Do you live near MN? If you do, chances are you have already been to the 2 Zoos (MN and Como) and the 2 main museums (Science and Children’s.) But what about other fun things, that don’t cost an arm and a leg for the whole family to do? Here are a few you may not have heard of…
A little bit of a drive if you live near the cities but an experience you have to try. We went there today and had a lot of fun seeing all the snakes and lizards they had. They even had a huge alligator that just so happened to be eating his supper when we were there! When you walk in the door there is a small gift section and they have a couple snacks like chips soda or candy. The kids got to pet a baby alligator too. The price wasn’t bad either. Ages 0-2 are free, 3-12 are 7.50 and 13+ is 9.50. It wasn’t packed either! It is a large warehouse filled with cages and different habitats for frogs, turtles, lizards, etc.
This place is perfect for those cold winter days when the kids are driving you crazy and need to run off some energy! The prices are great and there is no time limit! Bring a bag lunch and spend all day there if you want! They have a section of tables which is great for parties! The only downfall is they don’t take reservations for tables. You can sign up for parties in advance but that doesn’t guarantee you a table. You can check online the different times different parties will be there so you can judge the amount of people that may be there. Mornings are obviously the better choice if you don’t want it to be super busy. They have a smaller child area and a couple different sized playgrounds. They also have a large pillow type thing to jump on as well as a basketball type area and a “fake grass” type area with different balls and hoola hoops, etc.
Check online for your local Barnes and Noble list of Events for free story times for the kids. This teaches them to sit still for a little while as well as listening to someone other than mom if they have been at home rather than a daycare or preschool for most of their life so far. This is generally for toddlers and preschool aged children but our 8 year old will tag along and help with the baby sometimes and doesn’t complain. She loves books though so that probably helps.
They also do Birthday Parties!
They also do Birthday Parties!
My kids love to get wet and the little blow up pool in the back yard is only fun for so long. Look online for the closest Splash Pad to your home. We like to go to Kelley Park here is Apple Valley. Again, the best time to go is in the morning because it can get busy but the cool part about Kelley Park is the fact that there is a playground right there next to the wet part. Sometimes the kids like to go back and forth between the two! Best of both worlds and no sand or pebbles!! I know the MN Zoo has a little water area too!
If you are looking for a fun night change try a drive in! The only one I can find in MN is the Vali Hi drive in located in Lake Elmo, MN. It is very easy to find right off 94. They play 3 movies per night and are open 7 nights a week. Prices are good too! 0-5 are free, 6-12 only $1 and anyone else is $8.50 They don’t take credit cards but have an ATM on site. The first movie starts at dusk and they have concessions and an arcade for those who need a little more. This is one I highly suggest doing at least once in your kids’ life. Such a fun experience!
This place is beautiful and really is for all ages! Our kids love to run around on their never ending trails and yet my 98 year old grandmother likes to sit in the car while we drive her slowly through the 3 mile drive. They have many different trees and plants to look at and our favorite time to go is in the fall! There is a restaurant as well as a nice gift shop. The food is reasonably priced and there is a large selection of gifts! Ages 12 and under are free and 13+ is $12.
These are all places we have been. I have a long list of more and will add them as we check them out ourselves! If you have been somewhere fun and interesting in MN, please share with us by clicking on the Contact tab to the left. We are always looking for more fun places to visit as a family!