The 2021 event will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual, including added virtual programing with balloons in the air, an evening drive through balloon glow and candlestick event and lots of fun. Some of the in-person events will not be possible, so we are working on creating virtual versions of these events. Some of the events will be presented in a different format, like the balloon glow and candlestick as a drive-thru event. We are partnering with the River Channel (Hudson/North Hudson community Access Television) to add virtual programs including film live video of balloon launches and the balloon glow and candlestick event.
Urban Expedition: Ghana (virtual sampler). 1:00 – 3:00pm. Join Landmark Center for an Urban Expedition: Ghana (virtual sampler)! Where, oh where, is Urban Expedition headed to next? The 2021 season of international adventure programs will be virtual for the whole season. Join Landmark Center for music, dance, food, crafts, exhibits, and more – all in a virtual setting! On February 7, 2021 Landmark Center will share videos and links from our Ghanaian partner organizations for at-home cultural exploration.
2021 Season (all virtual events)
- January 24 – Serbia
- February 7 – Ghana
- March 7 – Spain
- March 21 – Iran
- April 11 – Laos
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9
Storytime on Facebook Live. 10:30am. Washington County Library. Join us on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for Facebook Live storytimes! We’re so excited to virtually sing, talk, read, write, and play with you.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10
ONLINE Kids Consignment Sale. 8:00am. February 10 – 14. Today is PRESALE day – password required. We are putting our ENTIRE inventory online!! Choose from thousands of name brand, gently used items for your baby, toddler, or yourself. Toys, cribs, carseats, excersaucers, bouncy seats, highchairs, wagons, more toys, and lots of clothing items for infants, toddlers and big kids. We are also including maternity wear, and an adult craft section like scrapbooking or jewelry making. Pick up your new-found treasures on Saturday, February 20 between 11am – 7pm at the former Menards in Apple Valley.
Storytime on Facebook Live. 10:30am. Washington County Library. Join us on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for Facebook Live storytimes! We’re so excited to virtually sing, talk, read, write, and play with you.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11
ONLINE Kids Consignment Sale. 8:00am. February 10 – 14. TWe are putting our ENTIRE inventory online!! Choose from thousands of name brand, gently used items for your baby, toddler, or yourself. Toys, cribs, carseats, excersaucers, bouncy seats, highchairs, wagons, more toys, and lots of clothing items for infants, toddlers and big kids. We are also including maternity wear, and an adult craft section like scrapbooking or jewelry making. Pick up your new-found treasures on Saturday, February 20 between 11am – 7pm at the former Menards in Apple Valley.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12
ONLINE Kids Consignment Sale. 8:00am. February 10 – 14. TWe are putting our ENTIRE inventory online!! Choose from thousands of name brand, gently used items for your baby, toddler, or yourself. Toys, cribs, carseats, excersaucers, bouncy seats, highchairs, wagons, more toys, and lots of clothing items for infants, toddlers and big kids. We are also including maternity wear, and an adult craft section like scrapbooking or jewelry making. Pick up your new-found treasures on Saturday, February 20 between 11am – 7pm at the former Menards in Apple Valley.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Pick up a FREE Valentine’s Day craft at JCPenney. 11:00am – Noon. Pick up and take home!
ONLINE Kids Consignment Sale. 8:00am. February 10 – 14. TWe are putting our ENTIRE inventory online!! Choose from thousands of name brand, gently used items for your baby, toddler, or yourself. Toys, cribs, carseats, excersaucers, bouncy seats, highchairs, wagons, more toys, and lots of clothing items for infants, toddlers and big kids. We are also including maternity wear, and an adult craft section like scrapbooking or jewelry making. Pick up your new-found treasures on Saturday, February 20 between 11am – 7pm at the former Menards in Apple Valley.
St. Paul Farmers Market. 9:00am – 1:00pm. Valentines Saturday Market. 290 5th St E, St Paul. People seeking ideas for a romantic dinner for two will find much to love at the Valentine’s Saturday Market. Vendors will offer succulent, humanely raised meats, cheeses, honey, microgreens, root veggies, and much more. Many vendors will offer free recipes for making a memorable Valentine’s dinner at home using local foods, including entrée ideas for omnivores and vegetarians, sexy sides, and a decadent dessert made using items found at the Winter Market.
Kites on Ice Festival. 11:00am – 3:00pm. Buffalo, MN. Experienced show kite flyers from Minnesota and the Midwest will demonstrate their skills with kites of all colors, shapes and sizes. Free.
Valentine’s Event: You Melt My Heart. 6:00 – 8:30pm. Three Rivers Park District – Silverwood Park, St. Anthony. Embrace the winter and your special someone with an evening of winter fun on frozen Silver Lake! Drop in any time between 6 and 8:30PM to take part in activities that are free and open to the public, including groomed luminary trails, kicksledding, cash bar, campfires, and more. General registration for all ages required online.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Valentine’s Day
Watch for a list of freebies and deals!
And I have FUN, FREE crafts and recipes for you to enjoy at home!
Enjoy this FREE printable Valentine’s Day Word Search Puzzle!
And this Free Sloth Valentine Paper Craft!
Try making these Valentine Hot Cocoa Bombs!
ONLINE Kids Consignment Sale. 8:00am. February 10 – 14. TWe are putting our ENTIRE inventory online!! Choose from thousands of name brand, gently used items for your baby, toddler, or yourself. Toys, cribs, carseats, excersaucers, bouncy seats, highchairs, wagons, more toys, and lots of clothing items for infants, toddlers and big kids. We are also including maternity wear, and an adult craft section like scrapbooking or jewelry making. Pick up your new-found treasures on Saturday, February 20 between 11am – 7pm at the former Menards in Apple Valley.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16
Storytime on Facebook Live. 10:30am. Washington County Library. Join us on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for Facebook Live storytimes! We’re so excited to virtually sing, talk, read, write, and play with you.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Storytime on Facebook Live. 10:30am. Washington County Library. Join us on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for Facebook Live storytimes! We’re so excited to virtually sing, talk, read, write, and play with you.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Fare For All at Creekside. 11:00am – 1:00pm. Creekside Community Center, Bloomington. Fare For All is a cooperative food buying program offering up to 40 percent savings on brand-name products. All are welcome to purchase packages of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as frozen meat items. There are no qualifications or income restrictions. Drive-thru only.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20
MPLS Farmers Market – Winter Market. 9:00am – 12:00pm. 312 E Lyndale Avenue, Minneapolis. Please visit us during our winter market open on select dates. Shop for locally produced eggs, meat, cheese, maple syrup, and more! The market will be 100% outdoors and free parking is available inside the market.
St. Paul Farmers Market. 9:00am – 1:00pm. 290 5th St E, St Paul. Locally grown foods: root veggies, mushrooms, micro greens, meats, eggs, baked goods, honey, syrups, sauces, salsas and more.
Winter Charm on the Farm. 11:00am – 3:00pm. 7367 360th Ave, Waseca. Discover the beauty of winter at Farmamerica! Explore our winter wonderland by horse-drawn sleigh, snowshoe, cross country ski or warm up by a fire. This is the second of two events – the first one was January 30th.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Storytime on Facebook Live. 10:30am. Washington County Library. Join us on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for Facebook Live storytimes! We’re so excited to virtually sing, talk, read, write, and play with you.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Storytime on Facebook Live. 10:30am. Washington County Library. Join us on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for Facebook Live storytimes! We’re so excited to virtually sing, talk, read, write, and play with you.
These weekly events are discontinued until further notice due to COVID:
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
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.
