Calling Minnesotans for ideas

[KAYLI'S DAD]

Im looking for family ideas for a 2 year old in Minneapolis area. We went to the mall of america today and thinking of going to the Como zoo in st. paul tommorrow but Im looking for other ideas as well.

thanks in advance

 

[DisneyDivaMom]

If it is warm enough go to a splash pool. They are just about everywhere. There is one near 5th and University in Columbia Heights. I used to take my dd there when we lived in MN. It is just a lot of fun and costs nothing. Little ones have a great time just getting wet. Also Lake Joanna in Roseville has a nice playground area.

 

[kadanty]

There is the Children's Museum in St. Paul and I believe there is a Clifford exhibit. There is the MN zoo. It is also the 2009 Aquatennial and there are lots of things to do around the city. Centennial Lake Park in Edina has lots of family friendly events. The store Creative Kid stuff is also a fun place.

 

[kkwis2]

I'm from Duluth, not Mpls, but I would agree that finding a nice wading pool would be great. We have friends who live right by one, and they use it all the time.

The Children's Museum is fantastic and will keep you busy for hours - even for a 2 yr old! We went two years ago when a bunch of family members were in town for a family reunion and we ended up with lousy weather. We had kids ranging from ages 1 - 8 (plus many adults) and everyone left happy and tired.

Go to one of the lakes (Lake Calhoun and Harriet). They have great paved paths, grassy areas, playground equipment, etc.

Have a great time!

 

[KAYLI'S DAD]

We never knew about the childrens museum. Looks neat online.
Were in prior lake so we we thinking of going to the lake for a little bit to play in the water.

 

[mnrose]

Especially for the little one. It's not the "best" zoo in the world, but my children enjoy it alot.

The weather is supposed to be much nicer tomorrow, so I'd probably opt for something outdoors (after a couple of days of uber lousy weather!).

 

[katied]

DS is 2, and we just relocated to MN. Fun things he likes...

The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley is great. It's much better than Como Zoo.

The Children's Museum in St. Paul. DS loves the Clifford Exhibit, and they have lots of other great rooms. Very easy to keep him entertained.

Lake Minnetonka Regional Park - there is a 20,000 sq foot playground, and then also a sandy beach and pool area. May be a bit cool tomorrow for that, but DS loves to play on the beach/in the water, and then dry off at the playground. We've spent many days there so far. I'm not sure where Prior Lake is, but if it's not near Lake Minnetonka, there are other park areas that are similar, with the kids playgrounds and beach areas. What I like is that it's a man-made pond, so they filter and chlorinate the water. Just a bit easier with a little one who still likes to "taste" things.

Have fun! We'll be at Mall of America ourselves tomorrow. DNiece (age 13) wants to shop.

 

[tink_lover]

I don't have any suggestions to post - we don't live in the TC - but just know that this is not a typical July for us. It has really sucked the past few days with temps in the 50s.....

 

[princessbride6205]

You can see the Disney's A Christmas Carol train exhibit tomorrow.
http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/christmascaroltraintour/

We actually prefer the Como Zoo - closer to us and the $2 price can't be beat. There is also a carousel there and lots of park land for picnics. The butterfly garden is probably the highlight.

Aquatennial (Lake Calhoun in Mpls) events tomorrow include a sandcastle competition, milk boat races & water ski shows.

 

[disneymomofmyca]

Como Zoo is GREAT! We were at the MN Zoo last week and it was so run down that we won't go back for awhile. Como Zoo is clean and has a gorgeous carosuel. They added a large jungle type room with snakes and what not. Plus the parks around it are perfect for picnics and playing ball.

Also, my DD6 loves the Science Museum of MN. And as previously posted...the Children's Museum is a blast!

This is the Land of 10,000 Lakes! There are some gorgeous lakes in the Cities to spend the day at. Lake Minnetonka and Lake Callhoun.(I am a horrible speller!)

The Mall of America is one of our favorite spots for a Mommy and Me day. Not for shopping all day but for the Rainforest Cafe, Build A Bear, Underwater World, Nick Universe, The Lego Store, American Girl Store,....I could go on and on. My DD and I love MOA!

PS-Sorry, I didn't read your child's age before I wrote some of these things...

 

[mforbach]

We will be at the Mall of America the 3rd and 4th of August. Are two days too much time to spend at the mall? We also thought about going to the Riverwalk area. Any other places that we shoud see while there? It will be DH, myself and our DD13. Thanks.

 

[brookelizabeth]

-Ikea. Not kidding! Our 22 month old LOVES Ikea. There is an entire children's section where they can run, climb on the beds, and play with the toys. Free, and right next to the MOA.

-"Chutes and Ladders," the Hyland Play Area, 10145 Bush Lake Road Three Rivers Park District. GREAT park-huge play area, a ton to do and Free!

-Edinborough Park in Edina. A large indoor play park, great for those cooler days we have had lately.

-Fire Hall Museum. I haven't been here yet, but I read great things about it: http://www.firehallmuseum.org/

-As suggested, the Como Zoo is excellent! And there is a large park next to it as well for a picnic/running around.

-Also suggested, the Children's Museum in St. Paul is a jewel! There is a ton to do for all ages.

-Thomas the Train is supposed to be coming to Lakeville in August, but tickets still aren't on sale.

-Underwater World at the MOA (in case you missed that)

-Chuck E. Cheese - bad pizza, but kids love it.

-ChooChoo Bob's - http://www.choochoobobs.com/ We haven't been here yet either, but it looks great!

-Jackson Street Roundhouse - http://www.mtmuseum.org/jsrh.shtml Another one we haven't hit. Can you tell my little guy likes trains?

-We often times just drive around and run into random parks - there are lots of great ones all over Mpls.

I hope that helps!

 

[brookelizabeth]

We will be at the Mall of America the 3rd and 4th of August. Are two days too much time to spend at the mall? We also thought about going to the Riverwalk area. Any other places that we shoud see while there? It will be DH, myself and our DD13. Thanks.

If you are planning on spending the entire day there, yes, I think 2 is too many. Not that you couldn't find something to fill that time, you easily could; however, it can be overwhelming and VERY busy.

If you are just going to be there for a few hours each day, then it will be enjoyable. Nick Universe has a lot of rides, there is mini golf, Underwater World and the movie theater.

Your DD may enjoy one of the zoo's or perhaps the Science Museum, which is very good.

 

[ShiPooOwner]

We never knew about the childrens museum. Looks neat online.
Were in prior lake so we we thinking of going to the lake for a little bit to play in the water.

Since you're in Prior Lake, you're probably familiar with where Mystic Lake Casino is. Next to the casino is an indoor playground called Playworks. She might be a little young to take on the equipment all by herself, but if she's close to three, she would probably have a ball there.

 

[kaismahma]

The MOA has toddler Tuesdays every Tuesday with various themes and free activities. They usually run from 10am to Noon. They are also offering free movies on Saturday mornings. Check out there website for more information.

In Apple Valley (east on cty rd 42) there is a nice park called Kelly Park between Galaxie Ave and Foliage by the Home Depot. It is a park and a water park that is free and open to the public.

Alot of communites in the area are having there City fairs. Leprechaun Days is in Rosemount (east on cty rd 42) the last full week of July. There is usually a parade. I think Burnsville has one in August called the Fire Muster.

I know the libraries in Dakota County have different activities and story times through out the week. I think Prior Lake is Scott county so you could check that out.

There is a Chucky Cheese at the Burnsville Center.

The MN Zoo (Apple Valley off of McAndrews) has a great Africa exhibit going on thru the end of the summer and just opened a new kids play area called Woodland adventures. Zoo admission is not free but if you live in the area and plan on visiting more than once a year membership pays for itself after 2 visits for a a family of 4+.

There are a lot of beaches in the area in Prior Lake, Lakeville and Burnsville that you could go swimming at.

Have fun!

 

[KAYLI'S DAD]

We did go to the Childrens museum in st. paul yesterday which so happened to be Target free 3rd sunday so we go in for free.. but they ask for a donation. She really enjoyed that.

We did the underwater world last year and the MOA. Kind of pricey if I remember.

Thanks for all the ideas. We just got home about 20 min ago.

 

[wmah]

This is coming from me in Savage MN.

At the Mall of America, there is an underwater attraction priced a little high in my opinion. it has a moving path that you can stand on and step off if you see something interesting. My thoughts also you can go through the whole mall in a day easy including going on the over priced rides in what most of us in the area still call "Camp Snoopy". Most of the stores there you will most likely have seen at home and then there are some stores that there is more than one of the same store. Any one going there with an RV or vehicle that is higher than 7 feet can park in the lot across the street on the north side of the mall. No overnight parking is allowed there.


I personally don't care for MN Zoo, I much rather make the drive to Duluth and go to the zoo there much smaller and more friendly in my opinion. I also like watching the big lake ships coming in and going out. There is a train museum in Duluth too.

Duluth Zoo
http://www.lszoo.org/

Train Museum
http://www.lsrm.org

Ships coming and going schedule http://www.duluthshippingnews.com/

Another railroad musem but not nearly as much with a still working "Manual-operated turntable". South west area of the state.
http://endoline.com/

Although there is only one weekend left for this one this year (July 24-25)
http://www.walnutgrove.org/pageant.htm
Read the web site as there is too much to type out. I have never gone to it but maybe some day I will
it is also located in the south west area of the state.

Stillwater MN is having their yearly event (july 23-26)
http://www.lumberjackdays.com/


Lots of county fairs running now
July 22-26 http://www.scottcountyfair.com
August 10-16 http://www.dakotacountyfair.org
August 5-9 http://www.carvercountyfair.com

I'm sure there are more around this is just what is on the top of my head right now.