It’s summer in Minnesota and everyone is looking for the best activities that won’t break the bank. From college students to large families, everyone will appreciate these ways to have completely FREE summer fun!

1. Lounge on a beach at any of Minnesota's 10,000+ lakes.
Flickr/Tony Webster
Hit the water to stave off the heat and humidity! Some of the best lakes in Minnesota can even be found in the city like Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet.
2. Take advantage of free access to world-renowned art.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Try The Walker Sculpture Garden and Minneapolis Institute of Arts, both open daily .
3. Visit the Como Zoo in St. Paul.
Flickr/Amy Meredith
Free access to lions, tigers, and now POLAR BEARS! Oh my!
4. Take an outdoor tour of the historic and gorgeous Capitol.
Alexius Horatius
When you get to St. Paul, you can actually call 877-411-4123 for an over the phone History on the Spot Walking Tour! Talk about hi-tech!
5. Take a hike... anytime, anywhere, and get all the natural beauty you need for no cost!
Flickr/Anita Ritenour
Gooseberry Falls in Duluth will offer gorgeous waterfalls and plenty of trails for hiking and biking!

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6. Enjoy free music or movies in parks all summer or at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival June 26-28.
Flickr/Knight Foundation
Go to minneapoloisparks.org for the lineup of music and movies in the park and don't forget the jazz festival, one of the biggest free events in the midwest!
7. Take a free brewery tour!
Flickr/Jax House
Summit Brewing, Surly Brewing, and Flat Earth Brewing all post dates online that you can get a great tour (not to mention beer) for no cost!
8. Aquatennial
Flickr/y entonces
A unique celebration of water culture complete with parade, fireworks, and free shows galore! July 22-25 in Minneapolis will be a blast!
9. Visit the vikings training camp in Mankato.
Flickr/Matthew Deery
Head to Mankato in July and August to watch practice, get autographs, and prepare for the season to come. Nothing beats free access to your favorite team!
10. View the oldest public wildflower garden in the US!
Flickr/Molly O
Check out the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden at Theodore Wirth Park! Don't forget all of the other free gardens all over Minnesota like Munsinger and Clemens in St. Cloud and Northland Arboretum in Brainerd.

These will be sure to give you an amazing and cheap summer packed with family friendly fun! What are your free summer favorites in Minnesota?

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