MN Renaissance Festival

We try to get out to the Renaissance festival every year. Every year we try and see new shows and to change things up a bit. We took advantage of the BOGO offer the first weekend. As soon as we pulled in to the parking lot and saw the castle gates my two year old light up. The only problem was once she went through the gates she still wanted to go into the castle.

There was a lot to see and do there for people of all ages. She of course got to get some ferry wings and somehow suckered her mom into buying her a crown as well. The look on her face made it all worth it. Unfortunately the ferry queen was on lunch break so we were not able to see the new ferry wing forest. We were all a little curious as to why the ferry queen needed to be present in order for us to enter the forest, but there is always next year. We saw some very good shows and we even saw some of the royal court before we left.

If you are going with young kids, I recommend bringing a backpack full of juice boxes, water and other snacks. They have a lot to choose from at the concessions, but they are more geared towards the older patrons.

Irish Fair

The Irish Fair is my favorite festival of the year. They always have great food and entertainment. Due to scheduling conflicts, we ended up waiting until Sunday to go which actually worked out better with the kids. Sunday they have their headlining act start at 5:30 vs. 7:30 on Saturday. The entertainment was great. My daughter was a dancing queen. She danced almost the entier night. The weather was a little hot but as long as you come prepared, it's not a big deal.

The biggest downside to the fair is that they use the dreaded ticket system to buy food. I'm not sure why they do that besides to make a little extra money on the people that bought non-refundable food tickets and have extra's left over. As long as you scope out the food scene first and figure out exactly how many tickets you need, you will not run into that problem. All and all had a great time!

Lakefront Days

Lakefront Days was going on in Prior Lake this weekend. My daughter and I went and met up with some family to check it out. There was a misprint on their schedule and we ended up being late for their water ski show. There had a range of different abilities being shown, but it wasn't moving quick enough to hold my daughters attention so we ended up checking out the other activities before it got exciting.

The highlight for me was the food. Normally you end up getting the standard fair type food at these events. They had a food truck there though that sold teppanyaki style food and it was restaurant quality. The company was called Hibachi Daruma. If you ever see them, you have to get some food.

They had a lot of bouncy houses and a live band there as well. My two year old is still afraid of the bouncy houses, but my 4 year old nephew had a blast on them. The bouncy houses were very reasonably priced too.

Things To Do In August

Things To Do In August

Based on the calendar, it feels like the summer is starting to wind down. Most of the events I have found are towards the beginning of the month. We are also getting into the apple picking season. The MN State Fair and Renaissance Festival are starting up at the end of the month. They tend to cost the most, especially if you don’t plan for them. I included my tips to save money on the entrance to these activities. You can even get in free to the renaissance festival, if you are willing to part with a little blood before you go. If anyone else know’s of any activities or tips, please feel free to add any in the comments section. 

Friday, Aug 2

Chanhassen- Carver County Day at the Arboretum

10am-8pm

Free to residence

Friday, Aug 2-4

Loring Park Art Festival

Minneapolis

http://www.loringparkartfestival.com 

Uptown Art Fair

Minneapolis

http://uptownartfair.com 

Saturday, Aug 3

Nature Rocks Outdoor Center Open House

Eden Prairie

9am

http://www.edenprairie.org/index.aspx?page=17&recordid=1539 

Splash Time 

Splash Pad

Round Lake, Eden Prairie

1-4pm

http://www.edenprairie.org/index.aspx?page=17&recordid=1249 

Wednesday, Aug 7

Prior Lake Water Ski Team

Water Ski Show

Plymouth

7pm 

http://www.plymouthmn.gov/index.aspx?page=18&recordid=4431 

Friday, Aug 9

Nature Rocks Outdoor Center Open House

Eden Prairie

6pm

http://www.edenprairie.org/index.aspx?page=17&recordid=1539 

Friday, Aug 9-11

Irish Fair

St. Paul

Music, Food and Shopping

http://www.irishfair.com 

Polish Festival

Minneapolis

http://www.tcpolishfestival.org/about/ 

Thursday, Aug 15

Landscape Arboretum

Free after 4pm

Aug 17- Aug 18

MN Renaissance Festival

Shakopee

$18.95 Adults

$10.50 Kids 5-12

Free 4 and under

Deals

Free Admission with blood donation

BOGO admission for residence of Shakopee, Chaska, Chanhassen & Jordan

Donate 5 Cans of food and get $5 off.

http://www.renaissancefest.com

Sunday, Aug 18

Children's Museum

Free every 3rd Sunday of the Month

St. Paul 

http://www.mcm.org/visitor-information/admission/target-free-3rd-sundays/ 

Aug 22-Sept 1st

Minnesota Sate Fair

St. Paul

$9 per person if bought in advance (Cub Foods or online)

Free Parking at U of M lots with free shuttle to fair

http://www.mnstatefair.org 

Free things every day

Hyland Park Play Area, Bloomington

Visit the Elf House at Lake Harriet http://mrlittleguy.com/articles.html

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Weisman Art Museum

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

The Minnesota State Capital

Minnehaha Depot

Como Zoo Conservatory

Farmers Market

Apple Orchard http://www.orangepippin.com/orchards/united-states/minnesota 

Como Park Zoo

I have lived in MN my whole life and had never been to the Como Zoo. For some reason field trips always took me to the Minnesota Zoo. We had a free weekend so we figured we would check it out. They have parking all over the place, along with a free shuttle from the State Fair grounds. If you get there early enough, you can park on the grounds. When I say early, I'm talking within the first hour of it opening.

As far as zoo's go, this one was good for it's variety of different animals, but it lacked the space for the animals themselves. The gorilla enclosure seemed spacious and it looked like they did a lot to keep them entertained. Right across from them is a zebra enclosure that was more of a coral. Because the zoo is free to the public, it relies a lot on donations and therefore has limited resources to make it more like home. Keeping this all in mind, my daughter and I still had a great time. We were finally able to see the trifecta (liens and tigers and bears) all in one zoo.

Because of the way the zoo is laid out, you can see a lot of the animals without glass in between you or a fence. This can be kind of cool but kind of scary at the same time. It made for some good pictures though. It was fun to see some of the animals that you don't normally get to see at the MN Zoo.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

On the third thursday of the month the Landscape Arboretum is free after 4pm. During the off season they are open a little more often. One of the things we love to do is the 3 mile drive that takes you through all kinds of gardens and different things to look at. They are also changing things all them time and things come into bloom at different times so you will have a new experience every time you go there. 

Taking a break at one of the many dead ends.

It was so hot today so we decided to have a picnic at the shady tree stop. It was great. The only problem is when we left the shade trees, it was so hot. The heat index was 100 degrees so we didn't stay as long as we would have liked in the other areas to explore. Becca found some little houses to check out and we did the hedge maze. If you have never been in a good maze, this is a great one. We took turns leading and we found about every wrong turn possible. Unlike the corn maze, you can't see through the hedge to know your heading the wrong way. Don't worry, they have exits located all over the maze if you want to give up. :) 

Hedge Maze

Milk Carton Boat Races

The Milk Carton races were listed on someones 50 Must See list for actives in the Twin Cities so I had to check them out. Each team is given milk cartons to create their float. (Originally racers had to save up used cartons) I know what your thinking, kids taking a milk carton, adding a sale and floating it down a stream. Not even close, they put 6+ people in their boats race in the lake. They are judges on speed and creativity. The winners of the speed competition were the "Moo" team. We didn't stay to find out the official winers of the creative competition, but I'm giving it to the VOA team. There were some close calls, but all teams managed to stay in their boats while we were there.




























 I'm thinking in a couple years, it will be me out there :)

Winners for fastes boat

Best Float

Right next to the Milk Carton races were the sandcastle competition. They were just starting to work on everything but there were some cool things taking shape. 

Hyland Park Play Area aka Shoots and Ladders

 Hyland Park Play area is a grea t place for your kids to let off some steam. I stopped by there after work with my daughter today and she had a great time. I was surprised by the amount of people there on the weekday. They had stuff her her age group all the way up to older kids. The main play structor with all the slides is only accessible through climbing up either a rope ladder or a rock wall. They do have a smaller roped section for littler kids to help get them used to everything. They have a spray/sprinkler section that kids can cool off in. The only thing the play structor is lacking is a traditional swing set. My daughter who is normal obsessed with them, didn't seem to care as soon as she saw the tier swings.

Things To Do In July

Here are some of the free event coming up in July for the Southwest Metro. Just about every city is doing their own special event for the 4th of July. Check out your local paper or cities website for more information. There is a lot going on this month with the Aquatenial. If you like parades, Hopkins has one of the biggest of the year. A lot of communities are doing music programs at different parks. If you know of any more things, please feel free to post them in the comments. 

Wednesday, July 3rd

Rockin’ at Round Lake

Improve Comedy

Eden Prairie

7pm and 8:30

http://www.stevierays.org/improv_comedy_shows.html 

Summer Fete

Independence Day Celebration with music and fireworks

Normandale Lake Bandshell

Bloomington

5pm

http://www.ci.bloomington.mn.us/cityhall/dept/commserv/parkrec/special_events/summer_fete/summer_fete.htm 

Saturday, July 6

Nature Rocks Out Door Center Open House

First Saturday of each month

Eden Prairie

9-12

http://www.edenprairie.org/index.aspx?page=17&recordid=1536 

Monday, July 9th

Kids Koncert: Kid Power with Rachel

Music and Live Animals

Plymouth

7pm

http://www.plymouthmn.gov/index.aspx?page=18&recordid=4584 

Thursday, July 11

Cool Kids Health and Safety Night

Petting Zoo, Magician, Police and Fire Vehicles

West End Shopping Center

St. Louis Park

4-8pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/531667160207981/ 

Friday, July 12

Nature Rocks! Outdoor Center Open House

Second Friday of each month

6-8pm

http://www.edenprairie.org/index.aspx?page=17&recordid=1636 

Prairie Fire Children’s Theater: Robin Hood

Plymouth

7pm

http://www.plymouthmn.gov/index.aspx?page=18&recordid=4577 

Saturday July 13

River Rats Water Ski Show Team

3pm & 7pm

Mississippi River, west bank along W.River Road between Broadway and Plymouth Ave

http://www.aquatennial.com/event/show/49387630?dy=13&mth=7&yr=2013 

Prairie Fire Children’s Theater: Robin Hood

Plymouth

2pm

http://www.plymouthmn.gov/index.aspx?page=18&recordid=4577 

Saturday July 13-14

Raspberry Festival Arts Festival

10-6 (Saturday)

10-5 (Sunday)

Hopkins

http://raspberrycapital.com/2013-events/arts-festival/

Sunday, July 14

Minneapolis Aquatennial

Milk Carton Boat Races 10-4

Sand Castle Competition 10-4

Ice Cream Social 1-5

More info about all of their events can be found at: 

http://www.aquatennial.com/page/show/246702-family 

Wednesday, July 17

Torchlight Parade

Minneapolis Aquatennial

8:30-10:30pm

http://www.aquatennial.com/event/show/46408137 

Water Ski Show: Prior Lake Water Ski Team

Plymouth

7pm

http://www.plymouthmn.gov/index.aspx?page=18&recordid=4430 

Thursday, July 18 

MN Landscape Arboretum

Free after 4pm

Friday, July 19-20

Duk Duk Daze

New Hope

Rides/Kiddie Parade/Bingo

http://dukdukdaze.com/resources/2013+DukDukDaze+Schedule.pdf

Saturday July 20

Art Car Parade

Lyndale Park Rose Garden at Lake Harriet

6pm

http://www.artcarparade.com 

Sunday July 21

Grade Day Parade (One the biggest in the cities)

Hopkins 

1pm

http://raspberrycapital.com/2013-events/grande-day-parade/

Raspberry Festival Family Day

Hopkins

9-4pm

http://raspberrycapital.com/2013-events/family-day/

Children’s Museum

Free every Third Sunday

St. Paul

http://www.mcm.org/visitor-information/admission/target-free-3rd-sundays/ 

Stevie Rays’ Comedy Cabaret

Eden Prairie

7pm

http://www.stevierays.org/improv_comedy_shows.html 

Saturday July 27

Blood on the Tracks Live

Tribute to the music of Bob Dylan

St. Louis Park

6:30

http://www.stlouispark.org/events-calendar/682_ci.html 

Free things every day

Hyland Park Play Area, Bloomington

Visit the Elf House at Lake Harriet http://mrlittleguy.com/articles.html

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Weisman Art Museum

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

The Minnesota State Capital

Minnehaha Depot

Como Zoo Conservatory

Minnesota Children's Museum

The Minnesota Children's Museum is free every Third Sunday of the month. It's costs $4 for the first 3 hours to park and they ask for a donation to the museum when you get there. I recommend that you get there early because of the crowds on free day. If you take a look at their webpage, they have a listing of last years attendance on the free days. We decided to figure out the best times to go there. We were able to walk right in and do all of the activities. It was well worth the drive to St. Paul.

My little one had so much fun there playing in the bubbles and all of the other hands on activities. They had costumes you can dress up in at each of the play areas and even got to see Dora the Explorer. The actives ranged for small toddlers to older kids as well. The have different projects you can with the kids too. We will defiantly be back.

To check out the information about their free day and get directions, check out their website at http://www.mcm.org/visitor-information/admission/target-free-3rd-sundays/

Roof Top Garden

Who doesn't like a good tub of bubbles?

Parktacular 2013

Parktacular in St. Louis Park was a lot of fun this year. They had a parade with lots of fun floats, food to checkout and great kids activities. They have things to do at night as well like a live band and bingo. My two year old got tons of candy at the parade and even some garlic (thanks Pizza Luce).

http://www.parktacular.org/index.html

 

The Force Showed Up :)

Along with the Dark Side

Things To Do In June

Here are some of the free event coming up in June for the Southwest Metro. In addition to some of the city wide events, Farmers Markets are in full swing this month. Below are a list of the markets in Town. If you know of any more, please feel free to post them in the comments. 

Saturday, June 8

National Get Outdoors Days

Free Admission to All Minnesota State Parks

(Fort Senlling)

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/getoutdoorsday.html 

Sunday, June 9

Parade of Boats

Centenial Lakes, Edina

11am

free

http://www.edinamodelyachtclub.org/article_event.asp?id=59 

June 14-16

“Carnival” Musical Performance

7pm

Eden Prairie

http://www.edenprairieplayers.com/carnival.htm 

Saturday, June 15

Parktacular

Free

http://www.parktacular.org/specialevents.html 

Sunday, June 16

Children's Museum

Free every 3rd Sunday of the Month

Thursday, June 20

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Free after 4:30

June 20-23

“Carnival” Musical Performance

7pm

Eden Prairie

http://www.edenprairieplayers.com/carnival.htm 

Saturday, June 22

Summer Festival, Ice Cream Social

Minnetonka

Free

http://eminnetonka.com/news.cfm?story_id=SummerFestival20130622 

Other Things to Check out

Hyland Park Play Area, Bloomington (must see)

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Weisman Art Museum

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

The Minnesota State Capital

Minnehaha Depot

Como Zoo Conservatory

Farmers Markets

Mainstreet Days

Once the weather cleared up, the afternoon turned out to be a great day for Mainstreet Days in Hopkins. The town blocks out half of main street for this event, filled with different crafters and food vendors. In addition, they had a street magician for the kids along with balloon animals and of course pony rides. We had a great time just getting out and enjoying some of the good weather.

Vehicle Day

Today was Vehicle day in Edina. They brought out all of the cities different vehicles that they use for the kids to check out. Becca had a great time looking and playing in all the different trucks. Not only did she get to play in all of the equipment, she got to meet some nice police and fire men and women. While we wished the weather would have been a little nicer, it didn't seem to effect anyones fun. I would defiantly recommend anyone with small children to check one of these out in your town.

Busted...

The newest member of the volunteer fire department