Five Free Things to do in the Twin Cities

 Unfortunately summer is just about coming to a close, we are already half way through August! There is still time to get out and have fun in the Twin Cities area. So here is my list of 5 great free things to do.

1. Take a Hike

There are so many great parks and lakes in the Twin Cities, and many are in the suburbs. Above is Palmer Lake Park, in Brooklyn Center, a suburb of Minneapolis. My family and I have gone on many walks there, during every season.  It has a paved 3.1 mile trail, and two recreation areas. We've seen lots of wild life there, including deer.

2. Mall of America

If you want to do some indoor walking, and do some window shopping at the same time, there is the Mall of America. As one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, Mall of America features—520 stores, 50 restaurants and attractions galore, including Nickelodeon Universe^®, the nation's largest indoor theme park. There are two hotels attatched and it has just undergone an expansion. And there is even an IKEA across the street.

3. Antiquing and Thrifting

One of our favorite things to do in the area is go to antique and thrift shops. They can be found all over the area, but one place we love is Stillwater.  It's a quaint little town just a few minutes away from the Twin Cities located on the St. Croix River. It's full of  antique stores, gift shops and local restaurants.

We especially love to go there in the fall when the leaves are changing.

 4. Como Zoo and Conservatory

 The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is full of fun things to do. Technically is is free, but there is a voluntary donation of $3 for an adult and $2 for a child to help care for plants and animals. Our favorite things to do besides visit the giraffes and polar bear, include the Cafesjian’s Carousel (which was built in 1914 and only costs $2 to ride) and the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory full of beautiful flowers and plants.

Cafesjian’s Carousel 

 Marjorie McNeely Conservatory sunken garden

5. Swim in a Lake

Minnesota isn't called the land of 10,000 lakes for nothing, and there are many lakes in the Twin Cities that charge nothing to take a dip in. One such lake is Parkers Lake in the suburb of Plymouth, MN. It's a pretty little lake with a lovely beach and docks for boating. 

So there are some of the many fun and free things to do in the Twin Cities area. Have a great rest of the summer! Bye for now!