Waterpark of America & Radisson Hotel, Bloomington, MN, USA

I should probably begin this post by saying that I am really not a big fan of swimming pools, water parks or beaches. Vacationing near or because of water is not high on my list of things to do. But my girls love pools, so when the opportunity to stay at the Radisson Hotel in Bloomington- which is attached to the Waterpark of America- presented itself, we went.

The hotel is located quite near the Mall of America and IKEA. (Which means you can go shopping and leave the kids (and husband/babysitter, chaperone) at the waterpark. Of course the kids could have a great time at Nickelodeon Universe at the mall, too.

The hotel itself is easy to find- just look for the waterslides curving their way around the outside of the building.

The lobby is spacious and looks into the waterpark. You'll want to unload your baggage when you check in as this is the only official hotel entrance- and there is no parking near this door. Our check in was quick and courteous; elevators are easy to find and plentiful so you won't have to wait long.

I booked a deluxe room, described as this on the website: Deluxe Mall of America hotel rooms are ideal for families on the road and feature one king bed, sleeper sofa, two bunk beds with privacy curtain, activity table and chairs and all standard amenities. The room was quite a bit larger than I expected, which was a pleasant surprise. Lots of room. The girls were quite excited about the bunk beds.

We also had a balcony overlooking the waterpark (if this is not specified in your room description I would make sure to request it).

The girls were content to sit and watch the excitement below as we unpacked and found everything we would need for our splashy-time fun.

Notes on the hotel:

• Room rates are available with or without waterpark passes. If you plan to use the waterpark while you are there make sure you purchase them with your room. Staying at the hotel does not give you automatic waterpark access.
• Rooms have wireless internet access at no extra charge.
• The Deluxe Room included a small refrigerator and microwave.
  
• Breakfast is not included in the room rate. The Split Rock Grille has a breakfast buffet: $11.95 ages 12 and up, $6.95 ages 4 to 12 and free for ages 3 and under. Room service is also available.
• Radisson is a Carlson property. Be sure you get the best price: learn about their online rate guarantee.
  

Waterpark of America

The Waterpark of America is open to both hotel guests and the general public so it can get busy. An all day pass is $24.95 and a half day pass is $14.95. (If you are staying in the hotel and need additional passes or didn't get them with your room you get a 20% discount. You can also save 20% by booking your passes online 48 hours or more in advance.)

This is Minnesota's largest indoor waterpark and features:

• A Flow Rider Surf Simulator
• The Lake Superior wave pool
• America's longest indoor family raft ride, which is ten stories tall and over a mile long (which is fast and a bit scary for those of us who don't like waterslides or roller coasters. My girls (ages 4 & 2) enjoyed it. As did my husband.)
• Several body & tube slides (single and double tubes available)
  
• Activity pools with hoops, nets and balancing logs
• Fort Snelling play area for smaller children featuring numerous places to climb, slide, and have fun; including a large bucket dumping 500 gallons of water every two and a half minutes
• A lovely "lazy river". I could have just lounged on this for hours. (The only thing that would have made it nicer is a frozen beverage in a coconut shell.)

Locker rooms are located directly inside the entrance and locker rental is available for $3. The waterpark provides towels but they are very small. I would recommend bringing your own from home (don't take them down from your room). And don't forget a cover up, it is necessary if you pass through the lobby area.

If you don't want to leave the waterpark to eat your meals Camp Many Point is right there in the waterpark. It features kid friendly items like corn dogs, burgers & fries, pizza, sandwiches and salads. The food is good but a bit expensive (too be expected in an amusement setting, though.)

The Waterpark of America is open exclusively to hotel guests from 9-10 am, one hour before the general public.

Would We Go Again?

Definitely. My girls had a great time which means I had a great time. They continue to talk about our time there and can't wait to go back.

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Visiting Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America

Believe it or not we actually ventured in to the Mall of America with the sole intention of visiting the new Nickelodeon Universe.

The nice thing about this theme park is there is no admission. You can walk through without paying a dime. If you want to ride... Well, that will cost you. We bought a "Comet Package" (35 points) for $31.50 plus tax. Because the average ride is 3 points this pass didn't last long. If you plan to spend an entire day at the mall or if you have older children I would splurge on the Unlimited Ride Wristband for $29.95 each.

Nickelodeon Universe has all your favorite Nick characters hosting their own rides as well as a few "old favorites" like the Big Rigs and the carousel. Our first order of business was to find the Backyardigans. But as we were making our way through the park we saw Dora- live and in person!

There are two spots in the park where you can meet your favorite characters, give them hugs and have your picture taken. Brenna was very excited to meet Dora!

Caelan... Well, not so much...

After saying goodbye to Dora we found the Backyardigans Swing-Along.

And then the Big Rigs.

This was followed by a classic carousel and then the El Circulo del Cielo (ferris wheel) with Dora.

These four rides consumed our points (and Doug got to ride the Big Rigs free with Caelan and we both rode the carousel free with the girls)- they go fast. Luckily, for our girls, that was enough and we got to go on with our day.

Helpful things to know:

• There are 7 rides that allow a chaperone to ride for free with small children.


• Tickets can be purchased at self serve kiosks with a credit card. If you prefer to pay cash you have to brave the largest Nickelodeon retail store in the country or guest services.


• There are two restrooms in the park itself as well as two ATMs.


• Within the park there are 3 places to eat: Eats (a wide variety of foods), Caribou Coffee and Kemps Ice Cream Cafe.


• You can shop at 5 Nickelodeon stores- including the flagship store with the most Nickelodeon merchandise you'll find anywhere!


• If your teens are too cool for the rides there is a huge arcade with all the hottest games.

If you're looking for better food than you can find in the park or upstairs at the food court allow me to suggest the California Cafe. It is just upstairs from Nickelodeon Universe (their patio overlooks the park) so you don't have to go far. The food is exceptional (the Chicken Tostadas and Salmon Enchiladas we had were so fresh and yummy!) and the kids meals (presented in a bento box) are healthy and kid friendly.

And if you've got a budding architect in your family be sure to spend some time at LegoLand, right next to Nickelodeon Universe. You can play with Legos, buy Legos in bulk and marvel at the Lego creations.

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Russia's Grizzly Coast at the Minnesota Zoo

A very good friend of mine was quite involved in the building of this new exhibit at the Minnesota Zoo and she was kind enough to invite us up for the preview before it opened to the public.

As she gave us a guided tour we were able to see how much thought went in to making this an interactive experience. The exhibit is filled with rock formations perfect for climbing and viewing the animals, caves to explore, dinosaur bones to dig, bubbling mud and geysers. It's wonderful.

Let's begin with the sculpture directly outside the exhibit:

What child wouldn't want to run right in to those fountains and hug a bear or climb the rocks? And that's just what it's there for... a refreshing way to cool off on a hot day. (Don't believe me? They sell swim diapers in the gift shop next door.) So be sure to bring a change of clothing. (Of course it isn't quite so fun when it's chilly out!)

As you enter the exhibit through tunnels be sure to stop and check out the topographical sign. It's magnificent (and I'm not just saying that because my friend made it).

It really gives you a great idea of the region you are "seeing" and the native homes of these animals.

Throughout the exhibit you will notice the "rock" ledges that are just right for climbing up to see the animals. And lots of information about the history of the region. Not to mention tons of photo opps!

The geysers and bubbling mud are fascinating and digging for dinosaur bones is great fun! (Don't worry, the "bones" are steel, the kids can't hurt them!)

My favorite, by far, was the sea otters. They just seem like such fun, playful critters. Take a little zoo tour with the video below. The close up of the grizzly is awesome.

In addition to this great exhibit you can also visit: Discovery Bay- touch a shark or a ray in the estuary exhibit and view sea life "underwater" Minnesota Trail- it's a walk through the north woods filled with gray wolves, coyotes and river otters Northern Trail- a wooded trail with tigers, caribou, moose, Sichuan takin, camel, and Asian wild horses. It's back this way that you will also find a great play area.

Tropics Trail- Lemurs and Gibbons fill the trees Family Farm- cows and pigs and goats. It's like being on a "real" farm. The Minnesota Zoo is huge - it's an all day event! Be sure to bring your walking shoes! But if you get tired there is a monorail that provides a "tree top tour" of the Northern Trail for $4 per person. Kids love the train and it's a great break for your tired feet!

Other things that are good to know:

• There are 9 restrooms/diaper changing areas located throughout the park.


• There are also 3 family restrooms.


• One nursing area is available in the Minnesota Trail restroom.


• There are 5 ATMs.


• Strollers and wheelchairs can be rented.


• If you get hungry




• There are two lakeside picnic areas outside the zoo if you want to pack a lunch


• Grizzly Coast Cafe has ethnic Russian foods as well as "zoo food" like hot dogs and hamburgers


• Call of the Wild has Asian entrees, grilled foods, salads, sandwiches and pizza


• Zoo Cafe features Caribou coffee, bakery items and ice cream


• Tiger Treats has subs, salads, pizza, ice cream and cold beer


• Family Farm House has home-cooked "farm" meals


• GIfts & Other Goodies




• Timber Lodge Traders is the "main" gift shop. Everything is here. They even have a "build a zoo animal" similar to Build a Bear


• Water Works Market has all your aquatic goodies


• Central Plaza Gifts has Grizzly Coast souveniers as well as necessities like hats, sunscreen and cameras


• You can even get an airbrushed tattoo.


• You can find information on admission, opening times and directions by clicking this link.

We can't wait to make a return trip and see more! (Many exhibits were closed the night we visited as the focus was on the new exhibit.)

If you're making a trip to visit the zoo (really a great midwest trip) you might be interested in these articles:

Residence Inn close by in Eagan, MN- a great place to stay with kids
Cossetta's Italian Market- a must if you are in St. Paul
California Cafe- you'll be so close to the Mall of America, you'll surely be visiting. This is, in my opinion, the best place to eat if you're there.

Also be sure to click the category archives to the left for more info on Minneapolis, St. Paul and Minnesota.

Family Travel Tips
Minneapolis

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California Cafe, Mall of America, Minneapolis/St Paul, Minnesota, USA

The urge when you visit the Mall of America is to eat at one of theme restaurants such as the Rainforest Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp or one of the many other "fun" places that have mediocre food and kid friendly ambiance.

The biggest problem with that plan, especially if you visit on a weekend, is the wait time can be extensive. When we were there this past weekend waits were 2+ hours. And the food court was really no better as the tables were all full and the lines were long.

Did I mention that it was after 2pm? It was just insane.

I was going to fore go lunch and try to get by with a snack of some sort for the girls when we walked past California Cafe. I had never eaten there but had heard good things. I wasn't sure how the girls would like it as it presents itself as upscale but there was no wait so we decided to try it.

I was completely impressed. For what we would have paid at any of the so-so theme restaurants we had great food in a relaxed atmosphere.

The kids meals are presented in a bento box. Brenna thought it was very cool. She chose chicken fingers, fries, a salad and fruit but the other options, such as carrot & celery sticks, whipped potatoes, burgers and pasta, all sounded great.


There is also a daily adult bento box special. As well as the regualr menu. I highly recommend the artichoke & spinach dip and the bacon wrapped shrimp.


I highly recommend the California Cafe the next time you are at the Mall of America or near any of their other locations.

The food is fresh and delicious, the atmosphere is refined and relaxed and the staff is so professional. Don't overlook it because you have kids.

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Minnesota Renaissance Festival, Shakopee, MN

I lived in the Twin Cities for 10 years and often miss so much of what I took for granted when I was there.

One event that we go back for annually is the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. The festival runs weekends from mid-August thru the end of September. Each weekend features a different theme with special themed attractions, as well as all the regular fun.

The grounds are designed to resemble a village from the Elizabethian Era. You enter this fantasy world through the castle gates and are immediately immersed in the village market day. People are everywhere, in and out of costume, and the desire to be part of the fun is overwhelming.

The village is full of shops, carts, wandering minstrels and entertainment. Seeing everything will take an entire weekend. It can't be done in one day.

As we enjoy a bit of fantasy we love to dress in period costume. This is not a necessity, however, and you are more likely to have the Festival characters interact with you if you are not in costume.

This beautiful faerie is probably the most photographed at the festival. She is silent and communicates with gestures and modest nods. She is terrific with children and they are drawn to her pipe playing and dancing. Our little faerie was mesmerized.
Because we go in costume we wouldn't be caught in a regular wagon. Nope, a chariot is necessary.
When people think of Renaissance Festivals they think of bawdiness and adult humor. Which there is a lot of. But the Minnesota Renaissance Festival is filled with kid friendly activities. From flying with the swans to galloping over the land in a giant wooden rocking horse there are plenty of fun rides. If your kids like to climb the Jacob's Ladder game is worth a try. For their competitive spirit there are loads of games like King of the Log, Dueling Buckets (prepare to get VERY wet!), rotten veggie tossing, and fencing, to name just a few.
And there is loads of family entertainment. Story tellers, jugglers, jousting, a petting zoo, pony rides...

There is also a Children's Realm filled with fun crafts, a magician and a special stage. And don't forget to take a walk on the Hobbit Trail to see where the "little people" live way back in the forest.

With all that great fun comes great hunger. And the Minnesota Renaissance Festival delivers anything you could want to fill that need. Soups, turkey legs, roasted corn, fresh pastries... the list is endless. My suggestions: have a Scotch Egg and an apple dumpling. Mmmmm... And don't forget beverages to cure that parched palate. Beer, wine and cider are available as well as soda, water and juices.

With all the fun you're having you may forget that the Minnesota Renaissance Festival also has great shopping. The crafters at the faire are the best of the best (for a list scroll to the bottom of the home page and click "crafters"). Apparel (go ahead, try on a costume!) glass blowing (most have artisit plying their trade on site), portrait artists, painters, sculpters, jewelers... Completely unique items- you're sure to find something to take home with you.
What you need to know to go:
*Where: Shakopee, Minnesota; south of Minneapolis about 30 minutes.

*When: Weekends mid-August thru the end of September; 9am-7pm Rain or shine

*How much: $18.95 for adults, $16.95 for seniors and $9.95 agest 6-12 (2007 prices, be sure to check website for correct pricing). If you have a AAA card you can get a $2 discount and discount tickets are also available at local Super America convenience stores. You can also order tickets online but once you add in the convenience fee it's not much of a savings. Only do this if you really don't want to stand in line to purchase your ticket.

*Who: everyone!

Things To Do
Minneapolis

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Residence Inn, Eagan, Minnesota, USA

While we enjoy traveling with the girls we don't enjoy sharing a room with them. Sometimes we don't have option of a suite, but when we do you can be sure that we take advantage of it. On a recent get-away to the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota) we tried the Residence Inn.

The Residence Inn is part of the Marriott "family" of hotels. The layout looks more like townhouses than an actual hotel, with about eight "rooms" per building. All rooms- from the studio to the penthouse- have a full kitchen and high speed Internet access. Most have a fireplace.

We chose the two bedroom penthouse suite. This provided us with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and convertible couch. One bedroom and bath were "upstairs" in an open loft while the other was off the living area and able to be shut off by French doors. Each bedroom had a desk, television, and lots of storage space. The living area also had a television, a chest of drawers and a closet.

Another great option is the one bedroom penthouse suite. This room is exactly the same layout as the two bedroom with a couple of small differences. There are no French doors to separate the rooms on the main level and the second bed is a Murphy Bed- it folds up into the wall and out of the way during the day. A small table is added to that room- great for puzzles or coloring books.

We really appreciated having the full kitchen. There are great restaurants in the area- as well as Byerly's, a local upscale grocery- and having the option of bringing back leftovers and shopping for necessities was wonderful.

One thing you won't need to shop for is breakfast. Residence Inn has one of the best breakfasts I've ever had included in your room rate. This is well beyond your "continental breakfast". Every day offered eggs, sausage, country style potatoes, oatmeal, Belgian waffles, a variety of cereals, fruits and pastries, yogurt, juices, coffee and tea. Each day also had a featured item. We enjoyed pancakes and omelets, biscuits and gravy and French Toast. My only complaint? No cocoa. But, honestly, it was August. Maybe they offer it in the winter?

Also available at this location: a swimming pool and a basketball/tennis court. If you want to work out at a gym they will provide complimentary passes to the local YMCA. If shopping is your bag use their shuttle service to the Mall of America. Flying in to MSP airport? They'll send a shuttle to pick you up.

Be sure to sign up for the Marriott Rewards program. It's free and you can earn points for hotel stays or airline miles.

This hotel is in a great location for anything you may want to do in the Twin Cities area. Very close to the zoo and Mall of America. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. We'll be sure to try out other locations as we travel and will return to this hotel in the future.

Hotel Review
Minneapolis

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