Summer Fun on a Budget in the Twin Cities
Jun 12, 2025
Summer in the Twin Cities is a magical time; long sunny days, vibrant community events, and endless opportunities to make memories with the people you love. But let’s face it, money can be tight right now. Whether you're saving up, managing rising costs, or just trying to be more mindful of your spending, sticking to a budget doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. With a little creativity and planning, you can enjoy everything summer has to offer without breaking the bank. Whether you're planning a weekend with friends or a day out with the kids, here’s your guide to budget-friendly summer fun in Stillwater, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and beyond!
Visit Museums
Visit the Walker Art Center for free on First Free Saturdays and Thursday evenings. Then stroll through the adjacent Sculpture Garden to snap a photo with the iconic Spoonbridge & Cherry. The Weisman Art Museum, located on the University of Minnesota campus, offers free admission and guided tours.
Spend Time in Nature
From lakes, nature centers, hiking trails, playgrounds, zoos, and more, the Twin Cities area has a lot to offer to get you and your family out and exploring at little to no cost. Check out your counties’ Parks and Recreation webpages for more information and lists of locations. Ideas include Como Zoo, Bde Maka Ska, Minnehaha Regional Park, and Lowell Park in Stillwater.
Check out your Local Library
Some local libraries offer free summer reading programs, craft kits, STEM activities, and even live performances! Stillwater Public Library offers a calendar of events ranging from chess club to arts and crafts for all ages!
Attend Community Events
Don’t miss neighborhood festivals like West St. Paul Days, Grand Old Day in St. Paul, and Aquatennial in Minneapolis. These often include parades, live music, food trucks, and fireworks, all with free admission. Don’t forget that Summer Tuesdays hosts movies, live music, and activities all summer long in Stillwater!
Summer’s all about making memories, and the good news is, you don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy it. Around the Twin Cities, there are tons of ways to have fun, connect with loved ones, and soak up the season without stretching your budget. At FamilyMeans Financial Solutions, we’re here to help you feel confident about your money, so you can focus on what really matters such as discovering a new park, catching live music, or just enjoying a sunny picnic by the lake. Let’s make this summer stress-free and full of joy, together.
Interested in starting your journey to financial freedom? We offer free budget and debt counseling along with a Debt Management Plan program to get you on the right path!
Visit https://www.familymeans.org/financial-solutions/ to learn more.