7/2: First Free Saturday Stage & Screen: Groovy Adventures @ Walker Art Center, Minneapolis • 10am-3pm • Details: Activities are geared towards kids ages 6-12, but don’t let that stop you from bringing your littler ones! Free gallery admission for the whole family.
7/2: Home Depot Kids Workshop: Ice Age Bowling Game @ TC Home Depot locations • 9am-noon • Details: The first Saturday of each month kids get a kit to build, apron and pin while supplies last; adults must accompany children.
7/4: Minneapolis Red White & Boom @ Downtown riverfront • 6-10pm • Music, movie, family events and fireworks at dusk. For more Twin Cities Independence Day events and activities, click the graphic below:
7/4: 4th of July at Langford Park @ 30 Langford Park, Saint Paul • 11am-4pm. • Picnic, parade, fun run, music, pony rides, speeches, volleyball, horseshoes, tennis, games and more! New this year are a bouncy house, face painting, Instagram contest, photo booth, and an obstacle course.
7/4: Cafesjian’s Carousel Free Ride Day @ Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul • 11am-4pm (free rides also take place on 7/23, National Carousel Day).
7/5: Storytime with Engineer Paul @ Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, St. Paul • 10am • Details: Wonderful stories, songs and preschool activities with a (no surprise) train slant. Stick around to play at one of the 7 train tables set up at the back of the store. Also held 7/19. For more of the best storytimes in the Twin Cities, click the graphic below.
7/9-10: Dragon Festival @ Lake Phalen Park, St. Paul • 10am-5pm • Family highlights: FREE Asian cultural performances, kids entertainment and dragon boat races on Lake Phalen.
7/12-16: St. Paul Rondo Days, Rondo Ave, St. Paul • Family highlights: Grande Parade (7/16)
7/15-17: Highland Fest, St. Paul • Family highlights: ArtStart activities (7/16-16), live music and your chance to climb the Highland Park water tower (9am-5pm)!
7/17: Target Free 3rd Sunday @ Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul • 9am-5pm • Details: Explore the museum free, including the newest exhibit digiPlayspace. Keep in mind that the museum is currently under renovation and many exhibits are currently closed.
7/20-23: Minneapolis Aquatennial • Family highlights: First, hit the Loring Park Family Fun Night. Then, onto the Torchlight Parade (7/20, 8:30pm). Twin Cities River Rats perform 7/21-22 and spectacular fireworks (7/23) cap off the festival.
7/23: Free Ink Day @ Highpoint Center for Printmaking • Noon-4pm • Details: Drop in for summer Free Ink Day! This event will focus on relief printmaking. Visitors of all ages are invited to carve blocks and create prints.
7/30: Owamni Falling Water Festival @ Father Hennepin Bluff Park • 1-5pm
7/30-31: Loring Park Art Festival @ Loring Park, Minneapolis
ONGOING JULY EVENTS – MINNEAPOLIS & ST. PAUL
Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis • Daily, 11am-5pm.
Minneapolis Music & Movies in the Park, various parks (schedule here) • Mon-Sat, movies begin 15 min. past sunset. For FFTC’s Guide to FREE Summer Movies around the Twin Cities, click the graphic below:
St. Paul Movies in the Park @ Various park locations & dates in July, 8:30pm.
Lakeshore Learning Free Crafts for Kids @ Twin Cities Lakeshore Learning locations • Ongoing Saturdays, 11am-3pm
Saturday Live! @ George Latimer Central Library, St. Paul • Ongoing Saturdays, 11:15am • Details: Fresh entertainment each week including live music, puppetry, magicians and more.
Saturday Puppet Shows for Kids w/ In the Heart of the Beast Puppet & Mask Theatre
@ Calhoun Square, 3001 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis • Ongoing Saturdays, show at 10am with a make-and-take following for the first 100 kids.
Grimm Farmhouse Open House @ Grimm Farm Historic Site • Ongoing Saturdays, 1-4pm
Pierre Bottineau House Open House @ Elm Creek Park Reserve • Ongoing Saturdays, 1-4pm
Free Family Fun Days @ Three Rivers Parks • Ongoing Sundays
Bell Museum of Natural History, Minneapolis • Ongoing Sundays, Noon-5pm • Details: Explore the very kid-friendly Touch and Feel room and the wildlife dioramas free.
Let’s Sing music class @ Teeny Bee Boutique, St. Paul • Ongoing Tuesdays, 10:30-11:15am • Details: Aimed at kids ages 0-6 with singing, movement and rhythm.
Groovin’ in the Garden @ Como Park Zoo & Conservatory • Ongoing Wednesdays, 6-8pm • Details: FREE concerts, a climbing wall, bounce house, and lawn games for kids, and food available for purchase.
Wee Wednesdays @ Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis • Ongoing Wednesdays, 10:30am – 1pm • Details: In the past, MGM has offered dance troupes, cooking lessons, and live animals to entertain kids. Park in the adjacent Midtown Exchange Ramp up to 1.5 hrs. free with validation.
Games Galore @ Union Depot, St Paul • Ongoing Wednesdays, 10am-8pm • Details: Play giant-sized versions of classic games including chess, checkers, Connect Four, Dominoes, Jenga, etc.
Project Passport @ Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul • Ongoing Thursdays, 10-am-noon • suggested donation of $2/child & $3/adult, but all are welcome whether or not you choose to donate.
Twin Cities River Rats Ski Shows, 1758 N West River Rd, Minneapolis • Ongoing Thursdays, 6:30pm.
7/2-7/4: Coon Rapids 4th of July Celebration @ Boulevard Park • Parade, carnival and fireworks.
7/7-10: Whiz Bang Days, Robbinsdale • Family highlights: FREE ice cream, face painting, music and safety vehicle fair (7/7), FREE Three Rivers Parks activity sampler (7/9), parade & fireworks (7/10).
7/8-9: Andover Family Fun Fest • Family highlights: Look for the Zoomobile, Kidzart, magic & juggling shows, and donkey-pulled wagon rides.
7/9: Anoka Riverfest @ YMCA Community Center Fieldhouse • 9am-5pm • Family highlights: Sidewalk chalk art and spin art for kids – both FREE.
7/11: Golden Valley Ice Cream Social @ Brookview Park, 7pm • Live music and free ice cream!
7/13-17: Maple Grove Days • Family highlights: Catch the Choo Choo Bob Show at Town Green & Pierre Bottineau Parade (7/14), kids parade and family entertainment in Central Park (7/15) Big Truck Show, family games and fireworks (7/16). FREE.
7/14: Blaine Family Fun Night @ Aquatore Park • 6pm • Family highlights: FREE kids carnival games, safety vehicles on display, and inflatables.
7/15-17: Duk Duk Daze @ Northwood Park, New Hope • Family highlights: Birdhouse building with Home Depot (7/16), kids parade (7/16) and slacklining and live animals with Three Rivers Parks.
7/26-31: Anoka County Fair, Anoka
7/28-31: Crystal Frolics • Family highlights: Kids, Cops & Firefighters Fair (7/29) and Family Festival (7/31) with kids scavenger hunt, Kidsdance DJ, and an interactive nature van.
7/30: Springbrook Grand Opening @ Springbrook Nature Center, Fridley • 1-4pm • Details: Be there for the ribbon cutting at 1pm followed by ice cream, music, tours and more.
ONGOING JULY EVENTS – NORTHWEST TWIN CITIES METRO
Pierre Bottineau House Open House @ Historic Pierre Bottineau House, Maple Grove • Ongoing Saturdays, 1-4pm.
Summer Concert Series @ Coon Rapids Regional Park performance pavilion, ongoing Thursdays.
Sounds of Summer @ Town Green Maple Grove, 7991 Main St N, includes Celebrate the Family, ongoing Thursdays starting 6/16 and Movies by Moonlight to come in July & August.
7/4: Maplewood Light it Up @ Hazelwood Park • 4-10pm.
7/4: Rosefest 2016 @ Roseville’s Central Park, 2540 Lexington Avenue North • 1-10pm • Carnival activities, inflatable fun, puppet shows, live music all day and fireworks at 10pm.
7/4: Stillwater 4th of July Fireworks @ Lowell Park • Music, cannons and fireworks.
7/4: White Bear Lake Fireworks, Flyover and Music @ Memorial Beach • 8-11pm • Music, T-6 planes flyover and fireworks.
7/13-17: Ramsey County Fair, Maplewood • $3/parking • Family highlights: White Bear Ave Parade (7/13), 4-H Arts-In performances, Farmer for a Day stations, petting zoo and more.
7/15-17: Lumberjack Days, Downtown Stillwater • Family highlights: Daily lumberjack shows, kids activities and K-9 shows, children’s entertainment in Teddy Bear Park and the parade (7/19).
7/22-24: Slice of Shoreview Days @ Island Lake County Park • Family highlights: Parade (7/23, 10am), daily Dock Dogs shows plus lots of FREE kids activities – chalk art, slip’n slide & climbing wall.
7/29-31: Canadian Days @ Spooner Park, Little Canada
ONGOING JULY EVENTS – NORTHEAST TWIN CITIES METRO
Drop-in Discoveries @ Tamarack Nature Center, White Bear Lake • Ongoing Saturdays, 10am-12pm.
Live @ The Rog! Performance Series @ Frank Rog Amphitheater, Roseville • Ongoing Sundays
Shoreview Puppet Wagon @ Shoreview parks • Ongoing Mondays
Roseville Puppet Wagon @ Roseville parks • Ongoing Tues-Thurs
Concerts in the Commons @ Shoreview Commons at Shoreview Community Center • Ongoing Wednesdays, 7pm.
Marketfest, Downtown White Bear Lake • Ongoing Thursdays, 6-9pm
7/1: Shakopee Happy Birthday America Parade @ Lions Park • 10:30 a.m. • Popsicles and entertainment to follow.
7/1: Forever Wild Family Friday @ Lebanon Hills Regional Park Visitor Center, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan • 7-8:30pm.
7/2-4: Eagan July 4th Funfest @ Eagan Community Center festival grounds, 1501 Central Pkwy • 10am-midnight • Parade, carnival, music and fireworks.
7/4: Afton 4th of July Parade & Celebration @ Main Street • Noon • Parade, carnival, trolley rides, Selma’s Ice Cream bike contest.
7/4: Apple Valley Freedom Days @ Johnny Cake Park East • 11 am-11 pm • Parade, carnival and fireworks.
7/4: Woodbury’s Hometown Celebration @ Bielenberg Sports Center, 4125 Radio Drive • 6-10pm • Brat Pack Radio plays from 7-10pm, fireworks to follow.
7/4-10: Pan-o-Prog – Lakeville’s Summer Festival • Family highlights: Start out with 4th of July fireworks, move on to Art on the Lawn (7/8-9), FREE birdhouse building (7/9) and wrap up with a grand parade (7/9, 5:30pm).
7/5: Free Tuesday @ Washington County Parks • find a listing of parks here • Details: Explore Washington County Parks with no vehicle permit required the first Tuesday of the month (non-holiday).
7/9: Family Art Day @ Sibley House Historic Site, Mendota • 11am-4pm • Details: Explore the historic site, play lawn games, and stay for the Mendota Days Parade.
7/15-17: Rivertown Days, Hastings • Family highlights: Arts & crafts fair at Historic LeDuc Estate and Rivertown Days Parade (7/17, noon).
7/16: International Festival of Burnsville @ Nicollet Commons Park • 3-9pm • Family highlights: FREE balloon twisting, family crafts and origami (3-7pm) plus other activities for a small fee and cultural entertainment.
7/22: Minnesota Twins Play Ball Clinic @ Rich Valley Athletic Complex, 1841 105th Street E, Inver Grove Heights • 3-4:30pm ages 6-9, 4:30-6pm ages 10-13 • Hands-on instruction from MN Twins Play Ball! staff. Balls and bats provided, please bring a glove.
7/22-31: Rosemount Leprechaun Days @ Central Park, Rosemount • Family highlights: Midsummer Faire (7/29-30) in Central Park, and Grand Day Parade (7/30, 11am).
ONGOING JULY EVENTS – SOUTHEAST TWIN CITIES METRO
Eagan Puppet Wagon @ Eagan parks, ongoing Mon-Fri. Bring a blanket for the shows, then stay after for art projects and interactive activities.
Apple Valley Mobile Puppet Theater @ Apple Valley parks, ongoing Mon-Fri. Stay for a free craft project following select performances.
Woodbury Puppet Wagon @ Woodbury parks, ongoing Mon-Thurs.
Eagan Market Fest, Eagan Central Park Festival Grounds • Ongoing Wednesdays, 4-8pm. FREE family fun: The grounds buzz with weekly concerts and themed nights including one devoted solely to families (Kidsdance DJs, free inflatables, lawn games and craft projects galore). Get the full lineup of entertainment here.
Thursday Rockin’ Lunch Hour Concerts & Thursday Rockin’ Readers @ Nicollet Commons Park, Burnsville • Ongoing Thursdays, concerts begin at noon, read-alouds begin 11:15am.
Friday Night Flicks on the Bricks @ Nicollet Commons Park, Burnsville • Ongoing Fridays, movies begin at dusk.
Music in Kelley Park, Apple Valley • Ongoing Fridays with FREE music 6-9pm, food available for purchase, prizes and a splash pad for the kids to cool off in.
7/1: Moonlight Movie: Minions @ Normandale Lake Park, Bloomington • 9-11pm
7/2: Nature Rocks! Open House @ Eden Prairie Outdoor Center, Eden Prairie • 9am-noon • Details: The first Saturday of each month enjoy free family-friendly activities such as hiking, hands-on interaction with live animals, craft projects and more!
7/2-7/4: Richfield 4th of July Weekend @ Veterans Memorial Park • Throughout the weekend are community and family focused events that offer something for everyone — Family Night, car show, street dance, parade, music, and fireworks.
7/3: Bloomington Summer Fete @ Normandale Lake Park, 84th and Chalet Road • 5-10 pm • Carnival, live music and fireworks at dusk.
7/4: Eden Prairie 4th of July Hometown Celebration @ Round Lake Park • 7:30 am-11 pm • Inflatables, chalk art, kids beach party, carnival, live music and fireworks.
7/4: Edina 4th of July Parade @ Edina City Hall • 10 am, Fireworks at Roseland Park, 10 pm.
7/8-10: Play Nintendo Tour @ Mall of America, Bloomington • Play games both nostalgic and new.
7/9-17: Hopkins Raspberry Festival • Family highlights: Family Day (7/16) in Central Park with art activities, fireworks and other entertainment and Grande Day Parade (7/17). FREE.
7/14: Puddles and Paddles @ Chaska Community Center • 12-2pm • Details: It’s all about water: splash in the interactive fountains, play water games, paddle and more.
7/15-16: Spirit of the Lakes Festival, Surfside Park & Beach, Mound • Family highlights: Kids activities in the park both days, Lake Minnetonka historic boat tours FREE with festival button (7/16, reservations required), and fireworks at dusk.
7/27-31: Scott County Fair, Jordan
7/29-31: Chaska River City Days • Family highlights: Both a kids mini-parade and full-length community parade (7/30), arts and crafts fair, and cultural entertainment.
ONGOING JULY EVENTS – SOUTHWEST TWIN CITIES METRO
Centennial Lakes Park is a haven for FREE summer entertainment! Events are held daily Sun-Thurs and include family-friendly concerts at the outdoor amphitheater, Movies in the Park ongoing Thursday evenings, the Farmers Market ongoing Thursdays and the Edina Model Yacht Club races on select Thursdays.
Free Family Flicks: @ Theatres at Mall of America • Ongoing Saturdays, 10am.
Grimm Farmhouse Open House @ Grimm Farm Historic Site, Victoria • Ongoing Saturdays, 1-4pm
Moonlight Movies @ Red Haddox Field, Bloomington • Ongoing Saturdays.
Monday Morning Kids Series @ Moir Park, Bloomington • Ongoing Mondays, 10:30am.
Free Movie Mondays @ Chaska Community Center • Ongoing Mondays starting 7/11, 9:30am.
MOA Toddler Tuesdays, Mall of America Rotunda • Ongoing Tuesdays, 10am – noon • Details: Live entertainment and activities guaranteed to excite the stroller set. View upcoming event details here.
KidStock @ Staring Lake Amphitheatre, Eden Prairie • Ongoing Tuesdays through 7/26, 10:30am
Kids Entertainment Series @ Augsburg Park, Richfield • Ongoing Tuesdays through 8/16, 12-1pm.
Creative Kidstuff Concert Series @ The Shops at West End, St. Louis Park • Ongoing Wed. thru 8/17, 10-11am.
Children’s Entertainment @ Edinborough Park Amphitheater, Edina • Ongoing Thursdays, noon.
Itty Bitty Beach Party @ Round Lake Park, Eden Prairie • Ongoing Fridays thru 7/29, 10am.
Moonlight Movies @ Normandale Lake Park, Bloomington • Ongoing Fridays, 9-11pm.
Drop-in Playtime @ Amma Parenting Center, Edina • Ongoing Fridays, 11:45am-12:45pm • Details: Drop-in play for newborns through walking age.
TWIN CITIES JULY FAMILY FESTIVALS – FREE ADMISSION
TWIN CITIES JULY FARMERS MARKETS FAMILY ACTIVITIES
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