Favorite Free (& Cheap!) Things to Do in Fargo
1. Parks
And check out our favorite local parks here!
2. Art Museums
Located in downtown Fargo and downtown Moorhead, take in a bit of culture and enjoy free admission!
The Plains Art Museum also has a play room where kids can read and get creative.
3. Local Libraries
Find a cozy spot to read with your kids and check out some favorites to enjoy at home. They offer reading programs, story times, and events for various age groups (many free, but some do require pre-registration).
If it’s summer time, make sure find The Little Red Reading Bus and stop to visit for some fun!
4. Downtown Murals
Take in lots of great art in historical downtown Fargo and get some fun photos. Check out our printable map and enjoy walking from one mural to the next.
5. West Acres Mall
Stroller-friendly and plenty of things to keep the kids entertained, no matter what the weather!
- Visit the fountain and throw in coins.
- Stroll to the pet store, admire the aquarium, and learn at the Roger Maris Museum.
- Take in the Kids Playland by the food court.
- Admire the various art installations.
- Test out some of the hands-on activities at the toy store.
6. Explore the Trails
Many of these trails are located near the Red River. Hike or bike, and be sure to bring binoculars for wildlife sighting. Read out post on 15 Places to Hike with Kids and our favorite bike paths for ideas on where to go!
7. Visit the FM Visitors Center
- View the Celebrity Walk of Fame.
- Take a picture with the woodchipper from the movie Fargo.
- Pick up maps and brochures on Fargo-Moorhead for more inspiration things to do.
8. Check Out a Summer Garden
There are some wonderful places in Fargo & Moorhead to explore gardens. Some even have fairy gardens and butterflies! Visit one of these great spots in the summer to smell the flowers:
- Northern Plains Botanic Society (includes a Children’s Garden with fairies and the alphabet, an edible garden, and a butterfly garden).
- NDSU Display Gardens
- Wildflower Grove Park
Feel like starting your own garden? Visiting the various plant nurseries around town can be fun, too! And if it’s fall, visiting a local apple orchard is super fun!
9. Restaurant Play Areas
With the purchase of food or a drink, there are a few restaurants in town that make great spots for kids to play for free!
10. Open Skate
During the colder months, there are open ice rinks at local parks and elementary schools where you can bring your own skates and use this public space. Other options, would be to rent skates (just $5) at The Lights in West Fargo or Broadway Square in downtown Fargo. Check out our full list of open skate options!
11. Indoor Playgrounds
An indoor playground is a great option when the weather isn’t cooperating for an outdoor playground. Most indoor playgrounds have a small fee (usually $4-$5), but no time limit.
12. Open Gyms/Swim
Much like indoor playgrounds, these are great options for colder days with little to no fee. For your littles, we have a list of Preschool open gyms to check out.
- Levity (offers $2 Tumble Gym on Tuesdays!)
- Fargo Parks Sports Center ($5 to access all day)
- Rustad Recreation Center ($5 to access all day)
- Moorhead Parks & Recreation (offers free open gyms from October to March at Ellen Hopkins Elementary)
- Open Swim at Fargo South Pool (offers open swim on weekend from December to March for $4.25 per child or $10.50 for a whole family!)
13. Find a free event to attend!
There are many organizations in Fargo-Moorhead that offer fun, FREE events! Visit these organization calendars to find something fun to do with the kids – at no cost.
- Fargo Public Library
- West Fargo Public Library
- Moorhead Public Library
- Fargo Park District
- West Fargo Pars
- Moorhead Parks
- West Fargo Events (please note not all are free)
Is there anything you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
