Thrifty Minnesota

The best things to do and see in Minnesota!

Home » Laura

FREE First Tuesdays at Washington County Parks

Published | Updated | by | Leave a Comment

We love to get outside and explore different parks and trails in Minnesota, and here's a thrifty way to explore Washington County Parks! On the first Tuesday of the month (non-holiday) you can get in free, with no vehicle permit required. Although it's actually quite reasonable to enter the parks on other days as Continue Reading

Marcus Theatres Kids Movie Magic Winter Film Series 2026 – $3 Admission + Discounted Concessions

Published | Updated | by | 1 Comment

The Marcus Theatres Kids Movie Magic Winter Film Series for 2026 offers fun family movies for $3 tickets plus discounted concessions! The Kids Movie Magic Winter Film Series at Marcus Theatres is bringing lots of inexpensive family entertainment this season! See family-friendly movies on Fridays, Saturdays and Continue Reading

Art Play! at Minneapolis Institute of Art

Published | Updated | by | Leave a Comment

Enjoy Art Play! at the Minneapolis Institute of Art – make your own art every month! One thing that I love about the Minneapolis Institute of Art: It's not just about looking at art, it's about MAKING art, too! During the twice monthly Art Play! events, you can experiment with a different medium each month. Continue Reading

Ely Winter Festival

Published | Updated | by | Leave a Comment

Dive into celebrating Minnesota winter at the Ely Winter Festival. There are fun activities for everyone! February is one of the best times to enjoy the Ely area, as it's time for the annual Ely Winter Festival! The festival runs for more than a week starting February 5th and continuing until February 15th, Continue Reading

Elm Creek Tubing Hill – 50% Off Wednesdays

Published | Updated | by | Leave a Comment

Get half off at Elm Creek Tubing Hill in Maple Grove when you visit on Wednesdays! Details below. I definitely recommend tubing as a fun family activity, especially for those with older kids – it's a blast! The Elm Creek Tubing Hill is located at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. The regular rate is $18 Continue Reading

Viking Lakes Ice Festival in Eagan

Published | Updated | by | Leave a Comment

Embrace the cold and get outside with so many winter activity choices at Viking Lakes Ice Festival in Eagan! Viking Lakes Ice Festival in Eagan is taking place January 16th – January 25th 2026. Find fun for all ages and skill levels each day! Warm up with competitive sports and activities on the ice, view ice Continue Reading

Wild Mountain Discount Snow Tubing Tickets – 25% Off or More!

Published | Updated | by | Leave a Comment

Head to Taylors Falls, Minnesota for discount snow tubing tickets at Wild Mountain! Embrace the winter weather in Minnesota by heading outside and enjoying some snow tubing! Right now you can grab an offer for Wild Mountain Discount Snow Tubing Tickets in Taylors Falls! Here's the Groupon - options Continue Reading

Winter Wonderland in Oakdale

Published | Updated | by | Leave a Comment

Head to Oakdale Saturday, December 20th for some outdoor Winter Wonderland fun! Enjoy horse-drawn hay rides, a candy cane hunt, petting zoo, crafts and more! It's been a very cold winter season, but don't let that stop you from bundling up and enjoying some fun winter festivities! Oakdale Recreation, Continue Reading

Rockpoint Church Valley Lights in Lake Elmo

Published | Updated | by | Leave a Comment

Get in the holiday spirit and see some fantastic Christmas lights at Rockpoint Church's Valley Lights display which kicked off for 2025 on Thanksgiving. Valley Lights is totally FREE and runs from 5 - 10 pm each night through December 31st. Tune in on their Valley Lights page hear the synchronized Christmas music as Continue Reading

Christmas at the Riverview

Published | Updated | by | Leave a Comment

Enjoy a classic Christmas movie in a classic theater with Christmas at the Riverview! Are you in the mood for a good Christmas movie? Well, you can enjoy seeing some on the big screen during Christmas at the Riverview! The fabulous Riverview Theater is located in Minneapolis. We've mentioned it a few times, but Continue Reading