Family Events

Parents As Teachers at home playgroups

Date: March & April - Selected Dates
All military families with children ages 0-3 are invited to the Parents as Teachers- Heroes at Home Playgroups. Join us at the infant-toddler playgroups where parents and children learn and play together! Times and locations vary, see flyer for more details.

10% Discount to Dinner Theatre's "I Take This Man"

For: Servicemembers and families
Date: March 5 - May 15 (Fri & Sat only)
Where: Best Western Hudson House Inn; Hudson, Wis.
More Information: Website
St. Croix Off Broadway Dinner Theatre presents, "I Take This Man," a Jack Sharkey farce. Regular price is $52 for adults, but the dinner theatre will give you 10% off if you mention you're with the military or $47.05. This price includes dinner off a menu, a nonalcoholic drink (unlimited refills), the gratuity, all taxes, and the show. There is also a special Stay & Play package (dinner theatre and hotel room for two with breakfast from a menu) for $155.05 for military only.

Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!

For: Servicemembers, families and veterans
Dates: March 13
Time: 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Where: Target Center; Minneapolis, Minn.
More Information: Flyer
Recieve a $5 discount off of $29 tickets to the live touring show of popular childrens show, Yo Gabba Gabba!

Veterans Law Clinic

For: All Veterans
Date: Tuesday March 16
Time: 10AM - 4:30PM
Where: Ramsey Couty Courthouse, Lower Level
More Information: Flyer
Family law and debt collection rights.

Yoga classes

For: Disabled Veterans
Dates: Tuesdays March 16 through May 4
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM
Where: Mind Body Solutions; Minnetonka, Minn.
More Information: Flyer
This free class is for disabled veterans living with mobility disabilities, such as partial or total paralysis, amputation, severe spinal cord injury, severe arthritis and head injury. Pre-registration is required.

Operation Purple Program Family Retreat

Date: March 19-23, 2010
Where: The Teton Science School, Jackson, Wyoming
These retreats are available to Servicemembers and their families who have returned from deployment within the last 18 months. Servicemembers must have been home for at least 3 months prior to the beginning of the retreat. For more information visit their website.

Childrens Theater Company Presents, “According to Coyote” to National Guard Families at Discount

Date: Through March 21
Where: Cargill Stage; Minneapolis, Minn.
Come see the Children’s Theater Company’s rendition of, “According to Coyote”. National Guard Families are invited to take advantage of their $10 discount for National Guard Families. For more information see their flyer.

Minnesota Wild hockey Guard discount

Date: March 23
Where: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul MN
A special offer on Minnesota Wild hockey tickets for federal employees. Follow the instructions at this link. Dec 15 and Mar 23 the National Guard will be the presenting sponsor. Please contact Cory Effertz at 651-602-6015 or with questions.

Celebrate Spring

Date: March 26
Where: Rochester, MN
Time: 6PM - 8PM
Who: All military families
More Information: Flyer
Celebrate spring in Rochester in an indoor park! Activities include building a birdhouse, plants flowers, play in a sandbox, visit a petting zoo and much more!

Thank you and Welcome Home

Date: Sunday March 28
Where: St. CLoud Civic Center
Time: 3:30PM
More Information: Flyer
This is an informal, family-friendly event will feature childrens games and activities, light refreshments, and a short program, including a Color Guard and guest speakers.

Minnesota Swarm lacrosse Guard discount

Dates: April 9
Where: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul MN
A special offer on Minnesota Swarm lacrosse tickets for federal employees. See flyer for more details. Please contact Tom Nemo at 651-312-3461 or with questions.

Meet & Greet Veterans

For: Servicemembers, Families, Veterans & Public
Date:April 10
Time:1:00PM - 5:00PM
Where:Eagles Aeries 2212; Hastings, Minn.
More Information: Flyer
Donate a buck or two for a Hastings Yellow Ribbon to support programming of Minnesota Veteran Family Support. There will be open karaoke and a veterans grill special.

Luncheon for military moms

For: Mothers and Grandmothers of Servicemembers
Date: RSVP by April 17, event is on May 8
Time: 11:30 AM
Where: St. Michaels Church, Farmington, Minn.
More Information: Flyer
The Farmington Yellow Ribbon Network invites you to a special afternoon of fun and pampering to include complimentary lunch, music from the Red Hat Chorus, valet parking and prizes.

2010 deployed Soldier turkey hunt

Date: Apr 26-28
Where: Camp Ripley, Little Falls and Arden Hills, Minn.
The Minnesota Department of Military Affairs (DMA) is accepting applications for the Camp Ripley and AHATS Deployed Soldier Turkey Hunts near Little Falls and Arden Hills Minnesota. You must have your application in by March 19, 2010. A drawing will be held on March 22, 2010 at Camp Ripley. Only Successful applicants will be notified by mail. Those successful will be mailed the hunt rules, orientation and license information. Click here for more information.

Operation Welcome Home retreats

Date: Apr 30-May 1; May 7-9; Sep 17-19
Where: Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch; Stewartville, Minn.
We are excited and honored to be planning three retreats for our soldiers in 2010. The retreats are free of charge to Servicemembers. More information can be found here.

13th Annual Bataan Memorial March

Date: May 1
Time: 9:00AM
Where: Brainerd Training & Community Center; Brainerd, Minn.
1-194 AR (CAB) invites you to participate in and support the 13th Annual Bataan Memorial March. This annual memorial march honors and remembers the amazing sacrifices of these incredible heroes that endured the Bataan Death March in April 1942. More information can be found here.

Free vacations for wounded Servicemembers

Date: May 20-23; Jun 3-6; Aug 8-11 & 12-15; Sep 16-19
Where: Mount Olivet Rolling Acres, McGregor Cabins
Mount Olivet Rolling Acres is honoring wounded Servicemembers by reserving blocks of time at their McGregor cabins in northern Minnesota for their free use. For more information see their flyer.

Project New Hope

Date: May 21-23, July 2-4, October 15-17, December 10-12
Where: Camp New Hope: On Glacier Lake
Project New Hope sponsors FREE retreats for returning veterans staffed with Department of Veterans Affairs' counselors who lend assistance to veterans and their entire families. The counselors are volunteers and ensure you get follow-up after the retreat. Many of the counselors are veterans themselves. Retreats are held over weekends in a private, camp-like setting in McGregor, Minnesota. Cabins are located on a private lake surrounded by mature trees. Meals are provided. For more information visit their website.

National Fatherhood Initiative Military Fatherhood Award

Date: Jun 1
The Military Fatherhood AwardT, presented by Lockheed Martin, recognizes a father who goes above and beyond his duties as both Servicemember and dad to make sure he and his family stay connected and strong. Your dad, or a military dad you know, could win this award! The 2010 awardee will be honored in Washington, D.C. and may appear in local and national press! For more information or to nominate a dad click here.

1st Cav Gold Star Family Breakfast

Date: Jun 4
Time: 6:00 AM - 12:45 PM
Where: Sheraton Minneapolis South; Minneapolis, Minn.
Did you lose a loved one who served in the 1st Cavalry Division? The Gold Star Family Breakfast will take place during the1st Cavalry Division Association 63rd Annual Reunion and is only for families who have lost a loved one who was serving in the 1st Cavalry Division. For more information see their flyer.

2Wheels4Heroes Motorcycle Ride

Date: Jun 5
Where: Lino Lakes, Minn.
Starting point will be at Lino Lakes Prison. Registration is at 9:00AM and lining up at 9:30AM. The ride is free and the mission is fun. There is free food and door prizes. Motorcycle is optional. You can just come at the end of the ride for the party. For more information contact Marty Labrie at

Free expeditions for OIF/OEF veterans & Servicemembers

2010 Minnesota Expeditions:
Jun 7-13 BWCA Canoe Trip (Reg. Closes May 7)
Jul 22-27 Apostle Island Sea Kayaking (Reg. Closes Jun 22)
Aug 9-15 BWCA Canoe Trip (Reg. Closes Jul 9)
Interested Canoeing in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters or kayaking Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands? Outward Bound is providing free all expenses paid wilderness expeditions to OIF/OEF veterans and Servicemembers. Click here for their flyer.

Armed Forces Family Fishing Celebration

Date: Jun 25
Time: 6:00 AM - 12:45 PM
Where: Maynard’s on Lake Minnetonka; Minnetonka, Minn.
A free fishing event by Fishing for Life for military family members of all ages. Registration is required, call or e-mail Brenda Fromm at 763-245-9829 or . For more information see their flyer.

Reduced rate vacations for Servicemembers, family & friends

Date: Aug 14-21 & 21-28
Where: High Banks Resort on Lake Winnibigoshish
High Banks Resort would like to extend a special offer to enjoy a vacation with family and friends! Amenities include: Lodge, Restaurant, Cocktail Bar, Arcade, Water Trampoline, Boat Rental, Mountain Bikes, Splash Park, Children’s Activities, Lawn Games and Playgrounds. For more information see their flyer or visit their website.

Operation Vintage Pride: Snowmobile Event

Date: Sep 25
Time: 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Where: Fairgrounds; Albert Lea, Minn.
A vintage snowmobile show, swap and race with all proceeds going to Care Packages For The Troops. In addition there will be a kids obstacle course, rock wall and an appearance by Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean. Admission is $5 per person but free for Servicemembers. For more information see their flyer.

Ongoing Discounts

Lowe's Home Improvement Discount

Home improvement retailer Lowe's has expanded its 10 percent military discount to all day, every day, for active-duty, National Guard and reserve, retiree and disabled service members, and their families. The discount is available on in-stock and special-order purchases of up to $5,000. It cannot be used on sales at Lowes.com, on previous sales, or on sales of services or gift cards. All other military veterans will receive the 10 percent discount on the holiday weekends of Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day.

Free admission to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place in 2010

Anheuser-Busch is offering free admission to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place parks for Servicemembers and up to three direct dependents. Click here for more details.

Evergreen Montessori Daycare Discount

Evergreen Montessori is a daycare school offering a discount for deployed Service Members and families. See website for more details. Contact Allison Johnson @ 763-535-3553 for details.

Health care - Complimentary Health Care Services Available to Members of the Armed Forces and Their Families

Northwestern Health Sciences University and the Adler Graduate School have combined to provide a new complimentary health care services program available to all military personnel and their families. Chiropractic health care services, Oriental medicine, psychological therapy, family counseling, acupuncture, and massage therapy services are available to all members of the United States armed forces, including regular, reserve and National Guard personnel. The complimentary services are also available to spouses and children of armed forces personnel. Services are provided by senior interns supervised by faculty clinicians. For more information and clinic locations click here.

Firewood - Free Firewood for Families of Deployed Minnesota Service Members

The Adjutant General for the State of Minnesota has authorized the availability of firewood from the Camp Ripley Military Reservation for families of all Minnesota Service Members that are currently deployed (including pre-deployment and post-deployment) in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The firewood is stockpiled at a designated location within the cantonment area of Camp Ripley, families are entitled to 2 full cords of wood per year. Click here to download this program's policy and application or contact Ms. Yvonne Zappa from the Family Assistance Center at 320-616-3119. This is an ongoing offer.

Oil Change - $5 off oil change for immediate family of military personnel

We Come to You - Mobile Oil Change is a year-round business for basic car care needs, will come out to your home or work to perform their services. They are giving a $5.00 discount to the immediate family (includes spouse, children, grandparents and siblings) of all enlisted military personnel for each oil change service requested. See their website or contact Allison Johnson at (763) 535-3553 for details.

Photography - Free Family Photography

This opportunity is for military families located within the Twin Cities area who are facing deployment. Families would receive free on location (at the home or another favorite place of the family) photography along with a bound book of the images printed professionally with a plastic protective cover. These photos would be used by the photographer on her online portfolio. Please call Erica Herker at 515-238-8198 for more information on this offer.

Sprint - 15% Off Cell Phone Plans

Sprint is offering 15% off regularly priced monthly service plans. For more info click here for their flyer.

Veterans on the Lake Resort

Where: 161 Fernberg Road, Ely, MN 55731
A barrier-free full service resort for veterans and their families. Visit Vet Lake Resort Web site for more information. This is your northern Minnesota resort. Priority given to disabled Veterans, Veterans age 65 and up, active duty military, and non-veterans with disabilities. Lake view cabins. Call toll free at 1-800-777-7538.

15% off all programs and services at The Little Gym

The Little Gym in Burnsville, is a non-competitive gymanastics program and more for children. They are offering 15% off all programs and services. For more info click here for their flyer.

Free horse riding

Where: Plenty Star II Riding Center, Dayton, Minn.
For immediate families of deployed Soldiers. You get a free horse ride from Plenty Star II Riding Center in Dayton. Vicki Snyder will offer families evening with their horses on a Friday night or Sunday late afternoon at no charge. For more information e-mail Vicki.

Afton Alps 25% discount for Servicemembers and immediate families

Where: Afton Alps, Hastings, Minn.
Afton Alps is offering a Military Discount for you and your immediate family: 25% off lift tickets for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and rentals. Please present your military ID to receive this discount. See their website and flyer for more information.

Free welcome home banners & discount

Where: FASTSIGNS, Bloomington, Minn.
FASTSIGNS Bloomington and several other Twin Cities area stores are offering free welcome home signs for returning Red Bulls. On the 24 x 60 in. signs would be your Soldiers name and the Red Bull patch (or your soldiers patch if different). FASTSIGNS Bloomington also offers a discount to Servicemembers on any other purchases. Click here for more information.

Discounted boundary waters canoe trips

Jasper Creek Guide Service, Inc. offers a complete array of high quality wilderness fishing and canoeing trips. Their guided canoe trips are the 'Classic' Northwood's fishing trip! Superb hearty, traditional, campfire cooked meals. Unbeatable fishing and canoeing in the pristine wilderness of the Boundary Waters. "The True Northwood's Experience". 10% discount for military personnel and their families. See their website for more information.

Free & reduced stays at Leech Lake Resort

15% military discount to all current Servicemembers and up to a free week stay for all Servicemembers within a year of their return from deployment overseas. They offer fully equipped lake homes(whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, Cable TV, wireless internet, fully equipped kitchens) to daily planned children's activities(water slide, water trampolines, game rooms, water toys) to excellent fishing. See their website for more information.



More "Family and Service Member" pages:
For Families and Service Members
Pre-Deployment Training
Deployment Training
Reintregation Training
Family Readiness Group
Family Assistance Center
Strong Bonds

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