Minnesota Mothers Day 2025 Free Admission Offers Activities And Deals For Moms

Minnesota residents planning to celebrate Mother's Day in 2025 will find numerous free admission offers, special activities, and dining deals available throughout the state. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Mother's weekend opportunities where moms can enjoy complimentary access to attractions, special events, and restaurant promotions across Minnesota.

Free Admission Offers for Attractions

Minnesota's attractions are showing appreciation for mothers with several free admission opportunities during Mother's Day weekend 2025. These offers provide families with budget-friendly ways to celebrate while creating special memories.

Twin City Model Railroad Museum in St. Paul is offering free admission to mothers on May 11. This venue features intricate model train displays and vintage charm, making it an appealing destination for families interested in railroads and history. Similarly, Oliver Kelley Farm in Elk River is providing free admission to mothers on May 10. This historic farm site offers hands-on experiences including meeting farm animals, planting flowers to take home, and enjoying picnics on scenic grounds.

For mothers seeking outdoor experiences, the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line is offering free rides on Sunday, May 11, from 12:30 pm to 8:30 pm. This provides a unique way to enjoy the spring weather while taking in local sights.

The Crayola Experience at Mall of America is honoring mothers with free admission from May 9 through May 11 when accompanied by a full-priced child admission ticket. This interactive attraction, featuring creative activities and colorful experiences, is a popular destination for families with children.

Urban Air Adventure Park is celebrating mothers by offering free jumping at all three Minnesota locations on Sunday, May 11. The participating locations include Apple Valley, Plymouth, and Coon Rapids, with park hours running from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. This high-energy attraction provides entertainment for active mothers and their families.

Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the "Take-a-Mom Fishing Weekend" on May 10-11, when mothers can fish without a license. This opportunity is available to Minnesota residents and applies only to species with open fishing seasons during that weekend.

Special Mother's Day Activities and Events

Beyond free admissions, Minnesota venues are hosting special Mother's Day weekend events and activities designed to celebrate mothers and create memorable experiences.

Como Zoo is offering free admission without requiring reservations, making it an accessible option for families planning spontaneous outings. The zoo is also hosting a Mother's Day Bonsai Show from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on May 10 and 11, providing an opportunity for mothers to appreciate the artistry of bonsai in a beautiful setting.

The Mall of America will feature a Mother's Day Weekend Art Festival Pop-up on May 10-11. This event will transform the Huntington® Bank Rotunda into a gallery showcasing artwork from Minnesota's premier summer festivals, including the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, Loring Park Art Festival, and Art in Bayfront Park. Families can enjoy this cultural experience while shopping at the mall.

Anoka County Fair in Anoka is hosting the Springtime & Sunshine Festival from May 9-11, offering free admission to this event featuring over 100 handmade crafters, boutique vendors, food trucks, fair food, a mini midway, live music, kids' activities, and a beer garden. This comprehensive festival provides entertainment for all ages.

Fleet Farm locations across Minnesota are inviting families to participate in their annual Mother's Day Plant a Pot event on May 9 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. This free kids' activity provides an opportunity for children to create special one-of-a-kind gifts for the mothers in their lives.

Cultural institutions are also participating in Mother's Day celebrations. The Minneapolis Institute of Art is hosting a Family Day on Sunday, May 11, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm with the theme "Big and Small." The Walker Art Center is offering Sensory Friendly Sunday on May 11 from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, a monthly free event designed for individuals with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental disabilities.

For those interested in local products and experiences, the Minnesota History Center Store in St. Paul is hosting free cookie sampling on Saturday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, featuring samples from local cookie company Thumbs Cookies. The Friends School Plant Sale will be held at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand from May 9-11, offering over 2,000 plant varieties at affordable prices. Both the Minneapolis Farmer's Market and St. Paul Farmer's Market will be open throughout the weekend, with the St. Paul market featuring a special Mother's Day event.

Restaurant Deals and Food Specials

Several restaurants and food establishments are offering Mother's Day promotions and special deals to help families celebrate the occasion.

Arby's is providing two special offers through Mother's Day weekend: customers can purchase mozzarella sticks for $1.99 with any order through May 11, and on May 10 only, they can take advantage of a buy-one-get-one-free sandwich deal. These limited-time offers provide families with affordable dining options.

Buffalo Wild Wings is showing appreciation for mothers who work in essential professions by offering 20% off dine-in, walk-in, or call-in orders through May 11 for nurses and teachers. This discount recognizes the important contributions these professionals make in their communities.

While not free, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska is offering a special Mother's Day picnic lunch option, allowing families to enjoy the sight of 40,000 tulips in bloom. This scenic location provides a peaceful setting for Mother's Day celebrations, even though admission is not complimentary.

For those seeking a traditional Mother's Day brunch experience, several restaurants in the Brainerd and Baxter area are offering special menus. Black Bear Lodge & Saloon in Baxter will host a Mother's Day Brunch from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm on May 11, with reservations required. Dunmire's on the Lakes in Brainerd is offering a Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday, May 11, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Notch 8 in Brainerd will serve a Mother's Day Breakfast Buffet on May 11 during the same hours. Cragun's Resort in Brainerd is hosting a traditional Mother's Day Brunch from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Duluth's Glensheen Mansion is offering mothers $2 off classic tours on Mother's Day, May 11. This historic mansion, located on the North Shore, features beautifully preserved rooms and expansive gardens, providing an elegant setting for a Mother's Day visit.

In the Brainerd and Baxter area specifically, several additional restaurants are hosting Mother's Day brunches. Baia Della in Baxter, Dunmire's Bar & Grill in Brainerd, Passport in Brainerd, and The Woods in Brainerd are all offering special Mother's Day dining options on May 11. Taconite Canteen & Events Center in Ironton is hosting its 3rd Annual Mother's Day Brunch on May 11, with adult tickets priced at $29.75, children aged 5-12 at $15.75, and kids 4 and under free.

Additional Family-Friendly Options

Families seeking more budget-friendly Mother's Day activities will find several options that provide entertainment without significant expense. The Twin City Model Railroad Museum, in addition to its free admission for mothers on May 11, also offers free admission for children 4 and under every day, making it an economical choice for families with young children.

The Walker Art Center's Sensory Friendly Sunday on May 11 provides a welcoming environment for families with members who have sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental disabilities. This free event, running from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, allows families to enjoy the museum in a comfortable setting.

For mothers interested in art and culture, the Minneapolis Institute of Art's Family Day on May 11 offers an opportunity to explore the museum's collections with special programming. The "Big and Small" themed event runs from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and provides an engaging cultural experience at no cost to attendees.

Families looking for outdoor activities can enjoy the free Mother's Day Weekend Art Festival Pop-up at Mall of America or visit the free Springtime & Sunshine Festival at Anoka County Fair. Both events offer entertainment, activities, and the chance to enjoy the spring weather without admission fees.

Planning Your Mother's Day Weekend

When planning Mother's Day activities, it's important to note the specific dates and times for each offer. Some free admission opportunities are available only on May 10, while others are valid on May 11 or throughout the entire weekend of May 9-11. Families should verify operating hours and any requirements, such as advance reservations or ticket purchases, before visiting.

For restaurant specials, particularly brunch offerings, making reservations in advance is recommended, as Mother's Day is a popular dining occasion. Many venues require reservations to ensure adequate seating for all guests.

When taking advantage of the free fishing opportunity, mothers should be aware that this applies only to Minnesota residents and only to species with open fishing seasons during the designated weekend. Proper fishing equipment and knowledge of regulations are still necessary for a successful outing.

Conclusion

Minnesota offers numerous ways to celebrate Mother's Day 2025 without straining the family budget. From free museum admissions and special events to dining discounts and outdoor activities, mothers can enjoy a variety of experiences throughout the state. Families can take advantage of these offers to create special memories while showing appreciation for the mothers and mother figures in their lives. By planning ahead and noting the specific dates and requirements for each offer, families can maximize their Mother's Day weekend experience while minimizing expenses.

Sources

1. Minnesota Now - Free Stuff Moms Mother's Day Discounts Minnesota
2. Twin Cities Frugal Mom - Mother's Day Weekend Free List for the Twin Cities 2025
3. Visit Brainerd - Mother's Day Brunch Guide for Brainerd, MN