At The Gardner School, we’re proud to partner with parents to offer additional support beyond the classroom. That’s why we’ve created this exclusive guide to free attractions, events, and activities designed for the preschool crowd in Minneapolis. We’re bypassing the usual suspects like parks to highlight unique opportunities for fun and learning. Whether you’re already part of our TGS family or considering enrollment at one of our schools, let this guide be your starting point for countless adventures in our beautiful city!
Explore The Arts
- Walker Art Center
- Enjoy cutting-edge art exhibitions without spending a penny during First Free Saturdays and every Thursday night. The Walker Art Center offers children the opportunity to engage with contemporary art and participate in hands-on activities that are both fun and educational.
This blog’s featured photo is courtesy of the Walker Art Center.
- Enjoy cutting-edge art exhibitions without spending a penny during First Free Saturdays and every Thursday night. The Walker Art Center offers children the opportunity to engage with contemporary art and participate in hands-on activities that are both fun and educational.
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- As Minnesota’s largest art educator, the Minneapolis Institute of Art is free and open to the public every day. Wander through its vast collections and introduce your preschooler to the world of art through the eyes of different cultures and historical periods.
Storytime Awaits
Libraries and bookstores around Minneapolis host free storytimes that are often enhanced with songs, crafts, and sometimes even live animals! These events are a fantastic way to develop early literacy skills while having a lot of fun (for free). Wild Rumpus is one of our favorite bookstores, and it offers storytime every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
- Minneapolis Central Library
- Located downtown, the Minneapolis Central Library is a treasure trove for families looking to read, play, and sing together! The children’s section was designed with interactive play areas, and the family storytime events are perfect for an engaging weekend activity. Check out the list of events and storytime schedules for this branch or a location near you!
Toddler Tuesdays at Mall of America
On the second Tuesday of each month, from 10 a.m. to noon, Mall of America showcases free entertainment for toddlers and preschoolers. There’s always a new theme, special guests, crafts, and stories, so your little one will be treated to a special experience each time. Be sure to check out the upcoming lineup, and don’t forget to grab lunch! About a dozen restaurants in the mall offer free children’s meals every Tuesday.
Stroll the Local Farmer’s Markets
Enjoy the morning with your family at one of Minneapolis’ 20 farmers’ markets! Farmers’ markets are lively spots for children to learn about food and enjoy a bustling atmosphere. Many are open year-round, including Mill City Farmers Market, which offers fresh produce and free entertainment. On the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, they have Power of Produce, a kid’s veggie sampling program, storytime with the Guthrie Theater on the fourth Saturday of the month, and Babycake’s Book Stack, a mobile bookstore, open on select Saturdays.
The Gardner School: Where Adventure Awaits
At The Gardner School, we’re proud to support our families by being a resource for community engagement and learning opportunities. Our knowledge of the communities we serve is just one of the reasons parents choose us when looking for a preschool. To learn more about The Gardner School locations in Minneapolis and surrounding areas, schedule a tour today.