Minnesota Parent Family Directory & Favorites 2024

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Over 70,000 family favorite votes were cast from January 1st - January 31st, 2024. We extend a huge congratulations to this year’s winner.

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Minnesota Parent is published by Minnesota Parent Publications, LLC. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Minnesota Parent cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. In thIs IssuE: Family Favorites: 4Entertainment I 6 4Retailers I 10

Follow our adventures in parenting through pictures and videos. 64 Please care and share!

4Food and Drink I 11

4Services I 12

Minnesota Parent Bucket List

Family Directory: 4Amusement Parks I 16

4Animal Centers & Zoos I 17

4Arcades I 19 4Arts & Crafts I 20

4Destination Playgrounds I 22 4Family-Friendly Breweries I 24

4Free Family Fun I 26

4Outdoor Adventures I 28 4Indoor Play Areas I 37

4Mini Golf I 40

4Museums I 41

4Music Lessons I 47

4Skating I 49

4Splash Pads I 51 4Stadiums I 55 4Theaters I 56

4Water Parks I 60 Resource Guides: 4Education I 64

4Mom, Dad & Baby I 68

FAMILY FAVORITES

ENTERTAINMENT

BEst PLACE tO sEE tRAIns

north shore scenic Railway

Minnesota transportation Museum

twin City Model Railway Museum

BEst OutDOOR AquAtICs FACILItY/WAtERPARk

Bunker Beach Water Park

Cascade Bay Water Park

soak City ValleyFair

BEst InDOOR PLAY sPACE FOR YOunGER kIDs

Minisota Play Cafe

the Little Village

Peekabooboo Play Cafe

BEst BOWLInG ALLEY Bowleroo

Bryant Lake Bowl and theater

BEst InDOOR AquAtICs FACILItY/WAtERPARk

Great Wolf Lodge Water Park

tropics Indoor Waterpark and Bamboo Bay

Edgewater hotel & Waterpark

Apple Farm

BEst FAMILY FEstIVAL OR FAIR

Minnesota state Fair

BEst DEstInAtIOn PLAYGROunD

hyland Park Playground

shoreview Commons

BEst ChRIstMAs tREE FARM

Rum River tree Farm

krueger’s Christmas tree Farm

hansen tree Farm

BEst FAMILY Fun CEntER Can

BEst hOLIDAY ExPERIEnCE

BEst PLACE FOR PIZZA

Pizza Luce

Punch Pizza

Broadway Pizza

BEst COFFEE shOP

Annabelle house

Smith Coffee and Cafe

The Get Down Coffee Company

BeST Family-FrienDly reSTauranT

Snuffy’s malt Shop

Rainforest Cafe

the Original Pancake house

BEst CAnDY shOP

Minnesota’s Largest Candy store

Droolin Moose

BEst ICE CREAM shOPPE

nelson’s Ice Cream

BEst DOnut shOP Glam Doll Donuts

Duck Donuts

Donuts

BEst kID’s EAt FREE REstAuRAnt Willy McCoys

tap Room

BeST Family-FrienDly Brewery

Paul Brewing Company

Monster Brewing Company

Creek Brewing

BEst BAkERY nadia’s Cupcake shoppe

key’s Cafe and Bakery

Wuollet Bakery

Find Your next

Family Favorite Adventure

Bucket List Challenge

how

many things have you seen, been to or done?

p Visit a special exhibit at the Minnesota Children’s Museum in st Paul.

p Learn how to play a new instrument at the schubert Club

p take an art class at tinker + nudge

p Find your favorite new minifig at Bricks & minifigs.

p Learn a new trampoline trick at urban Air Adventure Park.

p Visit the Oliver kelley Farm in Elk River to experience the story of farming.

p Grab your favorite teddy and have a playdate at teddy Bear Park in stillwater.

p Get lost at the Mall of America! And have fun while exploring!

p see a new show at stages theatre in hopkins.

p Make new friends at storytime held every month at Forgotten star Brewing.

p Visit Big stone Mini Golf. Play a round or just visit the animals and explore the sculpture gardens.

p see the popular Grinch production at the Children’s theatre

p see the turtle races in nisswa this summer.

p Explore the Minnesota Zoo from above on the treetop trail.

p Learn a new skill at ARtrageous Adventures.

p Ride the day away at Valleyfair. Make sure to check out Planet snoopy.

p Head to your local library and find your new favorite book.

p Pack a lunch and spend the entire day at shoreview Commons Park.

p Plan a trip to Forest history Center to experience the stories of the north woods.

p Visit your favorite ice cream shops! nelson’s Ice Cream, Grand Ole Creamery & 2 scoops Ice Cream & Eatery.

AMusEMEnt PARks

nickelodeon universe at the MOA

Located inside the Mall of America, this destination includes more than 25 rides and activities, featuring popular Nickelodeon characters, shops, entertainment stages and dining. Toddlers and their parents can enjoy free entertainment and activities from 10 a.m. to noon once a month at Toddler Tuesdays. Bloomington • nickelodeonuniverse.com

Como town

This 4-acre outdoor amusement park, adjacent to the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, is designed for ages 2–12 with more than 15 kiddie rides and, in spring and summer, Hodge Podge Park, and more. St. Paul • comotown.com

Paul Bunyan Land

An amusement park, museum, and campground all in one. It’s home to the largest talking animated man in America, Paul Bunyan, who greets your youngsters by name. Amusement park style rides for all ages include merry-go-round, ferris wheel, mini himalaya, space shuttle and more. Brainerd • paulbunyanland.com

Valleyfair

With more than 75 rides and attractions, Valleyfair is the Twin Cities’ amusement park where families come to play the Minnesota way! The thrilling rides at Valleyfair are designed for one thing – absolute FUN! From roller coasters to swings, our thrill rides come in all different shapes and sizes. We are sure by the end of the day you’ll find your new favorite thrill ride, whether you’re a child or an adult. You can also cool off at Soak City Waterpark, featuring thousands of gallons of awesome splish-splashin’ family fun! Shakopee • valleyfair.com

sCAn FOR AMusEMEnt PARks

AnIMAL CEntERs AnD ZOOs

seaquest

Rosedale Center is home to more than 1,000 animals representing five continents with 23,000-square-foot animal experience, featuring exotic sea life, tropical birds and reptiles, too. Kids can snorkel with the stingrays for an extra fee. rosedale • roseville.visitseaquest.com

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

One of the last free zoos in the U.S., Como is home to a wide array of animals and plants and is open 365 days a year. Additional features include Cafesjian’s historic carousel and the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. A donation of $3 per adult and $2 per child is optional. St. Paul • comozooconservatory.org

Eastman nature Center

Nestled in a sugar maple floodplain forest stands this 14,000-square-foot building, featuring quiet reading and observation rooms, large classrooms, wildlife watching, an open-air deck, owl house and an after-hours restroom.

Dayton • tinyurl.com/eastmannature

International Owl Center

Here families can meet owls (and even see them fly), explore displays and a gift shop and attend special events and festivals throughout the year. A few blocks away, you can visit a natural play area with buried fossils, a hand operated water pump and sluice gate, stone tunnels and caves, pedestal pipes, a willow forest and more! Houston • internationalowlcenter.org

International Wolf Center

Learn all about the world of wolves at the center’s flagship facility in Ely, featuring triangular windows designed to represent wolf eyes and ears. Observation windows look into a 1.25-acre wolf enclosure and a den site that’s home to a resident wolf pack. ely • wolf.org

Minnesota Zoo

View a wide variety of animals indoors and out, including penguins, bison, otters, bears, birds, leopards, tigers, and lemurs, plus marine animals in the 1 million-gallon Discovery Bay exhibit. Every April, visit the Farm Babies exhibit at the Wells Fargo Family Farm. The Treetop Trail, a 1.25-mile walking path, provides a fresh perspective on nature and lets it change and inspire the way you experience the world. apple Valley • mnzoo.org

Reptile & Amphibian Discovery Zoo

More commonly known as the RAD Zoo, this rad destination in Owatonna features one of the world’s largest reptile and amphibian displays, including snakes, turtles, lizards, crocodiles, toads, frogs and salamanders. See more than 150 kinds of animals from all over the world, including an alligator and a 14-foot-long python. Owatonna • theradzoo.com

Sea

life minnesota aquarium

More than 10,000 sea creatures live beneath the Mall of America in a wide variety of interactive exhibits, including a 300-foot-long glass tunnel: As you walk, you’re surrounded by stingrays, sharks, sea turtles and more. Make sure to check out the Brave the Rainforest attraction. Bloomington • visitsealife.com/minnesota

AnIMAL CEntERs AnD ZOOs

the Raptor Center

Learn all about hawks, falcons, owls, eagles and other raptors at this University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine facility, which rehabilitates more than 700 sick and injured raptors each year. St. Paul • raptor.umn.edu

Wildlife science Center

Meet wolves, bears, foxes, bobcats, coyotes, lynx and raptors in a living classroom designed for student groups and other visitors.

Stacy • wildlifesciencecenter.org

Great lakes aquarium

This aquarium inspires people to explore their connection with Lake Superior and the waters of the Great Lakes. GLA is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place. Experience two floors of live animal displays, hands-on interactive exhibits, and stunning overlooks of the Duluth-Superior waterfront.

Duluth • glaquarium.org

sustainable safari

Located within Maplewood Mall this is a family-owned animal adventure and works to educate the public through safe animal encounters. maplewood • sustainablesafari.net

safari north

The 43-acre property at Safari North Wildlife Park features more than 150 species from six continents. They also offer an amusement ride area which features rides for all ages as well as fresh squeezed lemonade, mini donuts and funnel cakes. Brainerd • safarinorth.com

hemker Zoo

Located just 90 miles North of the Twin Cities Metro and only a skip away from the Alexandria Lakes area, Hemker Park & Zoo is one of Minnesota’s premier zoo experiences-both for animals and people of all ages.

Freeport • hemkerzoo.com

snake Discovery

Snake Discovery presents fun and educational reptile programs to area schools, birthday parties, scouts, libraries and more! Plus you can learn about reptiles on their kid-friendly YouTube channel! St Paul • snakediscovery.com

sCAn FOR

AnIMALs & ZOOs

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ARCADEs

the Burrow

At both locations, you will find a wide selection of new and classic arcade games. From virtual reality to single and multiplayer games, golf simulators, and a wide selection of pinball games, this is a spot you are sure to enjoy! Pickleball, axe-throwing, mini-golf, food and drinks, and shenanigans are the hallmarks of this venue, which bills itself as adult-focused but family-friendly. Oakdale & Victoria • theburrowmn.com

Can Can Wonderland

Step right up to an experience unlike any other. This vintage arcade and pinball game spot is full of surprises around every corner…literally. You truly have to see it to believe it.

St. Paul • cancanwonderland.com

Dave and Busters

With hundreds of games to play the whole family will be entertained. This arcade and restaurant is full of classics like pac-man and skee-ball and you can find a new favorite game everytime you go as new games are regularly added. maple Grove & edina • daveandbusters.com

LItt Pinball Bar

Locally owned and operated by people passionate about pinball, LITT offers a relaxed atmosphere, food options for the whole family and top-quality pinball machines.

minneapolis • littpinballbar.com

Blainbrook Entertainment Center

Blaine’s pinball hotspot with over 40 games! Here you’ll find games for all ages. Everything from the classic pinball machines to the latest in virtual reality games, pool tables, darts, they have them all! Features game cards that you can save and reload!!

Blaine • blainbrookbowl.com

starcade Classic Arcade

This arcade has the largest collection of classic arcade games in Minnesota. You will find over 150 machines from the 1970s - 90s and they are all on free play. The cost to get in is $15 per day. What a steal! You can find their current lineup on their website.

St. Paul • starcade.us

the Fun Lab

Looking for 22,500 sq feet of awesomeness? Here you will find amazing attractions not found anywhere else, one of a kind birthday experience and fantastic food all under one roof!

Blaine • thefunlabcenter.com

urban Air Adventure Park

The UA arcade has some of the coolest games around. Full life sized games, ride on games and immersive games are all a part of the arcade experience at Urban Air. Make sure to check out the prize counter too! Plymouth • urbanairadventurepark.com

ARts & CRAFts

the Art Academy

Kids and adults are invited to learn drawing, painting, origami, sculpture and more in private or group lessons, which emphasize technical skills as well as the creative process. St. Paul • theartacademy.net

LOCALPARTNERS

ARtrageous Adventures

This full-service art studio offers programming for all ages with one goal: “Unleash your creative power by connecting to yourself, your community and the diversity of the world.” minneapolis • artrageousadventures.com

LOCALPARTNERS

Bricks & minifigs

Bricks & Minifigs Minnetonka is your locally owned LEGO® buy, sell, trade store in the Twin Cities! We specialize in retired, pre-built and certified used sets along with bulk brick & minifigs. minnetonka • bricksandminifigsmn.com

kidcreate studio

These local studios specialize in children’s art classes, camps and art-themed birthday parties for ages 18 months to 12 years. Here kids can create fridge-worthy masterpieces while learning art concepts and experimenting with different art materials. eden Prairie and woodbury • kidcreatestudio.com

kidz Art

Take classes or attend camps, workshops and other programs that teach everything from art appreciation to easy-to-learn drawing skills with an emphasis on creative thinking and problem solving. Twin Cities • nwmpls.kidzart.com

northern Clay Center

This clay center offers fun ways to keep the kids in your life engaged in ceramics. They offer summer camps, after school clay club, weekly Teen Boot Camp, one-day workshops for families, and take home camp kits. minneapolis • northernclaycenter.org

MINNESOTAPARENT

ARts & CRAFts

Rum River Art Center

This art center aims to recognize the individual potential of students and artists and explore through multiple art mediums their creativity, talents, passions, and spirit while igniting prospects for innovative and affordable artistic expression. anoka • rumriverart.com

studio 7

This fine arts program, geared toward ages 7 to 17, focuses on the development of technical skills as well as the creative expansion of individual ideas in a studio environment. Students learn drawing, painting, mask making, clay sculpture, printmaking and more.

minneapolis • studio7artmn.com

the Mess hall

The place for hands-on messy art experiences! Their specialty is messy art, the kind of art you don’t want to do at home! Check out their art experiences at a birthday party, signature, neon or one of there kids art programs.

3 Twin Cities locations • messhallmn.com

tinker + nudge

Discover art classes, workshops, playdates, birthday parties, and camps where kids are encouraged to explore a wide range of materials and techniques, including sculpture, printmaking, collage, drawing, and painting. We love to get messy! minneapolis • tinkerandnudge.com

DEstInAtIOn PLAYGROunDs

teddy Bear Park

Whimsically decorated playground equipment featuring teddy bears, trains and log slides help this beloved gem live up to its name.

Stillwater • tinyurl.com/mn-teddybearpark

shoreview Commons Park

This fantastic attraction is like something out of the Lorax! The playground includes artificial turf leading up to slides, traditional swing sets, a 50-foot zip line, and a forest area with climbing activities. A signature element is the treehouse tower, which is more than 20 feet tall and has super long slides.

tinyurl.com/shoreviewcommonspark

Elm Creek Park Reserve

This brightly colored playground has five play areas which all have features to explore including two zip lines, a dino dig, saucer swings, 4 story play structure with slides, and climbing nets. The swim pond is located nearby which makes this a full day of fun all summer long. maple Grove • tinyurl.com/elmcreek-park

Chutes & Laddershyland Park Reserve

This award-winning creative play area has something for the entire family, young and old. The playgrounds offer platforms, hexagonal climbers and slides up to 50 feet long. There is also a section designed just for children to climb, swing, hang and slide to your heart’s content!

Bloomington • tinyurl.com/hyland-park

DEstInAtIOn PLAYGROunDs

French Regional Park

The park is located within Clifton E. French Regional Park is a great way to spend the day! It offers iconic towers, 47 climbable nets, 6 slides, music activities, water mister and sits next to the visitor center with walkable paths, bridges and a short distance to Medicine Lake swimming area. Plymouth • tinyurl.com/frenchreg-park

Central Park

This popular Maple Grove park features a playground with a 120-foot-long climbing wall, a 24-foot tower, a labyrinth, an interactive fountain, a great lawn, trails and more.

maple Grove • tinyurl.com/centralparkmn

Madison’s Place Playground

The 16,000-square-foot inclusive playground offers sun-shade covered play decks, swings, sensory play equipment, and ramps for wheelchair access. Madison’s Place serves as a regional gathering place for children of all ages and abilities to foster friendships, experience the excitement of climbing on a playground, and spend time outdoors.

woodbury • woodburymn.gov

thomson County Park

This charming 57-acre park provides a quiet get-a-way in the midst of the West St. Paul. The park features a large picnic area that overlooks Thompson Lake and miles of wooded trails that connect to the River to River Greenway — a trail system that links Thompson County Park to Kaposia Park in South St. Paul and to the Mississippi River Greenway.

St. Paul • co.dakota.mn.us/park

Woodbridge Park

The 23,000 square foot Inclusive Playground, this destination playground is a fun play space open to everyone. This nature-based playground design is uniquely created around amenities already featured at Woodridge Park.

Cottage Grove • cottagegrovemn.gov

FAMILY-FRIEnDLY BREWERIEs

56 Brewing

This spot in the Northeast brew scene features a patio with games like bags. Inside, a secluded, family-friendly loft features classic arcade games and cushy sofas. Watch for special events like roller skating nights and family friendly music acts. minneapolis • 56brewing.com

Forgotten star Brewing Co

Just 10 minutes north of Minneapolis, Forgotten Star Brewing offers a variety of events and spaces to celebrate life’s moments. Located in a historic World War II manufacturing facility, the spacious taproom offers a ton of space with a historic ambiance and even holds a “Best Taproom in the World” award from the Craft Beer Marketing Awards. Whether you’re hosting your baby shower in the taproom, or stop in for Story Time and other events, this brewery truly has something for everyone!

Fridley • forgottenstarbrewing.com

Blackstack

Located next door to the indoor amusement park Can Can Wonderland, this is one of the most spacious taprooms in the Twin Cities. But it’s also cozy with couches, comfortable chairs and a collection of board games.

St. Paul • blackstackbrewing.com

Enki

Enki features a large upper patio; a lower patio with games like oversized Jenga; and a spacious indoor taproom. In warmer months, you can bring a Frisbee or ball to play catch near the lower patio. An in-house menu offers flatbread pizzas, soft pretzels and appetizers.

Victoria • enkibrewing.com

Lake Monster Brewing Co

They are all about a family friendly and welcoming space! They have a super neat-o kid corner with toys, books, and a teeny-tiny table. Check out their events for fun kids events for your crew!

St. Paul • lakemonsterbrewing.com

FAMILY-FRIEnDLY BREWERIEs

headFlyer

This taproom goes above and beyond to make littles feel welcome. A play area includes Lincoln Logs, LEGOS, coloring books and board games. Special events include kid-friendly elements such as crafts and bouncy houses. minneapolis • headflyerbrewing.com

unmapped

This Minnetonka taproom, a couple blocks west of the famed Gold Nugget Tavern & Grille, sells tasty beers plus craft sodas and features a designated game corner (including super-sized game of Connect Four), plus shuffleboard and foosball. Gina Maria’s pizza will deliver right to your table upon request, or you can stop by DelSur Empanadas a block away. minnetonka • unmappedbrewing.com

Dual Citizen

The owners have kids of their own, so children are always welcome in the open spaces of this lively taproom, which is home to a variety of visiting food trucks. On Sunday afternoons from noon to 2 p.m. — and all day on special days like Mother’s Day — the taproom and patio convert to play spaces for babies and kids of all ages, complete with scooters and exersaucers. St. Paul • dualcitizenbrewing.com

LuceLine Brewing Co

Plymouth’s first craft brewery. Luce Line Brewing offers an array of offerings including great beer, free concerts, trivia nights, family events, and much more. There’s something for everyone. Plymouth • lucelinebrewing.com

urban Growler

One of the first female-owned breweries in Minnesota, this place calls itself a taproom, but it also boasts an in-house kitchen that opens at 11 a.m. every day, which makes it one of the few taprooms in town where you can grab a full lunch (including kid meals) — and a microbrew.

St. Paul • urbangrowlerbrewing.com

st Paul Brewing Co

Saint Paul Brewing is a beloved familyfriendly brewery on the historic Hamm’s Brewery grounds. As a fun place to eat in Saint Paul with kids, families can munch on wood-fired pizzas, handhelds, burgers, and more delicious bites. The brewery also features tons of kid’s games, including Zingo! They even offer fun, family-friendly events throughout the year, like Hot Wheels Day and Kids Rock Day. In particular, it’s a summer favorite hangout for its vast, beautiful outdoor patio.

St. Paul • stpaulbrewing.com

FREE FAMILY Fun

toddler tuesdays at MOA

Toddlers and their parents can enjoy free entertainment, including special character appearances, story times, crafts and yoga, plus deals at various locations around the Mall of America, including free kids meals offered on select Tuesdays just for toddlers! Bloomington • mallofamerica.com

Family Day at MIA

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts (known as Mia) offers free admission to most galleries and exhibits every day, plus, on the second Sunday of every month, free storytelling, gallery hunts, performances and art projects for families. minneapolis • artsmia.org

Free Family Events in the Park

Pack a picnic basket, a blanket and a lawn chair and enjoy free concerts, movies, arts and other attractions at Staring Lake Amphitheatre and through the City of Eden Prairie all summer long. eden Prairie • tinyurl.com/cityofeP

Free First saturdays at the Walker Art Center

Gallery admission is free on the first Saturday of each month, which features family-friendly live performances, films, gallery adventures and hands-on art-making with an emphasis on ages 6 to 12. Admission is always free to the adjacent 10-acre Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Bonus: free admission every Thursday night from 5-9p. minneapolis • walkerart.org

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Midtown Global Market

This popular indoor international bazaar features a farmers market, an ethnic food court and arts-and-crafts booths yearround. Family events feature music and free activities for all ages. minneapolis • midtownglobalmarket.org

Music & Movies in the Parks: Minneapolis

Attend free outdoor concerts at these picturesque venues (Nicollet Island Park, Father Hennepin Bluffs Park, Minnehaha Bandstand, Bryant Square Park and Lake Harriet Bandshell) Memorial Day through Labor Day, featuring swing, folk, rock, bluegrass, classical and more as part of Minneapolis’ summer series. Movies show at more than 30 parks June through August. tinyurl.com/mplsmusicintheparks

Music & Movies in the Parks: st. Paul St. Paul’s outdoor summer concert and film series features family-friendly events at parks around St. Paul, including Mears Park, Rice Park and Como Park & Como Lakeside Pavilion. Most performances are free. stpaul.gov/musicintheparks

Open Eye Driveway tour All summer long

Open Eye Figure Theater performs puppet shows in backyards, front yards, parks and driveways, bringing communities together with original, family-friendly theater. Since 2003, the Driveway Tour has reached more than 50,000 people in more than 600 neighborhoods. All Driveway Tour performances are free and open to the public.

Twin Cities • openeyetheatre.org

saturday Vibe!

See something new every Saturday (magicians, puppets, wild animals, storytellers and more) at the George Latimer Central Library. Other St. Paul library locations also host numerous summerreading programs and activities for all ages. Also check Hennepin, Dakota and Ramsey counties’ library systems for free events for families at numerous library locations.

St. Paul • sppl.org

FREE FAMILY Fun

sundays at the Landmark

St. Paul’s historic community hub offers a variety of free, all-ages activities on select Sundays throughout the year, including multicultural music and dance performances, plus an Urban Expedition series that helps children learn about cultures from around the globe. Most events are free.

St. Paul • landmarkcenter.org

Free sundays at Minnesota Children’s Museum

Admission is free on select Sundays at the St. Paul location of the Minnesota Children’s Museum. Ticket reservations for this event sell out quickly. Make sure to mark your calendar and reserve your free tickets.

St. Paul • mcm.org

Free Family Music at sPCO

The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra offers a variety of family-friendly programming, including Start the Music for ages 3 to 6, Xplorchestra for ages 6 to 12 and free family concerts for all ages. Tickets are free, but reservations are required.

St. Paul • thespco.org

Free thursday at American swedish Institute

Explore the American Swedish Institute galleries and discover the historic Turnblad Mansion with free museum admission every Thursday from 3-8pm. ASI’s Family Gallery encourages the youngest visitors to play, touch, read, and learn. The Family Gallery exhibition rotates annually. minneapolis • www.asimn.org/visit

schubert Club

Music Museum on the second floor of Landmark Center in downtown Saint Paul provides inspiration, learning, fun and interactivity for visitors as they make their way through the galleries hearing and playing instruments from around the globe, either hands-on or through technology. Saturdays at the Music Museum will feature free snacks and activities in the galleries with the chance to win fun prizes. We hope to see you soon!

St. Paul • www.schubert.org

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OutDOOR ADVEntuREs

trollhaugen Outdoor Recreation Area

Trollhaugen features numerous ski and snowboard runs, terrain parks, chair lifts, tubing hills and rope tows, plus zip lines and an aerial adventure course, all 50 minutes northeast of the Twin Cities. Dresser, wis. • trollhaugen.com

Afton Alps

Nearly 300 skiable acres encompassed by the beautiful Afton State Park, guests enjoy Minnesota skiing and riding with breathtaking valley views from above in the Meadows or ski down through the tunnel (yes Afton has a tunnel) to the Highland steeps. Dodge the weekend crowds by parking “up top” and launching from multiple access points. Truly a resort retreat near Minneapolis, 25 minutes from St. Paul. Hastings • aftonalps.com

Anoka County Parks

Hit some drives at the Chomonix Golf Course, splash in a wave pool and zip down the slides at Bunker Beach, ride horses at Bunker Park Stables, and bike, hike, canoe and camp, check out Wargo Nature Center, all north of the Twin Cities, near Lino Lakes. anokacountyparks.com

Bloomington Parks

Swim at the popular Family Aquatic Center or Bush Lake Beach. Home to the Pond House home to educational programs and events. Ski or snowboard in winter. Bloomington • bloomingtonmn.gov

Bruce Vento nature sanctuary

This 29-acre urban oasis sits in the heart of St. Paul on the north shore of the Mississippi River, where families can explore towering limestone bluffs, sandcastle-like cliffs, a babbling brook, spring-fed wetlands & paths that lead to river and skyline views. St. Paul • tinyurl.com/ventosanctuary

sCAn FOR OutDOOR ADVEntuREs

Buck hill

Experience skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing, disc golf, mountain biking within 15 minutes of downtown Minneapolis. Featuring magic carpet., this destination also offers summer skiing thanks to an artificial ski slope that simulates real snow conditions.

Burnsville • buckhill.com

Caponi Art Park

View more than 30 works of art, scattered around 60 acres of rolling woodlands where many of the sculptures are built whimsically into the sides of the hills or tucked under ferns. The park’s Theater in the Woods hosts several events throughout the summer, including a Summer Performance Series. You can take an art class too. eagan • caponiartpark.org

Carver County Parks

Stargazing is a favorite activity at Onan Observatory in Baylor Park. Bring the kids to a beach at Lake Minnewashta or Lake Waconia, all west of the Twin Cities. tinyurl.com/carverparks

Centennial Lakes Park

Paved pathways meander around this pretty 10-acre lake, interspersed with landscaped grounds, seating areas, swinging benches and fountains. Activities keep this urban oasis busy year-round, including paddle boating in the summer, arts festival in the fall and ice skating in winter. edina • tinyurl.com/centenniallakes

Central Park

This popular Maple Grove park features a playground with a 120-foot-long climbing wall, a 24-foot tower, an interactive fountain, a great lawn, trails and more. In winter, there’s a Zamboni-maintained skating loop and a warming house with a double-sided fireplace and lounge. maple Grove • tinyurl.com/centralparkmn

OutDOOR ADVEntuREs

Dakota

County Parks

Lebanon Hills Regional Park contains almost 2,000 acres and miles of trails. Dogs run free at Dakota Woods Dog Park. Other highlights include the Mississippi River Greenway trail runs 27 miles along the Mississippi River from St. Paul to Hastings. co.dakota.mn.us/parks

Dodge nature Center

Explore miles of trails for free through prairies, forests, and wetlands. See animals on the working farm and birds in the raptor mews. Plus, check out the wide variety of low-cost or free year-round programming for all ages..

West st. Paul, Mendota heights, Cottage Grove • DodgenatureCenter.org

Elm Creek Park Preserve

At 4,900 acres, this reserve is the largest park in the Three Rivers Park District and include a huge playgrounds, a swimming pond, trails and amenities for almost every outdoor activity, including a winter recreation area and Eastman Nature Center. Find more regional parks at threeriversparks.org.

maple Grove • tinyurl.com/elm-mn

eloise Butler wildflower Garden and Bird sanctuary

Meandering trails take you through woodlands, swamps and prairie settings full of native plants and birds. Right across the street is a playground and beach at Theodore Wirth Park. minneapolis • tinyurl.com/eloise-mn

Farmamerica

This 360-acre living history museum honors Minnesota’s farming heritage. Take a guided tram tour and view a country church, a feed mill, Ag Around You Discovery Center and a blacksmith shop, all about an hour and a half south of the Twin Cities. waseca • farmamerica.org

Gale Woods Farm

Educational programs and camps for kids of all ages are central to this working organic farm on picturesque Whaletail Lake. Families can attend events, take tours, purchase fresh food and yarn, have a picnic by the lake and take skill-based classes, including fiber arts, cooking and gardening. minnetrista • tinyurl.com/galewoods

OutDOOR ADVEntuREs

Gibbs Farm

The Ramsey County Historical Society offers unique hands-on programming for children and adults to illuminate pioneer and Dakota life through festivals and farm tours, plus farm & orchard chore days and community events often led by costumed interpreters who tell the Gibbs family story. St. Paul • rchs.com

Grand

Rounds national scenic Byway

More than 50 miles of walking trails and paved cycling paths loop around scenic areas of Minneapolis, including seven districts (Downtown Riverfront, Mississippi River, Minnehaha, Chain of Lakes, Theodore Wirth, Victory Memorial and Northeast). minneapolis • tinyurl.com/grand-rounds-mn

hyland hills ski Area

Boasting one of the prettiest chalets in the state, this close-in hill offers skiing and snowboarding with a training zone and a dozen other runs. Summer events held at the park including movies on the hill. Bloomington • tinyurl.com/hyland-mn

hyland Play Area (Chutes and Ladders)

Situated in the Hyland Lake Park Reserve, this 16,000 sq foot creative play area includes platforms, hexagonal climbers and slides up to 50 feet long, plus an area for kids younger than 5. There’s also a visitor center with concessions, restrooms and, in winter, a fireplace and cross-country ski rentals.

Bloomington • tinyurl.com/hylandplay

kerfoot Canopy tour

Challenge yourself on 4 stories of different challenges. Soar through picturesque trees, zip along cables and chat with adventure guides at this destination, geared toward ages 7 and older.

Henderson • kerfootcanopytour.com

Lake Rebecca Park Reserve

This gently rolling, big-woods landscape includes wetland areas to explore, plus play and picnic areas and a public beach. This park is also a haven for wildlife, including trumpeter swans.

rockford • tinyurl.com/lakerebecca

OutDOOR ADVEntuREs

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board oversees a renowned urban park system spanning 7,059 acres of parkland and water. Featured among its 185 park properties are 55 miles parkways, 102 miles of Grand Rounds biking and walking paths, 22 lakes, 12 formal gardens, seven golf courses and 49 recreation centers. minneapolis • minneapolisparks.org

Minneapolis sculpture Garden

Explore more than 10 acres of green space and sculptures, all free and open to the public, featuring 50-plus works of art, including the city’s iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture, the gigantic blue rooster and a labyrinth. Open year round. minneapolis • walkerart.org

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Observe botanical wonders a plenty and hike trails galore on more than 1,200 acres at Minnesota’s largest public garden. Tulip displays, a crabapple collection, a maze garden, shade tree exhibit and the bee center at the Farm at the Arb. Activities include hands-on family garden time, festivals and, during the holiday season, Winter Lights displays. Admission is free for ages 15 and younger. Chaska • arb.umn.edu

Minnesota state Parks

Minnesota has one of the nation’s most diverse state park systems, featuring 75 parks and recreation areas with more than 1,300 miles of hiking trails. Afton, Fort Snelling and William O’Brien state parks are a few favorites near the Twin Cities. dnr.state.mn.us

Minnetonka Orchards

Fall activities begin in mid-August, including hayrides and Halloween events. Visitors can also enjoy nature trails, a play train and an animal barn.. Find a complete list of local farms that are open to the public at minnesotagrown.com. minnetrista • minnetonkaorchardmn.com

Oliver h kelley Farm

Step into a working 1860s farm with a large visitors center and barn. Pick fresh vegetables and see what’s cooking inside the Kelley farmhouse. Costumed guides work the fields with oxen and horses. See mnhs. org for more historic sites.

elk river • mnhs.org/kelleyfarm

Pine tree Apple Orchard

During the fall, this orchard offers weekend entertainment, wagon rides and a corn maze. Pick your own pumpkins, a large variety of apples, homemade bakery products, caramel apples, fresh cider, gifts and more. Find more farms at minnesotagrown.com.

white Bear lake • pinetreeappleorchard.com

Rambling River Park

This castle-themed park encourages kids to pretend they’re knights in shining armor. Afterward, check out Westview Acres park with challenges for big kids as well as special features for toddlers.

Farmington • tinyurl.com/rambling-mn

Ramsey County Parks

Go to a beach or bring the kids to day camp at Tamarack Nature Center. The county has many golf courses and TCO Sports Garden. You’ll find mountain biking, hiking and cross-country ski trails as well. Battle Creek Waterworks is a popular family aquatic center. tinyurl.com/ramseycoparks

scott County Parks

For challenging cross-country ski trails, mountain biking and horse trails, check out Murphy-Hanrehan Park. Fish on Gifford Lake or bike around Cleary Lake. scottcountymn.gov

sever’s Festivals

Every fall families flock here for activities, food and attractions, including an extreme corn pit, pumpkin blaster, petting zoo, a giant slide, live music, a jumping pillow and and in the winter the holiday lights display are a family tradition you will love.

Shakopee • seversfestivals.com

OutDOOR ADVEntuREs

st. Paul Parks & Recreation

Parks and open spaces include Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, Indian Mounds Reg Park and Harriet and Raspberry islands. Rent a boat or swim at Lake Phalen, then catch a summer concert at the amphitheater. stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation

tamarack nature Center

The Discovery Hollow Nature Play Area lets you run wild in nature. More than four miles of turf trails, paved trails and boardwalks provide year-round access to forests, prairies, ponds and a natural play area white Bear lake • ramseycounty.us

Minnehaha Regional Park

Located just 15 minutes south of downtown Minneapolis, this park boasts a stunning 53-foot waterfall, trails, a dog park, playgrounds, a wading pool, a snack bar, bike rentals, concerts and the beloved and often-busy Sea Salt Eatery. minneapolis • tinyurl.com/minnehaha-mn

top Golf

Rent a climate-controlled hitting bay and hit microchipped golf balls into giant targets in the outfield to score points. Lessons, leagues and parties are available for all ages year round.

Brooklyn Center • topgolf.com

Theodore wirth Off-road Cycling

Trail routes for beginner, intermediate and advanced cyclists abound on this 4-mile off-road cycling trail. minneapolis • tinyurl.com/wirth-mn

three Rivers Park District

This west-metro park system includes 27,000 acres of reserves, trails, nature centers and play areas that encourage outdoor exploration, including hiking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, golfing, disc golfing, camping, skiing, sledding and snowboarding. threeriversparks.org

Native Spanish-speaking teachers prepare your child for kindergarten while sharing the language, music and culture of Latin America.

OutDOOR ADVEntuREs

twin Cities harvest Festival and Maze

Explore activities and attractions in the fall, including a corn maze, a corn pit, a straw-bale maze, a kids play area, live music, a petting zoo, hayrides,, a pumpkin slinger, food vendors, pony rides, a gunny-sack slide, playground and pumpkin picking. In April, attend a spring festival on the same grounds featuring baby animals.

Brooklyn Park • twincitiesmaze.com

Washington County Parks

Big Marine Park and Lake Elmo Park have beaches that are ideal for young swimmers, or you can hike, camp, fish and boat at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. These parks provide a gateway to scenic landscapes unique to the Twin Cities region. tinyurl.com/wash-co-parks

Welch Village

Located less than an hour from the Twin Cities in the Cannon River Valley, this ski and snowboard destination boasts 50 runs and two chalets.

welch • welchvillage.com

Westview Acres

This gem is one of more than 20 family-friendly parks in Farmington. It offers challenges for big kids as well as special features for toddlers.

Farmington • ci.farmington.mn.us

Westwood hills nature Center

Get away from the bustle of the city in this 160-acre natural area featuring a marsh, woods and a restored prairie and a nature inspired play area. Find more nature centers at mnparent.com/minnesota-naturecenters.

St. louis Park • westwoodhillsnaturecenter.org

Wild Mountain

Ski, snowboard or go tubing less than an hour from the Twin Cities. In summer, play at the water park, ride go-karts, zoom down the alpine slide or take a jump in a unique freefall experience.

Taylor’s Falls • wildmountain.com

Gillette Children’s Inclusive

Gillette Children’s Inclusive Day of Play empowers families playdates in their own neighborhoods. We will provide and you invite friends and neighbors to join you in playing The event takes place during Disability Pride Month to work

Metro area

Northwoods Park Brooklyn Park, MN 55445

Woodridge Park Cottage Grove, MN 55016

Becker Park Crystal, MN 55429

Miller Park BarrierFree Playground Eden Prairie, MN 55347

Cornelia Elementary School Edina, MN 55435

Woodhaven Park Eagan, MN 55122

Alice B. Smith Elementary School Hopkins, MN 55343

King Park Lakeville, MN 55044

St. David’s Center Minnetonka, MN 55305

Augsburg Adventure Park Richfield, MN 55423

Lions Park Shakopee, MN 55379

Bridgeview School St. Paul, MN 55102

Madison’s Place Playground Woodbury, MN 55125

Shoreview Commons Playground Shoreview, MN 55126

Greater Minnesota

Lions Volunteer Park Hugo, MN 55038

A Playground for Every BODY Proctor, MN 55810

Paul Bunyan Inclusive Playground Bemidji, MN 56601

Wilson Park St Cloud, MN 56304

Promise Park Buffalo, MN 55313

Fallenstein Playground and Ball Park North Mankato, MN 56003

Halverson Elementary Albert Lea, MN 56007

Inclusive Playground & Miracle Field Owatonna, MN 55060

Every Child’s Dream Playground

Winona, MN 55987

Inclusive Playground Map

families everywhere to unite in planning inclusive provide digital toolkits, information, and inspiration –playing together at your favorite accessible spaces. to celebrate the progress made—and highlight the inclusive. Learn more at gillette. mn/dayofplay.

Inclusive playgrounds are created to be inclusive to children of different abilities. Including features for children with physical and developmental disabilities, such as wheelchair accessible swings, sensorystimulating equipment, and safety features.

InDOOR PLAY AREAs

Edinborough Park

Numerous slides and tunnels and a 30-foot-tall play structure are at the heart of this hugely popular 1-acre indoor park, which also boasts a special area reserved for toddlers. There’s also an amphitheater and a pool & fitness center on site.

edina • edinboroughpark.com

the Blast

Check out numerous space-themed climbing structures at this Eagan Community Center attraction, which caters to ages 18 months to 12 years. eagan • cityofeagan.com/blast

Brookview Backyard

This multi-level, 3,000-square-foot indoor play area in Golden Valley’s Brookview community center. Play spaces include a main area designed for ages 2–12, plus a separate spot for ages 2–5. Just down the hall sits a family-friendly bar and grill, Three One Six. Brookview also offers lawn bowling, golf, a park, tennis courts, disc golf in the winter and more.

Golden Valley • brookviewbackyard.com

Eagle’s nest

Scale a climbing wall, zoom down a quadruple-wave slide and explore a foam forest. The Eaglets Aerie, for ages 3 and younger, has its own colorful ball pit, a challenging climbing structure, a walk-on piano player and other attractions geared toward young toddlers. new Brighton • tinyurl.com/eaglesnest-mn

Good times Park

This 25,000-square-foot, family-owned indoor playground includes play structures, a sport court, a turf field, a 38-foot jumping pad and a buildatorium construction zone. Day passes and memberships are available. Hours are family friendly and open daily. eagan • goodtimespark.com

InnerActive Playground

Activities for all ages are available at this climate controlled, 18,000-square-foot facilities, which include a large playground area for older children, a separate area for ages 5 and younger, a kangaroo jumper, a basketball court, a turf field and large building blocks from Imagination Playground, plus a cafeteria with vending machines, all open 365 days a year.

mounds View • inneractiveplayground.com

Lookout Ridge

Kids 12 and younger can climb through cliffs, forests and a treehouse (modeled after scenes from the St. Croix River Valley) located on the lower level of Woodbury Central Park’s main building. Currently closed for remodel.

woodbury • woodburylookoutridge.com

Maple Maze Indoor Playground

Explore a playhouse, tunnels, a rock wall, hopping pogo sticks and a swirling slide for ages 12 and younger, plus a toddler area for ages 3 and younger.

maple Grove • tinyurl.com/maplemaze-mn

Minisota Play Cafe

Here parents can enjoy a coffee from the café while the kids explore “Minnesota in miniature,” including the City of Mini Grove — complete with a grocery store, cafe, hair salon, post office, jail, hospital, and music studio. The venue — which puts a heavy emphasis on imaginative play — also has a separate area called Infant Grove Heights, geared toward not-yet-walking babes.

maple Grove • minisotaplaycafe.com

InDOOR PLAY AREAs

Minneapolis Bouldering Project

This 40,000-square-foot climbing gym caters to all ages and skill levels and offers after-school clubs, camps, parent’s night out, birthday parties and special climbing areas for kids, as well as a yoga studio, fitness studio, and more. Minneapolisboulderingproject.com

Playground Plaza

This self-serve facility is open 365 days a year. It features a large play structure, a jumping pillow, an artificial turf field, building blocks from Imagination Playground, a cafe area, a giant light bright and party rooms. maple Grove • playgroundplaza.com

Plymouth Community Center

This indoor Playground is an accessible play area designed to bring the outdoors, indoors. With an array of ramps, slides, climbing towers, playhouses and other structures, the indoor playground is a great space for kids ages 2-12 to play. The K.U.B.E. features a 28-foot-tall tower and a spiral slide, activity spinners, basket swing, rock climbing wall and interactive gaming areas. Plymouth • tinyurl.com/plymouthcommunitycenter

Pump It up

Bounce, slide, climb and play on giant inflatable play structures during open gyms and parties. Kids can also turn out the lights for a glow-in-the-dark party. eden Prairie • pumpitupparty.com

sky Zone trampoline Park

Bound around on numerous interconnected trampolines, play trampoline dodgeball, take on an obstacle course, enjoy a toddler-only zone and jump into pits filled with foam blocks. Twin Cities locations • skyzone.com/locations

tropical Adventure Indoor Playground

Let the kids get their wiggles out in this two-story, jungle-themed playground with a five-level spiral slide, a waterfall slide, tunnels, tubes and ropes, plus a toddler structure for ages 3 and younger. Shoreview • shoreviewcommunitycenter.com

NEW RIDES NOW OPEN

InDOOR PLAY AREAs

turf tots

Kids ages 5 and under are invited to play at the Hopkins Pavilion, home to a seasonal turf field filled with sport balls, crawl tunnels, bouncy houses, hula hoops and more. In fall and winter, the pavilion is an ice arena. In summer, it’s home to dry-floor activities. Hopkins • hopkinsmn.com/213/Turf-Tots

urban Air Adventure Park

This adventure park includes trampolines, an indoor zip line, ropes course, climbing walls, warrior-style obstacle course, battle-beam foam pit, play structure, go-karts, arcade, concession and more.

Coon Rapids & Plymouth • urbanairtrampolinepark.com

Vertical Endeavors

Learn proper climbing techniques at these popular indoor rock-climbing facilities, featuring equipment for all levels of experience for ages 6 and older. Camp programs available throughout the year. Twin Cities and Duluth • verticalendeavors.com

the Little Village

The Little Village is a imaginative play space with unique play areas and activities young children and parents will both enjoy. It’s the perfect space to meet up with friends and connect with other parents over a delicious cup of Dogwood Coffee or charcuterie board while having your littles in full view! Cottage Grove • thelittlevillagemn.com

Williston for kids

This indoor play area at the Williston Fitness Center caters to ages 12 and younger. The play area offers tubes, slides, and a maze that will keep the kids entertained. You can also find a pool and splash pad within the building.

minnetonka • tinyurl.com/mn-willistonTreehouse

Zero Gravity trampoline Park & Laser tag

Shoot hoops, flip into a foam pit and play dodgeball, all on trampolines. You’ll also find laser tag, an arcade, a climbing wall, indoor playground and a tot spot for kids 42 inches tall and under.

mounds View • zerogravitymn.com

Peekabooboo Play Cafe

This one-of-a-kind play cafe is filled with so many exciting things to do, like relaxing in their unique sensory room, letting your child’s imagination run wild in our play houses, enjoying the indoor playground structure, and even diving into a fun ball pit.

albertville • www.peekabooboosplaycafe.com

Avery’s Adventures

This one-of-a-kind indoor playground inspires creativity and imagination in children of all ages. Avery’s Adventures provides families with a safe and stimulating environment where children can explore, learn, and grow.

elk river • averysadventures.com

Rebe’s Play Cafe

Delicious coffee, snacks and treats with a large playroom, perfect for kids birth to 8 years old plus language classes and events. They don’t believe in barriers to play so play is free. Come on down and grab yourself a nice latte. Donations are accepted!

St. Paul • rebesplaycafe.com

Little north Playland

Explore 2 story jungle gym, interactive

ball wall, rotating merry go round, infant area, trampoline, rock wall, track with cars and multiple village houses filled with imaginary play! Fun indoor place for kids to burn off some energy! isanti • littlenorthplayland.com

MInI GOLF

Big stone Mini Golf

and sculpture Garden

This hidden gem is known for its clever holes and unique sculptures. After a round of mini golf enjoy the beautiful Big Stone Sculpture Gardens. The gardens display unique sculptures throughout the grounds of rolling hills, life size games, picnic areas, ponds, and an open pasture. minnetrista • bigstoneminigolf.com

Can Can Wonderland

Come for the indoor mini golf and a boardwalk arcade at this whimsical and somewhat edgy venue, billed as the first arts-based public benefit corporation in Minnesota. Stay for the one-of-a-kind restaurant and bar. St. Paul • cancanwonderland.com

Lilli Putt

This family entertainment center offers a unique round of mini golf and so much more. Here you can hop on go-karts, bumper boats, a jump pad and more. They host seasonal events throughout the summer and fall. Coon rapids • lilliputt.net

the Burrow

Located in both Oakdale and Victoria, The Burrow offers mini golf, mini bowling, arcades, virtual reality, ropes course and the list goes on. Indoor year round mini golf can be found at the Victoria location while outdoor mini golf can be found at Oakdale. Oakdale & Victoria • theburrowmn.com

Pirates Cove Adventure Golf

The adventures and legends of infamous pirates come to life in this theme park-like setting. Two 18-hole courses, with lavish landscaping, were built to provide pure enjoyment for adults and kids alike. Next door you will find Billy Bones Raceway go-kart complex.

Brainerd • tinyurl.com/piratescove-mn

Veterans Memorial Park

Mini Golf & Malt shop

Enjoy 18 holes of miniature golf surrounded by attractive gardens, waterfalls, ponds and streams. This course is the right mix of playful and challenging.

richfield • tinyurl.com/malt-t-mn

MusEuMs

Alexander Ramsey house

As one of the nation’s best preserved Victorian-era homes, this Minnesota Historical Society site is a virtual portal to the Victorian era, featuring enthusiastic costumed guides (sometimes bearing freshly baked cookies) who give glimpses of family and servant life in the 1870s.

St. Paul • mnhs.org/ramseyhouse

American swedish Institute

Housed in the castle-like Turnblad Mansion, built by Swedish immigrants in 1908, this museum features permanent and touring collections of glass, fine art, textiles and other items from Sweden, plus many activities for children throughout the year.

Catch performances at the Nelson Cultural Center, and visit the ASI’s Family Gallery which encourages the youngest visitor to play, touch, read and explore through an imaginative and immersive exhibition that changes every year.

minneapolis • asimn.org

the Bakken Museum

Learn about electricity, magnetism and more at this immersive and whimsical museum on the shores of Lake Calhoun, offering a variety of kid-friendly activities, including a popular LEGO Robotics Program for ages 8 to 12.

minneapolis • thebakken.org

Cathedral of st. Paul

Situated at the highest point in downtown St. Paul, this landmark and active place of worship is on the National Register of Historic Places and is open on select days for free tours.

St. Paul • cathedralsaintpaul.org

Firefighters Hall and museum

View more than 12,000 square feet of historic items from Minnesota fire departments, dating back to the 1860s, including fire trucks, fire equipment, historic photos and interactive displays for children.

minneapolis • minnesotafiremuseum.org

MusEuMs

hennepin history Museum

Learn about the history and social evolution of Hennepin County through music, bicycles, fashion and touring exhibits. minneapolis • hennepinhistory.org

hennepin-Overland Railway Museum

Rail fanatics with the Hennepin Overland Railway Historical Society invite visitors to watch as they operate model railways in a 4,000-square-foot space, open September through April.

minneapolis • hennepinoverland.org

historic Fort snelling

Discover an 1820s military outpost and take part in the fort’s everyday life: Mend clothes, scrape a hide or sing along with the soldiers. A living-history program with costumed guides is presented throughout the summer and on weekends in select months. This is also a popular outdoor destination and state park with year-round recreational activities.

St. Paul • historicfortsnelling.org

Intivity Center

Learn all about agriculture by taking a look at some of the largest farming machines and how they’ve evolved over the years. The Intivity Center and the AGCO manufacturing facilities are where premium tractors like the Massey Ferguson Series and Challenger tractors roll off the assembly line. Tours are available for ages 12 and older by appointment.

Jackson • intivitycenter.com

James J. hill house

The man who built the Great Northern Railway lived in this opulent 36,000-square-foot home and lasting testament to his powerful presence. Special events and guided tours give glimpses into life during the Gilded Age.

St. Paul • mnhs.org/hillhouse

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MusEuMs

Landmark Center

Originally the Federal Court House and Post Office site for the Upper Midwest, this National Historic Monument houses six smaller museums and standing exhibits, including Uncle Sam Worked Here, which focuses on the history of the building itself. Visit on Sundays September through May for a series of free special community and cultural events, called Sundays at Landmark.

St. Paul • landmarkcenter.org

the

Landing

Experience life on the scenic Minnesota River as it was during the 1880s through historical buildings, costumed guides and special activities at this Three Rivers Park District site.

Shakopee • tinyurl.com/landing-mn

LOCALPARTNERS

MINNESOTAPARENT

Minnesota history Center

This beloved museum, which explores the state’s past through hands-on activities and multimedia presentations, is also the home base for the Minnesota Historical Society, which operates 26 historical sites in Minnesota.

St. Paul • mnhs.org/historycenter

Bell Museum

Minnesota’s official natural history museum, this 92,000-square foot building, features a digital planetarium, wildlife dioramas (including a woolly mammoth), outdoor learning experiences, hands-on opportunities and more

St. Paul • bellmuseum.umn.edu

Mia

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts features collections of ancient works from Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas, as well as contemporary art and sculpture. Free activities for families are offered every month. Mia’s Family Center, open daily, features toys, kid-friendly books and more. minneapolis • artsmia.org

Mill City Museum

Built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill, this museum helps visitors of all ages learn about the intertwined histories of the flour industry, the historic Mississippi Riverfront and the city of Minneapolis. Stop by a baking lab, see a model mill explode and watch history unfold as you take an eight-story elevator ride in the Flour Tower.

minneapolis • millcitymuseum.org

Minnesota Air national Guard Museum

See dozens of aircraft from the early days of aviation to the present on an active military base. Guided tours and birthday parties are available year-round with at least one week advance notice.

St. Paul • mnangmuseum.org

Minnesota Children’s Museum

The MCM’s plays host to various exhibits and is a permanent home to many funeducational features, including The Scramble (a four-story vertical adventure with climbing towers, a spiral slide and a netted catwalk suspended more than 40 feet in the air); Sprouts (an area of discovery for babies and toddlers), traveling exhibits and much more.

St. Paul • mcm.org

MusEuMs

Minnesota state Capitol

This 1905 masterpiece grandeur is open for free guided tours that explore the domed architectural gem all while gettingt an overview of Capitol history, art, architecture and state government.

St. Paul • mnhs.org/capitol

Minnesota transportation Museum

Learn local history through the lens of railroading: At St. Paul’s Jackson Street Roundhouse, take caboose and explore interactive exhibits and enjoy other special events throughout the year. At the Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway, take scenic train rides through the St. Croix River Valley in fully restored vintage railroad equipment.

St. Paul • transportationmuseum.org

Minnesota Wing

Commemorative Air Force

This working museum is dedicated to preserving and restoring military aircraft from World War II, including vintage aircraft, a large motor pool fleet and a unique collection of World War II artifacts. Free admission, donations welcome. South St. Paul • cafmn.org

the Museum of Russian Art

Explore Russian art from the 19th and 20th centuries and beyond, including Russian Orthodox icons, photography, printmaking, lacquer art, porcelain, Soviet stamps, textiles and Matryoshka nesting dolls.

minneapolis • tmora.org

north star Museum of Boy scouting & Girl scouting

Relive your own scouting memories and share new ones with your kids with this museum’s vast collection of scouting memorabilia.

north St. Paul • nssm.org

Pavek Museum of Broadcasting

Create your own radio broadcast, use a ham radio to talk to people all over the world and listen to classic radio programs while checking out a collection of antique radios, televisions and broadcast equipment. Youth programs, camps and tours are available.

St. l

MusEuMs

LOCALPARTNERS

schubert Club Museum of Musical Instruments

See old-fashioned keyboards, manuscript collections and other traditional musical instruments. The club’s KidsJam programming caters to ages 5 to 12, offering opportunities for children to experience music through live performances, activities, movement and stories.

St. Paul • schubert.org

science Museum of Minnesota

Perched on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, this 370,000-squarefoot, kid-friendly museum features many interactive exhibits focusing on technology, natural history, paleontology, the human body and the people and cultures of the Mississippi River. There’s also an Omnitheater, offering educational big-screen films for all ages.

St. Paul • smm.org

sibley historic site

Experienced guides lead visitors through four of the oldest surviving buildings in Minnesota, that are fully furnished buildings all while spinning tales of the American Fur Company from 1825 to 1853. mendota • mnhs.org/sibley

twin City Model Railroad Museum

Check out detailed models of Twin Cities railroads during the 1930s to the 1950s, plus dynamic displays from the Greater Midwest LEGO Train Club. The circus trains are a special event that features circus trains, models and parades on a variety of the museum layout exhibits.

St. Paul • tcmrm.org

the Works

Discover hands-on engineering activities for kids in grades K through 6 that encourage invention, exploration and problem solving with creative thinking. Programs include family engineering nights, camps, birthdays, Tech Fest and others.

Bloomington • theworks.org

Walker Art Center

This revered contemporary art center offers free gallery admission and children’s activities on the first Saturday of each month. Visitors can explore the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, featuring more than 50 works of art, such as the city’s iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry fountain. The museum’s entry pavilion is designed to bring a unified feel to the museum’s 19-acre campus.

minneapolis • walkerart.org

Weisman Art Museum

Early 20th-century American artists, such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Marsden Hartley, are on display in this gleaming modern metallic building on the University of Minnesota campus.

minneapolis • wam.umn.edu

MusIC LEssOns

Bach to Rock

Find music lessons, camps, and parties at Bach to Rock music school. Their programs are open to students of all ages and skill levels.

Coon rapids & Plymouth • bachtorock.com

Brighter Minds Music

Their teachers offer music lessons in Minneapolis and St. Paul area for children, kids, teens and adults - piano lessons, guitar lessons, voice lessons and more! Check out their award-winning music classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Twin Cities • brightermindsmusic.com

Growing With Music

This locally owned business connects daycare centers and families with music teachers who provide music-exploration experiences for children, including singing, movement and instrumental activities that encourage self-awareness, school readiness and creativity.

Twin Cities • growingwithmusic.com

kindermusik

Multiple locations of this early childhood music program cater to ages 7 and younger, including music-and-movement classes that allow children to experience varying genres and cultures.

Twin Cities • kindermusik.com

MacPhail Center for Music

Instructors across the metro representing one of the largest nonprofit community music schools in the country offer lessons in dozens of instruments for all ages, income levels and abilities. Locations include Minneapolis, Apple Valley, Austin, Chanhassen, White Bear Lake and select New Horizon Academy locations as well as online classes.

minneapolis • macphail.org

Translations: Para Español por favor llame al 651-407-7625

Xav tau ntawv Hmoob hu rau 651-407-7623

Why be a BEAR?

• Student-centered instruction. We believe all students grow and learn in different ways and at different rates, all can achieve.

• More academic opportunities to explore interests, excel and design your future.

• Students are agents and owners of their own learning in an environment that is safe, supportive and challenging — with high expectations for student success.

• Our educators inspire, facilitate, and challenge students, nurturing curiosity and confidence. We provide a window to their future.

• We are transforming learning. Our flexible learning spaces and learning studios ignite opportunities for communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.

MusIC LEssOns

Music together

Locations around the world (including several in the Twin Cities.) This early childhood music-and-movement program for ages newborn to 8, plus guitar classes for parents of Music Together students. Twin Cities • musictogether.com

Musikgarten

Programming by this early childhood music school caters to ages newborn and up at various locations in the Twin Cities. Twin Cities • musikgarten.org

sarah Jane’s Music school

All ages are welcome at this neighborhood music education center based in Northeast Minneapolis, offering private and group lessons in a variety of instrumental studies. minneapolis • sarahjanesmusicschool.com

school of Rock

This national school teaches ages 3 and up about music fundamentals, teamwork and rock instrumentation. Medina, Eden Prairie and st. Paul • schoolofrock.com

slam Academy

Fast-paced educational experiences in the digital musical arts are offered here, including classes on music software programs as well as sound design, production and genre-based content. minneapolis • slamacademy.com

st. Joseph’s school of Music

This non-denominational educational ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet offers a comprehensive music curriculum designed for all ages and levels, including individual lessons and group classes on a variety of instruments.

St. Paul • stjomusic.org

Wee Bop

Early childhood music classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers are offered by this locally based company with programs in Northeast Minneapolis and through Roseville ECFE and Kiddywampus in Hopkins. weebopmusic.com

sCAn FOR MusIC CLAssEs

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Residential Treatment Program Visit prairie-care.com or call 952-826-8475.

Augsburg Ice Arena

This two-rink indoor ice-skating venue is home to the Figure Skating Club of Minneapolis, which offers group classes and private lessons for all ages. minneapolis • fscmpls.org

Brooklyn Park

Community Activity Center

Find winter fun with two indoor ice rinks, connected in the upper level by a warming area. Outside, you will find a skate park for skateboarding and scooters. Brooklyn Park • tinyurl.com/icebp

Burnsville Ice Center

This popular destination offers year-round classes and adult ice hockey, public skate times as well as skate rentals and sharpening. Check out their annual ice show and hockey tournaments.

Burnsville • tinyurl.com/burnsvilleice

Clinic and Outpatient Services

Learn More

Burnsville skate Park

Free and open to the public, this outdoor skate park— next door to the Burnsville Ice Center—is geared toward inline skaters, skateboarders and stunt bikers.

Burnsville • tinyurl.com/burnsvilleskatepark

Coon Rapids Ice Center

Take part in classes, stick-and-puck hockey sessions and skate rentals at this facility, featuring indoor ice as well as a refrigerated outdoor rink.

Coon rapids • coonrapidsicecenter.com

healthEast sports Center

This is one of the largest multi use sports centers in the state, including a 90,000-square-foot indoor field house, two indoor ice arenas, an outdoor refrigerated recreational ice rink, 36 outdoor athletic fields and a splash-pad water feature. woodbury • tinyurl.com/Hesportscenter

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Maple Grove Community Center

The ice arena has one Olympic-size and one National Hockey League size sheets of ice that offer great opportunities to get together with family and friends. Services/programs offered include open skating and skating lessons. maple Grove • tinyurl.com/mg-icearena

Parade Ice Garden

Enjoy indoor ice skating year-round on three ice rinks for hockey, figure skating, lessons and public skating. minneapolis • tinyurl.com/parade-ice

schwan super Rink

Eight ice rinks are part of this massive facility, billed as one of the largest ice arenas. It’s one part of the 600-acre National Sports Center, which also includes a velodrome arena, 50 full-size soccer fields, a golf course and more.

Blaine • tinyurl.com/schwansuperrink

skateville

Lace up your skates and enjoy a classic roller skating environment, including music skating sessions and lessons. Burnsville • skateville.com

st. Louis Park Recreation Center

Home to two indoor ice rinks and an outdoor aquatic center, this is also the site of a multi-use covered Recreation Outdoor Center, The ROC, used as an ice rink for hockey, public skating, broomball and special events in winter. In spring, it converts to a turf field for baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse and special events such as the annual spring egg hunt. In summer, it’s used for ice cream socials for kids, Movies in the Park and private parties.

St. louis Park • tinyurl.com/rec-slp-mn

the Roseville OVAL

OVAL Named the Best Ice Skating Rink in the Nation by USA Today! The Roseville Skating Center is a unique community facility, an indoor ice arena, North America’s largest sheet of refrigerated ice, and outdoor skate park. The skating center offers; skating lessons, public skating, open hockey, speed skating lessons, and many other skating opportunities. roseville • cityofroseville.com

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sPLAsh PADs

Andrews Park

This splash pad features boat motifs (including sprayer masts), rings, water-table-like attractions for early walkers, flower showers, a sunshade and numerous benches and picnic tables, too.

Champlin • tinyurl.com/champlin-splashpad

Burnsville Lions Playground

This 2,000-square-foot splash pad is at Cliff Fen Park next to a huge playground with more than 87 play pieces that can accommodate up to 265 kids. This site also offers access to the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge. tinyurl.com/burnsville-splash

Cedarcrest Park

Located in Bloomington near Cedar Valley Church (which allows visitors to use its parking lot) this splash pad is the highlight of the park, which also includes a playground, softball field, tennis court and volleyball court. Bonus: This splash pad features rubber tiles designed to increase safety and comfort.

tinyurl.com/cedarcrest-splashpad

Como town splash Zone

Let the kids play in water fountains, bubblers, and jets, as well as sprayers and water buckets. Bonus: You can head here to cool off after exploring the animal exhibits at Como Zoo, right next door.

St. Paul • comotown.com

Conway Park

This splash pad features sprays and splashes that emerge from a concrete plaza, conveniently sited next to a playground with features geared toward ages 2–5 and 5– 12, plus ample benches and shade trees.

St. Paul • stpaul.gov/conway-park

harmon Park

Sprayers high and low let kids cool off here after you hit the 19-acre park’s baseball/softball diamonds, batting cages, picnic areas, soccer field, playground and concession stand. west St. Paul • tinyurl.com/harmon-splash

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sPLAsh PADs

healthEast sports Center

Next to the inclusive playground called Madison’s Place — features bubblers and water buckets that spray and splash only when activated by a button on a special flower. Every four minutes, kids get to restart the show. There’s a larger platform with dumping buckets, nozzles and flower showers, plus a smaller, separate platform for toddlers.

woodbury • tinyurl.com/woodbury-splashpad

highlands Park

Here kids can play with numerous overhead and waist-level sprayers. Nearby, you’ll find open grasslands, paved trails, baseball and soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts and picnicking near a pretty pond.

Cottage Grove • tinyurl.com/cottagegrove-splashpad

huset Park West

This neighborhood park features bocce ball court, playground equipment and a picnic shelter, plus a splash pad water feature with large walk-through rings, a deck that shoots water and ample nearby seating and picnic space.

Columbia Heights • tinyurl.com/splash-deck-ch

kelley Park

Kids can’t resist running through the sequence of huge blue rings that spray and mist here, creating a virtual tunnel of fun. There’s also a gazebo decked out with picnic tables, plus a rubber-matted playground. apple Valley • tinyurl.com/kelleypark

Roy Wilkins Park (Lewis Park)

This is a fun plaza-style splash pad with simple sprays and jets that shoot out of a concrete plaza. Nearby you’ll find playground equipment, including a tot lot for younger kids.

St. Paul • stpaul.gov/lewis-park

Miller Park

This playful splash pad with a variety of sprayers blends seamlessly into the Miller Park Barrier-Free Playground, which boasts accessible pathways and surface structures that give children and adults of all mobilities the opportunity to reach all levels of the play structure.

eden Prairie • edenprairie.org/amenities/splash-pads

Central Park in Maple Grove

This popular park’s interactive fountain encompasses a 2,100-square-foot plaza with 49 jet sprays and 18 arching sprays. LED lights turn the fountain into a light show once the sun goes down. The adjacent playground features a 120-foot-long climbing wall, a 24-foottall climbing tower, a great lawn, trails, a garden with a labyrinth and more. maple Grove • tinyurl.com/mg-centralpark

sPLAsh PADs

nicollet Commons Park

This community hub includes a beautiful man made creek that’s filled with kids splish-splashing to cool off on hot days. Nearby is a timed town-square-style sprinkler display, grassy hills for picnicking and relaxation and a 250-seat amphitheater. In summer, stop by for concerts and movie night events.

Burnsville • tinyurl.com/nicolletcommons

Oak hill Park

This well-known interactive destination is ideal for no-plunge fun, complete with sprayers, sprinklers, tip buckets and more. It’s located in Louisiana Oaks Park off Highway 7, featuring sprawling lawns, beautiful trees and a playground. St. louis Park • tinyurl.com/oak-hill-splash

Parque de Castillo

This park features a play area, splash pad, public art, grills and a picnic area. It’s adjacent to the Gilbert de la O baseball and multi-use fields as well as El Rio Vista Recreation Center.

St. Paul • tinyurl.com/castillo-splash

Phalen Park

This splash pad has a view of Phalen Lake, complete with plenty of bench seating for grownups and easy access to the free, guarded beach and the rest of the full-service park.

St. Paul • tinyurl.com/phalen-splash

Rivers Edge

Large and dotted with spinning sprayers, this northwest-metro splash pad sits next to a playground (including swing sets), a sunshade, picnic tables and a 40-acre park with baseball fields and disc golf course. waite Park • tinyurl.com/waite-water

Rosemount splash Pad at Central Park

This water spot is perfect for kids with its 3,700 square feet of ground nozzles that spray water up out of the splash pad’s rain deck, plus a moving water feature — the Water Journey — that allows smaller children to direct water as it flows through a maze. There’s plenty of seating for parents and a covered shelter with picnic tables, too. rosemountmn.gov/849/splash-Pad

sPLAsh PADs

Round Lake Park

Adjacent to a lake, a beach and a playground, this is Eden Prairie’s other splash pad, featuring palm-tree sprayers and a soft rubber matting surface for slip-free fun.

eden Prairie • edenprairie.org/amenities/splash-pads

Valleyfair’s Barefoot Beach

This family-friendly splash pad—free with admission to Valleyfair as part of its Soak City water park—features almost an entire acre of water-play elements, including a tipping bucket, slides and geysers. Kids must be fewer than 54 inches tall or accompanied by a supervising companion. Shakopee • tinyurl.com/barefoot-beach

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Orono Park

Orono Park is a family friendly 28-acre park located on the west shore of Lake Orono. The park offers an expanded beach area, open recreation lawn, Kayak/SUP rental facility, large splash pad, lighted pickleball and basketball courts and a fitness area. elk river • elkrivermn.gov

Prairie Park

Prairie Park is located behind Otsego Prairie Center. The park offers a full splash pad experience for kids. The splash pad is open from sunrise to sunset. The park also features a Skate Park, Basketball Court, Archery Range and large playground area for kids to enjoy.

Otsego • ci.otsego.mn.us

Ready for a bit more water — but not a full pool? Check out a list of 60 Minneapolis wading pools at tinyurl.com/wading-minn or see tinyurl.com/ st-paul-aqua for a list of St. Paul aquatics sites. Or visit our splash pad directory here: tinyurl.com/splashpadsmn 12 Minnesota

stADIuMs

Allianz Field

This soccer stadium, on a 35-acre site at Snelling Avenue and I-94, is the home of Minnesota United FC, the state’s Major League Soccer team. It holds 19,600 fans. St. Paul • mnufc.com/stadium

Chs Field

See the St. Paul Saints, a professional baseball team based in St. Paul, at the team’s intimate Lowertown ballpark, which seats 7,000. Also, home to Glow Holiday Lights Display. St. Paul • saintsbaseball.com

national sports Center

This 600-acre venue, billed as the world’s largest amateur sports facility, includes 50 grass soccer fields, an eight-sheet ice arena (Schwan Super Rink), an 18-hole golf course, a cycling velodrome and 100,000 square feet of indoor training and meeting space. Blaine • nscsports.org

target Center

See the Minnesota Timberwolves men’s pro basketball team and the Minnesota Lynx women’s pro basketball team, plus big-name concerts, family-friendly shows (such as Disney on Ice and the Harlem Globetrotters) and more in this 20,500-seat entertainment arena. minneapolis • targetcenter.com

target Field

This 40,000-seat outdoor ballpark is the official home of the Minnesota Twins, the state’s Major League Baseball team. It features a 360-degree open main concourse, giving fans uninterrupted views of the playing field. minneapolis • mlb.com/twins/ballpark

tCF Bank stadium

Featuring an open-air horseshoe design, this 50,000- seat stadium hosts University of Minnesota Gopher football games and other events such as concerts and special hockey games for the Gophers and the NHL. minneapolis • tinyurl.com/tcf-stadium-mn

u.s. Bank stadium

This downtown Minneapolis venue is the home of the Minnesota Vikings NFL football team. It can seat up to 70,000 for games as well as concerts and other arena events.

minneapolis • usbankstadium.com

xcel Energy Center

The Minnesota Wild NHL hockey team calls this 18,000-seat arena home. It also hosts Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournaments and numerous big-name musical performers and other nationally touring events throughout the year. St. Paul • xcelenergycenter.com

Credit: Minnesota Twins

thEAtREs & MusIC VEnuEs

Ames Center

This venue includes two theaters, a 1,000-seat Masquerade Dance Theater and an intimate, 150-seat black box theater. Presentations include cultural events, theater and dance productions, musical acts from local arts organizations as well as nationally touring artists.

Burnsville • ames-center.com

Artistry theater and Visual Arts

An award-winning theater located at Bloomington Center for the Arts. Bringing vibrant and diverse art experiences and learning to our community, producting a wide variety of work that informs and illuminates the South Metro.

Bloomington • artistrymn.org

Bunce Performing Arts

This performing arts group is a non-profit, community theatre organization which stems from the house and hearts of a theatre family in Maple Grove. They bring stories of hope and encouragement to people of all ages through affordable, high quality theater productions.

maple Grove/Osseo • bunceperformingarts.com

Brave new Workshop Comedy theatre

This Twin Cities institution has been crafting audacious original comedy, improv and satire since 1958, and today offers classes and programming for youth and teens as well as adults. minneapolis • bravenewworkshop.com

Capri theater

Owned and operated by Plymouth Christian Youth Center, this historic theater seeks to enrich the skills, prospects and spirits of North Minneapolis-area youth and adults, in partnership with families and communities. minneapolis • thecapritheater.org

the Cedar Cultural Center

Operated as a nonprofit organization, this venue can host up to 645 people and presents a variety of global, roots, folk, indie, bluegrass and blues artists, as well as artist residencies, educational programs, films, dances, community events and more. minneapolis • thecedar.org

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thEAtREs & MusIC VEnuEs

Chanhassen Dinner theatres

Enjoy a variety of dinner theater shows, comedy, concerts and other events, plus theater-education programming and camps for ages 5 and older, at this multi-stage venue.

Chanhassen • chanhassendt.com

Chaska Valley Family theatre

Founded in 1995, this community-organized theater provides live performances at three different venues with an emphasis on family involvement and local talent.

Chaska and Chanhassen • cvft.org

Children’s theatre Company

One of the largest and most revered children’s theater companies in the country, CTC includes a main stage and a smaller, more intimate stage, both featuring award-winning productions and community programs and camps for young audiences. minneapolis • childrenstheatre.org

Circus Juventas

Located in the Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul, this is one of the largest performing arts youth circus schools in North America. Founded in 1994 by real-life circus performers, the popular school offers programming for ages 2 and older and summer camps for ages 6 to 18. St. Paul • circusjuventas.org

First Avenue

First Avenue is celebrated as one of the longest-running, independently owned and operated venues in the United States. First Avenue is dedicated to promoting artistic expression in diverse voices, to provide a community by offering artists a stage and a mic, and fans a place to gather. Partners with the Rock and Roll Playhouse to bring you family friendly shows.

minneapolis • first-avenue.com

the Fitzgerald theater

This 1,000-seat, 100+ year-old theater is owned by the same company that owns First Avenue, where you can find a unique variety of performances.

St. Paul • thefitzgeraldtheater.com

hennepin theatre District

This nonprofit organization owns the 900 Hennepin event center and the historic Orpheum, State and Pantages theaters, all on Hennepin Avenue, presenting Broadway shows, concerts, dance performances and special events.

minneapolis • hennepintheatretrust.org

Guthrie theater

Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, this multi-stage theater is housed in a contemporary building that includes a classic thrust stage for grand-scale classics, a proscenium stage for more contemporary classics and a studio theater for developing the classics of the future. Youth classes and camps are available.

minneapolis • guthrietheater.org

Credit: Visit Saint Paul

thEAtREs & MusIC VEnuEs

Illusion theater

Founded in 1974, this company works to highlight the illusions, myths and realities of the day to inspire personal and social change.

minneapolis • illusiontheater.org

In the heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask theatre

Using ancient traditions to explore contemporary issues and values, this community theater offers all-ages programming and is working towards installing the Twin CIties first puppet lending library.

minneapolis • hobt.org

Lundstrum Performing Arts

Classes, camps and workshops at this multispace venue employ an integrated curriculum of dance, voice and drama for ages 3 and older, including ballet, hip hop, musical theater and more.

minneapolis • lundstrumcenter.org

Minnesota Orchestra’s Young People’s Concerts

Each of these concerts (geared toward school-age kids) focuses on a specific musical element, composer, time period or theme and includes free online prep materials.

minneapolis • tinyurl.com/mnorch-ypc

northrop

This performing arts venue at the University of Minnesota features concerts, ballets, lectures and special events, including many family-friendly productions. minneapolis • northrop.umn.edu

O’shaughnessy Auditorium

See fashion shows, dance, musicals and concerts at this St. Catherine University venue.

St. Paul • oshag.stkate.edu

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Hosting performances by the Minnesota Opera, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Schubert Club, this popular venue also features Broadway shows, dance performances and music concerts. Every summer the Ordway hosts the free Flint Hills International Children’s Festival.

St. Paul • ordway.org

Park Square Theatre

This acclaimed contemporary theater offers year round student matinees as part of its award-winning education program serving grades 7 to 12.

St. Paul • parksquaretheatre.org

Penumbra theatre Company

Giving voice to African-American perspectives has been this historic theater’s mission since 1976. Their goal is to increase public awareness of the significant contributions of African Americans in creating a diversified American theatrical tradition.

St. Paul • penumbratheatre.org

thEAtREs & MusIC VEnuEs

LOCALPARTNERS

MINNESOTAPARENT

the schubert Club

This nonprofit arts organization brings recital soloists and ensembles to town and promotes top local musical talent through public performances, education and museum programs. They have a music museum with multiple gallery experiences.

St. Paul • schubert.org

st. Paul Chamber Orchestra

Family-friendly programming here includes free family concerts for all ages. Tickets are free, but reservations are suggested.

St. Paul • thespco.org

LOCALPARTNERS

MINNESOTAPARENT

stages theatre Company

Operating out of the Hopkins Center for the Arts, this popular theater-education program and children’s theater company hosts performances, classes, workshops and special events for all ages.

Hopkins • stagestheatre.org

steppingstone theatre

This theater is committed to access and inclusion for all people and collaborates with families to meet students’ needs. They offer camps and classes for young artists of all ages.

St. Paul • steppingstonetheatre.org

ten thousand things

Performers with this Minneapolis-based company bring high-quality, low-cost performances to audiences in venues throughout the community as well as in shelters, after-school programs and more to provide everyone access to the arts.

minneapolis • tenthousandthings.org

Youth Performance Company

This award-winning theater company helps actors, singers and dancers reach their artistic potential and become community leaders through classes, camps and more. minneapolis • youthperformanceco.org

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WAtERPARks

anoka aquatic Center

Soak up summer at this destination, featuring a 200-foot-long water slide, 12’ climbing wall, diving board, a huge water-play structure and a zero-depth-entry pool. tinyurl.com/anoka-aquatic

apple Valley Family aquatic Center

Some of the most popular features at this giant pool include water slides (two big and two small), bowl slide, fountains and a lazy river.

tinyurl.com/applevalleyaquatic

Battle Creek Waterworks

Families are invited to try out this park’s interactive water-play system, a lily-pad walk, a three-story slide, sand play area, and more.

maplewood • tinyurl.com/maplewood-water

Bloomington Family aquatic Center

Explore interactive water-play features, aqua climbing wall, diving boards and water slides at this summertime escape. tinyurl.com/bloomington-aquatic

Bunker Beach Water Park

Bunker Beach is Minnesota’s largest outdoor water park featuring a wave pool, water slides, lazy river, splash pad, adventure pool and more! Located just minutes from Minneapolis and St. Paul, we are your destination for summer fun in the sun.

Coon rapids • bunkerbeach.com

Credit: Anoke County Parks

Crystal Cove aquatic Center

Five unique pool structures are the draw here, including waterslides, a water walk, drop slide and a zero-depth-entry pool. Crystal • pool.hosted.civiclive.com

Credit: City of Edina

edina aquatic Center

Located in Rosland Park off Highway 100 and Crosstown, this venue features water heated to 82 degrees, a surf simulator, a high-flying cable ride, diving boards, an Olympic-sized pool, water slides, tube rides, a kiddie pool with slides and sprayers and a large, treehouse-themed playground. edinaaquaticcenter.com

Great River Water Park

Visitors to this indoor water park will find a children’s activity pool with age-appropriate water slides, a pirate-themed play area and more.

St. Paul • tinyurl.com/great-river-mn

Great Wolf Lodge

Experience a world of play where you can splash, play, eat and relax together, all under one roof. Go with the flow in the water park resort or find adventurous dry-play throughout the lodge — with over 50+ attractions including a resort-wide digital scavenger hunt known as MagiQuest. Bloomington • greatwolf.com/minnesota

Grove Cove aquatic Center

This indoor-outdoor facility includes a leisure pool with a zero-depth beach area, water-spray activities, a 130-foot water slide and a tot slide. The indoor lap pool features 25-yard lanes and a rope swing that drops into a 12-foot-deep pool.

maple Grove • tinyurl.com/mgcc-swimmingpool

Hastings Family aquatic Center

Check out big and small water slides and rides here as well as a log crossing, rock wall and play structure. tinyurl.com/hastings-aquatic

WAtERPARks

Highland Park aquatic Center

Ride down a 200-foot water slide, explore a prehistoric whale-bone splash pad and check out the 8-lane lap pool at this community hub.

St. Paul • facebook.com/highlandaquatic

Jim Lupient Water Park

This water park in northeast Minneapolis features three large water slides and a tube slide, a log water walk, interactive spray features, lap swimming and a zero-depth-entry area.

minneapolis • tinyurl.com/jim-mn

Minneapolis Wading Pools

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board boasts more than 50 wading pools in neighborhoods throughout the city. Many are small and intimate, just right for a few families at a time. Others, such as the one

richfield Outdoor Pool

Little ones will love the zero-depth-entry children’s wading pool and water play equipment. There’s also a 50-meter main pool with a double water slide, a diving board, water volleyball and two lap lanes. tinyurl.com/pool-richfield

St. louis Park Outdoor aquatic Park

Ride down winding water and drop slides, tot sized whale slide, plus enjoy a picnic gazebo,

Credit: Anoka County Parks

WAtERPARks

tropics Indoor Water Park

This destination features a three-story water slide, complete with lights and a jukebox system, a zero-depth-entry beach area, an interactive splashing palm tree, a boat slide, a water walk, water volleyball and basketball and giant floating sea creatures. Shoreview • tinyurl.com/tropics-shoreview

splash Pads

Looking for tot-sized water-based fun? Find a list of more than a dozen free splash pads on page 48 of this booklet, and at tinyurl. com/splashpadsmn Twin Cities • tinyurl.com/splashpadsmn

Valleyfair soak City

Included in the Valleyfair amusement park’s general admission, this 3.5-acre water park includes a splash pad, a wave pool with cabanas for rent, raft rides, body slides, 90-foot freefall slides and sand volleyball. Shakopee • valleyfair.com

FOR WAtERPARks

Credit: Velleyfair Soak City

sCAn

Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs

Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs provides high quality choral music education with excellence in performance for grades K – 12 and a Glee music class for singers with special needs. Recently voted Best Community Choir in Minnesota. Bloomington • angelicacantanti.org

LOCALPARTNERS

Ballet Co. Laboratory

Professional Ballet Company & School that honors the foundations of ballet while moving the art form forward by collaborating with our community and advancing equity in the classical arts St Paul • balletcolaboratory.org

Blue Water theatre Company

Blue Water Theatre Company elevates youth through theatre arts education. We work with kids in 3rd-12th grade to make theatre magic. Take a class or audition for a show. All experience levels welcomed. Dive in and embrace your bold! wayzata • bluewatertheatre.com

Burnsville-Eagan-savage school District 191

Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 is a future-forward school district creating barrier-free pathways for learning for everyone in our community. We believe learning is a lifelong pursuit, and create programs, services and opportunities that inspire this belief.

Burnsville • isd191.org

Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of saint Paul and Minneapolis

The 91 Catholic schools across the 12-county Twin Cities metropolitan area provide an excellent, affordable education to more than 30,000 students, preschool to 12th grade. Students and families — Catholic and non-Catholic — find a trusted educational partner in Catholic schools. Greater Twin Cities metro area • spmcatholicschools.org

Child Garden Montessori

Child Garden Montessori is a warm and nurturing preschool for children 0-6, with an authentic Montessori approach to early childhood learning and development. Located in the Loring Park neighborhood of Minneapolis, we have proudly served our community for 60 years.

minneapolis • childgardenmontessori.com

Cyber Village Academy

Free, K-12 public charter offering two programs located in Mpls. Innovative, flexible hybrid (Fusion) and 100% online (PASCAL) education. Focused on building confident, independent, compassionate and inquiring students to make change. Come see why we have been around for 27 years.

minneapolis • cybervillageacademy.org

Forest history Center

Experience the stories of the north woods and learn about the lumberjacks who called these forests home. Explore Minnesota’s forests of yesterday and today through exhibits and nature trails.

Grand rapids • mnhs.org/foresthistory

Foss swim school

Foss Swim School helps build swim skills for a lifetime of confidence around the water. FOSS’ experienced adult swim teachers personalize the curriculum based on each student’s age and skill level. With small class sizes, warm water, and a passion for water safety, FOSS offers a unique learn-to-swim experience you can’t find elsewhere.

12 Twin Cities locations • fossswimschool.com

Greater twin Cities Youth symphonies (GtCYs)

The Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS) serves more than 1,300 musicians ages 7-18 with inspiring school-year orchestras and fun-filled summer camps. Join our community, meet other passionate young musicians, and learn from professional conductors! Tuition assistance available.

Twin Cities metro area • gtcys.org

historic Fort snelling

This National Historic Landmark resides on Dakota homeland, known as Bdote, with history spanning 10,000 years. Learn about the military fort and surrounding area, home to history that includes Native peoples, trade, soldiers, veterans, enslaved people, immigrants, and the changing landscape. Saint Paul • mnhs.org/fortsnelling

kinderberry hill Preschool and Child Development Centers

Kinderberry Hill is a Reggio Emilia-inspired early learning program that provides nurturing care and a well-rounded curriculum. Kinderberry Hill’s unique approach to childcare includes outdoor classrooms, open-ended exploration, an on-site nurse, and a strong school community. Flexible scheduling is available. Seven metro locations • kinderberryhill.com

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MINNESOTAPARENT

Landmark Center

Landmark Center, downtown St. Paul’s cultural hub, features music, dance, theater, and exhibitions. Free to visit, it’s rich in history, art, and community events, including five free museums. Enjoy cultural events year-round or schedule a free tour.

Saint Paul • landmarkcenter.org

Lake Area Discovery Center

Top-Rated Early Childhood Education. As Lake Area Discovery Center celebrates 25 remarkable years of educating Minnesota’s youngest learners, they are now enrolling new students ages 6 weeks-5 years old across their 18 Metro locations for the current and upcoming school years!

18 metro locations • ladcfamilies.org

Mill City Museum

Explore where old mingles with new at Mill City Museum, built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill.

minneapolis • mnhs.org/millcity

Minnesota history Center

Inspiring exhibits, thoughtprovoking programs, live performances, and action-packed discovery. The Minnesota History Center feeds your curiosity about Minnesota’s stories, people, and places. Saint Paul • mnhs.org/historycenter

Mis Amigos spanish Immersion Preschool

A vibrant Spanish immersion preschool committed to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning. With a focus on creative exploration, music, and outdoor adventures, we provide a supportive environment where children thrive and grow.

minneapolis • misamigospreschool.com

new horizon Academy

New Horizon Academy is a family-owned, nationally accredited childcare provider with more than 70 locations in Minnesota. New Horizon Academy offers a variety of programs to fit each family’s unique needs, with full- and part-time options available. Schedule a tour today!

twin Cities, st. Cloud, and Rochester Areas • newhorizonacademy.net

Oliver kelley Farm

Experience the story of farming, food and agriculture — past and present! Explore the original 1860s working farm, and get an up close view of the animals and gardens.

elk river • mnhs.org/kelleyfarm

LOCALPARTNERS

MINNESOTAPARENT

Ramalynn Montessori Academy

Ramalynn Academy strives to enable our students to live lives with personal satisfaction, and become responsible citizens of the world. Providing learning for preschoolers aged 3 through grade 8.

Bloomington • ramalynn.org

sEA LIFE At Mall Of America

Ignite imagination and wonder as you discover thousands of sea creatures and come face to face with animals from around the world. Go deeper to inspire connections and learn how we can play a role in protecting the world’s oceans.

Bloomington • visitsealife.com/minnesota/ schools-groups/schools

split Rock Lighthouse

Behold 1000 watts of ship-stopping power! Experience the sights, the history, and the technology behind this signature Minnesota landmark anchored on the rocky coast of Lake Superior.

Two Harbors • mnhs.org/splitrock

tinker + nudge

Art classes, workshops, playdates, birthday parties and camps where kids are encouraged to explore materials and techniques including sculpture, printmaking, drawing, and painting. We love to get messy! minneapolis • tinkerandnudge.com

International school of Minnesota

A top-rated private, college-prep school serving preschool through grade 12. ISM delivers a high-value, global education that provides students with a solid foundation of knowledge and valuable skills to ensure their success in college and beyond.

eden Prairie • internationalschoolmn.com

Wooddale Academy

At Wooddale Academy, our high-quality teaching staff works closely with students to develop key social-emotional skills, broaden scientific reasoning skills, and embrace collaborative play in a faith-based, nurturing and safe, early learning environment. Serving students from 6 weeks – 5 years.

eden Prairie & edina • wooddaleacademy.org

White Bear Lake Area schools

A Northeast Metro community at the forefront of educational excellence, honoring our legacy and courageously building the future, serving students PreK-12+ and offers adult basic education, community education classes, recreation offerings and a senior program.

white Bear lake and surrounding area • isd624.org

Credit: Willette Photography Inc

Better Beginnings

Award-winning birth doula support, postpartum doula services, and in-home lactation support for Minnesota families welcoming new babies. Classes, parenting groups, gift cards, and more! Minneapolis/st. Paul, Rochester, and Duluth • betterbeginningsmn.com

Blooma

Movement classes including yoga, barre and pilates, childbirth education, birth & postpartum doulas, new parent groups and more in a safe and supportive community. South minneapolis • blooma.com

Dentistry for Children & Adolescents

Since 1968, we have been dedicated to delivering the highest standard of pediatric dental care to families. Our team of professionally trained pediatric dentists is committed to ensuring your children have a positive dental experience. From infancy through age 18, we specialize in treating children, including those with special needs, making us the ideal ‘dental home’ for your family. Burnsville, Eden Prairie, and Edina • childrensdent.com

Do Good Diaper service

Cloth diapers without the gross stuff. Everything you need to get started to diaper sustainably - including the laundry. Let Do Good do the dirty work.

Twin Cities metro area • dogooddiapers.com

Fig + Olive Photography

Fig and Olive Photography offers stress-free sessions specializing in maternity and newborn photography. Our studio provides styling and outfit options, ensuring a seamless experience. With attention to detail, we capture beautiful images reflecting your unique family story. andover • figandolivephotography.com

heart to home Infant & Child CPR

We provide hands-on infant/child CPR training at your convenience, in the comfort of your home. Our unique approach focuses on providing training for parents, family members, and caregivers. Heart To Home CPR wants to empower parents and those who are caring for their children with lifesaving skills.

Twin Cities metro area • HeartToHomeCPr.org

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School Readiness with the Power of Music and Play!

MINNESOTAPARENT

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MINNESOTAPARENT

MOM, DAD & BABY

katwell Photography

Katwell Photography is here to capture life’s precious moments! Specializing in family and newborn portraits, we preserve milestone memories and joyous giggles in vibrant, unique photos. Cherish every moment - book your session today! minneapolis • katwellphoto.com

LOCALPARTNERS

MINNESOTAPARENT

kid to kid Eagan

Kid to Kid Eagan is a locally owned resale store that buys and sells high quality gently used kids’ stuff. We pay cash on the spot or 20% more in store credit! Save your wallet while saving the planet! eagan • kidtokid.com/location/eagan

Learn the signs, Act Early

From birth to 5 years, your child will reach milestones in how she plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves. Track your child’s development and act early with concerns. The Milestone Tracker App helps you support your child’s healthy development. minnesota • cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/index.html

the Little Gym of Eagan

Fun, Non-Competitive Gym Classes. Kids 4 months - 12 years old. Try us out for free! eagan • thelittlegym.com/minnesota-eagan

MacPhail Center for Music

Designed for a child’s specific stage of development, each class in Sing Play Learn with MacPhail® encourages children to explore musical concepts and experiment with new instruments. Children will develop school-readiness skills in an active learning environment that feels like playtime! Financial aid available. Minneapolis • macphail.org/meta/sing-play-learn-with-macphail

PairieCare

PrairieCare offers a variety of mental health services for pregnant women and new moms. Our goal is to support mothers while they navigate their new role as a parent and our mission is to give all mothers hope, healing and empowerment. Twin Cities & Telehealth • prairie-care.com

Parent Aware

Are you looking for child care? Parent Aware offers free tools and resources to help families find the quality child care and early education programs their children need to succeed in school and life. Online search, chat, or call 1-888-291-9811. minnesota • Parentaware.org

MINNESOTAPARENT

LOCALPARTNERS

MINNESOTAPARENT

LOCALPARTNERS

LOCALPARTNERS

sunrise Banks

Sunrise Banks is where values and money meet. Whether you’re saving for your first home, adding on a bedroom, or planning for the future, we’re here to help build a brighter future for all. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

minneapolis & Saint Paul • sunrisebanks.com

two Men & A truck

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is Minnesota’s full service moving company. Whether moving across the country or up the stairs, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is here. Services include moving, packing, storage, and junk removal through TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK®.

Twin Cities • twomenandatruck.com

Please

PARtY REsOuRCEs -

ARtrageous Adventures

Create, play & pARTy with your friends! We can host at our studio or bring the party to you! We provide all the art materials & themed projects. Choose from popular themes or create your own. pARTies for all ages!

minneapolis • arTrageousadventures.com

Crayola Experience Mall of America®

You invite the guests, and we’ll do the rest! We want to make the day unforgettable for your child and stress free for the parent. Get ready for the most colorful party ever with 60,000 square feet of creative fun!

Bloomington

• crayolaexperiencemn.com/groups-parties

Flying Colors trapeze

Step right up to an unforgettable Circus Party! Join us for a thrilling party filled with circus arts, Flying Trapeze, laughter, and wonder. Unleash your inner acrobat and create magical memories! 2 hour Flying Trapeze & Circus Arts Parties. Ages 6-adult. marine On Saint Croix • flyingcolorstrapeze.com

Mess hall Art Experiences

Mess Hall Art Experiences is an interactive art studio for all ages. We say yes to mess in a creative hands on way using art. Learn about different abstract art techniques and experience art in a new and messy way. Hopkins & Coon rapids • messhallmn.com

Moose Mountain Adventure Golf

Celebrate your birthday at Moose Mountain Adventure Golf “fore” unforgettable fun! Packages include use of the Party Lodge for one hour and one Moose Mountain Adventure Golf ticket for the guest of honor. Purchase additional tickets for a discounted rate!

Bloomington • mallofamerica.com/directory/moosemountain-adventure-golf

nickelodeon universe®

Book your next birthday party at Nickelodeon Universe®! Our birthday party packages include a variety of customizable options, including attraction passes, sweet treats, kid-friendly menus – and the most amazing no-fuss, no-muss and no cleanup celebration.

Bloomington • nickelodeonuniverse.com/groups/birthday-parties

sEA LIFE At Mall Of America

Shell-ebrate your birthday child with a party fit for a SEA star. With three party packages, options to customize, and dedicated staff to take the stress out of hosting, swim on over to SEA LIFE to make FIN-tastic birthday memories!

Bloomington • visitsealife.com/minnesota/birthdays

ultra Bubbles

Unlock endless fun with our premium bubble wands! Perfect for parties and outdoor activities, these wands create magical, floating bubbles that will captivate kids and adults alike. Transform any event into a whimsical adventure. Shop now for unforgettable memories! north Branch • ultrabubbles.co

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MINNESOTA PARENT LOCAL PARTNERS

At Minnesota Parent, partnership thrives at many levels, most importantly at the local level. Minnesota Parent’s local partners support our goal to feature stories on various topics that appeal to today’s parents, from health to education, travel, entertainment, and more. We thank our local partners so much for their support.