As the long summer months roll in, it is important to know how to make the most out of each day. As a nanny myself, I find that it’s necessary to do something that is not only engaging and worthwhile for the kids, but for me as well. After all, we nannies like to have fun too. Considering elements such as varying weather forecasts, the children’s mood and time constraints, it can sometimes be tough to find an activity that is just right, but with the help of these interactive and educational locations you’re sure to have a thrilling summer.
Often times, certain activities can be a bit pricey; however there are several things that you can do in order to save a few bucks:
- Find coupons located around town at local gas stations and franchise businesses (most common with Mall of America attractions like SEA Life Aquarium)
- Pre-order admission online
- Show a student ID if applicable
- Save old admission tickets—there are often coupons with discounts off future visits
Artistic Flare
Discover your creative side and expose yourself to a world of perspective.
- The Crayola Experience (general admission is $20.99, annual pass is $30.99)
- Mia (free)
- Russian Museum of Art ($10, children under 13 years of age are free)
- Walker Art Center ($15, children under 18 years of age are free)
- Weisman Art Museum (free)
The Thrill of It All
Unleash your wild side and let loose at these high energy hotspots.
- Big Thrill Factory (price varies with each activity)
- Como Town (wristband is $21.95 or each individual point is 50 cents each)
- Como-Harriet Streetcar Line ($2.50 per ride)
- Edinborough Park ($7)
- Hyland Play Area- Chutes and Ladders (free)
- Nickelodeon Universe (all-day wristband for $35.99 or one ride for $3.60)
- Skyzone (pay by the amount of minutes starting at 60 minutes for $15.99)
- Valleyfair (all-day pass for $54)
In touch with nature
Learn more about our natural world or embrace the serene landscapes that Minnesota has to offer.
-
Bell Museum ($12 for adults and youth ages 3-21 years old is $9)
- Grand opening: July 13-15, 2018 at its new location at 2088 Larpenteur Ave. W., St Paul.
- Lyndale Park Rose Garden (free) and nearby Peace (Rock) Garden (free)
- Minnehaha Falls (free)
- Minnesota Zoo ($18 for adults, children ages 3-12 years old are $12)
- Movies in the Park (free)
- Pedal Boating
- Centennial Lakes ( $10 per hour)
- Lake Bde Maka Ska (a two person boat for $23 per hour, a four person boat for $33 per hour)
- Wood Lake Nature Center (free)
Learning Experience
Make learning a bit more engaging with these interactive locations.
- Bakken Museum ($10 for adults, youth ages 13-24 for $8, and children ages 4-12 are $3)
- Children’s Museum ($12.95)
- Fort Snelling ($12 for adults, children ages 4-14 are $8)
- Foshay Tower Observation Deck ($10 for adults, children ages 4-14 years old are $8)
- Mill City Museum ($12 for adults and youth ages 5-17 is $6)
- Minnesota History Center ($12)
- Science Museum of Minnesota ($18.95 for adults, children ages 4-12 years old are $12.95; does not include Omnitheater)
- Twin City Model Railroad Museum ($10, under four years old is free)
- Sea Life ($24.49 for adults, children ages 3-12 are $17.49)
- Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium ($8 for adults, youth ages 3-21 is $6)
- The Works Museum ($8.50)
- Wild Rumpus (free, unless you are buying books of course!)
Splish Splash
Dive into these refreshing lakes and chlorinated ponds or amp it up with twisting slides, sprinkling play areas, and zip lines.
- Cascade Bay Water Park ($11)
- Chain of Lakes, such as Harriet or Bde Maka Ska (free)
- Como Regional Park Pool (Under 48 inches tall is $6 and over 48 inches is $7)
- Edina Aquatics Center ($11.50)
- Lake Bryant (free)
- Richfield outdoor pool ($10)
- Lake Elmo Park Reserve Chlorinated Pond (free)
- Shoreview Community Center ($10.50 for adults and youth under 18 years old is $9.50)
- St. Louis Park Community Center ($9.50)
