July 29

Free & Fun: Budget-Friendly Activities in Roseville, MN

Looking for fun that won’t break the bank? Roseville, MN is packed with free and low-cost activities perfect for families, solo explorers, or anyone looking to spend a day out without spending a fortune. From nature walks and public art to zoo animals and board games, here are some of the best budget-friendly ways to enjoy our city.

Pictured: Harriet Alexander Boardwalk
Como Zoo
Central Park
Roseville Library
Roseville in Bloom
Harriet Alexander Nature Center
Gamezenter

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Just a few minutes from Roseville, the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in Saint Paul is one of the area’s most beloved free attractions. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a walk through beautiful gardens and exhibits, featuring animals like giraffes, gorillas, polar bears, sea lions, and more. The attached Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is a tropical escape with seasonal flower shows, bonsai collections, and exotic plants.

Como is one of the last free zoos in the country. As such, a voluntary donation of $2/child and $4/adult is encouraged—but not required—to help support operations. Parking is also free, though it can fill up on weekends. If this is the case, you can take advantage of the free shuttle from their staffed parking lot during the summer months.

Don’t Miss: Daily Zookeeper Talks and Sparky the Seal shows. Cafesjian's historic carousel rides ($4/person).

Pictured: Como Zoo

Central Park

Roseville’s Central Park is a whole system of connected parkland spanning over 225 acres, with different areas offering something for everyone. You can spend your morning walking or biking along paved trails that wind around Lake Bennett, stopping to admire ducks and turtles along the way. Picnic tables and shelters make it a great place for a picnic meal.

The park also features soccer and ball fields, volleyball courts, multiple playgrounds, and the Frank Rog Amphitheatre, which hosts free concerts and family events during the summer. Whether you’re there for a quiet stroll or a gathering, Central Park offers a beautiful, nature-filled backdrop.

Don’t Miss: The inclusive playground in the Victoria West section of the park includes wheelchair friendly rubber and turf surfaces, a concrete loop around the play site, a rolling slide, wee-go round, accessible climbing features, and four fitness pods that provide outdoor exercise equipment that is fit for use by people of all abilities.

Pictured: Central Park Inclusive Playground

Ramsey County Roseville Library

The Roseville Library is more than just a place to check out books; it's a full-service community hub with free resources for learning, entertainment, and creativity. With quiet reading spaces, workstations, and meeting rooms, it’s a relaxing stop for visitors of all ages.

Kids can attend free storytime sessions, participate in craft activities, or explore early literacy play zones. Teens and adults will find book clubs, tech workshops, author talks, and more.

Don’t Miss: The outdoor children’s reading garden, complete with a fenced-in play area where little ones can explore natural structures perfect for imaginative play.

Pictured: Roseville Library

Roseville in Bloom Public Art Tour

This seasonal self-guided tour is one of Roseville’s most Instagram-worthy experiences. Roseville in Bloom features a series of 6-foot-tall rose sculptures that were designed and painted by local artists and placed throughout the city in public spaces like parks, hotels, city buildings, and shopping areas.

Each rose sculpture is one-of-a-kind, often reflecting Minnesota culture, nature, or whimsical scenes. You can find the locations online, then make your way from sculpture to sculpture. It’s a creative and colorful way to explore the city.

Don’t Miss: Snap a selfie with the rose painted by popular local artist Adam Turman.

Pictured: Discover by Adam Turman

Harriet Alexander Nature Center

The Harriet Alexander Nature Center is tucked inside a section of Central Park, but we think it deserves and entry of its own. It's a peaceful, 52-acre urban sanctuary with a mix of marsh, woodland, and prairie ecosystems. A highlight of the center is the boardwalk trail system, which lets you walk above wetlands teeming with frogs, turtles, and birds.

Inside the interpretive center, you’ll find live animal exhibits like snakes, turtles, and honeybees, hands-on nature displays including a campsite play area, and a nearly life-size indoor tree feature. Peruse the well-tended library of field guides, resource books and story books for your use while visiting the building. The facility also hosts seasonal events and workshops, many of which are free or low-cost. Whether you’re bird-watching, identifying plants, or enjoying the quiet sounds of nature, it's a relaxing place to slow down and reconnect with the outdoors.

Don’t Miss: The three mosaic cairns placed throughout the grounds. Participate in a scavenger hunt to find the many animals depicted on the cairns.

Pictured: Harriet Alexander Nature Center
Credit: Lane Pelovsky Visuals

Gamezenter

If you’re a fan of board games, tabletop games, or card games, Gamezenter is a must-visit. This welcoming community gaming space features open tables for play, an extensive board game library, and knowledgeable staff who are happy to make recommendations.

While tournaments and events may have a fee, casual drop-ins to play games from the library are welcome. It’s a great spot for teens, families, or friend groups looking to spend a few hours having fun indoors. Plus, the attached café offers drinks like soda, beer, and coffee.

Don’t Miss: Weekly meetups, leagues, and new player and game release events.

Pictured: Gamezenter

Roseville is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a great day out. Whether you’re adventuring with your kids, enjoying a solo retreat, or planning a group outing, these budget-friendly spots are bursting with fun, creativity, and natural beauty. Pack your bag and get ready to explore!