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Kids Bowl Free – All Summer Long (2023)! Plus FREE Bowling Lessons

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It’s March, which means spring is almost here, and it’s time to plan for summer!

I know many things including camps are already enrolling for the summer, but if you’re looking for free fun for your kids this summer too, sign them up for FREE bowling at KidsBowlFree.com!

Kids Bowl Free is a program designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer. Select schools and bowling centers around the country participate each year, including dozens in Minnesota! Kids get 2 free games per day!

There are over 500 bowling centers on the list and more will be added so if yours is on the list but not yet accepting registration, be sure to pre-register!

PLUS they have something NEW this year – everyone family that registers gets FREE Bowling lessons. The FREE lessons will be delivered to your Kids Bowl Free dashboard in May or on the Kids Bowl Free app where you can watch them at the bowling alley. Here is a screenshot of most of the participating centers in Minnesota:


  kids bowl free minnesota 2023

Yes – this is a real deal!

It’s simple – just register (for free) on their website by clicking on your state, then choose the bowling center that’s most convenient for your kids. Then you’ll fill out information and coupons will be emailed to your email address. Only parents can register kids, and only one bowling center can be chosen per account. Each bowling center has its own age limit for kids to be eligible.

There is also a family pass you can purchase which has been available for as low as $39.95. The family pass covers 2 to 4 adult family members, so adults can bowl with their kids, too! kids bowl free family pass

In most cases, standard shoe rental fees apply.

Over 35 million kids have participated so far. Definitely worth signing up for some free fun for your kids this summer!

SIGN UP NOW!

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that help support this site at no cost to you. All opinions are 100% mine.)

Spring Break Guide for the Twin Cities 2023

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spring break guide twin cities

Spring break is a full week off for kids (and sometimes even longer), and in Minnesota is typically in March. 

Whether your kids’ week off is in early or late March (or even April), this guide should help you think of fun things to do!

Basically I’ve compiled multiple guides from my site – some listing fun things to do in Minnesota, discounts for fun, and even things kids can do at home when they’re bored.

And at the end I have some free spring cleaning resources for your family too (for your kids to help you with, of course! ha).

Highlights for spring in the Twin Cities:

Minnesota Children's Museum discount

Framed: Step into Art– Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul. Now through May 7th. Go for FREE on the first Sunday of the month!

Or save the MOST on tickets with my exclusive code. Just go to mcm.org and use my code TCFM to save $3 per admission on tickets! You can also use that code to save $20 on a membership as well. 

[Read more…]

Twin Cities Deals & Events Calendar – March 2023

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Twin Cities Deals & Events Calendar

March is here which means spring is coming! There are a variety of fun family events in the Twin Cities. And I’ve updated the Deals & Events Calendar for March 2023! Some highlights include:

  • Ice Castles continue through March 6th! Use my exclusive code to save 15% on tickets! (Note this event is weather permitting)
  • The Minneapolis Home & Garden Show is March 1st – 5th
  • Maple Syrup events are happening all month long! 
  • Kids consignment sales are throughout the Twin Cities
  • And so much more!

‘View the FULL CALENDAR! Check back regularly for updates, too.

For more March savings and fun… Be sure to plan your shopping for the month (and year) with my guide, What to Buy (& Skip) in March to Save Money 2023!   [Read more…]

Join me for “Real Twin Cities Mom Talk” about Money & more: Saturday, February 18th

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Join me for Real Twin Cities Mom Talk about Money, Time & Side Hustles! This is a FREE event.

real mom talk event shoreview

Based on my last event in Roseville, which was SO fun, I chatted with some moms afterward who had attended and got GREAT feedback. What moms want to talk about is more than just money, but also time and making money on the side! 

Including:

-How to Spend Money Now to Save Money Later
-How I save money as a mom in the Twin Cities
-Real talk about stretching your dollars, managing your time and making money on the side!

How to Spend Money Now to Save Money Later

Did you know that some everyday purchases can save you money later? Some things are cheaper during certain months of the year vs. other months, and some things are worth the initial investment (so are worth saving for) as they’ll pay off over time. Hear what I recommend and about the best purchases I’ve made, as well as some buying mistakes I’ve learned from! 

How I save money as a mom in the Twin Cities

My best tips and experiences from 14 years of blogging about frugal living in the Twin Cities!

Real talk about stretching your dollars, managing your time and making money on the side!

Let’s talk and share ideas, tips, successes and how we can help each other.

This is a FREE event!

When and where:

Saturday, February 18th at 10:30am – 12:00pm
Ramsey County Library – Shoreview, MN:
https://rclreads.bibliocommons.com/events/63b07f94fa65dd8f18f90741

Come for all or part of this event!

Monster Jam in Minneapolis February 18 – 19 & Ticket Giveaway!

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Monster Jam is coming to U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Saturday, February 18th and Sunday, February 19th and I have 4 tickets to give away to one winner for opening night! Plus the pit party!

About Monster Jam

Experience adrenaline-charged fun for everyone. You’ll be on the edge of your seat watching the legendary Grave Digger®, snarling El Toro Loco, mighty Megalodon® and more push the limits in Freestyle, Skills and Racing competitions. Monster Jam. As Big As It Gets!™
 
monster jam soldier fortune
 
Here’s the scoop:

[Read more…]

Kites on Ice Festival in Buffalo February 11th

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kites on ice buffalo
Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/buffalochambermn

I’m always on the hunt for things to do that are both unique AND free…and the 5th annual Kites on Ice Festival in Buffalo, Minnesota definitely fits this perfectly!

Buffalo is about 45 minutes west of the Twin Cities, and they’re hosting their Kites on Ice Festival downtown on Saturday, February 11th from 11:00am – 3:00pm.

You’ll be able to watch experienced show kite flyers from Minnesota and the Midwest, showing off their skills with kites of all kinds.

kites on ice festival buffalo
Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/buffalochambermn

But that’s not all – there will be food, a beer garden, hot chocolate, treats, and kids get FREE kites while supplies last!

Here are some highlights:

  • Fly your own kite (free)
  • Dog Sled Rides (free)
  • Free kites for kids (while supplies last)
  • Kid’s ice fishing (free)
  • Paint in the snow (free)
  • Kites on Ice souvenirs
  • Food trucks
  • Beer garden
  • Cornhole tournaments
  • Live DJ
  • KRWC 1360 AM Roadshow
  • More!!

It’s all happening on Buffalo Lake and Sturges Park. 

Check it all out here.

Twin Cities Deals & Events Calendar – February 2023

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twin cities calendar

February in Minnesota means fun in the snow and many outdoor AND of course indoor events!

February Calendar!

I’ve updated the Deals & Events Calendar for February 2023.

Ice Castles 2020

Some highlights include:

  • Festivals galore! Winter festivals are happening in Apple Valley, Coon Rapids & Chanhassen, just to name a few.
  • Ice Castles continue (see picture above)! Use my exclusive code to save 15% on tickets!
  • the Saint Paul Winter Carnival
  • Hudson Hot Air Affair – Hot air balloons!
  • Spring Flower Show at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

‘View the FULL CALENDAR! Check back regularly for updates, too.

For more February savings and fun… Be sure to plan your shopping for the month (and year) with my guide, What to Buy (& Skip) in February to Save Money 2023!

February Shopping Guide [Read more…]

Take a Kid Ice Fishing & Fish for Free in Minnesota January 14 – 16, 2023

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This weekend, January 14- 16 – coinciding with the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend – it’s Take A Kid Ice Fishing Weekend!

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are encouraging families to try out ice fishing together – for free!

Minnesota residents can fish or spear fish for free when accompanied by a child age 15 or under.

Kids are always free but this weekend, adults are free too when they take a kid fishing with them.

Learn about fishing basics, check regulations and find places to fish using LakeFinder at Fish Minnesota.

Trout fishing is also an option for the weekend. A trout stamp is only required to fish for trout when an angling license is also required. (Because people fishing with a kid don’t need a license on Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend, the stamp requirement also does not apply.)

Learn more on the DNR website.

Free Admission to Minnesota State Parks on These 4 Days in 2023

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Free Minnesota Park Days 2021

There are 4 days you can get FREE admission to Minnesota State Parks in 2023!

All 75 Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas will offer free admission to everyone. Mark your calendar for these fee-free dates!

  • Saturday, February 18
  • Saturday, April 22
  • Saturday, June 10
  • Friday, November 24

Start planning your year and experience all nature has to offer!

Note that the entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities like camping, rentals, or special tours.

Learn more here!

voyageurs national park
Voyageurs National Park

Note also that on five days in 2023, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. 

Here are the days to visit a park for FREE in 2023!

January 16: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
April 22: First day of National Park Week
August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
September 23: National Public Lands Day
November 11: Veterans Day

There are 5 national parks in Minnesota including Voyageurs National Park in International Falls.

Learn more here.

Want more outdoor fun tips?

Get Outdoors More in Minnesota with the 1000 Hours Outside Challenge!

1000 Hours Outside

Print this FREE Winter Scavenger Hunt!

Free Printable Winter Scavenger Hunt