A Money Saving Mom’s Guide to a Minneapolis Summer

You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to have fun with your children to Minneapolis this summer. For those interested in the arts, the museums and avant garde exhibits abound. If you’re more interested in outdoors adventures, Minneapolis offers everything from walking trails to waterfalls. The parks and recreation department hosts summer events that you won’t want to miss. By the end of summer, your kids will be excited to go back to school, just so they can share their adventures with their friends!

Movies in the Park

The parks and recreation department offers movies in Twin Cities’ parks throughout the summer. From Frozen to Casablanca, there’s a cinematic treat in store for every interest. The viewing days begin in early June and conclude in late August, which means that there is fun to be had all summer. The Minneapolis Parks and Recreation website will list the upcoming movies as summer approaches.

Museums and Exhibits

Minneapolis boasts some of the state’s most impressive museums and outdoor art exhibits, many of which are free to enjoy. The Bell Museum of Natural History has free admission on Sundays. Unfortunately, the museum will be closed throughout 2017 as it is moved to a new campus, but will reopen bigger and better than ever in the summer of 2018 with a brand new planetarium. The Weisman Art Museum houses examples of both 2-D and 3-D art in an architecturally marvelous building that is a piece of art itself. Admission is free everyday. If you prefer your artwork outdoors, check out the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. It features a variety of sculptural artwork, such as a large granite bullfrog and “Play Days,” which sits in the middle of a beautiful fountain.

Nature’s Bounty

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, which the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is a piece of, features more than beautiful sculptures. The zoo houses exotic animals, from anacondas to puffins. Admission to the zoo is always free. With all the money you’ll save on admission, you can grab a bite to eat at the Zobota Restaurant or one of the seasonal food carts. If you’re more interested in plants than you are in animals, you can check out one of the parks 13 gardens, arranged thematically around the park. The Lyndale Park Rose Garden is small, but elegant. Hummingbirds and butterflies will leave your little ones in awe and the sweet smell of summer roses will keep you coming back.

With all the money you’ll be saving on zoo visits and museum trips, you’ll have just enough to enjoy a tasty treats with your little ones at one of Minneapolis’ restaurants, such as Tommy’s Malt Shop. Follow the link for a coupon for $5 off any $25 purchase!