Our Minneapolis Kids’ Events Guru, Alice
Events presented by Alice
Contact: mspkidevents@gmail.com
Tweet her: @MSPKidEvents
To view the following events by monthly calendar, click here!
Upcoming Events:
“Get’cha peanuts, popcorn and cracker jack!” That’s right, it is time for Twins baseball again in Minnesota. Single tickets are available for games this season, at a variety of prices starting as low as $8.
Tips: Several parking lots are available near the stadium. Arrive early to plan for traffic. Bus routes and the light rail also serve Target Field.
Your family can also take a guided tour of Target Field on non-game days. Kids will be able to see areas of the ballpark that guests normally don’t see. These spaces may include the press box, clubhouse, and dugout. Tour prices: Children $8, Adults $17, Children 5 and under are free!
Where: Target Field Downtown Minneapolis
Visit Twins website for directions, game & tour schedule and tickets:
http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com
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The Minnesota History Center offers daily activities for kids. In MN150 try an interactive quiz show that will stump older children & even some of their parents! My favorite display is Open House, which traces the history of a house in St. Paul, offering interesting information about the various owners. This exhibit is good for all ages. Don’t miss the outdoor garden with hopscotch and other children’s games.
New Exhibit! then now wow
This is the largest exhibit ever created by the Mn Historical Society and is designed specifically for school-aged children. Children will ride a streetcar, drill for iron ore, ride a Soo line boxcar, visit a pioneer family, and learn about Dakota history, just to name a few! The exhibits centers around key moments that have shaped the great state of Minnesota.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; Closed Monday (open Monday holidays year round.)
Admission: $11 adults $9 seniors (65+) & college students $6 children ages 6-17 Free to the public Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. Always free for MHS members and children age 5 and under.
Where: 345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-259-3000
www.minnesotahistorycenter.org
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The Minnesota Zoo offers The Black Bear Exhibit, Discovery Bay, World of Birds Show or just putting your feet up and enjoying the zoo from the vantage point of the monorail! It is hard to pick a favorite activity at the Minnesota Zoo. This zoo holds great memories for me, from the time when my kids were just babies and we watched the Kratt brothers performance, to recent years when we hiked the entire zoo on foot. I highly recommend the zoo for fun for all ages.
When: The zoo is open year round! Hours 9:00am-4:00pm year round, 9:00am-6:00pm in the Summer
Prices: Ages 0-2 free, 3-12 $12, 13-64 $18, 65+ $12 Family memberships available for $130 /year (this is a great deal!)
Where: 13000 Zoo Boulevard Apple Valley, MN 55124 952-431-9200
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Stages Theatre Presents…
Cinder Edna
A twist on the familiar fairy tale, Cinderella and her plucky neighbor Cinder Edna live parallel lives. Will Prince Randolph and Prince Rupert find the owners of a glass slipper and a loafer? Kids of all ages will love Stages Theatre Company’s musical Cinder Edna based on the book by Ellen Jackson. Run time is 60 minutes.
1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343 Box Office: (952) 979-1111
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Visiting Exhibits:
Swing Into Adventure with Dora and Diego!
Pilot a rocket ship and visit the Purple Planet with Dora and Boots! Search for baby rainforest animals in the maze Diego’s Animal Rescue Center. Kids love Dora! Be sure to catch this fun interactive exhibit!
January 19 – September 22, 2013
Secrets of Circles!
Children will explore the math, science, and engineering of circles. Secrets of Circles gives children hands-on experiences with circle-related technologies, including pulleys, gears compasses and turnstiles. Don’t miss this incredible exhibit!
February 9 – May 12, 2013
Museum Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission $9.50 Target FREE Third Sunday, Free Admission! Tips: First come first served on Free Third Sunday, try an afternoon visit when the museum is less crowded.
Parking is available in the World Trade Center parking ramp located on the northeast corner of 7th and Wabasha streets, kitty corner to the Museum, and connected to the Museum by skyway. Enter the left lane of the ramp from Wabasha Street and park for only $4 for your first 3 hours! The World Trade Center parking ramp is an automated facility. Bring your parking ticket into the Museum to receive the Museum’s parking discount.
Where: Minnesota Children’s Museum 10 7th St W Saint Paul, MN 55102 (651) 225-6000
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The Midtown Global Market is a feast for the senses. Eclectic shopping, and the smell of delicious food cooking, make this a fun place to visit with kids. The market offers two weekly events for kids: 1) Wee Wednesdays, which includes activities for toddlers, every Wednesday at 10:30am. 2) Fun for the whole family is offered on Friday Night Family Night. These events offer live music, and family fun. Every Friday 5:00-8:00pm.
Cost: Free.
Location: Midtown Global Market, 920 East Lake Street, Minneapolis
http://www.midtownglobalmarket.org/
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When: Every Tuesday 10:00am-noon Free of charge!
Where: Mall of America, Rotunda Bloomington MN
http://www.mallofamerica.com/events/feature/toddler-tuesdays
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The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is a great place to visit with kids. This majestic building with its collection of priceless art from around the world seemed intimidating to me at first with lively children, but I have spent many days at the Institute with my kids, from walking the halls when they were young and in strollers, to tracking down pieces that were part of their Art Adventure program in elementary school. The Art Adventure program in the public schools introduces elementary school age children to key pieces of art. It is one of the most valuable school programs that I have seen. For information on how your school can join the program, call (612) 870-3056. The Institute also has a Family Center on the first floor, for families with young children to take a break. Stroller parking, snack and private nursing areas, computer activities, games, quiet reading areas, and a restroom will make your visit more comfortable and convenient.
Museum Hours:
Tuesday & Wednesday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday Closed
Free parking is available in the ramps south of the Institute on 3rd Avenue as well as the lot northeast of the 24th Street and 3rd Avenue intersection.
Minneapolis Institute of Arts 2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55404
(888) MIA ARTS (642-2787) http://www.artsmia.org
Children’s Theatre Company presents…
Alice in Wonderland, Don’t miss this classic story, April 30-June 15, Grades K and up.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Kids will giggle as they get taken on an adventure that starts with a boy giving a mouse a cookie! Based on the book by Laura Numeroff, June 21-July 21, Grades Pre-K and up.
Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the box office.
Rush Seating: One hour prior to public performances, any remaining seats are sold to the general public at a substantial discount on a first-come, first-served basis. Lap Passes may be purchased at the Ticket Office on the day of your performance for children ages 3 and under ($10 each)
Where: The Children’s Theatre, 2400 Third Avenue S. Minneapolis 612-874-0400
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Minnesota’s largest public garden on 1,000 acres, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum offers seasonal tours of beautiful gardens! Visit on a weekend for Free Family Weekends! Saturdays and Sundays Noon-4 p.m.
Admission: $12, 13 years old & up, 12 and under are free Members: Free admission year-round
*Visitors may present paid gate receipt for free return visit within 30 days!
When: Open every day! Grounds 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. or sunset
Oswald Visitor Center and Snyder Building: April – October Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
(June/July/August, Thursdays open to 8 p.m.)
Arboretum Restaurant: open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; open Sun. at 10 a.m.
Summer House (local produce market): Open Friday, May 18, 2012 through Aug. 31, 2012 Daily, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Member Pricing:
Ages 13 & up: $5 (before 12 p.m., Oct. 26) $10 (after 12 p.m., Oct. 26) Ages 3-12: $3 Ages 2 & under: free
Non-Member Pricing
Ages 13 & up: $5 (before 12 p.m., Oct. 26; $12 gate admission applies) $10 (after 12 p.m., Oct. 26; $12 gate admission applies)
Ages 3-12: $3 Ages 2 & under: free
Where: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum 3675 Arboretum Drive Chaska, MN 55318 Phone: 952.443.1400
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This is another fine Minnesota Museum well worth a visit! The Great Northern Railway’s Historic Jackson Street Roundhouse, is a former steam engine maintenance facility. Learn about railroading in the Twin Cities and Upper Midwest through fascinating exhibits, including an operating roundhouse turntable, one of the last of its kind in the country! Visit on a Saturday, for Caboose rides included with admission. Rides depart every half hour, ride as many times as you like!
Special Events: Tots & Trains: On select Wednesdays from 10AM-12PM. Kids play in the train play area, create a fun craft and listen to train-themed story time. Moms and dads can enjoy coffee and treats as well! Cost: $7 for adults, $6 for children 5+, and $5 for children 2-4. Children under 2 are free! Tickets can be purchased at the door.
Upcoming Tots and Trains Wednesdays are:
- 5/15, & 6/5
Museum Hours: Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10am-4pm, year-round, $5 – $10
Where: The Transportation Museum-Jackson Street Roundhouse 193 Pennsylvania Avenue East St. Paul, MN 55130
Phone: 651.228.0263 Ext 3104
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Boneshaker Books is a unique little bookstore in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. You all know I have a special place in my heart for the small independent bookstore, and this one is a new favorite. Staffed solely by volunteers, they have recently revamped their children’s section and offer a children’s story time every Saturday at 11am.
Stop by and check it out!
Open daily, 11am-8pm
Boneshaker Books 2002 23rd Ave. S. Minneapolis
612-871-7110
http://www.boneshakerbooks.com/events
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Barnes & Noble Story Hour at the Galleria will delight your child with readings of the classics as well as new children’s books. A fun craft follows the stories. This event is best for toddler and preschool age children, and it is free!
When: Wednesday and Friday mornings 11:00
Where: Barnes & Noble at The Galleria Shopping Center 3225 W. 69th Street, Edina 952-920-0633
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Steppingstone Theatre is a wonderful kids’ community theatre in St. Paul. They offer classes, camps, and theatrical productions by audition. Their programs foster creativity, self-expression, and confidence. They focus on teaching children about history, diverse cultures, literature and the arts, while having fun and creating fabulous theater!
Heartbeat of the Drum
A beautiful story of Taiko Drums, a young girl in a small fishing village, and courage.
When: April 26-May 19
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs (& The Frog Prince Continued)
Kids will love this show of fractured fairly tales, based on the books by Jon Scieszka.
When: July 13-August 4
Tickets: $12-$15
Where:
SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development, 55 Victoria Street North
Saint Paul, MN 55104 651-225-9265
http://www.steppingstonetheatre.org/
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Lake Harriet Band Shell & Minnesota Streetcar Museum-Como-Harriet Streetcar Line is a fun-filled destination for any family! Lake Harriet is one of my favorite places in the Twin Cities. Biking and walking trails are kept clear year round. This is a perfect trail for taking the kids on a walk or bike ride. There are two paths, one for walkers and another for bikers/skaters. There are 2 beaches and a small playground near the band shell. Canoe and paddle boat rental is available in the summer. The rose garden area (a short walk from the band shell) is a wonderful place to explore with small children. Two fountains, gorgeous roses & a big hill make it a perfect play & picnic place. In the winter, the hills around the rose garden are good for sledding for small children.
Kids will love to ride the Como-Harriet Streetcar. The cars are historic streetcars from the 1900s. You can take a short round trip ride to Lake Calhoun and back, or get off at Lake Calhoun to explore, and return on a later ride. The conductor gives a short talk about the history of the streetcar line. Cost: $2 per person, children 3 and under free.
When: Streetcar Rides: Saturday and Sunday: 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM May through September 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM October through November 18
Where: Lake Harriet Bandshell: 4135 West Lake Harriet Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55409 Phone: 612 230-6400 http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&parkid=266
Trolley: The Como-Harriet Streetcar Line is located southwest of downtown Minneapolis. It operates between Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun. The Linden Hills Station is at Queen Ave. So. and W. 42nd St. You can also board at the Lake Calhoun platform, on Richfield Road south of W. 36th St. http://www.trolleyride.org/CHSL_Main/
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The Bakken Museum features exhibits that help children explore electricity and magnetism. This is a hands-on museum for kids that love science, electricity and discovery.
Franklin Fest: Free Super Science Second Saturdays for all of 2013!
Museum Admission: Adults: $7 Students and Seniors: $5 Children under 4 and members are free.
Museum hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Thursday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Closed Sunday, Monday and Major Holidays
Where: The Bakken 3537 Zenith Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55416 612-926-3878 info@thebakken.org http://thebakkenmuseum.wordpress.com
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Kids will love the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory! The Como Zoo is the perfect zoo for small children. The entire zoo is easy to navigate, by foot or stroller. The price is right…free with a suggested small donation.
When: The Como Zoo is open every day of the year April-September 10:00am-6:00pm October-March 10:00am-4:00pm
Where: 1225 Estabrook Dr. St. Paul, MN 55103 (651) 487-8200
http://www.comozooconservatory.org
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Free Family Fun Days for nature lovers, at Carl Kroening Interpretive Center, North Mississippi Regional Park! Enjoy family fun discovering life in and around the Mississippi River! Borrow a free activity backpack and explore prairie and woodlands. What if it’s raining? No problem, there are exciting indoor exhibits including live amphibians and reptiles, indoor bird watching with binoculars, and a logging exhibit. Young children can dress up like loggers, set up a farmer’s market, and explore the touch & see area.
When: Sundays 1:00-3:00pm Center Hours: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Mon-Sat; Noon-5:00 PM Sun
Where: Carl Kroening Interpretive Center, North Mississippi Regional Park 4900 Mississippi Court Minneapolis, MN 55430 Phone: 763.694.7693
http://www.threeriversparks.org
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The special exhibit, Future Earth is now open at The Science Museum! Explore this exhibit about global climate change. Also make sure to visit the interactive exhibit Math Moves! Get your hands, mind and body involved in experimenting and exploring ratios and proportions, fractions, geometric similarity, and more. Regular exhibits include Human Body Gallery, Cell Lab, Mississippi River Gallery, Dinosaurs and Fossils Gallery, Collections Gallery, Experiment Gallery, Science Buzz, Collector’s Corner, and Big Back Yard.
Playdates: Visit the Science Museum with your preschool-age children between 10 a.m. – Noon on Tuesdays, and take part in a special event designed just for preschoolers
Museum Hours: Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday: Museum Closed Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Museum Admission: $13.00 Adults $10 children (4-12) & seniors (60+)
Where: 120 W. Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, MN (651) 221-9444
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Ongoing Events:
The Walker Art Center‘s Arty Pants: Your Tuesday Playdate happens every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Activities include movies, story time, and art projects. This event is free for kids, free for adults with gallery admission. Always free for members. Ages 3-5 with adult.
When: Every second and fourth Tuesday 11:001m-1:00pm
Where: Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis 612-375-7600
http://www.walkerart.org/calendar/2012/arty-pants-your-tuesday-playdate-4
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Do you have kids that love to dance? Are they in childcare or preschool? Ask your school about Kid Steps Dance enrichment classes. Kid Steps® Dance Classes for children provides quality dance classes designed specifically for toddlers and preschool age children. Classes are held at the school to save you driving time. Kid Steps brings the music, scarves, maracas, pompoms, and the fun! They offer themes such as international dance, health and nutrition, Broadway, and Earth Day.
Classes are offered at childcare centers and preschools throughout the Twin Cities.
http://kidstepsdanceclasses.com/
Visit this cute store for dance themed gifts: http://www.zazzle.com/kidstepsdance
http://kidstepsdanceclasses.com/
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Tube slides, body slides, a river ride, and a wave pool. If your kids love water adventure, The Water Park of America is the place for you and your family! The park also has a zero depth activity pool for kids of all ages. Looking for a place to have a party? The park has birthday party packages that include admission to the park, pizza and cupcakes. Traveling to the Twin Cities? Stay at the Radisson Bloomington Hotel by Mall of America and receive private park access two hours before opening. Tickets: Ticket prices vary by day and time. Purchase online for special discounts & to avoid long lines. Discounts for morning or twilight admissions-varies by day.
Hours: Vary by day, check their website for current information.
Water Park of America 1700 American Blvd. E., Bloomington, MN 55425
http://waterparkofamerica.reachlocal.com
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Circus Juventas 1270 Montreal Avenue‚ • St Paul, MN 55116‚ • Phone: 651-699-8229‚
http://www.circusjuventas.org/ ______________________________________________________________________________
KidCreate Art Studio has great classes for kids 18mos-12 years. They offer classes at their studios in Eden Prairie and Woodbury as well as through local community education programs. My youngest son took a KidCreate class through Edina Community Ed. The projects were fun and creative, and the instructor was knowledgeable and energetic. I recommend highly!
KIDCREATE STUDIO- Eden Prairie
7918 Mitchell Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Phone: 952-974-3438
Email: edenprairiemn@kidcreatestudio.com
Studio Hours: Monday-Saturday during class times, by appointment or by chance.
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I Spy at the Minnesota State Capitol is fun as well as educational! Children learn about Minnesota’s state symbols, and identify colors and shapes on a scavenger hunt tour of the State Capitol building. Kids will receive a “Capitol Crown” coloring activity to take home.
Appropriate for 3 – 5 year olds Admission: $2 per child
When: Tuesdays, June – December
Reservations are required for all programs. Call 651-296-2881 e-mail statecapitol@mnhs.org
Minnesota State Capitol 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. St. Paul MN 55155
http://www.mnhs.org/places/sites/msc/educpre6.html
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Do you have creative kids? Let their imagination go wild at Leonardo’s Basement! Kids will love doing science experiments, art projects, inventing, wood and metal working, Lego robotics, rockets, sculpture, and more! Sign up for a class or drop in on Saturdays for Open Shop.
Hours: Summer and after school classes, Saturday Open Shop
Cost: $5-$10/hour Ages:4-16
4301 Nicollet Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55409 612.824.4394
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Minnesota Sea Life Aquarium features more than 5,000 sea creatures that you can see and even touch! Come face to face with sea turtles, sharks, stingrays and more. Now enjoy the new Mysteries of the Rainforest exhibit!
Buy tickets online & save! Adult 13+ yrs $16.53 Child 3-12yrs $11.01
When: Monday – Thursday 10:00AM – 7:30PM Friday 10:00AM – 8:30PM Saturday 9:30AM – 8:30PM Sunday 10:00AM – 6:30PM
Where: Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium
120 East Broadway, Mall of America, Bloomington, MN 55425 Phone: 952.853.0653
http://www.visitsealife.com/minnesota//
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I have a special place in my heart for the independent bookstores. When my kids were toddlers we spent hours each week picking out special books and going to story times. One of our absolute favorite stores was Wild Rumpus. There is no other place quite like Wild Rumpus. Cats. Ferrets, chinchillas, and chickens wander through the store as you browse your favorite books! Visit on a Monday for Tail Time at 10:30. Wild Rumpus also has a recycled book section. Pick out a book for just one dollar, or bring your gently used books to trade for $.05-$.50 store credit. I love this—what a great way to share old favorites and pick up some new titles at a cheap price!
Store Hours: Mon 10-5 Tue-Fri 10-8 Sat 10-5 Sun 12-5 Tail Time! Every Monday at 10:30 AM
2720 West 43rd Street Minneapolis, MN 55410 612.920.5005
http://www.wildrumpusbooks.com/
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Do the kids love bowling and bocce? Try Pinstripes in Edina. They offer 16 bowling lanes, six bocce courts and an Italian bistro! This is a nifty place for family fun. The food is yummy and the atmosphere is sleek. Kids will love the outdoor fire pit as you enter! They have party packages available as well.
Prices: Bowling:$9-$11/game (with shoe rental), ($7 for kids) Bocce: $8-10/game
Monday-Friday: Mom & Tots Bowling & Bocce Specials 10:00am-noon!
When: Open daily
Where: 3849 Gallagher Drive Edina, MN 55435 Phone: 952.835.6440
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Nickelodeon Universe is the nation’s largest family indoor theme park. Kids will enjoy thrill rides, family rides, and there are plenty of rides for younger children.
Unlimited ride wristbands are $29.99. Point packages can also be purchased for single rides.
When: Monday-Thursday 10:00am-9:30pm, Friday & Saturday 10:00am-10:00pm, 10:30am-7:30pm
Where:
Nickelodeon Universe 5000 Center Court Bloomington, MN 55425
http://www.nickelodeonuniverse.com
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Do your kids like to get strikes and spares? Tuttle’s is a fabulous, locally owned, traditional bowling lanes! They offer 24 lanes, music, and glow bowling (a favorite in my house!) They also have ramps for the little ones that can’t quite get the ball down the lane yet. Looking for a place for a birthday party? Tuttle’s has great party packages & they do all the work!
Bowling Hours: 10:00am – 1:00am Monday-Thursday
9:00am – 2:00am Friday-Saturday 9:00am – 1:00am Sunday
Where: 107 Shady Oak Road Hopkins, MN 55343 (952) 938-4090
http://www.tuttlesbowling.com/
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Take a trip to the Mill City Museum! The Mill City Museum was once the world’s largest flour mill. Learn about the history of flour industry, the Mississippi River & the City of Minneapolis! Kids will enjoy baking classes, water activities, a thrilling elevator ride & scavenger hunts! This is a wonderful museum with interactive exhibits for all ages.
Admission: $11 adults, $9 seniors/college students, $6 children ages 6-17 Free for MHS members and children age 5 and under.
When: Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Open Monday, May 28th (Memorial Day) Also open Mondays in July and August (including 4th of July): 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 704 South 2nd Street Minneapolis, MN 55401 Phone: 612.341.7555
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Love art projects? Hate the mess? Visit I Heart Kids’ Art, a fun open-door art studio for kids in Minneapolis! Kids can get messy creating age appropriate art projects with paint, gluten free play dough, and other art materials. Creativity is the name of the game as kids utilize a cool, glass painting wall, easels & art tables. Best for children age 8 and under, bring your favorite adult.
Cost: Day Pass $10.50 per child
Monthly pass for one child, plus adult(s), with annual pass $30.00
Monthly Family Pass, with annual pass $50.00
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm
Visit on a Wednesday for a weekly story from 10:00am-10:30am, followed by a fun art project!
I Heart Kids’ Art
2822 W 43rd St Minneapolis, MN 55410 612-202-3989
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The American Swedish Institute is a wonderful place to learn about Swedish culture and the role of Swedish immigrants in Minnesota history. Explore this amazing house with the Family Museum Guide, The Tomte Tour, available in the museum shop. The guide book offers kids activities & clues for spotting amazing artifacts in the mansion.
Admission:
$6 for adults,
$5 ages 62 and above,
$4 ages 6-18 and full-time students with ID.
Children under six are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
When: Museum Hours Tues., Thu., Fri. noon–5 p.m.
Wed. noon–8 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun. noon–5 p.m.
Where: American Swedish Institute 2600 Park Avenue Minneapolis 612-871-4907 www.asimn.org
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Check out a new museum with your children, The Wells Fargo History Museum is a little hidden gem, right in the middle of downtown Minneapolis. Step off the skyway into Wells Fargo’s storied past. Explore a turn-of-the-century bank, take a ride in a stagecoach, and learn the Northwest weatherball jingle. Guided group tours and educational programs available. Admission: Free!
When: Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm
Where: Wells Fargo Center-Skyway Level 6th & Marquette, Minneapolis, MN 55479 Phone: 612.667.4210
http://www.wellsfargohistory.com ______________________________________________________________________________
Valley Fair is the upper midwest’s largest amusement park! Kid rides, thrill rides, and a water park-there is something for everyone at Valley Fair. Great summer family fun happens here!
Buy tickets online to save money: http://www.valleyfair.com/tickets/
Single Day Regular Admission (includes water park admission too!) Online: $34.99
Jr/Sr Admission: Online: $19.99
Single Day Parking: Online: $12
When:
Amusement Park May 12-October 28, Water Park May 26-Sept 3rd
Not open every day-check website before you go!
Hours vary—most days 10:00am-10:00pm (Amusement Park) and 11:00am-8:00pm (water park) during June-August-Check website for hours before you go!
Where:
1 Valleyfair Drive Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone: 952.445.6500
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The Pavek Museum of Broadcasting is a hidden gem of a museum in Minneapolis, and well worth a visit with children 8 and up. The Museum of Broadcasting houses one of the world’s finest collections of antique radio, television, and broadcast equipment. There are plenty of hands on activities for kids, including participating in your own radio broadcast!
Admission: Adults $7 Kids $5
When: Open Wednesday – Saturday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Where: 3517 Raleigh Avenue, St. Louis Park, Minnesota 55416
952/926-8198
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The Minneapolis Farmers Market is Minnesota’s largest open-air covered market! They have a great selection of Minnesota-grown flowers, fruits and vegetables, and other products including meats, cheeses, olives, honey and baked goods. Visiting the farmer’s market is a fun family activity. Kids will enjoy live music, a brat fry and fresh roasted corn for sale!
When: Saturdays & Sundays 6:00am-1:00pm WINTER HOURS: Alternating Saturdays only 9:00-Noon
Where: 312 East Lyndale Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55411 Phone: 612.333.1737 or 612.333.1718
http://www.mplsfarmersmarket.com
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The Bell Museum of Natural History is Minnesota’s official natural history museum! My favorite part of this museum is the Touch and See Discovery Room for kids. Museum staff members give kids the opportunity to touch live amphibians and reptiles! They can also try on a 40-pound set of moose antlers and observe animal furs up close. Tip: This museum is always free on Sundays! Registration for 2012 Science Discovery Day Camps is Open! Eighteen different camps are available for children who have competed grades k-6. These camps give kids the opportunity to meet University scientists, and take field trips to the Raptor Center, Insect Museum, and research greenhouses. Camps are one week long and prices start at $235 for members. Register online or by calling the museum.
Museum Admission: Members & U-Students / faculty / staff: free Adults: $6 Youth age 3-17, non U-students, & seniors: $4 Free admission for children under 3 and for all visitors on Sundays
Museum Hours: Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thurs. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., open until 9 p.m. first Thurs. of each month Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m. Closed Monday
Bell Museum of Natural History University Ave. & 17th Ave. SE in Minneapolis, on the University of Minnesota campus
(612) 624-7083
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Looking for new places to go with young children? Try Adventure Peak, Edinborough Park’s indoor play park in Edina. Preschool aged children will love to climb to the top of a 30 foot oak tree and slide down several slides. Toddlers have their own tot area with climbing, crawling and bouncing activities. The area is netted and padded for safety. Cost: 10 punch pass $50 Family season passes are also available
When: Daily 9:00am-9:00pm Mon-Sat 9:00am-6:00pm Sun
Where: Edinborough Park 7700 York Ave. S., Edina, MN 55435 952-833-9540.
http://www.edinboroughpark.com
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The Red Balloon Bookshopin St. Paul offers weekly story times for babies through preschool age children : Baby Story Time on Tuesdays 10:30-11:00am Preschool Story Time Wednesdays 10:30-11:00am Toddler Story Time Thursdays 10:30-11:00am
Free of charge
Red Balloon Bookshop 891 Grand Ave in St. Paul 651) 224-8320
http://www.redballoonbookshop.com
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Do you have a budding engineer? The Works, Hands-On Engineering Museum is the place for you! Explore Gears & Gizmos, Build! and The Interactive Image exhibits.
When: Sat-Mon 10:00-5:00, Thursdays & Fridays 10:00-8:00 Admission $6, $8 includes the design lab
Where: 9740 Grand Ave S. Bloomington 952-888-4262
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For Kids Entertainment is your one stop destination for the latest in all things fun for kids, including movies, TV, games, apps, toys and more! >>
I LOVE reading this blog for fun things to do with my kids in Mpls!! This is so helpful to me as a mom who has her hands full…love having one resource to go to and Alice is it!!!
This is the most comprehensive list I’ve seen for kid’s events in the Cities. Thanks for putting all in one place – this is a “must read” for any family!
This is such a great resource and tool for parents looking to do different things with their kids. Great information!
Great information for anyone with kids. Tremendous one-stop resource. There’s no excuse for not being able to find something great to do with the kids!
Something for everyone here! From the arts to science to the great outdoors, Alice will give you the low-down. Great variety of ideas and activities that will appeal to families of all kinds.
This is such a great site! There are so many good things going on that I might not even know about otherwise!
Great site, great resources! This is so needed! How about concert dates that appeal to a bit older kids and their families? For example Ziggy Marley at the Zoo, and Jason Mraz at Target Center in September. Thanks!
Thank you for the concert ideas and for your nice comments. I am glad my page is helpful and will definitely include more events for older kids!
Planning a trip with kids to Minneapolis this summer and was wondering what to do besides going to the mall. Now I have plenty of ideas! This site is absolutely wonderful. Thanks Alice and Breezy Mama!