Minneapolis Farmers Markets

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

Learn more here.

Red Balloon Bookshop

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

Learn more here.

Macy’s

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

Learn more here.

House of Balls

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.

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

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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.