Hello again and welcome to a new week! I’ve been a little MIA the past week or so because I’ve been so busy, between a long Memorial Day weekend and work, it’s been crazy! We also had the devastating end to the Timberwolves season the past week. While I am sad we didn’t make it to the Finals, it was still such an amazing season and a great time for Minneapolis.
Now that summer weather is here to stay in Minnesota and we have a high-energy toddler running our household, here are 5 things you can do with your toddler this summer! These also are not exclusive to toddlers so you can keep bringing your kids for years to come!
Location: Apple Valley, MN
Who doesn’t love to go to the zoo? The MN zoo is a great option for parents to take their kids in the summer. Kids aged 2 and under get in for free and can easily keep them entertained all day! In the summer, they also have a splash pad as a great way to cool down during a day in the sun. Admission for children ages 3-12 and adults 65+ is $15.95 and for adults ages 13-64 is $21.95. Children under age 2 are free.
Farmer’s Market
Location: Various
The best part about the farmers market is it is completely free to get in and a great way to burn some of that toddler energy. There is also likely a farmers market, no matter where you are located so you can always find one local. This past weekend we took Ava to the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market and it was such a blast letting her run around and dance to the live music. I think it’s also a great way to get your kids involved with nutrition in a setting outside of the standard grocery store.
Edinborough Park
Location: Edina, MN
My parents used to take my sister and me here when we were younger but they have changed it quite a bit since we went as kids. This is a great option for when it’s super hot or rainy days as it is completely indoors. They offer both free options – with their amphitheater where they provide a variety of different entertainment options from magic shows, movies, concerts, and more. They also have three different play areas that require daily admission but for children only (ages 1-17) and are only $10 per child so it is a very affordable option. You can also buy a membership if you plan to frequent the park. Check out their website for all of the different play options!
Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota
Location: Mankato, MN
If you are in southern Minnesota, the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is such a fun place and great for younger toddlers. They frequently change up the “exhibits” so you likely will not see the same things the next time you go back! When we visited, they had a farm theme with a full play kitchen, garden, tractor, cows, and chickens. They also have a very cool climbing gym that looks like a tree house. There are lower slides on it that are great for younger toddlers and then other climbing areas that are great for older kids. One of Ava’s favorite things was a glass painting wall they have where the kids can stand and paint on this wall and then it washed right off with water and a squeegee. Admission is $13 per guest and children under age 1 are free.
Location: Eden Valley, MN
The A Maze’n Farmyard is about an hour and a half northwest of Minneapolis but a great option if you want to go somewhere a little less crowded than in the Twin Cities and it’s the perfect length drive for a nap afterward (toddler parents know!). Of course, they have barnyard animals that you can pet and feed but they also have a giant slide, 4 different silo slides, a corn pit, a duck and fish pond, pony rides, and more! They also have a picnic area with a playground and you are allowed to bring your lunch which is very nice! You can buy food there but it’s always nice to have the option to bring in your own, so you don’t have to spend additional money on the food. Admission is $14.99 + tax and children aged 2 and under are free.
Let me know if you check any of these out this summer and if you have any places you love to take your kids, I would love to hear about them!
Have a great week!
