Mother's Day in Minnesota offers a variety of complimentary admissions, dining discounts, and special activities for families seeking to celebrate without a high cost. Based on information from local guides and event listings, numerous attractions, restaurants, and retailers provide free or discounted access for mothers during the May 10-11, 2025, weekend. These offers range from free entry at museums and parks to buy-one-get-one deals at national food chains and free hands-on activities for children. The following guide details these opportunities, focusing on verified offers and their specific eligibility requirements.
Museums and Attractions
Several Minnesota attractions offer free admission or significant discounts for mothers on Mother's Day weekend. These deals are typically valid on-site and require the purchase of a full-price ticket for accompanying family members.
The Crayola Experience at Mall of America provides free admission for mothers from May 9 through May 11, 2025. The offer is valid when a mother purchases a full-price child admission ticket in person at the attraction. This allows a family to access the interactive exhibits and activities at the Crayola Experience while the mother's admission is complimentary.
SEA LIFE Aquarium, also located at Mall of America, offers a similar promotion on Sunday, May 11. Mothers receive free admission with the purchase of one ticket. Additionally, up to three accompanying family members can receive a 50% discount on their admission. Tickets for this offer must be purchased directly at the attraction to qualify.
The Twin City Model Railroad Museum in St. Paul offers free admission for mothers on May 11. This museum features intricate model train displays and is noted as a family-friendly stop with vintage charm. In addition to the Mother's Day freebie, the museum allows children aged four and under to enter for free every day.
In Elk River, Oliver Kelley Farm offers free admission for mothers on May 10. This historic farm site provides hands-on activities, including meeting farm animals, planting a flower to take home, and enjoying a picnic on the grounds.
Glensheen Mansion in Duluth offers a $2 discount on classic tours for mothers on Mother's Day, May 11. The mansion is described as a location with beautifully preserved rooms and expansive gardens, suitable for a springtime stroll.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, while not offering free admission, invites visitors to reserve a Mother’s Day picnic lunch and view 40,000 tulips in bloom. The arboretum is presented as a peaceful location for family celebrations.
Como Zoo in St. Paul is a free attraction that does not require reservations. It is a consistent option for families looking for cost-free activities. On May 10 and 11, the Como Zoo & Conservatory will host a free Mother’s Day Bonsai Show from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Minneapolis Institute of Art will host a Family Day on Sunday, May 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the theme “Big and Small.” The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis offers a Sensory Friendly Sunday event on May 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., designed for individuals with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental disabilities.
Outdoor and Adventure Activities
For families interested in outdoor activities, several free or discounted options are available.
Urban Air Adventure Park offers free jumping for mothers on Sunday, May 11, at all three Minnesota locations: Apple Valley, Plymouth, and Coon Rapids. The parks operate from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Como-Harriet Streetcar Line in Minneapolis offers free rides for mothers on Sunday, May 11, between 12:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
A statewide promotion, “Take-a-Mom Fishing Weekend,” allows Minnesota resident mothers to fish without a license on Saturday and Sunday of Mother's Day weekend. Mothers may fish for any species with an open fishing season during this period.
Restaurant and Food Deals
National restaurant chains and local establishments offer various freebies and discounts for Mother's Day.
Arby’s provides two deals through May 11: $1.99 mozzarella sticks with any purchase and a buy-one-get-one-free sandwich deal available on May 10 only.
Buffalo Wild Wings offers a 20% discount on dine-in, walk-in, or call-in orders for mothers who are nurses or teachers. This offer is valid through May 11.
Local brunch options in the Brainerd and Baxter area include: - Black Bear Lodge & Saloon in Baxter: Mother’s Day Brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Reservations are required. - Dunmire’s on the Lakes in Brainerd: Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Notch 8 in Brainerd: Mother’s Day Breakfast Buffet on Sunday, May 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd: Traditional Mother’s Day Brunch on May 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Taconite Canteen & Events Center in Ironton: The 3rd Annual Mother’s Day Brunch. Reservations are required. Adults are $29.75, children 5-12 are $15.75, and kids 4 and under are free. The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - The Woods in Brainerd: Mother’s Day Brunch at Gather on 3 Event Center on Sunday, May 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Shopping and Retail Activities
Several retailers and markets offer free samples, activities, and sales for Mother's Day weekend.
Fleet Farm hosts a free activity for children at all locations on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. titled “Mother’s Day Plant a Pot.” Families can create a potted plant as a gift for a mother.
The Minnesota History Center Store in St. Paul will offer free samples of Thumbs Cookies, a local cookie company, on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Friends School Plant Sale will take place from May 9-11 at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand. This fundraiser for the Friends School of Minnesota offers more than 2,000 plant varieties at affordable prices, with the sale almost entirely run by volunteers.
Minneapolis Farmer’s Market and the St. Paul Farmer’s Market are open all weekend. The St. Paul Farmer’s Market includes a Mother's Day event.
A Mother’s Day Weekend Art Festival Pop-up will be held at Mall of America from May 10-11. The Huntington® Bank Rotunda will feature work from artists participating in the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, Loring Park Art Festival, and Art in Bayfront Park.
The Springtime & Sunshine Festival at Anoka County Fair in Anoka is a free event from May 9-11. It features over 100 crafters, boutique vendors, food trucks, a mini midway, live music, kids’ activities, and a beer garden.
Zero Gravity offers a 50% discount on regular passes with the code TCFM.
Conclusion
Minnesota residents have access to a wide array of free and discounted activities for Mother's Day weekend, including museum admissions, outdoor recreation, dining discounts, and retail events. Many offers are available on-site without prior registration, though some, such as brunch reservations, require advance planning. Families should note that most free admission offers for mothers require the purchase of at least one full-price ticket for an accompanying guest. Checking the specific terms and operating hours for each venue is recommended to ensure a smooth celebration.