Fun, free family friendly holiday and Santa happenings around the twin cities!
On Saturday December 9th check out the Oxford Community Center and Great River Water Park in St. Paul from 1-3 pm for free during their Winter Beach party! Bring your swimsuit if you want to swim – no registration necessary! Click here for more info
Throughout December, did you know you can get a free photo with Santa at Cabelas? Reservations are recommended up to a week in advance through their digital reservation system. In addition to a free 4×6 printed photo, enjoy holiday themed games, crafts, and giveaways. Click here for more info
Sundays at Landmark Center presents Santa’s Workshop on December 10th from 1pm – 3pm. Get a free photo with Santa and stay for games, gift making, and storytelling! Click here for more info
Enjoy a festive variety of cultural food and shopping experiences at Midtown Global Market this holiday season. On Saturday, December 16th stop in from 11am-3pm for visits with Santa, live music, craft activities and reindeer! Click here for more info
The Walker Art Center is always free for families on the first Saturdays of the month and every Thursday night. Full list of upcoming family friendly events here: https://walkerart.org/visit/family-program
Always free to visit – the Como Park Zoo!
The Como Zoo has animals, nature, rides, food, and more! Find hours and free scheduled events such as the Sparky the Sea Lion shows: https://comozooconservatory.org
The Mill City museum’s open-air Ruin Courtyard hosts free family day activities that double down on both history and fun.
Courtyard Family Day: Archaeology Saturday, July 22, 2023 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. FREE
There are so many activities and events for families throughout the twin cities – starting this holiday season and throughout the rest of winter!
Visit the magical Christmas Village and authentic European Christmas Market at the Depot this holiday season! Open the first three weekends of December with FREE rides there with Metro Transit!
GLOW Holiday Festival – visit now through January 1st. Stroll through over a million lights, sElfie Plaza, Enchanted Forest, Bright Bikes, Tremendous Tree, and so much more! https://www.glowholiday.com
Don’t miss the amazing holiday tradition of Gingerbread Wonderland at Norway House! November 22 through January 8th. https://www.norwayhouse.org/gbw2022/
Dayton’s Winter Maker’s Market | Minneapolis December 19 @ 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Shop 65 local retailers and makers in downtown style. Nov. 17–Jan. 13, The Dayton’s Project, 700 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., thedaytonsproject.com
Enjoy art and creativity at the Art Shanty Projects multi-weekend event on Lake Harriet www.artshantyprojects.org
Attend the Saint Paul Winter Carnival! The Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation’s 137th Saint Paul Winter Carnival will run for 10 days – all day on weekends and evenings during the week – from Thursday, January 26 through Sunday, February 5, 2023,
Most events are FREE, open to the public, and will take place in downtown Saint Paul, near Rice Park and Landmark Center, as well as at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. www.wintercarnival.com
Visit the Ice Castles – a winter wonderland in New Brighton in January 2023. Ice Castles is an awe-inspiring, must-see winter phenomenon that brings fairy tales to life. There’s ice slides, caverns and archways, tunnels, artist made light sculptures, fountains and more! https://icecastles.com/minnesota/
Head to Loring Park for an outdoor fire with hot cocoa and s’mores.
Halloween Treasure Hunt at Loring Park October 26, 6 – 7:30 pm – free
Bring your little goblins down to Loring Park to seek clues to finding a glorious treasure! Everyone wins a prize.
Halloween Trick or Treat at Powderhorn Park – Minneapolis October 28, 4:30 – 6:30 pm – free
Trek through the park to pick up some tasty treats and snap a pic with your family at the photo stop.
Not So Scary Trick or Treat at Midtown Global Market – Minneapolis October 28, 5 – 7 pm – free
Not So Scary Trick or Treat at Midtown Global Market, with costumes, music and treats!
Voll-o-Ween Halloween Party at Creekview Park – Minneapolis October 29, 10 am – 2 pm – free
A day of fun activities for players, families and the community including a inflatable slide, age appropriate games, face painter and trick or treats.
Halloween at the Hills at Linden Hills Park – Minneapolis October 29, 3 – 5 pm – free
Head to Linden Hills for the annual Halloween party in a fun and safe environment perfect for the whole family. Games, hayrides, and treats will be provided.
The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo October 1 – November 5, 2022. $18-24
Explore a glowing trail with thousands of artistically carved pumpkins at the Minnesota Zoo.
Light up the Night Parade October 22, 7 – 8 pm – free
The annual parade starts at 7 PM at the corner of 1st Ave and Main Street and features beautifully lit floats and entertainment.
Waconia Scarecrow Tour October 13-23, 2022 – free Take a self-guided tour of 40 scarecrows located all over Waconia, MN. Tour them all and pick your favorite!
Burwell Spooktacular – Minnetonka October 29, 5–8 pm, free.
Halloween Capital of the World Grande Day Parade October 29, 2022. 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM – free
The annual Anoka Halloween parade starts at 1 pm at State Street and Main Street. Route follows Main Street to 5th Avenue and finishes at South Street/ Military Road. The parade length is 1.5 miles long.
Truck or Treat at Huset Park October 29, 1 – 4 pm – free
Explore a variety of vehicles, including police cars, fire trucks, tow, dump, garbage and mail trucks, and a school bus while trick or treating.
Halloween Skating Party at the Burnsville Ice Center Sunday, October 30, 2022
Celebrate Halloween on Sunday, October 30, from Noon – 1:30 p.m. with free skating, trick or treating around the rink. Free admission ($5 skate rental)
Anoka Pumpkin Smash – Smash It! Don’t Trash It!
On Sunday, November 1st, from 1-4 p.m. at Rick Sorenson Park (2015 State Ave.), Anoka’s Waste Reduction & Recycling Board is hosting a Pumpkin Smash. Free.
Throughout the summer, the Twin Cities is home to a wide variety of free and cheap activities for kids and adults alike. Check out a few of our favorite spots and enjoy the rest of the sunny season!
The Walker Art Center Sculpture Garden: The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is free, requires no tickets for admission, and is open from 6 am to 12 midnight every day! More info click HERE
Visit the Mill City Farmers Market for free entertainment and shopping along the
riverfront Saturday mornings. Explore Mill Ruins Park. More info click HERE
The Como Zoo and Conservatory is a free/donation-based zoo with a Japanese garden, conservatory and a carousel. More info click HERE
Visit Bde Maka Ska Park – the largest link in the Chain of Lakes that has three beaches and walking trails. More info click HERE
Visit Minnehaha Park, one of Minneapolis’ oldest and most popular parks featuring a majestic 53-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs, and river overlooks. More info click HERE
A list of places in Minnesota to watch outdoor movies for FREE this summer! More info click HERE
The North Commons water park features loop slides, a shallow water pool, water playground features, geysers and funbrellas, and a wading pool – lots of fun for everyone with FREE admission for kids. More info click HERE
While Minnesota’s winter weather may be a bit discouraging when it comes to outdoor fun, the Twin Cities embraces its northern roots with a wide variety of family-friendly activities throughout the season.
From the St. Paul Winter Carnival to a kite festival (yes, in the winter!), an art sled rally at Powderhorn Park and so much more. Visit Family Fun Twin Cities’ comprehensive list, and make some fun winter plans!
Thanksgiving is a holiday of abundance, but after another year of the pandemic, many are still struggling just to make ends meet. Fortunately, there are plenty of food banks in the Twin Cities committed to making sure everyone’s plates are full.
Whether you’re looking to make a donation, to volunteer, or need a helping hand yourself, the following organizations have you covered.
Looking to squeeze in an affordable family get-away or day trip before the chill sets in? Exploring our home state of Minnesota won’t break the bank and offers a glimpse into the cultural heritage of our many different regions, their history and traditions. Check out some of our favorite picks for festivals and events in greater MN this month:
Defeat of Jesse James Days Northfield, MN Sept 8th – 12th
An annual event that began in 1948, the residents of Northfield, MN have been reenacting the famed Jesse James robbery and celebrating their legacy in his defeat, since. Enjoy food, live music, rodeo, car show, arts and crafts and more. Learn more HERE.
Taste of Hutchinson Hutchinson, MN Sept 16th – 17th
A large annual arts festival held in beautiful downtown Hutchinson, MN, this event boasts 12,000 attendees each year. Shop a plethora of artists, makers, and craftspeople’s wares in Library Square Park, and partake in delicious food and live music through the weekend. Learn more HERE. Boats & Bluegrass Festival Winona, MN Sept 23rd – 25th
Head to Winona, MN for a family-friendly fest on the shores of the Mighty Mississippi featuring 3 days of live music! Camping and boat rentals are available for your enjoyment, plus, kids 16 and under get in FREE with a paying adult. Learn more HERE.
To search dozens of other Minnesota-based destination events and festivals, visit Explore Minnesota HERE.
Living in a small space might be limiting in some ways, but to make an apartment a home, it’s the personal touches that matter. Add some seasonal panache to your place with cheap, easy craft ideas that you can do with the kids or on your own. Since we’re still staying home due to the pandemic, it’s the perfect time to put some “heart” in your Valentine’s decor.
Tissue Paper Hearts
Any easy and cute craft activity, you decorate a wall, fridge, or door with these pretty tissue paper hearts with just a few simple supplies.
Potato Stamp Heart
A classic DIY project, creating poster prints, framed art, v-day cards, gift wrap, and more from a simple potato print is a sure way to add a little sweetness to your space.
Paper Heart Garland
Beautiful year-round, these handmade heart garlands take a bit of patience, but add a cute, romantic pop to any room. Hang across a window, above a bed or across the top of a doorway for a little extra love.
Looking for more craft ideas? Check out this huge list of cute V-day crafts they’ll love HERE
The holiday season is in full swing, but the way we shop and interact has changed significantly. We’ve sussed out some of the best ways to shop virtually and affordably — with a local twist! Check off your holiday gift list and support the little guys at the same time with our local guide.
St. Paul Virtual European Christmas Market
An annual holiday shopping tradition, St. Paul’s European Christmas Market has gone virtual this year, with access to local vendors and fun Facebook performances of your fave seasonal tunes. Shop here and learn more: Visit Website
Julmarknad: Virtual Winter Market at ASI
The American Swedish Institute may be shuttered temporarily due to the pandemic, but their holiday cheer remains in tact. Shop unique finds by scrolling through a comprehensive list of artists and makers on the ASI site. From jewelry to artwork to ceramics and much more, this Scandinavian maker’s mart is a great gifting source. More details: Visit Website
Roho Collective Virtual Market
Support local artists and fulfill your holiday wishlist at the same time! Roho Collective features artwork, apparel, and more hand-crafted by black artists based in the Twin Cities such as Ron Brown, Christopher Aaron Deanes, Angela Davis, and more. Learn more: Visit Website
NEMAA Online Holiday Shop
Nothing says “I love you” like local art. The Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA) has created an addicting database of member artists and their handmade goods. From original paintings to $5 artist-made keychains and much more, NEMAA artists are a sure-bet on anyone’s happy holiday gift list. Shop now here: Visit Website
Though we’re entering the home stretch of winter, the cabin fever is real! We’ve compiled a list of indoor/outdoor activities to get you primed for the big thaw, even though there’s still a chill in the air.
Stop to Smell the Flowers
Visit the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park for a literal breath of summer air. This temperature controlled 70 degrees Fahrenheit plant sanctuary is the perfect cure to your winter blues. Explore the Tropical Encounters exhibit for a bit of humidity and color, then take a spin through the Sunken Garden, Fern Room, Palm Dome, and much more — and experience a lush, green respite from the dreary landscape.
Climbing and ice don’t make a good combination during the winter months in the Twin Cities. Luckily, we’re home to a number of indoor rock climbing gyms where everyone from beginners to experts can try their hand at (safely) scaling a wall without worry of ice, snow, or arctic temps. Many gyms have day passes available for a one-time experience or to try it out, as well as monthly memberships.
When the winter chill just won’t leave your bones, a sauna is a surefire cure. Having made a resurgence over the past few years, the classic sauna experience can be found at a number of locations in the Twin Cities, from the YWCA to the Hewing Hotel (yes, you can get a day pass!), and even at the trailhead to Theo Wirth Park. Grab some friends and put the cold behind you — for a little while at least.
Looking for one-of-a-kind gifts for the special people on your list? The Twin Cities is full of makers, artists, small businesses, and more, ready to share their wares. Shop local this holiday season, and get creative with your gift giving.
Mill City Holiday Markets
Over 40 local farmers and makers get together each week in December to offer handmade gifts and food to round out your holiday season.
Dec. 7, 14, Mill City Museum, 704 S. 2nd St., Mpls., Click HERE for info.
Black Friday on Broadway
Head to the North side this weekend for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday deals from local shops and businesses on the West Broadway corridor.
Nov. 29-30, NEON, 1007 W. Broadway Ave., Mpls. Click HERE for info.
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt
Get in the holiday spirit this weekend with a German-style open air holiday market and community festival. Shop unique holiday gifts from local vendors, sample holiday food, and enjoy outdoor entertainment — don’t forget to bundle up!
Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Downtown Excelsior, Click HERE for info.
Hygge Holiday Market
Craft cocktails and handmade holiday gifts? Sign us up! Head to Lawless Distilling in South Minneapolis Sundays in December to shop a rotating lineup of local artisans — while sipping a fancy cocktail.
Sundays Dec. 1-22, Lawless Distilling, 2619 28th Ave. S., Mpls., Click HERE for info.
For more Holiday pop-up markets, visit MSP Mag’s comprehensive list HERE.
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From family-friendly festivities to romantic fall foliage drives, Minnesota has you covered. Get out and celebrate the season before winter arrives! Below you’ll find a few of our top picks, but you can also visit ExploreMinnesota.com for a comprehensive guide to seasonal and year-round fun in the region.
Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular
@ Minnesota Zoo Now through Nov 3rd
Pack up the fam and head to the Minnesota Zoo, where you’ll stroll the grounds taking in over 5000 carved, illuminated pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, from ground to tree top. Also explore the zoo’s straw maze and on the weekends, enjoy special entertainment such as live music, costumed characters, carousel rides, and more.
Tickets must be purchased ahead of time via the MN Zoo website HERE.
Scenic Fall Colors Drive
Take a leisurely drive to see the fall colors changing before it’s too late. Up North the color rate has accelerated due to early frost, but we’ve still got plenty of colors popping in the middle and southern regions of the state. Check Explore MN for their weekly Fall Color Update — a guide to where to see the best fall colors by area. A nice romantic day trip with your partner or a treat for the kids, a fall foliage drive is a seasonal must-do.
While not an “official” tour expedition, Autumn is the perfect time to hit up local and regional breweries to sample their hand-crafted wares. Keep it local within the city limits (Northeast Minneapolis is a mecca for craft breweries) or take a jaunt in just about any direction in the state of Minnesota to discover new brews. In fact, the Growler Magazine has a “Land of 10,000 Drinks” map to help you figure out your destination — from breweries to distilleries.
Whether you’re moving in or moving out, organization is key when the big day comes. There are a variety of things you can do to pre-plan and keep yourself on task. Below we’ve laid out tips and tricks for a smooth, hassle-free move:
– Start a running list of tasks a month before the big move, and slowly check things off your list such as downsizing your closet, donating items you don’t want to bring along, and making plans such as securing a moving company, enlisting friends, reserving a van, having a place for the kids and pets to go for the day, and more.
– Instead o buying expensive moving boxes, head to your local grocery or liquor store and ask for any empty boxes they may have — odds are they’ll have plenty. Also a great tip for moving books and other stackable objects: open-top cardboard totes available at bigger grocery stores make carrying and sorting easy.
– Don’t be stuck the first night in a new home without your toothbrush! Figuring out what goes where can be overwhelming after a hard day of manual labor, so pre-packing an essentials bag will ensure you have everything you need the first night. Pack medications, a fresh change of clothes, hygiene products, device chargers, and more — you can unpack the rest tomorrow.
– Power up on moving day with healthy snacks while you work — your body and mind will thank you for it. Pack a small cooler full of high-protein snacks, fruit, veggies, and beverages to help keep you going and save time. Save the pizza and beer for AFTER you’re done!
– Ensure you leave your old home spic and span, and alternately, have a few supplies immediately on hand at your new place by putting together a caddy of basic cleaning supplies. Paper towels, spray cleaner, garbage bags, and more will come in handy as you do a final pass prior to turning in your keys.
Summer in Minnesota is a beautiful thing. Make the most of it before hibernation season returns by exploring what the Twin Cities has to offer — from neighborhood-wide art experiences to quirky hometown festivals. Here are a few of our top picks for epic summer fun this July:
Hopkins Raspberry Festival
July 13-21st (Main events 19-21st) / Hopkins, MN
Apparently Hopkins used to be a Raspberry growing mecca, and to this day the metro area suburb still celebrates its history with gusto. From parades, street fairs, and fireworks to fishing competitions, “Raspberry Royalty” coronations, a classic car show and oh-so much more, this quirky hometown festival is definitely worth experiencing. Learn more HERE.
Open Streets Minneapolis
July 21st / Lake St. & Minnehaha Ave.
Open Streets pops up in various neighborhoods all summer, with the most timely edition landing in South Minneapolis’ Lake & Minnehaha area. In an event that allows the community to take back the streets, literally, you’ll be free to traverse a mapped-out expanse of city streets closed down to automotive traffic. Ride bikes, walk, rollerblade, enjoy food vendors, community activities, fun, and games throughout the neighborhood. Learn more HERE.
FLOW Northside Arts Crawl
July 27th / Various Locations
Head over North for this vibrant community-wide art crawl, with artists, galleries, theaters, and businesses opening their doors to showcase the colorful work of creatives living and working in North Minneapolis. Enjoy performances, food vendors, and original art by over 300 artists of various backgrounds, ages, and mediums. Learn more HERE.
Loring Park Art Festival
July 27-28th / Loring Park
Take a stroll through Minneapolis’ Loring Park to discover over 140 artists showcasing their wares over the course of two days. Peruse original works in a wide variety of mediums and price points. A fun experience for the whole family, the Loring Park Art Festival also offers tasty food and drink options from local faves such as Anchor Fish & Chips, Sarah’s Tipsy Pies, and more. Learn more HERE.
