Minnesota Children's Museum, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

On a recent trip to St. Paul I had hoped to take my girls to Como Park and Como Zoo. Unfortunately the weather wasn't cooperating and the cold rain drove us to an indoor activity: The Minnesota Children's Museum.

The Children's Museum is in the heart of downtown St. Paul, on the corner of W 7th Street and Wabasha. Parking is available in the ramp across from the museum with a special lane reserved for Children's Museum visitors. You can access the museum at ground level or through the skywalk.

Remember to take your parking stub with you to have it validated (and save yourself some money. I forget and parking cost me $12!). Admission is a set fee of $8.95, no matter your age. But if you're a AAA member show your card and save $1 per person!

The Minnesota Children's Museum is four floors of activities, experimentation and exploration. The first floor is where you check in and hang your coats. There is also a seating area for eating snacks or sack lunches, Kid Spark for a little something to remember your visit (and snacks) and stairs or elevators to take you to the fun that awaits!

At the top of the stairs is the flying fish- you are in the second floor Atrium.

At set times there are activities here- story telling or Big Fun. We missed the story telling but we joined in Big Fun. It was big fun- but more kids than there were things to play with and some parents weren't so good at keeping an eye on their kids; we stopped playing after Brenna had things yanked from her hands- numerous times.

The rest of the second floor was great fun. The kids "worked" in World Works, loading conveyor belts and operating cranes, getting wet in the water room (bubbles, boats and floating balls) and exploring daily life in Our World (a bus, post office, music studio, doctor's office and more).

The Changing World Gallery is also on the second floor. Now thru January 19, 2009 is Hmong at Heart. See the Special and Traveling Exhibits page for information on exhibits after that date.

The third floor has a quiet book nook and the Creativity Center classroom which has various activities.

The fourth floor was, by far, my favorite. If you are visiting between May and September (and it's not raining) you'll want to go out and explore the Rooftop Art Park. This is hands on art, not "shhh, don't touch". Earth World is amazing. You step into a great forest and become an animal (Brenna was a robin and Caelan a wood tick). Learn what it's like to be a squirrel inside a tree or an ant in an ant hill. Be a beaver in a dam or a tortoise in a shell. Head up to the lodge and touch a snake or create a thunderstorm.

Just down the hall is the World of Wonder gallery. While we were there (and thru February 1, 2009) is Ball-O-Rama. This fun filled room shows physics, velocity, gravity, momentum and more in a fun way.

There is also a "tot spot" for smaller visitors with an eclosed ball "pit" and a maze to roll very large balls through. See the Special and Traveling Exhibits for information after that date.

Also on the 4th floor is Habitot for infants and toddlers to play without worry and a nursing room.

Each floor (except the 3rd) has two restrooms and classrooms with different "drop in" activities.

Eating While Visiting the Museum
If you are after more than a snack there are dining options around the Children's Museum. You can get a complete listing at the box office on the first floor. If you arrived through the skywalk you undoubtedly noticed McDonald's. I'm not sure how you could miss it with the life-sized Ronald just outrside.

Our kids, of course, wanted to eat there. It was crazy- packed. Luckily, right across the hall, is Asian Max, filled with fresh- and much healthier- Asian food. We adults enjoyed the food and the seating was much less crowded and noisy than McDonald's. Everyone was satisfied.

If you have any energy left after your time at the Children's Museum step out the doors onto Wabasha and walk down to Candyland. This wonderful little shop has been around for decades- and rightfully so. Just stepping in the doors you get a sugar high!

Their chocolates are made by hand and the popcorn is fresh. It's like walking into a penny candy shop- except the candies cost a bit more now. We got some licorice whips, popcorn and amazing chocolates. How I missed this shop all my years in St Paul I'll never know! It's certainly on my list of places to return to!

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Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Woodbury, Minnesota, USA

A while back I told you about my experience when booking at this hotel. Thankfully the situation was handled well and we completed our stay there recently.

I picked this hotel for it's location: I wanted a two room suite close to Stillwater- not as easy to find as I had imagined.

Thankfully the Holiday Inn Express and Suites was able to fit my needs. First two tips:

1. Become a rewards member with every hotel you stay at. It costs nothing and you can earn free hotel stays.


2. Don't forget to request a discount if you are a AAA member.

This hotel has two floors; our suite we had was on the second. Thankfully the elevator is directly across from check in so you don't have to haul your luggage far.

As promised the suite had a living area with a pull out couch that the girls (because they are small and light) were able to sleep comfortably on, an eating area, a kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, and sink, a bedroom with a queen bed and a single bathroom. The suite was roomy enough to spread out in and we didn't feel at all cramped.

That said, the lay out could have been better. The bathroom was located directly inside the entrance from the hall. Relatively common, yes, but not so great when you are trying to move from the bedroom to the bathroom without waking children.

My single favorite thing about Holiday Inn Express hotels is the breakfast included with your stay. And this location was above average. The weekend breakfast included: biscuits, gravy, sausage, eggs, hot cinnamon rolls, cereals, breads, fruit, yogurt, breakfast bars, milk, juice, coffee and tea. The hot items were hot, the cold items were cold and everything was laid out neatly with easy access.

A bit more info about this location:

1. There are 4 two room suites, 12 one room suites and 4 whirlpool suites. 101 total rooms.


2. Wireless internet is available and a computer is set up in the breakfast room for your convenience.


3. A pool and exercise room are available on the main level.


4. The staff were very friendly and helpful- especially the ladies in the breakfast area. When I was trying to juggle a tray of food and keep track of the girls (who had to "help") they were more than happy to grab beverages and silverware when my hands were full.

This location was undergoing renovations while we were staying but, honestly, I wouldn't have known but for the sign in the lobby.

The two room suite costs $135.99 per night (with AAA discount). For it's location, the space we had and the services the hotel provides I will gladly stay there again.

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Stillwater, Minnesota, USA

Stillwater, the "birthplace of Minnesota" lies on the St. Croix river about 30 minutes east of St. Paul. And while the town is best known as a haven for antiquing and romantic couples getaways there is plenty of fun to be had with your children in tow.

A tour of the Joseph Wolf Brewery Caves is informative for you and an exciting adventure for your little ones. After all, it's rumored that the Stillwater caves were used by gangsters to hide money and liquor back when St.Paul was a safe haven. The tour is interesting and you will be amazed at how clear and still the water is below the ground.

If a larger body of water is more along your interests you'll want to book a cruise on one of the historic paddlewheel boats that cruise the St. Croix River. A luncheon cruise is just the right length for getting your young ones to slow down. The river will relax them and the kid friendly lunch buffet includes deli meats & cheeses, fruits, salads and cookies- which are best eaten with a river view. If you're very lucky you will get to go under the lift bridge. (If not there are great places to view the bridge from the river banks. My daughters were fascinated...)

Landlubbers (and history buffs) will enjoy the hour long trolley tours. The driver will keep you entertained with stories of lumberjacks and the Lumber Barons who built some of the town's greatest houses.

If shopping is more your thing there is plenty of it. Along with antiques and artisans you will find wonderful boutiques. My girls really loved Doozie, which is filled with anything your little (or big) princess could want. From crowns and jewels to clothing and bags this is a store to find everything you must have that you didn't know you wanted.

Another great store is Autumn Cottage. It's a home furnishings store that will leave you wishing your home was larger, and their kids' store is just as fabulous. The nostalgic feel of so many of their items will leave you wishing you had more room in your car to take it all home! I found a wonderful Map of the USA puzzle in it's own little carrying box. Fun and educational.

And, before you leave, make a stop in Lily's Grill and Malt Shop. Just don't wait until the kids are starving because there is always a wait to be seated at this landmark restaurant. It's located on the corner of Main street just a couple blocks up from the lift bridge.

Tip: Stillwater is very hilly. Make sure to bring a stroller or backpack for when the littlest ones get tired.

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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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Hotel Booking: If Something Doesn't Seem Right It Probably Isn't

I was booking a hotel for an upcoming weekend away. I found the perfect room at the Holiday Inn Express in Woodbury, Minnesota (just east of St. Paul): a two room suite, close to Stillwater and the St. Croix Valley.

When I called the hotel the woman who answered the phone spoke so quickly I couldn't understand her. I inquired about the suite I wanted and it was available; great, I'll take it! (Two room suites aren't easy to find near Stillwater) She quoted me the price and I asked about a AAA discount. She told me there wasn't one.

I should mention that I am a Priority Club member (always join hotel rewards clubs- it's free) and have stayed with HIE many times. So when she said there was no AAA rate I was skeptical but wanted the reservation in place so I finished the booking.

Then I went back online. I saw a few price discrepancies so I called the toll free number. While the room I booked wasn't shown online (which is why I always call the hotel directly to ask about room specifics) the operator was able to tell me that a AAA rate was available and applied it to my account.

The fact that a AAA discount was available and I was told it wasn't when I specifically asked for it frustrated me so I called back to the hotel. The phone was answered by the woman who I had spoken to previously. I asked to speak with a manager; she told me she was a supervisor, could she help me? "No," I replied, "I would really like to speak with a manager."

She transferred me and I left a message.

About 35 minutes later I received a call from Robert Davis, the general manager of the property. He was very apologetic and said that, if the room you want is available, there is always a AAA rate. He assured me that the supervisor I dealt with would be spoken to and the situation would be addressed immediately. He also thanked me for bringing this to his attention and reduced the rate for my room.

Here's what I learned from this (and what you can learn from me):

1. If something doesn't seem right don't be afraid to question it.


2. Go directly to the manager if you have a problem.


3. Be polite when stating the problem and don't be afraid to ask for the problem to be fixed (as in my case I asked for the discount to be applied; the additional discount was a bonus).


4. Because you have established this personal relationship with the manager you want to be sure to introduce yourself when you can (if the issue was handled over the phone) and thank them again for their assistance. Personal relationships go a long way in the hospitality industry.

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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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Cossetta's Italian Market, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

If you are in the Twin Cities area you must make the trip into St. Paul to dine at Cossetta's Italian Market and Pizzeria.



Cossetta's has been written about by everyone from the New York Times to Frommer's Travel- and it never fails to make the "Best of the Twin Cities" list. For a perfect slice this is the place to go.



Cossetta's began as a grocery in 1911 and has not only survived for almost 100 years; it has become an institution. Housed in an historic building on St.Paul's W 7th Street (211 W. 7th) Cossetta's is right on the edge of a revitalized downtown. And you don't have to worry about parking- Cossetta's has their own (free) lot. It is only for use while you are dining; if you plan to shop in any of the great antique stores or wander along the river (both great activities in St. Paul) you will want to find someplace else to park.

The food is served cafeteria style. Grab your tray and peruse the menu. I recommend the Cossetta Sandwich- a spicy Italian sausage on thick sliced Italian bread covered in marinara. Yum. Doug enjoyed the Chicken DeBurgo with pasta. And Brenna was almost dwarfed by her slice of pepperoni.

Which Caelan also enjoyed.

After you have made your selection find seating. I recommend going upstairs and trying to get a seat overlooking W. 7th street. Enjoy the atmosphere. St. Paul and Cossetta's have a long history; much of it lines the walls.

Highchairs and booster seats are available- just ask one of the friendly busboys to get one for you. And don't forget to leave room for a cannoli, gelato or tiramisu. All are yummy.

After your meal wander through the market. Take something with you for later. Or just grab an interesting item from "the old country" as a souvenir.

Cossetta's is open daily at 11am, closing times vary by night. The entrees average about $10.

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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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