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Free Summer Fun for Twin Cities Kids & Families 2021

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free summer fun twin cities kids

Free Summer Fun for Twin Cities Kids & Families 2021

The Twin Cities has so many fun activities and events for kids and families – but did you know that many are FREE?

So every year I compile a list of all the free fun I could find!

BONUS: Download my NEW,
FREE Printable Summer Activity Planner for Kids! 

TCFM Summer Printables for Kids

There are 8 pages of summer planning fun:

  • Summer Bucket List (32 ideas for summer fun!)
  • Summer Schedules with themes and ideas
  • “10 Things I Want to Do this Summer” Worksheet
  • 3 Coloring Pages

Print whatever pages you want!

To get this FREE Printable Summer Activity Planner for Kids, be sure you’re signed up for my FREE weekly email!

You’ll get the links to the FREE printables INSTANTLY, and you will be subscribed to my weekly email newsletter which so you can get MORE freebies, deals and fun! Your information will not be shared with anyone and you can unsubscribe anytime.

Get this FREEBIE INSTANTLY by signing up here!

(If you’re already on my email list, check your inbox!!!!)

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Note: If you have any issues with accessing your free printables, email me at twincitiesfrugalmom@gmail.com.

Here are ideas for FREE summer fun for kids & families
in the Twin Cities 2021!

(NOTE: All of these listings are subject to change. Be sure to check before you make plans or go!)

Indoor and Outdoor Adventures

Kids Bowl Free

Free Bowling – Kids Bowl Free is a national 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. There are dozens of bowling centers in Minnesota that participate. Just sign up on their website! [Read more…]

Twin Cities May 2021 Calendar! Fun, Freebies & Deals for Families

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Twin Cities Deals & Events Calendar

Though many events have been cancelled or changed due to COVID, there are still many COVID-safe things to do. And with the weather getting nicer outdoors, many outdoor events are happening this month and beyond!

I’ve updated the Deals & Events Calendar for May and there are many fun activities this month!

First be sure to plan your shopping for the month (and year) with my guide, What to Buy in May to Save Money!

What to buy in May

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 9th! Check out my roundup of free things happening in the Twin Cities May 8-9!

[Read more…]

Just Between Friends Eagan/Apple Valley Spring Kids Sale April 29 – May 1

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JBF Eagan Just Between Friends Kids Sales are one the best ways to save money on gently used (and new!) kids items, and to make some cash selling your kids’ used items!

And I’m excited to partner with Just Between Friends of Eagan and Apple Valley, whose next sale is April 29th through May 1st, 2021! COVID-19 has affected sales like this, but with the proper social distancing guidelines in place, sales are now happening safely. And it’s springtime so it’s a GREAT time to clean out the closets and sell your kids’ gently used stuff, and buy newer items now for the coming seasons!

[Read more…]

Free Admission to Minnesota State Parks on Saturday, April 24th

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Free Minnesota Park Days 2021

Earlier this year I shared that there are 4 days you can get FREE admission to Minnesota State Parks in 2021!

All 75 Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas will offer free admission to everyone on four days, and the next one is coming up this Saturday, April 24th!

One was Saturday, February 13th (and it was a cold day!). The rest are:

  • Saturday, April 24
  • Saturday, June 12
  • Friday, November 26

There are 6 national parks and recreational areas in Minnesota including Voyageurs National Park in International Falls.

National Park Week Flyer (1).png

It’s also National Parks Week this week, April 17th – 25th! There are different themes each day and areas in Minnesota are celebrating. For example, Voyageurs National Park has events and activities you can do there and at home.

[Read more…]

Twin Cities April 2021 Calendar! Fun, Freebies & Deals for Families

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Twin Cities Deals & Events Calendar

April is here and it’s time for Easter egg hunts and events, plus many kids consignment sales!

Though many events have been cancelled or changed due to COVID, there are still many COVID-safe things to do!

First be sure to plan your shopping for the month (and year) with my guide, What to Buy in April to Save Money!

I’ve updated the Deals & Events Calendar and there are also many fun activities this month,

Some events happening this month:

Twin Cities Spring Babies Fesitval

The Twin Cities Spring Baby Animals Festival is back! It was cancelled last year due to COVID but is just a little different this year. Tickets are $11 online.

Toddler Tuesdays are back at the Mall of America – both in-person and online!

JBF Sale April 2021

There are Kids Consignment Sales! For example, the Just Between Friends Sale in Andover is April 8th – 11th!

Attractions have been opening up again, like the Crayola Experience Mall of America, and the Minnesota Children’s Museum! Did you know you can get the LOWEST priced tickets for both of those places if you use my exclusive deals?

Crayola Texture Crayze

Crayola Experience:

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.

Minnesota Children’s Museum:

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! Right now you can enjoy their new Doc McStuffins exhibit (open until May). Read about our visit! I have a GIVEAWAY ending 2/1! And watch my video walk-through here:

Some additional highlights for April:

  • Online Storytimes
  • Outdoor Farmer’s Markets all around the Twin Cities
  • There are online events galore, including performances by the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra!
  • The FREE Build-a-Bear Wednesday online activities began last spring and continue online!
  • You can still get FREE meals from your child’s school district through at least June 30, 2021!

Also be sure to view my list of Twin Cities Free Easter Egg Hunts & Drive-Thru Events 2021!

Twin Cities Easter Egg Hunts 2021

What to Buy in April to Save Money

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Month to Month April Calendar

Did you know that there are different things on sale each month of the year? 

A while back I put together a Month to Month Shopping Guide that lists the best items to buy each month to save money!

Here I am highlighting the best items to buy this month!

April

It’s Springtime! Look for sales on cleaning supplies and vacuums.

Plus it’s National Car Care Month! Look for car care specials at auto parts stores and service centers.

-It’s the best time to shop at thrift stores, as people are spring-cleaning and donating loads of clothes, furniture and home goods
-There are many kids consignment sales this month as families clear out the old and shop for “new” spring and summer items too!
-Rummage Sales begin! 
-Digital cameras go on sale as families plan travel over spring break
-Snow Removal Equipment goes on sale

Seasonal produce on sale now:

Artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, pineapples, radishes, rhubarb, spring peas.

View the full month to month list here!

And be sure to view my Deals & Events Calendar for more deals and fun this month!

Twin Cities Easter Egg Hunts & Drive-Thru Events 2021

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Twin Cities Easter Egg Hunts 2021

Easter is coming up on Sunday, April 4th, which means it’s time for Easter egg hunts and events all throughout the Twin Cities metro!

Here is my 2021 list of free egg hunts and events!

Note that due to COVID, you have to pre-register for many of these events. Plus, some are not free.

They are filling up and may change so check before you go!

Events that are in LARGER type than the others are DRIVE-THRU events.

Do you have events I could add to this list? Email me at twincitiesfrugalmom@gmail.com and check back regularly for updates!

FRIDAY, MARCH 26

Stewart Park Egg Hunt night. 4:30 – 6:30pm. Stewart Park, 2700 12th Ave. S, Minneapolis. Bring your family and join us for a fun evening outside with your friends. Bring a basket to collect eggs, design your own eggs, do some fun arts and crafts, play games and earn prizes. Pre-register. FREE.

SATURDAY, MARCH 27

Free Drive Thru Event. 9:00am – 12:00pm. Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Plymouth. Come join us on March 27th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm for a great family adventure as you drive through the Easter Journey! There will be items to search for at each station as well as goodies for your children to pick up at the end! 

Rosemount Lions Club Spring Egg Hunt. 9:30am. Ames Soccer Complex, Rosemount. A bunny will be hopping into Rosemount on Saturday, March 27 at 9:30am for last names starting with A-L and 11am for last names starting with M-Z. Lots of eggs and candy will be available for children to hunt for at this traditional Egg Hunt for kids ages 10 and under. This special event is located at the Ames Soccer Complex at Dakota County Technical College.

Cottage Grove Egg Hunt. 10:00am – 11:00am. Woodridge Park, Cottage Grove. 10am, 10:15am, 10:30am, 10:45am. $5 per participant. Collect 10 Eggs = Redeem Prize. Bring your camera for pictures with the Bunny! Stay and Play at the Park. Pre-registration is required and limited to 40 kids per session. Additional sessions may be added.

Lake Elmo Jaycees Annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt. 10:00am. Lake Elmo Lions Park, Lake Elmo. The Lake Elmo Jaycees are hosting the Annual Easter Egg Hunt Event on Saturday, March 27th, 2021. This is a free event open to the community, everyone welcome! Event will take place RAIN, SNOW or SHINE. Masks required. This year we will release start the hunt at 10am SHARP! Make sure to have your kiddos ready to hunt by 9:50am. So, grab your favorite Easter egg basket and join us for some fun.

[Read more…]

What to Buy in March to Save Money

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What to Buy in March to Save Money

Did you know that there are different things on sale each month of the year? 

A while back I put together a Month to Month Shopping Guide that lists the best items to buy each month to save money!

Here I am highlighting the best items to buy this month!

March

Frozen Foods Month!

-Frozen foods: Look for great supermarket sales and coupons in your Sunday paper for Frozen Foods month
-St. Patrick’s Day items like corned beef, cabbage, “green”-colored items including pancake mixes
-Tax software (The April 15th tax deadline is approaching!)
-Winter gear: Coats, skis and boots are being cleared for spring and summer items

Unique Days:

Cereal

National Cereal Day is March 7th, so look for cereal deals around then!

Pizza and pie

March 14th is “Pi” day so watch for great deals on pizza and pie from local restaurants.

Spring Cleaning products

Spring begins on March 20th so watch for deals on cleaning products and anything to help you get organized!

Seasonal produce on sale now:

Artichokes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, collard greens, kiwi, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, parsnips, pineapples, radishes, rutabagas, spinach, turnips.

View the full month to month list here!

And be sure to view my Deals & Events Calendar for more deals and fun this month!