Here's a selection of fun, free activities for children in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
11. Tot Time and Open Gym at Rec Centers
This is a great way for small children to burn off energy in the winter months. My local rec center, North Dale in St. Paul, holds twice-weekly open gym sessions for toddlers. Plenty of large toys, balls, slides, tricycles and other toys are set out to encourage movement and activity are set out for toddlers and pre-schoolers. Almost all rec centers in the Twin Cities metro area run similar free programs, usually on weekdays.12. Toddler Tuesdays at Mall of America
Free entertainment for toddlers and preschoolers at the Mall of America every Tuesday. The weekly events include children's character appearances, entertainment, music and discounts for families at Mall stores and restaurants.13. Free Family Movies
The movie theatre at the Mall of America screens free family movies every Saturday morning on a first-come-first-seated basis.14. Free Kid's Workshops at Lowes and Home Depot
The twenty Home Depot stores in the metro area hold free kid's workshops featuring tools to learn how to use and projects to create. Workshops are every Saturday morning and are suitable for children aged 5-12.Lowe's stores run a Build and Grow program that also offers free Saturday classes for 6-11 year old children to build a project. Preregistration for the workshops is required at LowesBuildAndGrow.com.
