Wander Minnesota: Spring Break In The Twin Cities
Schools around the state are taking that week-long (more or less) holiday known as spring break, now through mid April. If you're spending part or all of it in the Twin Cities, here are some family-friendly options for you. Next week we'll look at outstate ideas.
The classic kid-venture spots never fail to entertain: the Science Museum of Minnesota (especially with the Mummies exhibit having just opened, and it's fantastic), which might be paired with a trip to the Minnesota Children's Museum, with its Eric Carle A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy exhibit; The Works is offering spring break day camps, including sessions on building big buildings and robotics; and the Bakken Museum are all popular with families, and for good reason.
It's a great time to expose your kids to art and history too. The Minneapolis Institute of the Arts just opened the State of the Art: Discovering American Art Now exhibit, giving your kids a comprehensive look at what's happening in art in this country; and the Walker Art Center has the 75 Years of Walker Collections exhibit, a a varying look at the depth and breadth of the Walker collection. You also can't go wrong with a visit to the Minnesota History Center, which is such a family friendly place, as is the Mill City Museum.
The Minnesota Zoo has a lot going on, including several spring break mini-camps for various ages. Over in St. Paul, the Como Zoo has animals and lush flowers, as usual, but it also has Dr. Entomo's Palace of Exotic Wonders, a circus sideshow-themed exploration of exotic insects and invertebrates.
Longing for swimsuit weather? It can't be guaranteed this time of year, but you can visit an indoor waterpark without having to drive all the way to the Dells. The Waterpark of America, by the Mall of America, will be open daily from March 10 through April 10. Note: this waterpark is attached to a hotel, so you might want to go early in the day, or call ahead—the Waterpark of America can restrict access to hotel guests only during busy periods.
The Firefighter's Hall and Museum is open only on Saturdays, but if you've got a budding firefighter in your family, this is the place to go. They'll even have a chance to slide down a fireman's pole. Note: if you have a group of 10 or more, you can make an appointment to visit during the week.
If you've got a train enthusiast in your family, this one's for you. The Jackson Street Roundhouse, part of the Minnesota Transportation Museum system, is open Wednesdays and Saturdays, gives kids a hands-on view of the golden days of railroad, including caboose rides on Saturdays.
Get a different perspective on the city of Minneapolis by visiting the Foshay Museum and Observation Deck, open daily at noon. Call ahead if weather is bad to see if they're open (612-215-3783).
What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Sunday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.
