Category: Things to do with kids: Shopping

Wild Rumpus keeps alive the magic of reading. This is a must-visit shop, even if you don’t want to buy books. A quaint and homey space with an extra kid-sized door, a pair of free-roaming chickens, caged songbirds, two (presumably very patient) cats, and a chinchilla, make this bookstore a friendly menagerie of pages for kids of all ages. Another great touch is the spooky, creaky shack that houses the shelves of ghost stories. Wild Rumpus is known for its live instore events (famous children’s author readings, storytime, and music) and expert staff who can recommend the perfect books to suit your favorite kids’ interests. Plus it’s just fun to hang out in and find new, wondrous books! Visiting this cool shop in Minneapolis’ Linden Hills neighborhood can be combined with a visit to Lake Harriet, just blocks away.

Contact no:(612) 920-5005

Location:2720 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55410

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A sunny morning is the perfect time to visit area outdoor markets, and Minneapolis’ main market at Lyndale and Glenwood is by far the largest. A bustling bazaar of wares ranging from ready to eat (pastries, fruit samples, coffee) to produce (staple and exotic), flowers, condiments, and crafts, this market has been going nearly 70 years now and features nearly 200 stalls of rotating vendors seven days a week, although Wednesdays and weekends have the biggest displays. Get delicious organic honeys, fresh baked breads, Minnesota-grown wild rice, vegetables you’ve never seen before, fresh meat, bunches of leafy herbs, and more while enjoying the occasional musician, smiling early risers, morning sunshine, and fresh garden smells. The homier St. Paul Farmer’s Market in Lowertown features Minnesota grown produce exclusively. The new, tinier market by Guthrie and Spoonriver has the same local-grown focus. There’s also a new modest Nicollet Mall market with sidewalk booths on Thursdays and Saturdays. For breadth and bustle, and engaging the eyes and hands of grandchildren, the main Minneapolis market offers the most to see, touch and taste, but sample the flavors, scents, and see the bountiful garden colors at any of the local Farmer’s Markets.

Contact no:(612) 333-1718

Location:312 East Lyndale Avenue, North, Minneapolis, MN 55405

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The Red Balloon Bookshop is a cute store with a wealth of kids books nestled in a converted house on Grand Avenue in St. Paul on a stretch lined with restaurants and shops. Operating for more than 20 years now, Red Balloon can turn you and your grandchildren on to books you’ll love with their expert recommendations and friendly atmosphere. It’s a must-visit shop with different storytimes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, visiting authors, craft times, and even books for adults and teens. It’s only two blocks from Wuollet Bakery and two miles from Izzy’s Ice Cream Shop.

Contact no:(651) 224-8320

Location:891 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105

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This flagship store in downtown Minneapolis (by the bronze statue of Mary Tyler Moore tossing her cap) has been around a hundred years and hosts several dining spots like the crisp white cafeteria on the top floor next to the old Oak Room which was (cigar smoking) men-only in its early days. Besides these eateries at the top and the business crowd’s foodcourt in the basement, Macy’s hosts two annual instore events: the artistic flower show near winter’s end, and the even more popular holiday display. From mid-November through December 31, visitors flock to the elaborate annual holiday display. Instead of being faith-specific (although Santa is also on-hand), each year’s display captures a favorite entertainment theme to make kids’ and adults’ eyes sparkle, and the 8th floor auditorium is transformed into the magical world of the chosen story.

Contact no:(612) 375-2200

Location:700 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402

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If you’d like to believe in magical spooky houses again, take a trip to the House of Balls. This eccentric gallery trips the imagination in many wonderfully weird ways. The ‘balls’ referred to are bowling balls, carved into sculptures and decorating this abode, along with more of Allen Christian’s sculptures made from other found materials. While it claims to be open every night at midnight and other random times and upon request if you call ahead, I have yet to find the door unlocked when just dropping by, but know of folks who have gained entrance. It’s always fun to stop and check, too, because Christian has rigged the outside with some low-tech interactives and the warped view in through the windows emphasizes the magical promise inside. It’s an odd spot, for certain, and right around the corner is Moose and Sadies, a bright, clean cafe with great coffee and cookies.

Contact no:(612) 332-3992

Location:212 Third Avenue, North, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Learn more here.