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Local Library

Libraries offer much more than books. Many have programs for all ages, including art classes, sewing, homework help, and business assistance. Some feature innovation labs with hands-on activities and equipment kits.

Minnesota state parks library program

FREE 7 day MN State Park Pass!!

The Department of Natural Resources is collaborating with public libraries across the state to provide free seven-day state park passes for checkout.

MN State Park
FREE Days!

On four days each year, all Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas offer free admission to everyone - no vehicle permits needed!

Melsa smArt pass

Free and discounted tickets to arts experiences, concerts, and museums, available exclusively to Twin Cities public library cardholders. If you have a library card from one of the eight metro library systems, you can reserve admission through smARTpass partners.

Some activity site links

1. Minneapolis Library

2. St Paul

3. Washington County

4. Dakota County

5. Mille Lacs County

6. Scott County

Minnesota History Center

The Minnesota History Center explores Minnesota's stories, people, and places through exhibits, programs, live performances, and hands-on discovery. Free Thursday nights 4-8 PM. Otherwise: Adults $15, Kids 5-17 $8.

MN Kids Bowl FREE

Registered kids receive two free games of bowling each day, all summer long.

Free Camping

Want to see the country without spending much? Try free camping. Pack up the family with a tent and hit the road. Look for sites with positive reviews, or ask at local bike shops for hidden gems. See the world for the price of a few tanks of gas!

Free camp sites.net

Free Camping is also called boon docking, dispersed camping, or back country camping. You can find it on web sites, and also any National Forest and Grassland, or the Bureau of Land Management.

Como Zoo

Como Zoo and Conservatory are open every day of the year, including holidays. Watch the animals and enjoy the plants.

Free, but donations appreciated.

MN Historical Society

Visit any of the Minnesota Historical Society's 26 historic sites across the state.

All sixth graders get a pass to any site for FREE all year! Click here for info.

Some sites are free. A Minnesota Historical Society family membership gives you free admission to all their locations plus over 400 other museums across the country.

Membership link

American Swedish Museum

The American Swedish Institute welcomes families to explore interactive galleries and participate in handcraft, food, language, and cultural programs. Free Thursday 3-8 PM. Otherwise: Adults $13, Kids $6.

MN Landscape Arboretum

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum spans 1,200 acres with gardens, trails, a working farm, conservatory, sculptures, and natural areas. Events year-round. Admission: $15 adults, $10 seniors/students, kids 15 and under free.

Commemorative WWII Air Force MN Wing Museum

The Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing, formed in 1971, was the first charter unit of the national Commemorative Air Force. Free, donations accepted.

Normandale Japanese Garden

The Normandale Japanese Garden is a 2-acre strolling garden with a koi pond, hand-crafted bridges, imported lanterns, waterfalls, and carefully maintained trees and shrubs in the Japanese tradition. Free

Caponi Art Park

Caponi Art Park combines art, nature, and community through music, theater, art exhibits, and educational events. Most events are free.

MN Transportation Museum

Visit the historic Jackson Street Roundhouse to explore collections of rail cars, memorabilia, and exhibitions. Take seasonal train rides through the St. Croix River Valley on the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway.