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Twin Cities Child Care Centers

Kids Eat Free!

We've updated the list! Momtalk.com tries to keep the listings as current as possible, but before visiting any of the following local restaurants, we recommend calling ahead to verify that a kid promotion is still in effect.

Have a 9-year old who eats like a horse? A toddler who only eats red food? Need a break? All of the above? These Twin Cities locales feed kids for free. Check the day and/or age restrictions and chow down.

Daily

White Castle
All locations
www.whitecastle.com
Kids eat free 4-8pm; Dine-in only, one free kid's meal per adult meal purchased, adult meal must be a minimum of $3.00.

Sundays:

Wildfire
8251 Flying Cloud Dr # 3020
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
(952) 914-9100
Kids 12 and under* can enjoy a complimentary meal from our kid's menu.
* Two complimentary kids meal with every adult meal

The Sunshine Factory
7600 42nd Ave N.
New Hope, MN 55427
763-535-7000
www.esunshinefactory.com
Kids 10 and under eat free after 4pm

Vescio's
4001 Co. Rd. 25
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
952-920-0733
www.vescioscucina.com
Kids 12 and under eat free all day

Baja Sol Tortilla Grill
Citywide
www.baja-sol.com
Kids eat free Sunday evenings and printable coupons offering discounts on purchases available on their website.

Bar Abilene
Address:
S Fremont Ave & Lagoon Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-2525
www.barabilene.com
Kids 12 and under eat free 10am-2pm

Mondays:

Q.Cumbers
7465 France Avenue South
Edina, MN 55435
www.qcumbers.com
Kids 3-12 eat for $.99 after 4pm

TGI Fridays
7730 Normandale Blvd. Bloomington, MN
www.fridays.com
4-9pm

Tuesdays:

Denny's
All locations
www.dennys.com
Kids eat free from 4pm-10pm

Baker's Square
All locations
www.bakerssquare.com
Kids eat free

Champps
2401 West Seventh Street
St. Paul, MN 55116
651-698-5050
www.champps.com
From 5:30pm-10pm each kid under 12 eats free with a purchase of an adult meal

Champps
8010 Glen Lane
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
952-942-3331
www.champps.com
From 4pm-10pm 2 kids eat free with 1 adult entree purchase

Champps
790 W 66th Street
Richfield, MN 55423
612-861-3333
www.champps.com
From 4pm-10pm 2 kids eat free with 1 adult entree purchase

Champps
8418 Tamarack Village
Woodbury, MN 55125
651-735-5050
www.champps.com
For Every Adult Meal, 2 Kids Eat Free 6-9pm

Perkins (some locations citywide)
www.perkinsrestaurants.com
4-10 PM

Adoption in the Minneapolis - St. Paul Area

Do you have everything you ever wanted in life, except a child? Are you ready to become the most important part of a child's life, forever? The Minneapolis-St. Paul area has several agencies worth looking into, and Minnesota adoption offers many options to families. You may adopt an infant or older child through an international adoption, an infant through domestic adoption, or an older child or special needs child through domestic foster care adoption.

Who May Adopt in Minnesota
There are few regulations on adoptive parents. Adoptive parents may be single, married, or same sex partners. Adoptive parents must be at least 21 years old but there is generally no upper age limit placed on the adopting parents.

A Home Study
All Minnesota adoptions require a home study. A home study is a written report of the findings of the social worker who has met with the applicants on several occasions, both individually and together, usually at the social worker's office, with at least one visit to the applicant's home. The applicant's are required to submit background checks, fingerprinting, financial means verification, as well as very personal discussions about your marriage or divorce, your childhood, family relationships, and parenting styles. The home study helps the courts and the adoption agency determine if a stable environment exists for a family to receive an adoptive placement.

• Lutheran Social Service
  Established in 1865, Lutheran Social Service, located in Minneapolis, applies current best-practices to all adoption work, from pregnancy counseling services, to facilitating open adoptions, to preparing and supporting parents in special needs and international adoptions, to working with other professionals for designated adoptions. Lutheran Social Service also provides a full range of post adoption services to birthparents, adoptive families and adopted adults.

• The Children's Home Society and Family Services
  The Children's Home Society and Family Services, located in St. Paul, is the third largest adoption provider in the United States, and Minnesota's largest. Services include international, domestic infant and older-child adoption programs, education and support through Post-Adoption Services and pregnancy counseling. The Children's Home Society and Family Services have found permanent, loving families for more than 22,000 children since 1889.

• Bethany Christian Services of Minnesota
  Bethany Christian Services of Minnesota is a Christian adoption and family services agency. Located in Plymouth and Willmar, Bethany of Minnesota provides birthparent assistance, domestic infant adoption, international adoption, older and special needs adoption and interim foster care.

• Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis
  Located in Minneapolis, Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis provides adoption services for those considering adoptive placement and for couples who want to adopt. Using a sliding scale based on income, Catholic Charities provide adoption supervision and finalization, counseling, education, adoptive parenting information and support groups.

• Although not a child placement agency, the Minnesota Adoption Resource Network (MARN), contributes by helping adoption agencies recruit and train prospective families, providing continuing education, advocacy and support to people whose lives are influenced by issues of adoption, and heightening the visibility of children in the foster care system who are in need of permanent families. MARN also provides parenting resources, such as information concerning the adoption process, training for potential adoptive parents and foster parents and continuing education and support to people whose lives are impacted by adoption.
  

Many of Minnesota's waiting children include, but are not limited to, those with problems ranging from abuse, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, drug exposure in utero, underlying emotional issues, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, learning disabilities, to neglect, and sexual abuse. There is no substitute for a family. A permanent family can be a healing place for a wounded child. In a committed, nurturing family, the child can become an adult who succeeds in life.

Ongoing Storytimes

Monday

Jammies Storytime- St. Paul Central Library, St. Paul
Join library staffers for stories, rhymes, songs, and games before bedtime. Ages 2-9.
6:30pm
Cost is free
St. Paul Central Library
90 W. 4th
St. Paul, MN 55102
651-266-7000
Visit website: www.sppl.org

Tuesdays

Play and Learn Time- Sunray Library, East St. Paul
Parents and kids can enjoy age-appropriate books and toys during a drop-in educational playtime. Ages 0-5.
10:30am-noon
Cost is free
Sunray Library
2105 Wilson Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55119
651-501-6300
Visit website: www.sppl.org



Bedtime Stories- Hamline Midway Library, St. Paul
Parents and preschoolers can drop in for stories, rhymes, games, and songs before bedtime. Ages 2-8.
7pm
Cost is free
Hamline Midway Library
1558 West Minnehaha Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104
651-642-0293
Visit website: www.sppl.org

Wednesdays
Preschool Storytime- Sumner Branch Library, Minneapolis
Parents and kids share stories and songs to encourage early literacy development. An open playtime period follows. Ages 3-5.
10am
Cost is free
Sumner Branch Library
611 Van White Memorial Boulevard
Minneapolis, MN 55411
612-630-6390
Visit website: www.mplib.org



Family Storytime- Dayton's Bluff Library, St. Paul
Parents and kids (including siblings) enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Ages 0-6.
10:30am
Cost is free
Dayton's Bluff Library
645 East Seventh Street
St. Paul, MN 55106
651-793-1699
Visit website: www.sppl.org



Preschool Storytime- The Red Balloon, St. Paul
Red Balloon's Willi Brennaman hosts a lively, engaging storytime for preschoolers. Ages 3-6.
10:30am
Cost is free
The Red Balloon
895 Grand Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105
651-224-8320
Visit website: www.redballoonbookshop.com



Thursdays
Family Storytime- Washburn Branch Library, SW Minneapolis
Families can enjoy stories and build language skills to aid in reading-readiness - and bedtime-readiness. Ages 1-10.
7pm
Cost is free
Washburn Branch Library
5244 Lyndale Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55419
612-630-6500
Visit website: www.mplib.org



Jammies and Families- Rondo Community Outreach Library, St. Paul
Stop by the library for a bedtime storytime the whole family can enjoy together. Ages 3-9.
7pm
Cost is free
Rondo Community Outreach Library
461 North Dale Street
St. Paul, MN 55103
651-266-7000
Visit website: www.sppl.org



Thursday Kids Hour- Tillie's Bean
Stop in to this friendly neighborhood coffee house for stories, music games, or craft and other activities. Offerings change each week, but expect fun! Ages 1-6.
10:30am-11:30am
Cost is free
Tillie's Bean
2803 East 38th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612-276-0100
Visit website: www.tilliesbean.com



Fridays
Preschool Storytime- Sunray Library, St. Paul
Parents and kids can stop by the library for stories, songs, and games. Ages 2-5.
10:15am
Cost is free
Sunray Library
2105 Wilson Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55119
651-501-6300
Visit website: www.sppl.org



Family Fun Night- Minnesota Children's Museum, St. Paul
Families are invited to drop in for Family Arts activities (6pm-7:30pm), Bedtime Stories (7pm), and other special programming on the one evening each week when the museum is open late.
Ages 1-10.
5pm-8pm
Cost is free with museum admission
Minnesota Children's Museum
10 West Seventh Street
St. Paul, MN 55102
651-225-6001
Visit Website: www.mcm.org



Saturdays
Storytime- Border Books and Music, North Metro and East Metro Locations
Stop in for themed weekly storytimes about animals, holidays, and other kid-friendly topics. Ages 1-7.
11am
Cost is free
North Metro: 763-755-7550
East Metro: 651-578-2931
Visit website: www.borders.com



Baby Storytime- Central Library, Downtown Minneapolis
Babies from birth to 24 months, and their parents or caregivers, can enjoy an interactive experience designed to encourage early literacy development through shared reading, songs, games, and movement. Open playtime in the Imagination Activity Center follows the storytime. Ages 0-2.
10am-11am
Cost is free
Central Library
300 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-630-6000
Visit website: www.mplib.org

Listings compiled by Megan Torrini. Megan has a range of education and experience-from Resource Management and Forestry to Information Technology. She also enjoys freelance writing and is currently developing her own online business. Megan lives in Inver Grove Heights with her husband Tony, daughter Isabel, son John, and two beautiful but very naughty Siberian Huskies, Mika and Timber.

Amusement Parks and Water Parks

Where to go in the Twin Cities for thrill, chills, and spills.

Amusement Parks

Como Town 1302 Midway Parkway, St. Paul Phone:651-487-2121 Website: ComoTown.com Description: This new addition to the Twin Cities features rides for young and old alike. Take a ride on the spinning teacups or battle it out at the water balloon battle area.

The Park at MOA
Mall of America, 5000 Center Court, Bloomington
Phone:952-883-8500
Website: TheParkAtMOA.com
Description: This is the nations largest indoor amusement park featuring over seven-acres of entertainment and more than 25 rides.

Valleyfair
1 Valleyfair Drive, Shakopee
Phone:1-800-386-7433
Website: Valleyfair.com
Description: Valleyfair is celebrating 30 years of entertaining family's with rides, games, shows and waterpark. The new addition to the park is the Xtreme Swing which takes riders up 125 feet and whirls them through the air at speeds of nearly 60 mph.



Water Parks

Anoka Aquatic Center
1551 7th Avenue North, Anoka
Phone:763-421-7730
Website: Ci.Anoka.Mn.Us
Description: An outdoor aquatic center featuring a pool with 200 foot slide, sprinklers and fountains, diving boards, and outdoor play structure.

Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center
14421 Johny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley
Phone:952-953-2390
Website: Ci.Apple-Valley.Mn.Us
Description: An outdoor aquatic center with pool, two giant water slides, two small water slides and fountains.

Battle Creek Waterpark
2401 Upper Afton Road, Maplewood
Phone:651-501-6340
Website: Co.Ramsey.Mn.Us
Description: This aquatic center features both a shallow pool and activity pool. The activity pool features a swim area, three-story waterslide and lily pad water walk.

Bloomington Family Aquatic
201 East 90th Street, Bloomington
Phone: 952-563-8877
Website: Ci.Bloomington.Mn.Us
Description: An outdoor aquatic center with pool, water slides and diving boards.

Bunker Beach Water Park
Bunker Hills Regional Park, 550 Bunker Lake Blvd, Conn Rapids
Phone: 763-767-2895
Website: Co.Anoka.Mn.Us
Description: A large outdoor pool that includes four feet of artificial surf and a kid-friendly adventure pool too.

Como Pool
North Lexington Parkway and Horton Avenue, St. Paul
Phone: 651-489-2811
Website: St.Paul.gov
Description: Look for a place to take your youngster for swimming lessons? This pool offers swimming lessons and adult lap swimming in addition to a diving well, wading pool and rain trees.

The Depot
225 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis
Phone: 612-375-1700
Website: TheDepotMinneapolis.com
Description: This unique center features both an indoor skating rink and waterpark. One three-story water slide and several smaller slides for younger children; fountains and geysers. Party and group packages are available.

Eagan's Cascade Bay
1360 Civic Center Drive, Eagan
Phone:651-675-5577
Website: CascadeBay.com
Description: An outdoor waterpark featuring a leasure pool, Twin Falls, Shipwreck Cove, lazy river and Sandpiper Beach.

Edina Aquatic Center
4300 W. 66th Street, Edina
Phone: 612-928-4582
Website: Ci.Edina.Mn.Us
Description: An outdoor pool with diving boards, slides and lounge chairs.

Grand Rios Indoor Water Park Hotel
6900 Lakeland Avenue North, Brooklyn Park
Phone: 763-566-8855
Website: GrandRios.com
Description: Indoor waterpark which includes the "Hurricane Plunge" a four-story water tower featuring body and tube slides. For adults, the 500 foot 'Lazy River,' two spas, basketball, and a sports pool.

Hastings Family Aquatic Center
901 Maple Street, Hastings
Phone:651-480-2392
Website: Ci.Hastings.Mn.Us
Description: An outdoor pool with two water slides, fountains,water rides and play structure.

Oak Hill Park Splash Pad
3400 Rhode Island Avenue, St. Louis Park
Phone: 952-924-2500
Website: StLouisPark.org
Description: This pool was designed with tiny tots and little ones in-mind. The pool has depths ranging from 5 inches to 2 feet and admission to the pool is free.

St. Louis Park Outdoor Aquatic Center
3700 Monterey Drive, St. Louis Park
Phone: 952-924-2567
Website: StLouisPark.org
Description: This outdoor waterpark has winding slides, lap pool, water playground and a picnic gazebo.

Tropics Indoor Waterpark
Shoreview Community Center, 4600 North Victoria Street, Shoreview
Phone: 651-490-4700
Website: Ci.SHoreview.Mn.Us
Description: An indoor water park with a three-story water slide. The park also features a water walk, water sports, and offers birthday party packages.

Water Park of America
Grand Lodge Hotel, 1700 American Blvd. E, Bloomington
Phone: 877-75-SLIDE
Website: WaterParkOfAmerica.com
Description: Minnesota's newest and the nation's largest indoor water park. This place has it all, with the surf simulator, spas, tubes and body slides, and 3500 foot interactive play area.

Wild Mountain Water Park, Alpine Slides & Go-Karts
37200 Wild Mountain Rd
Taylors Falls, MN 55084
651-465-6315
www.wildmountain.com
Birthday parties available, both at the water park in the summer time and at their snow tubing in the winter time.

Theatres & Music Venues

Kids are never too young for culture. You can find something in the Twin Cities for every age group!



Ballet Arts Minnesota
528 Hennepin Avenue, Ste 208, Mpls, MN PHONE: 612-340-1070
WEBSITE: BalletArtsMinnesota.org

Description: In collaboration with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the Ballet Arts Minnesota plays host to the Children's Nutcracker at the State Theatre in Minneapolis every November.

Bloomington Civic Theatre
1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington, MN PHONE: 952-340-1070
WEBSITE: BloomingtonCivicTheatre.org

Description: Bringing a taste of the arts to the community. See details about productions on their website.

Bryant-Lake Bowl Cabaret Theater
810 W. Lake Street, MPLS, MN PHONE: 612-825-8949
WEBSITE: BryantLakeBowl.com

Description: A fun place to bring kids to see the Kiddie Cabaret & Improv and a puppet show. These events take place on weekends September through May.

Chaska Valley Family Theatre
1661 Park Ridge Drive, Chaska, MN
WEBSITE: CVFT.org

Description: A theatre that really involves its community members. Residents of the Metropolitan Area can audition to perform in theatrical productions.

The Children's Theatre Company
2400 3rd Avenue S., Mpls, MN PHONE: 612-874-0400
WEBSITE: ChildrensTheatre.org

Description: Enjoy one of six different productions from around the world on the Theatre's Main Stage or take one of their many theatre classes.

Circus Juventas
1270 Montreal Aveunue, St. Paul, MN PHONE: 651-699-8229
WEBSITE: CircusJuventas.org

Description: Have you ever dreamt of being a tightrope walker or trapeze artist? You can live the dream by studing these and many other circus skills at Circus Juventas.

CLIMB Theatre-CLIMB In The Community
6415 Carmen Avenue, Inver Grove Heights, MN PHONE: 651-453-9275
WEBSITE: Climb.org

Description: The group is best known for its educational touring theater groups which perform for children ages kindgarten through 12th grade and presents topics like friendship and respect in a dramatic presentation.

In The Heart of The Beast Puppet And Mask Theatre
1500 E. Lake Street, Mpls, MN PHONE: 612-721-2535
WEBSITE: HOBT.org

Description: This theater uses puppetry and masks to create productions based on contempory issues and values. They also offer free Saturday morning shows and workshops for families.

Jon Hassler Theater
412 W. Broadway, Plainsview, MN PHONE: 507-534-2900 WEBSITE:
JonHasslerTheater.org

Description: Come see what all the talk is about and enjoy the plays, musicals and dramas of this world-class theater.

The Jungle Theater
2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Minnepolis, MN PHONE: 612-822-7063
WEBSITE: JungleTheater.com

Description: THe theater presents Saturdays for Jungle Kids with one-hour productions based on children's books. Tickets are $5.00. Call for schedule and advanced tickets.

Jeffers Petroglyphs Historic Site
27160 County Rd. 2, Comfrey, MN PHONE: 507-628-5591
WEBSITE: MNHS.org

Description: View American Indian carvings and petroglyphs along this trail.

Macphail Center For The Performing Arts
1128 LaSaile Ave., Mpls, MN PHONE: 612-321-0100
WEBSITE: MacPhail.org

Description: Enjoy free Early Childhood Arts programs for kids ages 6 to 8 years. October through May they offer kid-friendly concert on Saturdays in the lobby at 12:45pm.

Minnesota Orchestra's Young People's Concerts
Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls, MN PHONE: 612-371-5600
WEBSITE: MinnesotaOrchestra.org

Description: They present special concerts just for kids that are memorable and engaging.

Mixed Blood Theatre
1501 S. 4th St. Mpls, MN Phone: 612-338-4509
WEBSITE: MixedBlood.com

Description: See a multicultural production or a drama from their "Family Series".

Old Log Theatre
On Lake Minnetonka, Excelsior, MN Phone: 612-338-4500
WEBSITE: OldLog.com

Description: See a contemporary comedy or a family show.

Park Square Theatre
20 West 7th Place, St. Paul, MN Phone: 651-291-7005
WEBSITE: ParkSquareTheatre.org

Description: A popular destination for school field trips, they have an education-through-theater program that offers 7th thru 12th graders discounted tickets to shows.

The Sheldon Theatre
443 West 3rd Street, Red WIng, MN PHONE: 651-388-8700
WEBSITE: SheldonTheatre.org

Description: A Family Adventure Series brings your favorite fairytales and stories to the stage. They also feature music, dance, student variety shows, live-organ-accompanied black and white films and much more.

The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO)
408 Saint Peter Street, St. Paul, MN
WEBSITE: TheSPCO.org

Description: Introduce your child to chamber music by attending The Family Concert Series at the Ordway or take your 3-6 year old to the Start The Music program were they can hear music and participate in hands-on activities.

Stagecoach Theatre Arts
3200 France Avenue, South Suite 4, St. Louis Park, MN PHONE: 952-929-1991
WEBSITE: Stage-School.com

Description: See children from 4 to 16 sing, dance and act in performances and workshops.

Stages Theatre Company
1111 Main Street, Hopkins, MN PHONE: 952-979-1111
WEBSITE: StagesTheatre.org

Description: The Stages Theatre does workshops and eductional programs in addition to presenting family friendly theater productions.

Steppingstone Theatre
314 Landmark Cente, 75 West 5th Street, St. Paul, MN PHONE: 651-225-9265
WEBSITE: SteppingStoneTheatre.org

Description: Does your child dream of being an actor/actress? The Steppingstone Theater teaches youth the art of acting by providing workshops, weekend classes and performances.

Top Hat Theatre
Plymouth, MN PHONE: 763-535-1162
WEBSITE: TopHatTheater.com

Description: This theater produces three family-friendly productions each year and also provides workshops and classes for youth ages 4-18.

Cental Minnesota Community Theatre
913 West Saint Germaine Street, St. Cloud, MN PHONE: 320-259-5463
WEBSITE: CMCT.org

Description: Adults and children get the chance to perform together in this community theater

Commonweal Theatre Company
206 Parkway Avenue North, Lanesboro, MN PHONE: 507-467-2905
WEBSITE: Commonwealtheatre.org

Description: Check out their annual Ibsen Festival or enjoy their summer workshops for teens.

The Guthrie Theater
818 South 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN PHONE: 612-377-2224
WEBSITE: GuthrieTheater.org

Description: The Guthrie has three stages presenting theater classics. A great place to introduce your child to the fine arts.

Penumbra Theatre Company
270 Norht Kent Street, St. Paul, MN PHONE: 651-224-3180
WEBSITE: PenumbraTheatre.org

Description: The Penumbra presents insightful and entertaining productions from an African American perspective

The Mounds Theatre
1029 Hudson Rd., St. Paul, MN PHONE: 651-772-2253
WEBSITE: MoundsTheatre.org or ThePortage.org

Description: An affordable theater to see a wide range of dramatic, musical and other cultural performances. Their Portage for Youth program helps support at-risk young women.

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
345 Washington Street, St. Paul, MN PHONE: 651-224-4222
WEBSITE: Ordway.org

Description:The Ordway plays host to a wide range of Broadway shows, dance performances and music concerts.

O'Shaugnessy Auditorium
College of St. Catherine, 2004 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN PHONE: 651-690-6700
WEBSITE: St.Kate.edu/O'Shaugnessy

Description: See a musical, concert or dance performance at this Auditorium on the Campus of St. Catherines.

The Schubert Club
302 Landmark Center, St.Paul, MN PHONE: 651-292-3267
WEBSITE: Schubert.org

Description: A nonprofit arts organization, the Schubert Club offers after school programs, a Musuem of Musical Instruments and eight concert series annually.

Theatre De La Jeune Lune
105 North 1st Street, Minneapolis, MN PHONE: 612-333-6200
WEBSITE: JeuneLune.org

Description: This Avant-Garde theater presents several productions each season. See their website for prices and productions.

Museums, Historical Sites, & Landmarks

Discover, learn, and generally have a good time.



Alexander Ramsey House
Address: 265 South Exchange Street, St. Paul, MN PHONE: 651-296-8760 or 651-296-0100 WEBSITE: MNHS.org

Description: The well-preserved Victorian home of Minnesota's first territorial governor, Alexander Ramsey. The home is filled with beautiful original crystal, marble and woodwork, as well as, orignal furnishings. Reservations are recommended.

American Swedish Institute
Address: 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN PHONE: 612-871-4907
WEBSITE: AmericanSwedishInst.org

Description: This museum is located in the historic Swan J. Turnblad mansion and features a unique collection of decorative and fine art, glass, textiles and other items from Sweden.

The Bakken Library and Museum
Address: 3537 Zenith Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN PHONE: 612-926-3878
WEBSITE: TheBakken.org

Description: Designed for both the young and old, the Bakken has over 11,000 rare books and 2,500 scientific inventions related to the role of electricity in life. The Museum has many hands-on demonstrations.

The Bell Museum of Natural History
Address: 10 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN PHONE: 612-624-7083
WEBSITE: BellMuseum.org

Description: The Bell Museum is filled with nature, science and culture. There is a "Touch and See" room filled with stuffed models of wild animals and halls filled with diorama displays of Minnesota's habitats.

Cathedral of St. Paul
Address: 239 Selby Avenue, St. Paul, MN PHONE: 651-228-1766
WEBSITE: CathedralSaintPaul.org

Description: A classic example of Renaissance architecture, the Cathedral of St. Paul sits at the highest point in downtown St. Paul.

Dinosaur Walk Museum
Address: 376 North Garden, Bloomington, MN PHONE: 952-854-6451
WEBSITE: DinoWalk.com

Description: Located in the Mall of America this museum lets children see over 50 life-size dinosaurs. There are also hands-on activities for the kids and a movie theater.

Fredrick R. Weisman Art Museum
Address: 333 E. River Road, Minneapolis, MN PHONE: 612-625-9494
WEBSITE: Weisman.umn.edu

Description: This museum is the permanent home for over 17,000 objects, from early modernist and contemporary art; Korean furniture; and ceramics from Europe and Asia. The museum collection also includes works by Georgia O'Keefe and Arthur Dove.

Hennepin History Museum
Address: 2303 3rd Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN PHONE: 612-870-1329
WEBSITE: HHMUSEUM.org

Description: A musuem dedicated to the history and social evolution of Hennepin County. Want to experience county life from the 1800s to the present? The Kids' City Gallery offers kids the chance to do just that.

Historic Fort Snelling
Address: Minnesota Highways 5 and 55, St. Paul, MN PHONE: 612-726-1171
WEBSITE: MNHS.org

Description: This 1820's military outpost gives those who visit a full living history of life at the outpost. Costumed guides will walk you through life at the post--from scraping a hide to mending clothes. The tours take place Wednesdays through Sundays during the summer and on weekends in May, September and October.

Historic Murphey's Landing
Address: 2187 Hwy. 101 E., Shakopee, MN PHONE: 952-445-6901
WEBSITE: ThreeRiversParkDistic.org

Description: This historical site depicts life during the mid to late 1800s. Take a boat or horse-drawn trolley ride and see more than 40 historical buildings.

James J. Hill House
Address: 240 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN PHONE: 651-297-2555
WEBSITE: MNHS.org

Description: Take a tour of the home of the man who built the Great Northern Railway. Get a glimpse into life during the Gilded Age in Minnesota by taking a guided tour of this historic mansion.

Landmark Center
Address: 75 West 5th Avenue , St. Paul, MN PHONE: 651-292-3233
WEBSITE: LandmarkCenter.org

Description: A National Historic Monument, the Landmark Center is home to music, theater, dance, exhibitions, public forums, and special events.

Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Address: 2400 3rd Avenue S. Minneapolis, MN PHONE: 612-870-3200
WEBSITE: ArtsMIA.org

Description: Housing artwork from Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas the Institute of Arts is the premier museum of fine arts. The musuem features more than 100,000 objects from diverse cultural traditions spanning 5,000 years of history.

Minnesota Children's Museum
10 West 7th Street, St. Paul, MN PHONE: 651-225-6000
WEBSITE: MCM.org

Description: The Children's Museum is designed for learning through climbing, touching, crawling, pushing, pulling, splashing and more. Children of all ages can have fun burrowing through an anthill or operating a big crane and many more activities that spark the imagination.

Minnesota Historical Society
345 West Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN PHONE: 651-296-6126
WEBSITE: MNHS.org

Description: Explore Minnesota's past with hands-on experiences and multimedia presentations. The location of the History Center Musuem.

Minnesota Museum of American Art
50 Kellogg Blvd. West, St. Paul, MN PHONE: 651-266-1030
WEBSITE: MMAA.org

Description: This musuem has dedicated itself to American art and artists - past, present and future.

Minnesota Air Guard Museum
ANG Base, MSP-International Airport, St. Paul, MN PHONE: 612-713-2523
WEBSITE: MNANGMuseum.org

Description: See some of Minnesota's rich aviation history. Visitors must be in cars and have picture ID.

Mill City Museum
704 S. 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN PHONE: 612-341-7555
WEBSITE: MillCityMuseum.org

Description: Visit this National Historic Landmark and experience an interactive lesson in flour milling inside the Washburn "A" Mill.

Minnesota State Capitol
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, St. Paul, MN PHONE: 651-296-2881
WEBSITE: MNHS.org

Description: Take a tour of the state capital and see the state's rich history. While you're there let your children take a self-guided tour of the capital to look for important decorations in the building.

Minnesota Transportation Museum
Multiple Locations PHONE: 651-228-0263
WEBSITE: MTMuseum.org

Description: This unique museum includes five sites: The Jackson Street Roundhouse, Como-Harriet Streetcar, Steamboat Minnehaha, Excelsior Streetcar and Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway.

North Star Museum of Boy Scouting and Girl Scouting
2640 East 7th Avenue, St. Paul, MN PHONE: 651-748-2880
WEBSITE: NSSM.org

Description: This musuem features over a 150,000 artifacts from around the world. Items on display include uniforms, pictures, movies and more.

The Science Museum of Minnesota
120 West Kellogg Blvd. , St. Paul, MN PHONE: 651-221-9444
WEBSITE: SMM.org

Description: With over 1.75 million objects in its collection, a 3D-laser show, an Omnitheatre and the Museum of Questionable Medical Devices there is sure to be something for everyone in your family.

Sibley House Historic Site
1357 Sibley Memorial Hwy., Mendota, MN PHONE: 651-452-1596
WEBSITE: MNHS.org

Description: Experienced guides tell stories of the fur-trade era and lead visitors through the fully furnished interiors and exhibits.

Southern Minnesota Wing Museum
310 Airport Rd. Fleming Field Hanger #3, S. St. Paul, MN PHONE: 651-455-6942
WEBSITE: CAFSMW.org

Description: This is an active World War II aircraft museum featuring seven aircraft.

Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
725 Vineland Place, MPLS, MN PHONE: 612-375-7622
WEBSITE: WalkerArt.org

Description: The Walker Art Center features contemporary art and is known for its multidisciplinary exhibits of 20th century art, music, dance, theater, and film performance. Right outside the Walker you will find the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden where the young and old gather to explore impressive works of touchable art.

Spam Museum
Address: 937 Spam Blvd. Austin, MN PHONE: 800-LUV-SPAM
WEBSITE: Spam.com

Description: Admission is free to this 16,500 square foot museum filled with games, exhibits and video presentations about this canned meat.

Zoos, Aquariums, and Wildlife Centers

Where the wild things roam...or swim.

Great Lakes Aquarium 353 Harbor Drive, Duluth Phone: 218-740-3474 Website: GLAquarium.org Description: An aquarium dedicated to the freshwater life found in and around the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Aquarium offers shallow touch tanks, dive shows and aquariums filled with all types of fish species.

Where the wild things roam...or swim.



Westwood Hills Nature Center
8300 West Franklin Avenue
St. Louis Park
(952) 924-2544
Website: www.stlouispark.org
Description:150-acre natural area featuring marsh, woods and restored prairie.It is home to many animals including deer, fox, mink and owls. The Interpretive Center has educational exhibits, several live animals and restrooms. Open all seasons.

Como Park Zoo
1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul
Phone: 651-487-8200
Website: ComoZooConservatory.org
Description: Come see Sparky the seal do a show in the summer or visit Como Zoo's Como Town filled with fun rides for the whole family. There is lots to do and see at this Minnesota favorite.

Great Lakes Aquarium
353 Harbor Drive, Duluth
Phone: 218-740-3474
Website: GLAquarium.org
Description: An aquarium dedicated to the freshwater life found in and around the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Aquarium offers shallow touch tanks, dive shows and aquariums filled with all types of fish species.

Minnesota Zoo
13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley
Phone: 952-431-9200
Description: The Minnesota Zoo has over 500 acres of land and 2,000 animals to see. You can visit Discovery Bay and see the sharks, go for a walk on the Minnesota Trail or follow the Tropics Trail. The Minnesota Zoo offers visiters a full day of fun.

The Raptor Center
College of Veterinary Medicine University Of Minnesota, 1920 Fitch Ave, St. Paul
Phone: 612-624-4745
Website: Raptor.cvm.umn.edu
Description: Every Saturday and Sunday you can see eagles, falcons, hawks and owls when the Center presents its The Raptor of Minnesota Program from 1-2pm. You can also join the center in the Sprin and Fall when they do their raptor release.

Underwater Adventures
Mall of America, 120 E Broadway, Bloomington
Phone: 952-883-0202
Website: sharky.tv.
Description: Take a very cool walk through a 300 foot glass tunel surrounded by stingrays and sharks. This aquarium has more than 4,500 sea creatures and there is even a spot to get up close with some of these watery friends.

Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary
American Bear Association, 12541 Nett Lake Road, Orr
Phone: 218-757-0172
Website: IronRange.org
Description: See lots of bears and other animals as you watch from the safety of an observation deck. Make a special trip in August to this special place.

Wildlife Science Center
5463 Broadway Avenue West, Forest Lake
Phone: 651-464-3993
Website: WildlifeScienceCenter.org
Description: A place to see bobcats, coyote, bears, fox, lynx and wolves. On Saturdays at 11am and 1pm you can take tours and during January the Center hosts the annual Dog Shedding Festival.