(Please note: This list is updated as events become known. Be sure to check with the event host/venue in advance as there may be changes or cancellations at any time.)
Have an event to add to this list? Please email me at twincitiesfrugalmom@gmail.com. Submissions are not guaranteed – if you would like guaranteed placement, paid advertising packages start at $200. Thanks!
EVERY DAY: Get The Works Museum Discount Tickets!
- Regular admission is $14.00 per person, but you can get admission for $12.00 per person with my special code! (Children 2 and under are free.) For $2 Off Admission: Use code TCFMB$2OFF in the “promo code” field on the shopping cart page. (Not valid for special events) Purchase via THIS LINK.
- Discounts are offered for special events if you buy tickets in advance. Follow their website and social media pages for updates.
- 50% off admission for limited income families through their Gateway program
EVERY DAY: Get Minnesota Children’s Museum Discount Tickets!
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 both online and in person. You can also use that code to save $20 on a membership either in-person or online.
- There’s so much to do at the Minnesota Children’s Museum! Check out my review here.
Also, be sure to check my Twin Cities Discount Guide for Families for how to save (and get FREE admission!) at places all around the Twin Cities!
And check out my list of Free or Discounted Admission Programs for Limited Income Families in Minnesota!
September – October
Ongoing Events
The Rock and Rock Playhouse: Concerts for Kids!. First Avenue & 7th St Entry, Minneapolis
Save 50% on tickets at Zero Gravity! Mounds View.
Monsters on Vacation. May 23 – January 10. Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul. Save on admission with my code TCFM.
Green Barn Sunflower Days. August 8th – ? 26501 Highway 65 NE, Isanti, MN 55040.
Titanic: An Immersive Voyage Minneapolis. Now through February (date may change). I have a 10% discount code: TITANICMN.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival. August 22nd – October 4th. Shakopee, MN.
Pinocchio. Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis. September 8-October 18, 2026.
Jack O Lantern Spectacular. September 25th through November 1st. Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley.
Into the Burrow: A Peter Rabbit™ Tale. October 1 – 18, 2026. Mixed Blood Theatre, Mpls.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. October 23-25. Grand Casino Area, St. Paul.
September 2026 Events by Date
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
FREE First Tuesday at Washington County Parks. On the first Tuesday of every month (non-holiday), visit any Washington County Park FREE. No Vehicle Permit required.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Tots & Trains. 10:00am – 12:00pm. Minnesota Transportation Museum, St. Paul. This free program occurs on the first Wednesday of the month and various Saturdays. Admission is $11 for adults, $6 for ages 3-6. Check their website for pricing bundles and more info.
Mini Mia. 10:00am – 12:30pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Mini Mia features a gallery tour specially designed for caregivers and little ones (ages 0–5), a movement class with Young Dance, and a cozy story time. Make new friends and introduce your child to the wonders of art in a comfortable, kid-friendly setting. Free registration is required. First Wednesday of the month and first Friday of the month.
Free Public Tours. 1:00 – 2:00pm. Union Depot, St. Paul.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Thursday Nights at the Minnesota History Center. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Target Free Thursday Nights. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Friday Morning Story Time with Engineer Paul. 10:15am. Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, St. Paul. Included with admission. The admission is: $10 for kids 1-10 yrs and $2 for adults. Twins are always BOGO!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
FREE Museum Admission for Bank of America cardholders. September 5th – 6th. First weekend of each month.
FREE Kids Workshop. 9:00am – 12:00pm. Home Depot locations. This month: School Bus Organizer. Admission also opens today for the October craft event!
Art Play! 10:00am – 2:00pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art.
Free First Saturday: Back in the Groove. 10:00am – 5:00pm. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
Toddler Tuesdays®. 10:00am – 12:00pm. Mall of America.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Just Between Friends Andover Kids Consignment Sale. September 10 – 13. Andover YMCA.
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Thursday Nights at the Minnesota History Center. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Target Free Thursday Nights. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
James J. Hill Days. September 11 – 13. Wayzata.
From Yours to Mine Kids Sale. September 11-13. Farmington.
Just Between Friends Andover Kids Consignment Sale. September 10 – 13. Andover YMCA.
Friday Morning Story Time with Engineer Paul. 10:15am. Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, St. Paul. Included with admission. The admission is: $10 for kids 1-10 yrs and $2 for adults. Twins are always BOGO!
Minnesota Twins game at Target Field. 7:10pm. Save 25% on tickets!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
James J. Hill Days. September 11 – 13. Wayzata.
From Yours to Mine Kids Sale. September 11-13. Farmington.
Hamline Midway Neighborhood Garage Sale & Free Sale. September 12 – 13. Across the Hamline Midway neighborhood. Neighbors across Hamline Midway will be hosting garage sales, free sales, and giveaway tables throughout the neighborhood, with a wide variety of items to buy, browse, or take home for free.
Just Between Friends Andover Kids Consignment Sale. September 10 – 13. Andover YMCA.
Happy Days. 8:00am – 10:00pm. Ramsey.
Plymouth Library Used Book Sale. 9:00am – 3:00pm. Plymouth Library, 15700 36th Ave N, Minneapolis, MN.
Minneapolis Monarch Festival. 10:00am – 4:00pm. Lake Nokomis Community Center, 2241 E Minnehaha Pkwy, Minneapolis.
Hello Kitty Cafe Truck. 10:00am – 7:00pm. Rosedale Center, Roseville.
Free Kids Craft. 11:00am – 12:00pm. JcPenney – participating locations. This month: Craft a Cabin Picture Frame.
Hennepin County Fix It Clinic. 12:00 – 4:00pm. 3301 Silver Lake Road St Anthony, 55418.
Minnesota Twins game at Target Field. 3:10pm. Save 25% on tickets!
Taste of Maple Grove 2026. 5:30 – 10:00pm.
Movies in the Park: Wicked: For Good. 8:30pm. 1281 Hammond Rd, White Bear Lake.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
James J. Hill Days. September 11 – 13. Wayzata.
From Yours to Mine Kids Sale. September 11-13. Farmington.
Just Between Friends Andover Kids Consignment Sale. September 10 – 13. Andover YMCA.
Fleet Farm Car Show & Food Truck Festival. 10:00am. Fleet Farm Brooklyn Park (Brooklyn Park, Minnesota) Mills Fleet Farm, 8400 Lakeland Ave N, Minneapolis.
Family Day. 10:00am – 5:00pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Join us for our free monthly event for families, kids, and the young at heart. On the second Sunday of every month, the museum is filled with hands-on art activities, live music, dance performances, artist demonstrations, family tours and more — all inspired by Mia’s incredible collection.
Minnesota Twins Kids Day. 1:10pm. Free ice cream for kids! Use my code FRUGALMOM25 to save 25% on tickets! Read more in my Twins family guide.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Tots & Trains. 10:00am – 12:00pm. Minnesota Transportation Museum, St. Paul. This free program occurs on the first Wednesday of the month and various Saturdays. Admission is $11 for adults, $6 for ages 3-6. Check their website for pricing bundles and more info.
Mini Mia. 10:00am – 12:30pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Mini Mia features a gallery tour specially designed for caregivers and little ones (ages 0–5), a movement class with Young Dance, and a cozy story time. Make new friends and introduce your child to the wonders of art in a comfortable, kid-friendly setting. Free registration is required. First Wednesday of the month and first Friday of the month.
Free Public Tours. 1:00 – 2:00pm. Union Depot, St. Paul.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
FREE National Park Admission for Constitution Day. (Theodore Roosevelt National Park – North Unit near Watford City, ND pictured above)
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Thursday Nights at the Minnesota History Center. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Target Free Thursday Nights. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Friday Morning Story Time with Engineer Paul. 10:15am. Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, St. Paul. Included with admission. The admission is: $10 for kids 1-10 yrs and $2 for adults. Twins are always BOGO!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Free Admission at 11 Minnesota Historical Society Sites! Locations throughout the state.
Sensory Friendly Saturday. 8:00am – 10:00am. Bell Museum, St. Paul.
Free Archaeology Lab Tours to Highlight Local Histories. 9:30am – 2:30pm. 550 Vandalia St suite 102, Saint Paul, MN.
Art Play! 10:00am – 2:00pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art.
S.T.E.A.M. Saturday: Computer Day. 11:00am – 3:00pm. Pavek Museum, 3517 Raleigh Ave, Saint Louis Park.
Minnesota Children’s Book Festival. 11:00am – 4:00pm. 163 Tower View Drive, Red Wing, MN 55066.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Community Pet Clinic. 9:00am – 2:00pm. 2825 N 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Thursday Nights at the Minnesota History Center. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Target Free Thursday Nights. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Friday Morning Story Time with Engineer Paul. 10:15am. Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, St. Paul. Included with admission. The admission is: $10 for kids 1-10 yrs and $2 for adults. Twins are always BOGO!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Deaf Day at Minnesota Children’s Museum. 10:00am – 6:00pm. Staff and students from Metro Deaf School will lead activities throughout the museum in American Sign Language. Learn basic ASL signs, create a bookmark with your name in sign language, participate in story time and experiment with Squishy Circuits. ASL interpreters will also be available throughout the museum.
Minnesota Twins Kids Day. 2:10pm. Free ice cream for kids! Use my code FRUGALMOM25 to save 25% on tickets! Today, kids will be able to get player autographs from 11:15am – 11:45am. Line Starts at Section 106 and all kids 12 & under are welcome. Read more in my Twins family guide.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Free Rides on Cafesjian’s Carousel at Como Zoo. 11:00am – 4:00pm. Como Zoo, St. Paul.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Thursday Nights at the Minnesota History Center. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Target Free Thursday Nights. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2
Friday Morning Story Time with Engineer Paul. 10:15am. Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, St. Paul. Included with admission. The admission is: $10 for kids 1-10 yrs and $2 for adults. Twins are always BOGO!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3
FREE Community Showing of Hotel Transylvania 3. 10:00am. Odyssey Century 9 Theatre, Hutchinson.
EVERY WEDNESDAY
Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing Hangar and Museum. 310 Airport Rd Hangar 3, South Saint Paul, MN. Museum is open to the public Wednesdays and Saturdays each week from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Please call ahead on all major holidays as the museum may be closed. Admission is free of charge. Donations are always welcome and appreciated when visiting.
EVERY THURSDAY
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Thursday Nights at the Minnesota History Center. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Target Free Thursday Nights. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
EVERY FRIDAY
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
EVERY SATURDAY
Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing Hangar and Museum. 310 Airport Rd Hangar 3, South Saint Paul, MN. Museum is open to the public Wednesdays and Saturdays each week from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Please call ahead on all major holidays as the museum may be closed. Admission is free of charge. Donations are always welcome and appreciated when visiting.
Free Kids Club Workshops at Michael’s stores. 10:00am.
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
SELECT SATURDAYS
Free children’s craft activity at Lakeshore Learning Stores. 11:00am to 3:00pm. Ages 3 and up. No reservation necessary.
EVERY SUNDAY
Sensory Friendly Playtime at Edinborough Park. 8:30am – 10:00am. Edinborough Park, Edina.