Free & Almost Free Autumn Events - Twin Cities

In June, I posted about FREE Family Summer Fun events for this year. I'm always sad to see the summer go because fun starts costing a whole lot more as the weather cools here in MN. On the other hand, Autumn is my favorite season. I feel most energized for the school year to start. I love the turning of the leaves, the cooling of the air, the hats and sweaters that start making their way out of the closet, apple cider, and the holidays...

In honor of my favorite season, I've begun compiling a list of the places we go, the things we do, and the resources for fun events in autumn that are in the free-$10 range. I've found that I have more resources that I thought I did, and I discovered a few more while I was digging for links to the "regulars."

Three Rivers Park District:
First, I comb through the event listings for the Three Rivers Parks. You can do a search for something you might enjoy (like apples or archery...). OR you can click on the "Activities" link at the top of the page and sort events by type of activity. OR you can just click on "Events" and read through the whole overwhelming list.

Of note: Silverwood Park's version of the No-Coast Craft-O-Rama on September 21st, family archery at several parks ($7/person), Applefest at The Landing ($5/person) and Folkways of the Holidays at The Landing ($5/person).

Non Fair Events Calendar:
Something new I discovered this year is the Non Fair Events Calendar for the MN State Fair Grounds. Did you know there are events having to do with horses, dogs, reptiles, cars, motorcycles, books, antiques, military relics and furniture?!! Most of these events have completely FREE admission. The one we're looking forward to: Fall Festival Arabian Horse Show.

Apple Orchards near the Twin Cities:
Of course, what would MN be without apple orchards in autumn?! Most have free admission. Many have free hayrides. Save your money for apples, berries, pumpkins, squash, jellies, pies, and honey! We are especially fond of the pick-your-own-pumpkins at Pine Tree Apple Orchard and the Scarecrow Festival at Emma Krumbee's.

Tripoli Minnesota High Power Rocketry Club: 
We had the best time just attending a rocket launch a few years ago! Since then, we've continued to discuss making our own rockets. Even if you don't make one, this is a totally fun family event to attend. Bring a cooler with snacks and drinks, picnic blanket, chairs, sun-brella, and enjoy the show!

Minnesota Historical Society:
Because we have a Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) Membership, we also scroll through the events calendar for MNHS to see if there's anything we might like to attend. Several of the programs are discounted or free for MNHS members, and many are under $10/person for non-members.

Wild Rice Processing in Onamia (yes, it is a long drive, thank you) is completely free several weekends in September. Old School Minnesota Days at Fort Snelling over MEA weekend are completely free for MNHS members! The Oliver Kelley Farm offers Harvest Days over that same weekend and Christmas on the Farm in December. 

A word about museum memberships...
This is probably the place to say something about not-so-free things in the Twin Cities. Memberships to MNHS and the MN Science Museum can be lifesavers when you're going stir crazy in the winter. You will NOT run out of things to do, even if you go there once a week all through snow season, and you will certainly get your money's worth at that rate! Both museums have wide open spaces to move around and things touch and climb! It is totally possible to pack lunches to eat at either place. So, your total expense is your membership + parking. No need to purchase anything else while you're there. Parking is discounted for members at both museums.

Enjoy your autumn!!