Sunday · north
Drop-In Discoveries: Fall Phenology
Free, 1 to 3 pm. Become a nature detective with a naturalist's toolbox!
Twin Cities families · November 13 to 15, 2026
37 free or cheap family outings across the Twin Cities, sorted by area so you can stay close to home. Forecast: Saturday 46°F8°C, dry; Sunday 52°F11°C, dry.
Short version
Three free picks in different corners of the metro. Everything else is below, by area.
Sunday · north
Free, 1 to 3 pm. Become a nature detective with a naturalist's toolbox!
Sunday · south
Free, 3 to 4 pm. Learn about nature at your own pace through hands-on experiences.
Sunday · St. Paul & east
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.
Lake Minnetonka, Chanhassen, Plymouth, Chaska, Waconia
Library programs fill out each area.
Age 5+. We’ve got the supplies you bring your imagination to this self-guided building time with LEGOs, building bricks or Picasso tiles.
Watertown Library, WatertownAll ages. November is International Games Month, and your library's got game. Bring gently used jigsaw puzzles to swap with other puzzle lovers. Play Book Bingo for a chance to win a free, gently used book.
Chanhassen Library, ChanhassenK-grade 5. Cuddle up with a certified therapy animal (usually a dog) and practice reading aloud. Sign up for a 15-minute session at the front desk when you arrive. First come, first served.
Wayzata Library, WayzataPreschool and school age children. Reading to therapy animals encourages reading confidence. Presented by North Star Therapy Animals. 15-minute sessions on a first come, first served basis.
Chaska Library, ChaskaAll ages with a focus on children age 5+. Drop in for some self-directed library fun -- family reading activities, crafts and toys provided for this special experience.
Waconia Library, WaconiaBloomington, Edina, Burnsville, Eagan, Shakopee
Library programs fill out each area.
Hear the beloved book come to life with music, rhythmic percussion and more as the soundscape of letters surrounds you. For youth ages 2–6 with their caregivers.
Offsite Library, OffsiteJoin Rima Chakraborty, author of " Mimi's Christmas Cake ," for storytelling celebrating South Asian culture! Sponsor: Friends of the Hennepin County Library.
Edina Library, EdinaRead to trained therapy dogs in a supportive environment to help build literacy skills and confidence in reading out loud. Event will be held in the Children's Area. For youth ages 5–10.
Wescott Library, EaganDrop-in for hands-on chemistry activities lead by volunteers from the MN American Chemical Society. Participants will have an opportunity to experiment with a variety of activities. For youth ages 6 and older.
Kaposia Library, South St. PaulDrop in to play board games and party games. From chess to Scrabble, from Uno to D & D, from Code Names to Wavelength, play old favorites and discover new ones. For youth ages 8–18.
Wescott Library, EaganLearn about nature at your own pace through hands-on experiences.
Richardson Nature Center, BloomingtonSkating Aid Rentals (Pushers): $4 *Outside skating aids of any kind are not allowed*
Know: Cost: Skating Aid Rentals (Pushers): $4.
Burnsville Ice Center, BurnsvilleMaple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, Anoka
Library programs fill out each area.
Get ready to light up the night at the Kids Glow Party!
Know: Cost: Price: $7 per person (including adults). Sign up ahead.
Maple Grove Community Center, Maple GroveAnoka County will host a Hope & Healing Expo 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Christ Lutheran Church in Blaine.
Know: Sign-up requested.
Christ Lutheran Church, Coon RapidsGrades 1-3. Cuddle up with a certified therapy animal and practice reading aloud. Most libraries host dogs, but you can call ahead to see if other animals will be visiting.
Rogers Library, RogersBecome a nature detective with a naturalist's toolbox!
Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, Brooklyn ParkLove an oak tree, thank a squirrel!
Eastman Nature Center, DaytonParks, museums and libraries across the city
Library programs fill out each area.
Calling all future engineers and architects! We've got the bricks, but we need you to bring your imagination. No experience necessary. Drop in for a while or stay the entire time! We'll also have DUPLOS®, so all ages are welcome.
Linden Hills Library, MinneapolisDrop in for fun and creative STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) experiments and projects! Materials provided. Collaborator: Roosevelt Library's STEAM Squad. Sponsor: Friends of the Hennepin County Library.
Roosevelt Library, MinneapolisFor children of all ages and their caregivers. Connect with your child during this drop-in program exploring early literacy activities.
Roosevelt Library, MinneapolisDiscover the art of calligraphy through this interactive, hands-on experience.
Minneapolis Central Library, MinneapolisMembers 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, MinneapolisSt. Paul, Roseville, Washington County, Dakota County
Library programs fill out each area.
A creative space for youth to express themselves, connect with peers, and explore art activities that support mental wellness and resilience. All materials provided, no registration required, no charge of any kind.
Arlington Hills Library, St. PaulJoin teaching artists from In the Heart of the Beast for music, movement, stories and puppets! We will engage in exploring puppets, singing familiar songs, finger plays and more.
Rice Street Library, St. PaulJoin Baby Bear and Miss Kim for stories, songs, poems and more to nurture early literacy skills. No registration is required. This program will take place in the magazine/newspaper area on the lower level of the library.
Stillwater Public Library, StillwaterEnjoy original music and contemporary takes on old-time, traditional, and bluegrass tunes mixed into one roiling and rollicking river of fresh yet familiar American music at Wildwood Library in Mahtomedi.
Wildwood Library (Mahtomedi), MahtomediExplore the world through singing, dancing, and playing instruments in this introductory, fun music class with teaching artists from ComMUSICation!
George Latimer Central Library, St. PaulMake a move and come play chess at the library! Kids and caregivers are invited to practice your chess skills with some new partners and each other. Beginners welcome, drop-in anytime during the session. Appropriate for ages 5 and older.
White Bear Lake Library, White Bear LakeIt's the Minnesota Youth Reading Awards Celebration! Come meet John Schu , author of Maud Hart Lovelace Division 2 winner "Louder Than Hunger", who will receive their 2026 MYRA Awards at the celebration.
Roseville Library, RosevilleDrop in to hang out and make cool stuff at FunLab! Featuring crafts, science experiments, engineering projects, video games, and more. This STEAM drop-in program is designed for ages 7-11. FunLab!
Dayton's Bluff Library, St. PaulExperience 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. PaulOpen every day
Always-good places, so they repeat from week to week. Hours are from each place's own page.
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, VictoriaHike 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, BloomingtonHike 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, DaytonWalk 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 GardenA 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 MuseumA 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 & ConservatoryNational Weather Service
The National Weather Service forecast for the Minnetonka area, checked Monday, November 9 at 5:15 am.
Sunny, with a high near 42. North wind around 5 mph8 km/h.
Mostly clear, with a low around 29. Southeast wind around 0 mph0 km/h.
Sunny, with a high near 46. South southeast wind 0 to 5 mph0 to 8 km/h.
Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. South wind around 5 mph8 km/h.
Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. South wind around 5 mph8 km/h.
Before you go
A few things that change the plan.