Link to Best of Times
 
link to feature stories
link to columns
link to Travel Times articles
 
link to best times calendar
link to housing guide
link to health and wellness guide
link to golden years
link to freebies
 

   



  Goods 
Services
Destinations
Museums
 
 
 




Classified Ads
Place ad for any item(s) priced less than $250 for 3 days for free in the Pioneer Press. Ad must be two lines or less (46 characters), will run Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday and must be mailed, faxed: 651-228-5064 or emailed to Pioneer Press: freeads@pioneerpress.com
 

Free After Rebate Visit http://www.freeafterrebate.info to find a clearinghouse of many different items that are free after sending in the rebate.

Free Area Guide
Order your free Minneapolis & Saint Paul Official Visitors Guide ($3.95 newsstand price) and free Minneapolis Bargain Book with savings coupons for area attractions, restaurants and retail stores by logging onto www.minneapolis.org or by calling 1-888-676-MPLS.  

www.freediot.com
This web destination for “idiots in love with free stuff” announces honest-to-goodness free offers to readers, as well as a breakdown of specific categories for other free product samples. The site provides daily announcements of new free items that can be found on the Internet or mailed to your home.  Each post has a clear heading, brief announcement posting, and the date of the post, so you may avoid the postings that could be out-of-date.

Free (or nearly free) Prescription Drug Programs
Search www.needymeds.org and www.pparx.org to see if you can get your medications for free from a patient assistance program. NeedyMeds also lists coupons available for discounts, thousands of free clinics, and many other resources.

Free Eye Exam
EyeCare America’s Seniors EyeCare Program offers free eye exams and eye care to seniors who qualify. The program is designed for people who are US citizens or legal residents, are age 65 and older, have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years and do not belong to an HMO or the VA. You can call the toll-free help line 1.800.222.EYES (3937) to see if you, a loved one or a friend is eligible to receive a referral for an eye exam and care. The Seniors EyeCare Program help line operates 24 hours a day, every day, year-round. More information is available at www.eyecareamerica.org.

Free Family Flicks at MOA
Enjoy select kid friendly movies for FREE every Saturday at 10 a.m. the Mall of Americas Theatre. Admission is first-come, first-served with seating limited to theatre capacity. More info and film line-up at www.theatresmoa.com

Free Goods
From cars to cats, you can get almost anything for free through the Freecycle Network™ - www.freecycle.org - a grassroots nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. Membership is free and Minnesota currently has over 60 groups. A one-click online sign up will generate an automatic e-mail to get you started.

Free Local Classified Ads
http://www.minneapolisstpaul.kijiji.com
Kijiji is a new local Minneapolis-St. Paul classified site sponsored by EBay. Ad posting is free and you can also use it to find items for sale, services, cars, jobs, housing, and more.

Free Magazines
Visit www.freebizmag.com - a Web site that provides access to free business and special interest publications. Free subscriptions range from 3-12 months and renewal after the specified time will no longer be free.

Free Magazine for Caregivers
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) offers a free subscription to its quarterly magazine, Vantage, which is designed for caregivers of those with dementia. In each issue, explores medical and behavioral topics, caregiver coping and wellness strategies. Regular columns showcase poems and other creative works contributed by readers, highlight new products, and answer caregivers’ questions. Family caregivers and healthcare professionals can subscribe to ADvantage by visiting www.afacareadvantage.org or by calling toll-free 866-232-8484.

The Free Market
http://www.twincitiesfreemarket.org
Free listing service for Twin Cities' residents who want to give or get free reuseable goods for home, garage and garden.

Free Movie Screenings
Visit www.filmmetro.com to find listings of free movie screenings by state. After opening a free account, you can download tickets.

Free Music Classes
Schmitt Music in Burnsville offers a free 10-week Home Organ Music Making class for senior adults.  Enjoy playing many of your Big Band favorites. Call for dates and times.
Schmitt Music–Burnsville
Cobblestone Court
14150 Nicollet Ave S.
952-435-3590

Schmitt Music–Roseville
2436 Cleveland Avenue
651-636-5614

Free Printables
www.thefrugalshopper.com/directory/links6.html
Find forms and templates you can print from your home computer. Includes arts & crafts, calendars & planners, cards & stationary, charts & logs, coloring books, forms, gift tags, bags & boxes, recipe cards, teaching

Free Talking Books
1-888-NLS-READ
www.loc.gov/nls
Through a national network of cooperating libraries, National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped administers a free library program of Braille and audio materials circulated to eligible borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail. Patrons can learn of new releases through two bimonthly magazines: Braille Book Review and Talking Book Topics. The signature of a doctor, caregiver, or other authority is required for approval. Once accepted, the special audio equipment is sent within a few days. Special priority is given to U.S. veterans. Call or visit website for more information.
materials and much more.

Movie Ticket
Free movie tickets available at Carmike Cinemas for patrons in wheelchairs. Sign up at the box office for 1 free pass to a movie showing that day. Wheelchair positions are limited in the theaters, so free passes are first come, first served. Good at Carmike Cinema - Apple Valley, Oakdale Stadium 20 - Oakdale, Windsong 15 - Moundsview.

Free Summer Family Film Festival
Free G and PG movies on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10 am at Eagan Stadium 16 Theater on 2055 Cliff Road for nine weeks each summer. Check: www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=MN for 2009 films.




Audio Magazine Subscription

Choice Magazine Listening is a free service that selects and records
pieces from over 100 leading magazines. Every other month they offer 8
hours of articles, fiction and poetry read by professional voices and
recorded on four-track cassette tapes. The required four-track player
is provided free of charge by the Library of Congress. For a free
subscription contact at: Ph./1-888-724-6423, Fax/516-944-6849, Email:
choicemag@aol.com or write to: Choice Magazine Listening, 85 Channel
Dr., Port Washington, NY 11050. Website is www.choicemagazinelistening.org/

Benefits Check-Up - National Council on The Aging
http://www.BenefitsCheckUp.org
Free comprehensive online service to screen for federal, state and some local private and public benefits for adults 55+.

Free Credit Report
Under the new federal law, consumers now have access to their credit reports at no cost  and will have the option of making a single request to get copies of their report from all three major credit bureaus. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers can order their credit reports by clicking on www.annualcreditreport.com , or calling 877-322-8228, or filling out the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mailing it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. The form is available through the Federal Trade Commission's web site at: www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/credit/docs/fact_act_request_form.pdf . Note: you are entitled to receive your annual consumer credit reports for free. You are NOT required to purchase any other services, such as credit monitoring or your credit score, in order to receive your free annual consumer credit reports.

Free Delivery of Library Materials
If you love to read, but can’t get to the library because of illness or disability, the Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library can help. Volunteers will deliver books, tapes and other library materials to your door. For more information about this free service to Minneapolis residents with limited mobility, call 612-630-6120
.

FREE Will
Got a Will? gives anyone with web access the ability to write his or her own will, in their own home, on their own computer, in their own time. And it’s free! Check out www.gotawill.com. It’s quick, easy and private.

HandyWorks - Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches
http://www.gmcc.org
612-721-8687
A program to match seniors with volunteers who assist with housekeeping and outdoor tasks that have become too difficult.

Jewish Free Loan Program
Jewish Family Service of St. Paul joins JFCS of Minneapolis in offering the JFLP in addition to other types of emergency financial assistance grants and small loans.  Loan applicants must be Jewish or a member of the Jewish community and must reside in Washington, Ramsey, Dakota, Hennepin or Anoka Counties.  Loans range from $1,000 to $7,500 and require one or two co-signers depending on the amount.  Loans must be paid back within 24 months. To find out whether you qualify for a JFLP loan or other assistance, please call JFCS of Minneapolis for Hennepin and Anoka Counties residents, at 952-546-0616. Residents of Ramsey, Washington and Dakota Counties, call JFS at 651-698-0767.

Personal Screening of Public Programs - Minnesota Board on Aging
http://www.mnaging.org
Instant report informing you of potential eligibility for public programs.

Tax Help
Free tax return preparation and answers to tax question supported by AARP since 1968. Available to people of all ages with middle and low income, with special attention to those age 60 and older. This is a confidential program and is made widely available in neighborhoods throughout the Twin Cities' area, now through April 15. Visit www.aarp.org/taxaideto find more information or a location near you. Or call 1-888-AARPNOW.

 


Free Meditation, Lecture & Tea
Dharma Field offers periods of morning and evening sitting meditation Monday - Friday and Sunday followed by a lecture and social tea. All periods of meditation and Sunday lectures are free and open to the public. Dharma Field Zen Center 3118 W 49th St, Minneapolis, 612-928-4868, http://www.dharmafield.org.

Free Concerts
Courtroom Concert Recital Series by the Schubert Club.
Every Thursday, October – April, Noon-1 pm. Located in Courtroom 317 at the Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St., downtown St. Paul.

Minnesota Sinfonia
The mission of the Minnesota Sinfonia is to serve the musical and educational needs of the citizens of Minnesota, with special emphasis given to families with young children, inner-city youth, seniors and those with limited financial means. All concerts are offered free of charges, and are held several times every month. Check the website: www.mnsinfonia.org or call 612-871-1701 for schedule of performances.

U of M Music School
Offering free band and orchestra concerts throughout the school year. Most take place in the evening at the Ted Mann Concert Hall on the West Bank of the U of M in Minneapolis. Please visit website for a list of performances: www.music.umn.edu or call 612-624-2345.


Como Zoo
1250 Kaufman. St. Paul (off Lexington Parkway at Horton)
Summer Hours: open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm every day (April 1 - Sept. 30).
Winter Hours: open 10:00 am - 4:00 pm every day (Oct. 1 - March 31).
Free to all. 651-487-8200

State Capitol Tour 651-296-2881 See the Legislature in action in the historic House and Senate chambers. Original furnishings and vivid colors of the restored House, Senate, Supreme Court and Rathskeller Cafe by acclaimed architect Cass Gilbert. Weather permitting, tour includes a visit to Quadriga (the golden horses).
Free Guided Tours every hour on the hour.Groups of 10 or more need reservations two weeks in advance.
9-4 Weekdays
10-3 Saturday
1-4 Sunday

Summit Brewing Company
910 Montreal Circle, St. Paul
651-265-7800
Free tours Tuesday and Thursday 1 pm, Saturday 10:30 am and 1 pm, except Holiday weekends (Sat. tour requires reservation)
www.summitbrewing.com



Museum Adventure Pass
www.melsa.org/museumadventurePass
Sponsored by Macys. Available at all metro area libraries. Twin Cities library card holders can receive up to four complimentary passes to 17 of the Twin Cities’ arts and cultural institutions.  Participants will also receive a comprehensive brochure which includes a list of suggested readings, tapes and DVD’s to complement the museum experience.


Participating organizations include:
American Swedish Institute (2)

The Bakken (2)

Bell Museum of Natural History (4)

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory (4)

Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden (2)

Firefighters Hall & Museum (2)

Hennepin History Museum (2)

HIstoric Fort Snelling (2)

Minneapolis Institute of Arts (4)

Minnesota History Center (2)

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (2)

Minnesota Museum of American Art (4)

Minnesota Streetcar Museum (2)

Minnesota Transportation Museum (2)

Minnesota Zoo (2)

The Landing (2)

The Museum of Russian Art (2)

The Raptor Center (2)

TRACES Museum Center for History and Culture (2)

Twin City Model Railroad Museum (2)

Walker Art Center (2)

Weisman Art Museum (4)

The Works: A Technology Discovery Center (2)

American Swedish Institute  
2600 Park Ave., Mpls  
612-871-4907  
www.americanswedishinst.org/
Children under six are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Admission is always free for members of the American Swedish Institute.

Bell Museum of Natural History
10 SE Church Street
Minneapolis , MN
612-624-7083
www.bellmuseum.org
Free admission on Sundays - Open noon - 5pm
Displays and events on science and natural history, including MN habitats.
Open 9 am - 5 pm Tues-Fri., 10 am - 5 pm Saturday,noon - 5pm Sunday, Free admission on Sundays. Free admission Tues.-Sun. for Members, UMN Staff, Faculty and Students.

Minneapolis Institute of Art
2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls.
612-870-3131
Free general admission every day.
The Institute is proud to offer Ford Free Sundays in partnership with Ford Motor Co. Every Sunday from 11-5 the museum offers live music, art tours, family center activities, audio tours, interactive learning stations, treasure hunts and more, all free! For details go to: www.artsmia.org


Minnesota Children's Museum
10 W. 77th St., St. Paul
Corner of 7th and Wabasha
651-225-6000
www.mcm.org
Free admission the 3rd Sunday of each month.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
1/4 mile west of State Hwys 5 & 41
Chanhassen
952-443-1400
www.arboretum.umn.edu
Free Thursdays all day: November - April 24. Free Thursdays after 4:30 p.m.: April 25 – October.

Minnesota History Center Museum
10 W. 7th Street
Downtown St. Paul
651-296-6126
www.mnhs.org/places/historycenter/
Admission free to MHS members

Minnesota Museum of American Art
The museum is temporarily closing its public exhibition space as of Sunday, January 4, 2009 in anticipation of a transition to a new venue in the coming year.

The Science Museum of Minnesota
120 W Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul
651-221-9444
www.smm.org
Free admission for fathers on Father's Day and mothers on Mother's Day with one paid admission, adult or child.
Children under 5 always free with paid adult.

Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum
333 East River Road
U of M campus, East Bank, Mpls.
612-625-9494
www.weisman.com
Admission free

Walker Art Center
725 Vineland Place, Mpls.
612-375-7577
www.walkerart.org
Free gallery admission from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night.
Free admission and family programming the first Saturday of every month. The Sculpture Garden is always free.

return to top

 

 

 

link to kids eat free page

linkn to park picks page


 
 
 
 

Have you
discovered a
Twin Cities' area
freebie for seniors
that you would like to share? Please email & let us know:
senior freebies

 
 

 

 

link to faamily home link to about us page distribution link advertising link contact link