Free Family Things to Do in the Twin Cities

Keeping kids busy doesn't have to cost a fortune in the Twin Cities. Some of the metro's best-loved places are free, from a zoo and a tropical conservatory to world-class art and a waterfall in the middle of the city.

Here are the free family outings we come back to again and again, with tips on hours, parking and timing. Hours change with the seasons, so check each official site before you leave home. For more ideas, browse our Twin Cities region guide.

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

Como is the classic free family day in St. Paul. The zoo and the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory are free and open all year. On its fall, winter and spring schedule, Como is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. The conservatory is a lifesaver on cold days. Kids can wander through warm, green rooms full of tropical plants, and the Sunken Garden changes with the seasons. The Holiday Flower Show runs December 4, 2026, through January 3, 2027, with poinsettias inspired by the colors of the northern lights. Plan your day around it with our St. Paul events page. Go early on weekends to beat the crowds. Visit the conservatory first on cold days to warm up. Pack snacks, since a full loop of zoo and gardens takes a while. Check the website for seasonal hours and closures.

Free art for curious kids

The Minneapolis Institute of Art, known as Mia, offers free general admission every day. You don't need tickets or reservations for the permanent collection. Tickets are only required for special exhibitions and some events. Mia is at 2400 Third Avenue South and is open Tuesday through Sunday, with late hours on Thursdays. Mia is big, so don't try to see it all. Pick one wing, play a game of finding animals or colors in the paintings and leave while everyone's still having fun. The museum is designed for repeat visits, whether you have 15 minutes or a whole day. Across town, the Walker Art Center offers free admission to kids 18 and under, plus Free Thursday Nights when the galleries stay open until 9 p.m. It's a fun way to introduce older kids to modern art.

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Right next to the Walker, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is free and open every day from 6 a.m. to midnight. Kids love running between the giant sculptures, and the wide paths make it easy with a stroller. It's worth visiting in every season. In summer, bring a picnic. In winter, the snow transforms the sculptures and you'll often have the place nearly to yourself. Combine it with a Free Thursday Night at the Walker for a full evening out. Find more nearby with our Minneapolis today page.

Minnesota State Capitol

The Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul is free to visit, and it's surprisingly kid-friendly. The building is full of marble, murals and a dome that makes everyone look up. Free guided tours leave at the top of the hour and last about 45 minutes. Weekday tours run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday tours run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., counting first and last tours. Tours start at the information center in Room 126, on the first floor to the right of the main south entrance. A small donation for guided tours is suggested but not required. Prefer to explore on your own? Self-guided tours are available too. Check the holiday schedule before you go.

Minnehaha Falls and Regional Park

Minnehaha Regional Park in south Minneapolis is home to one of the city's most famous sights, a waterfall tumbling into a wooded glen. In winter it often freezes into a wall of ice, which kids find thrilling. The park has both pay and free parking lots, along with walking trails, the historic Longfellow House and the Sea Salt Eatery. Trails connect to Fort Snelling State Park if you're up for a longer walk, though a state park vehicle permit is needed to drive into Fort Snelling. Stairs and paths around the falls can get icy, so wear boots with good grip and hold little hands. Our family activities page has more kid-friendly outings.

Riverfront walks: Mill Ruins Park and the Stone Arch Bridge

Downtown Minneapolis has a free history lesson right on the Mississippi. Mill Ruins Park, at 102 Portland Avenue South, sits beside St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge. In the 1800s, this area of mills, canals and tailraces made up the largest direct-drive water-powered facility in the world, and it led the world in flour production. The Stone Arch Bridge was built in 1883 by a railroad and once carried as many as 80 passenger trains a day into downtown. Today it's a car-free walking and biking bridge with great views of the falls and skyline. The bridge was repaired in 2024 and 2025, with stones replaced and mortar renewed. A pay parking lot is available near Mill Ruins Park. It's a great walk to pair with a visit downtown, and our getting around guide can help you plan parking and transit.

More free ideas year-round

Your library card unlocks more than books. The DNR works with public libraries to lend free seven-day state park passes, so you can explore Fort Snelling or Afton without buying a permit. Ask at your local branch. Minnesota also has four free state park days each year. The next one is Friday, November 27, 2026. And watch for free candlelight walks on state trails in winter, including the Gateway State Trail walk in Mahtomedi on January 22, 2027. For more budget ideas, see our full list of free things to do.