Category: Things to do with kids in Minneapolis – St. Paul

Izzy’s Ice Cream

Izzy’s makes such rich and delicious ice cream that it’s used at some fine restaurants around the Twin Cities, but for the true sampling of their amazing flavor selection, head down to Izzy’s St. Paul parlor. Scoops can come in smaller sizes and, in addition to making the standard flavors taste brand new Izzy’s serves up surprising flavors that are amazing, such as cotton candy, salted caramel, and green tea. And some of the flavors that sound as delicious as they are include hot brown sugar, strawberry cheesecake, dulce de leche, and banana macadamia nut. Mouth watering yet? Well take the lucky grandchild over to Izzy’s ice cream for a scoop. Even in the wintertime, what kid doesn’t like ice cream? This eco-conscious ice cream shop now generates a quarter of its power with solar panels.

Contact no:(651) 603-1458

Location:2034 Marshall Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104

Learn more here.

Cupcake

Oh yes, let’s go to cupcake, please! The name’s a pleasure to say, but their baked goods are even better to eat and our mouths are already watering. Dozens of gourmet cupcakes widen eyes in anticipation of glorious sugar rushes. And if we must have a meal before our dessert, there are salads, pizza, and some cafe fare, too. Cupcake’s creator is a pastry chef who has worked weddings and at the Ritz-Carlton. Luckily now we get to enjoy his delectable expertise in a much more casual, friendly setting.

Contact no: (612) 378-4818

Location:3338 University Avenue, South East, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Learn more here.

Chino Latino

Uptown’s Chino Latino is worth a gander with grandchildren old enough to see and reach over the table. With chic, urban decor, a loud two tier atmosphere and extra-colorful drinks served in pineapples and jello-molds (just get one minus the hooch for your accomplice), their menu features food from around the equator. The entrees get pricey, but you can keep it simple with a sampler of three sides, tacos, and desserts, which are decadent and delicious. A fun, tastebud-kicking place for adults and sophistikids.

Contact no:(612) 824-7878

Location: 2916 Hennepin Avenue, South, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Learn more here.

Candyland — Dayton Radisson Arcade

 

It’s a dangerous name that might trigger all sorts of snack fantasies in your grandchild’s head (which no mortal store could live up to)… but Candyland is still worth a trip, specializing in dreamy snacks of the old-fashioned variety. Delectable popcorn flavors, chocolate covered nibbles, taffy, lollipops, and hard candies deliver a rainbow of flavor sure to tickle any grandchild’s tastebuds. Candyland has three locations in the Twin Cities.

Contact no:(612) 292-1191

Location:27 South 7th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402

Learn more here.

Phalen Park Golf Coarse

Phalen Lake is ringed by a 3.2-mile trail great for strolling and biking, and offers fishing, boating, a beach and swim area, a sand volleyball court, concessions, covered picnic areas, a playground, an 18-hole golf course, and an amphitheater. The Phalen Recreation Center is on the west side of the lake.

Contact no:(651) 771 7507, (651) 776 9833

Location:1530 Phalen Drive Street, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

Learn more here.

Sommerfest/Day of Music

In the heart of downtown Minneapolis, a great array of music concerts of all kinds happen inside the Hall and under the summer stars in neighboring Peavey Plaza. While this fantastic cultural tradition has been going nearly 30 years, usually in July or August, the past few years have welcomed a new touch: 24 hours straight of music as the kickoff with an incredible overnight lineup featuring bands big and small; a great reason to stay up past bedtime. Expect crowds for the popular groups on this Day of Music and enjoy vendors and relaxing to live musical entertainment at earlier concerts throughout the weeks of Sommerfest.

Contact no:(612) 371-5600

Location:1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Learn more here.

Heart of the Beast Puppet Theater

Yes, a real puppet theater! They put on shows for young kids and even offer puppet-making workshops. Show material ranges for different age groups. The Heart of the Beast is also behind the annual Mayday Parade at Powderhorn Park, which always features terrific giant puppets and costumed artists.

Contact no: (612) 721-2535

Location:1500 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Learn more here.

Jackson Street Roundhouse

Train rides and fun for the whole family! MN Transportation Museum’s Jackson Street Roundhouse is open year-round. Housing the museum’s classic collection of railroad rolling stock, memorabilia, and exhibits, the roundhouse is also the base of the museum’s railroad restorations. See the “Casey Jones” steam locomotive undergo restoration. Plus, watch one of the nation’s last surviving operational turntables. The roundhouse is open year round for visitors and groups of any size. Experience the Twin Cities only interactive railroad facility that’s been in continuous operation for over 100 years. Today, it houses a fully interactive train museum featuring restored railcars, locomotives, operating signals, model trains and children’s play area. Take a caboose, Rock Island Rocket or turntable ride. Also, check out the web site for all the other train related activities offered by the Minnesota Transportation Museum.

Contact no:(651) 228-0263

Location:193 Pennsylvania Ave E, St Paul, MN 55130

Learn more here.

Como Park, Zoo and Conservatory

Como Park is smaller than the Minnesota Zoo, but it’s set in a lovely park with a historic merry-go-round (see Cafesjian’s Carousel), a garden and greenhouse, a lake with paddleboat rentals and an old-time pavilion. Como Park is a great place to visit and have a picnic, see things and play, so head over on the next nice day! The Como Zoo features dozens of animals, including popular new additions like Jenga the baby giraffe, Dash the zebra, a baby monkey, and twin tamarinds; all born at the zoo since Fall 2006! Como Park also regularly stages events for kids (such as Go Diego and Radio Disney) as well as for adults (botanical shows).

Contact no:(651) 487-8200

Location:1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul, MN 55103

Learn more here.

Walker Art Center

You can’t get much hipper than the Walker Art Center. This modern art museum includes the active engagement of audiences in its mission statement and does a great job inspiring creativity in visitors of all ages. The Walker’s super-cool kid and family interactives will get the artistic energy going. They host art-making, storytime, films, playdates, and other fun events, and free first Saturdays (of each month) are always chock-full of activities for kids. Admission to the Walker is always free for those 11 and younger, but for older grandchildren who want to simply look at the art and hang out in a hip atmosphere every Thursday night has open access too, and is thus busier minus the kiddie activities. The Walker is across the street from the Sculpture Garden and Loring Park, so an outing can be combined with some outside playtime, too!

Contact no:(612) 375-7600

Location:1750 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Learn more here.