University of Minnesota Parent Guide
Some of the Best Things in College are Free
College may be one of the most expensive endeavors in your child’s life, and phone calls home all too often include requests for cash “so I can have a little fun.”
The Twin Cities, however, offer a simple remedy to this problem. Two metropolitan areas within a fifteen minute bus ride provide plenty of options without spending a dime. From museums to comedy, there is bound to be something that strikes a student’s fancy.
Next time the phrase, “Can I have $20?” comes up, remind your student of these ideas for fun without cash.
- College can be a mentally trying time, so an afternoon that reflects childhood is a great way to relieve stress and have a good time. The Como Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul offer just that, from old staples such as tigers and penguins, to traveling exhibits like the butterfly room. The conservatory is a great place to enjoy quiet time looking at exotic plants or watching the Koi swim in the indoor pond.
- If a historical theme is more appealing, many of the museums in the Twin Cities area are either always free or offer special days at no cost. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Weisman Art Museum, and the Museum of Russian Art are free to students. The Walker Art Center and Bell Museum of Natural History have free days - a quick internet search can provide more information.
- ACME Comedy Company offers a great birthday deal. During the month of your student’s birthday, she can request up to six free tickets for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday show. To encourage a budding musician or just have a fun night out, Open Mic Nights, both generic and themed such as blues or acoustic, are offered nearly every day of the week at one venue or another. For ideas, see www.citypages.com/calendar
- For sports fans, Vikings Training Camp during late summer is free to watch, but the team practices in Mankato so a bit of gas money is required. Gopher Sports also offers many free events for students, such as men’s and women’s gymnastics, baseball, women’s basketball, track and field, softball, cross country, tennis, women’s hockey, swimming, golf, and women’s soccer. The sports depend on the season, so call or check out www.gophersports.com for the latest updates. To receive free admission, students must present their ID.
- Bike and pedestrian paths lead to parks and recreation areas all around the Twin Cities with free concerts in the summer, gardens, and outdoor sculptures.
This list is far from complete, and a little searching can yield more free adventures. Also, if petty cash is available, there are countless options for inexpensive entertainment, all just a web search away.
By Hannah J. Wolf, Class of 2013
