Twin Cities Fun on a Single Parent Budget

Looking for some Twin Cities fun on a budget? Going from a duel income to a single income is not only difficult, but can bring on many emotions, especially if it leaves you feeling inadequate with providing for your children. There are so many low and no cost options out there that you don’t have to feel your children are missing out if you are on a single parent budget. Here are some of our favorites:

• Como Zoo (free)
• Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (free)
• Walker Art Center (free admission Thursdays from 5-9pm)
• Minnesota History Center (free admission Tuesdays from 5-8pm)
• Fishing at many local community piers and parks (free)
• Minnehaha Falls (free)
• Three Rivers Parks District: Elm Creek Park Reserve, Lowery nature Center, Minnetonka Regional Park, etc. (free admission and many free activities and play equipment). Tip: make a list for a scavenger hunt before you go, kids LOVE scavenger hunts!
• Minnesota Children’s Museum (free admission the 3rd Sunday of each month)
• Outdoor concerts in the summer: Minneapolis Music in the Parks and St. Paul Music in the Parks, as well as many suburban concert series (free)
• Movies in the Park in Summer: many area options (free)
• Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (free admission every third Thursday of the month after 4:30 pm April through October)
• Farmer’s Markets: many area options, check your city and surrounding areas for dates and times. Tip: If you go close to the end of the day many vendors may have reduced their prices or are willing to negotiate on fresh produce. (free admission)
• Bike or walk the area trails. We are very blessed with many quality area trails like the Luce Line, Dakota Rail Regional Trail, etc. Tip: Another great place for a scavenger hunt!
• Local beaches in the summer – We are in the land of 10,000 lakes, there are so many options for free swimming and sand castle fun!
• Local art fairs, craft fairs, car shows, etc. Admission is typically free and it is so fun to walk around and look at everything.

Also be sure to check out local discount websites such a www.SaveOn.com, www.Groupon.com, and www.LivingSocial.com, where you can find deep discounts on local amusement parks, museums, the arboretum, restaurants, and more!