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Everyone likes free stuff, especially in a down economy. The Twin Cities is full of exciting places to visit. From great parks to wonderful museums to wild animals, you can find fun, educational and historic places to visit. And best of all, many of the Twin Cities best attractions are free. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden The Walker Art Center houses a world-class collection of contemporary art, and 40 of its most memorable works are outside. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden features works serious and whimsical, including the fun “Spoonbridge and Cherry,” which has become one of Minneapolis’ most recognized landmarks. This a great destination for families with young kids, who get a chance to discover art in a setting that doesn’t discourage running and “outside voices.” The Walker Art Center The Walker is internationally acclaimed for its exhibitions of modern art, variety of educational programs and presentation of music, dance, theater and film. The Walker is free on Thursday evenings (5 to 9 p.m.) and the first Saturday of every month (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). In addition to entrance to the galleries, the Free First Saturday family programs offer a variety of art-making opportunities and performances creating a fun and interactive approach to art that is especially designed for children. Minneapolis Institute of Arts Minnesota’s largest fine arts museum houses collections representing almost every major period and style, with ancient armor and sculpture being a favorite with kids. Admission to the museum, which is over 100 years old, is free. Some special exhibits require a fee. Free tours are offered. Call for specific times. One Sunday each month the museum hosts a Target Family Day, tying art making activities to current exhibits. Families can create works of art, go on scavenger hunts, meet artist, dancers and musicians and enjoy performances and storytelling – all free! Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum Like the Guggenheim museums in New York and Bilbao, Spain, the Weisman Museum of Contemporary Art is a museum whose exterior is as intriguing as its contents. Designed by Frank Gehry (who also designed the Bilbao Guggenheim) for the University of Minnesota, the museum teeters on the East Bank of the Mississippi. Inside, you’ll find intriguing exhibitions to captivate all ages. Selections include the Weisman’s permanent collection of 20th century art (featuring Georgia O’Keeffe and Max Weber paintings) and touring exhibitions. Bell Museum of Natural History The Bell Museum’s exhibits encourage exploration and convey the wonder of nature, the excitement of science, and the importance of research and conservation of the natural world. Free admission every Sunday. Minnesota Children’s Museum The third Sunday of every month is free at Minnesota Children’s Museum. Target Free 3rd Sundays are from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m and offer access to all permanent exhibits like Earth World and World Works, plus any special exhibits, including Clifford the Big Red Dog, which runs through the summer. Minnesota State Capitol Soaring domes, monumental arches, columns, statues and symbolic murals dominate the Capitol scene today much as they did when it was completed in 1905. Free guided tours that explore the architecture, history and stories of significant Minnesota citizens begin every hour until one hour before closing. Governor’s Residence Tour Take a guided tour through a beautiful country manor home. View various historical photo displays and stroll through the magnificent children’s garden established in 1993. The tours are available on the first three Thursdays in June, July and August from 1 p.m. until 3.p.m. Reservations are required. Local Libraries Local libraries and bookstores offer great opportunities for kids of all ages to use their imagination as they listen to popular children’s stories during toddler and preschool storytimes. During the summer, many libraries offer unique programs for children of all ages. From magicians to jugglers, from book clubs to pirate parties, local libraries work hard to offer a wealth of summer fun for all ages. Pre-registration may be required. Visit your local library’s Web site for more information. Como Park One of the Cities’ premier parks, Como stands out for its range of attractions. Its 450 acres include an 18-hole golf course, a zoo, a conservatory, the historic Cafesjian’s Carousel, Como Lake and Como Lakeside Pavilion. There are even amusement rides, pony rides and an outdoor pool. In summer, enjoy 2.3 miles of paved trails; in winter, there’s an equally expansive set of cross-country skiing trails. And best of all, the zoo’s free. Lyndale Park Stop and smell the flowers in the Lyndale Park Rose Garden, a small botanical treasure chest on the northeast shore of Lake Harriet in south Minneapolis. It’s a peaceful place, with more than 4,000 plants and roses that typically are in bloom until mid-September. Nearby is the Lyndale Park Rock Garden, a 1-acre oasis featuring dwarf conifers and alpines, flowering trees and perennials. The Spirit of Peace Sculpture—which helps visitors learn to fold an origami paper crane—is a highlight. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Come and explore more than 1,000 acres of gardens, woods, prairies, and wetlands. Free Thursdays all day: November- April 24. Free Thursdays after 4:30 p.m.: April 25–October. Carpenter Nature Center Year-round recreation and environmental education activities and programs. Over 15 miles of hiking trails including 4 miles paved with nature visitor stations, visitor center with exhibits and self-guided interpretive trail. Normandale Community College Quiet retreat features shelters, bridges, waterfall, lagoon and trees all maintained in authentic Japanese tradition on campus of Normandale Community College. Open June 1 – September 30 sunrise to sunset. Let’s Go Fly a Kite Join the Solid Kite Flying Club on selected Sundays each month as they demonstrate the art of kite flying from noon until 6 pm. Bring your own kite for fun for all ages. Upcoming dates: May 3, May 25 (Memorial Day), June 14, July 5 & 26, Aug 23. Home Depot Stores Home Depot offers free classes for children on building items such as birdhouses, toolboxes, and various other wood products on Saturdays throughout the year. Class topics and schedules vary, so contact your local Home Depot for more information or visit www.homedepot.com Lowe’s Stores From building birdhouses to wooden sailboats, Lowe’s offers a variety of building programs for children on Saturdays throughout the year. Visit www.lowes.com for more information. Museum Adventure Pass Sponsored by Macys.
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