Rock Star Parenting
11 Outings That Are Sure To Impress The Kids
Candy Stop
Take your kids on a dream trip to the wonderful treat-filled world of Alix in Candyland. Or on a nostalgic trip to old-fashioned Sugar Sugar, with its neatly lined-up jars of goodies. Then find a place to burn off all that sugar on page 52. 5400 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-915-1100, alixincandyland.com; 3803 Grand Ave. S., Mpls., 612-823-0261, sugar-sugarcandy.com
Fashion Show
You’ve done the American Girl store, the café, and the beauty parlor, but have you hit the fashion show? Held by the Junior League of Minneapolis at the Edina Country Club March 2–4, the show features local girls (ages 5–12) and dolls showing off the latest in American Girl fashion. Reservations required. Edina Country Club, 5100 Wooddale Ave., Edina, jlminneapolis.org
Waterpark Sleepover
Break up winter with an overnight at Waterpark of America. There’s a zero-depth activity pool for the babes, a 10-story slide, tubing, and a wave pool, plus hot tubs, cocktails, and a spa at the hotel. 1700 American Blvd. E., Bloomington, 952-229-5753, waterparkofamerica.com
Fancy Dinner
Take your little one to La Belle Vie Lounge to celebrate a good grade or other accomplishment. You’ll spend a pretty penny, but your kid will feel like a million bucks when you treat him or her to a night at one of the nicest places in town (and LBV mixes a mean Shirley Temple). 510 Groveland Ave., Mpls., 612-874-6440,labellevie.us
Drive-In Dinner
With its Jetsons style, Galaxy Drive In has the kids begging you to pull over for burgers and fries. Indulge them by also ordering a s’mores kit and roasting marshmallows at a fire pit just outside your car. It’s not your average weeknight dinner. 3712 Quebec Ave. S., St. Louis Park, 952-277-7777, galaxy-drivein.com
Family Matinee
The vintage Riverview Theater offers family films daily. Two bucks gets you in, and there’s real buttered popcorn (at vintage sizes and for a vintage price) waiting for you and the kids inside. Take them on a Saturday or Sunday morning or, for a true break from the routine, leave work early and head to a 5 pm weekday show. 3800 42nd Ave. S., Mpls., 612-729-7369, riverviewtheater.com
Walk Under the Stars
When the moon is nearly full in February, the Dodge Nature Center hosts a guided snowshoe trek through the woods, lit only by the orb above. Recommended for ages 5 and older. Pre-registration required. 6:30 pm. 365 Marie Ave. W., St. Paul, 651-455-4531, dodgenaturecenter.org
Rock Out
It’s a wild and crazy scene at Rock the Cradle on Feb. 26, a music-meets-art event where kids can listen to loud music and bust their moves on a crowded dance floor. Think of it as their version of a U2 concert, and you won’t mind the mob scene as much. (Tip: Leave the stroller at home.) 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls., 612-870-3000, artsmia.org
High Tea
Treat your little gal like Eloise with a real tea party in the lobby of the St. Paul Hotel. The next tea is on March 11—reservations recommended. 350 Market St., St. Paul, 651-228-3860, saintpaulhotel.com
Train Stop
If your kids have trains on the brain, make a beeline to Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store. Kids can play for as long as they want at train tables set up in back, and benches are provided for parents. 2050 Marshall Ave., St. Paul, 651-646-5252, choochoobobs.com
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