Best Spots for Summer Playdates in Minnesota
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 221-9444 or (800) 221-9444
smm.org
Price: free for museum members/$13 adult ticket buys free admission for children 5 and younger/Click here for ticketing
Most people are aware of the educational programs the Science Museum provides as well as the Real Pirates Special Exhibition and Under the Sea Omnitheatre. These benefits alone make the Science Museum the perfect play date destination, but programming for pre-school aged play dates make. The Science Museum play date program takes place on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and provides preschool-aged children with hands-on fun to exhibit galleries and make and take creations. Theater programs and demonstrations specifically for preschool-aged kids as well as guides for parents to activities throughout the museum are also available as part of this program.
Hyland Play Area
10145 Bush Lake Road
Bloomington, MN 55438
(763) 694-7687
threeriversparks.org
Price: free
Families searching for great play date activities will be able to find numerous parks and play areas throughout the state that are free, but few beat Hyland Play Area. This Bloomington park is made up of winding tube and spiral slides, and swinging and climbing equipment. There is also a separate play area for children younger than 5 and children with disabilities, making this ideal for any play group.
Edinborough Park
7700 York Avenue
South Edina, MN 55435
(952) 832-6790
edinboroughpark.com
Price: $6 children/free parents with child's paid admission
If you are looking for an indoor play date, check out Edinborough Park, which is home to one of the largest indoor play areas in the country, Adventure Park. This indoor park houses more than 6,000 plants, trees and flowers as well as a junior Olympic-size swimming pool in addition to its indoor play area. Don't miss out on events in the park's amphitheater for a little extra dose of the arts when your and yours head out to play.
Rollerdome at the Metrodome
900 S. Fifth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55415
(612) 825-3663
roller-dome.com
Price: $6.50 adults/$4.50 children and seniors 55 and older/$5.50 students ages 13 to 18
The Rollerdome at the Metrodome provides a different type of play date fun for pre-school play dates and families with older children looking for summer activities as well.The Rollerdome allows open rollerblading and skating for all ages. Rent skates and equipment here and get ready for a rowdy playdate with the whole family. The Rollerdome is also home to the Metrodome Inline Marathon, which is the world's only indoor skating marathon.
Mall of America: Toddler Tuesdays
8100 24th Ave.
South Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 883-8800
mallofamerica.com
Price: free
America's favorite mall also provides a great play date program called Toddler Tuesdays. Parents with toddlers may stop by the mall on Tuesdays for events, arts & crafts projects, storytime, and special guest and character appearances such as The Cat in the Hat. Many of the mall restaurants also provide one free kids meal for kids age 6 and younger with one adult meal purchase on Toddler Tuesdays.
Christina Majaski is a full-time legal assistant and freelance writer for online and print publications. She has an obsession for all things related to social media and invites you to follow along with her on Twitter @cmajaski. She currently resides with her daughter in central Minnesota. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
