Free Fall Activities For Families In Minnesota
Minnesota is a great place to spend your fall. The season is packed with the colors of changing leaves and a wide variety of apple orchards and pumpkin patches. Getting in the mood for colder weather, Minnesotans prefer to spend as much time outside as possible before the temperature drops to a sub zero level. Activities and events are packed into the fall months to invite Minnesotans out of their homes and into the festivity of the season. Bring your family out for some great adventures this year.
Guided Bird Hikes
Washington County Parks
1515 Keats Ave. N
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
(651) 5430-8370
www.co.washington.mn.us
Take the family up to Washington County for an incredible walk through the Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Guided bird hikes are planned on Saturday mornings starting at 8:30 a.m. The walks are led by naturalists and volunteers from the park system and provide fascinating information on local wildlife and birds native to the area. Enjoy fresh air and fitness in the morning and stay for a picnic lunch or just hang out and explore. Just remember to dress for the weather.
First Friday Art Walk
Downtown Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
(218) 326-9607
www.grandrapidsarts.org
A family-friendly event that takes place in downtown Grand Rapids helps to bring the love of art to the community. On the first Friday of each month, the First Friday Art Walk features local artists, live music, entertainment and themes of the season. This free event runs from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. during the year and is packed full of things to do and see. Interact with artists and maybe even gain a greater appreciation or interest in the arts. The schedule for each week is posted on the website just one week in advance, but it is always something interesting and fun. Catch up with the art scene and bring your family along for the ride!
Autumn Market
105 2nd Ave. NE
Glenwood, MN 56334
(320) 634-0400
www.centralsquare.org
Support local arts and small businesses that promote the arts at the Autumn Market in Glenwood. Each year, the Central Square Cultural Center promotes a program that brings the community together for a fun fall event. Live music and artist displays are offered to share the importance of art within the region. An art and bake sale is also offered to help raise money for these vital programs. Central Square offers musical concerts, theatre productions and other local programs year-round. However, the Autumn Market is only offered on Nov. 12 this year — so don't miss it!
Home Improvement And Design Expo
National Sports Center
1700 105th Ave. NE
Blaine, MN 55449
(763) 785-5600
www.mediamaxevents.com
Thinking about making some renovations or changes to your home? Maybe you just want something to do inside when it starts to get a little chilly out. The Home Improvement Expo is free with the donation of a canned good and filled with a lot to see and do under one roof. This year, Blaine is hosting the expo on Nov. 7, with another one in Maple Grove on Nov. 21. Bring the kids to see over 100 exhibitors offering advice on everything from lighting to gardening. Enjoy speakers, entertainment, giveaways and snacks as well. Maybe you'll be inspired to start an indoor project this winter!
Bentleyville
700 Railroad St.
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 740-3535
www.bentleyvilleusa.org
Fall weather means that winter is on its way, and with the winter comes the Christmas holiday. Opening on the Nov. 21, Bentleyville is a favorite free activity for many Minnesotans. Located in northern Minnesota on the shores of Lake Superior, Bentleyville is a giant lighted display that celebrates the season of Christmas. Walk through a glowing Christmas village and enjoy 20 acres of Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth. Santa will be on hand to hand out treats and welcome all visitors to the scene.
Related: Best Holiday Markets In Minnesota
Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years. Her hobbies include exercising, driving kids around, watching Minnesota sports, and reading self-help literature. Examiner.com.