Author: local researcher

Vertical Endeavors

Ever thought of trying rock climbing? The grandchildren are sure to want to try this increasingly popular pastime at some age, so why not learn alongside them? Vertical Endeavors in St. Paul has more than 1,800 square feet of climbing surface, hundreds of climbing routes, and a good beginner’s area. Everyone 18 and younger requires a waiver signed by a guardian, but Vertical Endeavors regularly hosts youth camps, birthday parties, and the girl and boy scouts so you won’t be a bad grandparent for bringing the kids here. Every newcomer is required to go through a brief and free orientation to the areas of the climbing gym and how to use them. Regular intensive instruction classes and lessons are offered for ages 14 and older, but most visitors show up, get their orientation and start climbing around right away. Even those afraid of heights can participate (it’s not all high walls). A safe and fun way to try a new (potentially addictive) fun activity; for children 8 and older.

Contact no:(651) 776-1430

Location:845 Phalen Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55106

Learn more here.

Como Town

An outdoor family park with more than 18 rides and attractions for kids ages 2 to 12. There are all-time favorite rides such as Bumper Cars, Family Swing, Frog Hopper and Tea Cups. Como Town also features new interactive rides

Contact no:(651) 487 2121

Location:1301 Midway Parkway St. Paul, MN 55103

Learn more here.

Como Park, Zoo and Conservatory

Como Zoo features indoor and outdoor exhibits, including large cats, primates, polar bears & aquatic animals. The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory has permanent tropical and changing seasonal plants and flowers. Como Town, Family Amusement

Contact no:(651) 487 8201, (651) 487 8240

Location:1225 Estabrook Dr St. Paul, MN 55103

Learn more here.

Big Brain Comics

If your grandchild is into comics, Big Brain is a comic fan’s paradise. This independent store run by young folks in the know is filled to the brim with everything from underground comics to anime, and hardcover collections from all eras. The shop is high ceilinged, clean, and sunny with a relatively small but choice selection. Sample the comic culture and encourage your grandteen’s hobby. And if you’re ready to go before they’re done delving into the stacks, you can always check out The Open Book coffee shop and gallery next door. It’s for the older grandchildren only, as there’s no room for running around and includes uncensored material.

Contact no:(612) 338-4390

Location:1027 Washington Avenue, South, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Learn more here.

Springbrook Nature Center

Springbrook Nature Center, located on 127 acres of parkland in the midst of a rapidly developing suburban area, includes an interpretive center, three miles of hiking trails (with about a third of a mile paved and handicapped accessible)

Contact no:(763) 572 3588

Location:100 – 85th Avenue Northwest Minneapolis, MN 55432

Learn more here.

Stargaze with U Astronomers

Gaze at the stars, see planets and nebulae, and watch comets in the starry skies on clear Friday nights during the school year, on this rooftop hosted by the U of M’s Astronomy Department. Their website has helpful info on attending their stargazing events. Want to get away from the city lights? During the summer, the Astronomy Department travels to a dozen outlying state parks for the Universe in the Park weekend series. Seeing the heavens that much closer can make for a remarkable, eye-opening experience.

Contact no:(612) 626-0034

Location:116 Church Street South East, Room 450, Minneapols, MN 55455

Learn more here.

Lake Calhoun

Lake Calhoun is part of the Chain of Lakes and is a popular site for fishing, wind surfing, swimming, sailing, canoeing, walking, jogging, biking and roller- and in-line skating. In 1999, the Chain of Lakes drew over 5.5 million visitors making the Lakes the second most popular visitor destination after the Mall of America.

Contact no:(612) 230-6400

Location:3000 Calhoun Pkwy. Minneapolis, MN 55408

Learn more here.

Zumbro Café

Nutritious, creatively delicious breakfast and lunch is served up in this sunny wooden room in the Linden Hills neighborhood. It’s on the small side, so weekend seating can be a challenge, but the fresh and good food make for a delightful meal. Menu standouts include buckwheat pancakes, their muffins, and the eggs benedict with asparagus. They welcome children, but keep in mind it’s a one-room place with other tables close by, so if the grandchildren are feeling fidgety and feisty it isn’t the best time to visit.

Contact no:(612) 920-3606

Location:2803 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55410

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Town Talk

It’s relatively small, boisterous, and truly delicious here. Whether you’re looking for fried pickles and cheese curds or a healthy gourmet dish, the Town Talk features a little of each, guided by personable staff who know all about how their menu is made. Besides the curious mix of healthy diner fare, and happy staff, of special note are Town Talk’s shakes and malts — thick and flavorful — with adult (spiked) versions available as well. Take your sweet tooths over for dinner time and weekend brunch.

Contact no:(612) 722-1312

Location:2707 1/2 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55406

Learn more here.

Sebastian Joe’s Ice Cream Cafe

Consistently rated as a must-stop spot for visitors, the popular Sebastian Joe’s scoops up quality handmade ice cream in a wide and creative range of flavors, and has good coffee, drinks, and wifi like any good cafe should. Your grandchildren are a great excuse to visit more often! Sebastian Joe’s mixes more than 120 recipes, so the menu changes regularly. They offer classic flavors like chocolate and their much-raved about vanilla, in addition to some more imaginative flavors. Everyone has their favorites, but be sure to get a few sample spoons before deciding; sometimes what sounds the weirdest is the most delicious like the roasted garlic (seriously) or the spicy cayenne chocolate. Their ice cream isn’t just for summer, so when temperatures dip below freezing in January and February, Sebastian Joe’s give you a discount to celebrate! Their wedge location on Franklin and Hennepin is at an interesting intersection of neighborhoods offering good people-watching, comfy chairs, and 24 flavors every day. The newer shop in Linden Hills is a little smaller with 16 flavors on hand, but is extra family friendly and lies near fellow winning listings Creative Kidstuff and Wild Rumpus.

Contact no:(612) 870-0065

Location:1007 West Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55405

Learn more here.