Units:

Twin Cities families · November 13 to 15, 2026

A wholesome weekend,
close to home.

14 free or cheap family outings across the Twin Cities, sorted by area so you can stay close to home. Forecast: Sunday 49°F9°C, dry.

The plan
14 picksacross five areas
13 freethe rest cost a little
49°F9°C Sundaysunny
10 indoorson Sunday, if it rains

Short version

The plan

Three free picks in different corners of the metro. Everything else is below, by area.

Sunday · north

Drop-In Discoveries: Fall Phenology

Free, 1 to 3 pm. Become a nature detective with a naturalist's toolbox!

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Sunday · south

Drop-In Discoveries: Backyard Birds

Free, 3 to 4 pm. Learn about nature at your own pace through hands-on experiences.

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Sunday · St. Paul & east

AAW: Woodturning Demonstration

Free, 1 to 4 pm. Experience the magic of woodturning with the American Association of Woodturners’ (AAW) free demonstrations held every third Sunday, 1–4 pm, at the Gallery of Wood Art.

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Lake Minnetonka, Chanhassen, Plymouth, Chaska, Waconia

West metro

Library programs fill out each area.

Sun · free · 2 to 3Library · St. Louis Park · indoors · grades 1 to 3

Read With an Animal

Grades 1-3. Cuddle up with a certified therapy animal and practice reading aloud. Most libraries host dogs, but you can call ahead to St. Louis Park Library at 612-543-6125 and see if other animals will be visiting.

St. Louis Park Library, St. Louis Park
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Bloomington, Edina, Burnsville, Eagan, Shakopee

South metro

Library programs fill out each area.

Sun · $4 · noon to 1:30 pmCity event · Burnsville · indoors · ages not listed

Public Skating

Skating Aid Rentals (Pushers): $4 *Outside skating aids of any kind are not allowed*

Know: Cost: Skating Aid Rentals (Pushers): $4.

Burnsville Ice Center, Burnsville
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Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, Anoka

North metro

Library programs fill out each area.

Parks, museums and libraries across the city

Minneapolis

Library programs fill out each area.

Sun · free · 4 to 4:30Library · Minneapolis · indoors · families

The Art of Letters: Gallery Tour

Members of the Colleagues of Calligraphy will guide visitors through The Art of Letters exhibit, pointing out various styles of calligraphy, describing tools and mediums used, and answering questions.

Minneapolis Central Library, Minneapolis
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St. Paul, Roseville, Washington County, Dakota County

St. Paul and east

Library programs fill out each area.

Sun · free · 1 to 4 pmFamily event · St. Paul · indoors · ages not listed

AAW: Woodturning Demonstration

Experience the magic of woodturning with the American Association of Woodturners’ (AAW) free demonstrations held every third Sunday, 1–4 pm, at the Gallery of Wood Art.

Gallery of Wood Art, St. Paul
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Open every day

Open every day

Always-good places, so they repeat from week to week. Hours are from each place's own page.

Any day · free · hours varyNature center · Victoria · indoors and out · kids and families

Lowry Nature Center

Hike the trails, see seasonal exhibits and meet a live animal at the nature center in Carver Park Reserve.

Know: Open Monday to Saturday 9 to 5, Sunday noon to 5. Three Rivers parks are free to park and free to enter.

Lowry Nature Center, Victoria
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Any day · free · hours varyNature center · Bloomington · indoors and out · kids and families

Richardson Nature Center

Hike the trails, see seasonal exhibits and meet resident raptors, reptiles and amphibians up close in Hyland Lake Park Reserve.

Know: Open Monday to Saturday 9 to 5, Sunday noon to 5. Three Rivers parks are free to park and free to enter.

Richardson Nature Center, Bloomington
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Any day · free · hours varyNature center · Dayton · indoors and out · kids and families

Eastman Nature Center

Hike the trails, see seasonal exhibits and meet a live animal at the nature center in Elm Creek Park Reserve.

Know: Open Monday to Saturday 9 to 5, Sunday noon to 5. Three Rivers parks are free to park and free to enter.

Eastman Nature Center, Dayton
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Any day · free · 6 am to midnightSculpture garden · Minneapolis · outdoors · all ages

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Walk among the outdoor sculptures beside the Walker Art Center. No tickets needed.

Know: Free and open daily from 6 am to midnight, all year.

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
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Any day · free · 10 or 11 to 5Art museum · U of M · indoors · all ages

Weisman Art Museum

A free art museum on the University of Minnesota's East Bank campus.

Know: Open 10 to 5 on weekdays, 11 to 5 on Saturday and Sunday. Garage parking is $3 an hour, $13 at most.

Weisman Art Museum
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Any day · free · 10 to 4Zoo and conservatory · St. Paul · indoors and out · kids and families

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

A free zoo, open daily, and the indoor Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, open Tuesday to Sunday.

Know: Free. A voluntary donation of $8 per adult and $5 per child is appreciated.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
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National Weather Service

Weekend forecast

The National Weather Service forecast for the Minnetonka area, checked Sunday, November 15 at 5:15 am.

26°F-3°C · dryOvernight

Mostly Clear

Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Southeast wind around 0 mph0 km/h.

Full NWS forecast
49°F9°C · drySunday

Sunny

Sunny. High near 49, with temperatures falling to around 44 in the afternoon. South wind 0 to 10 mph0 to 16 km/h.

36°F2°C · drySunday Night

Clear

Clear, with a low around 36. South wind 5 to 10 mph8 to 16 km/h.

Before you go

Good to know

A few things that change the plan.