Kid/Family Stuff

Birthday Party
Tap the pros at the Science Museum of Minnesota for your next kiddy party. They’ll take care of everything—activities, cake, drinks, a private room, even the invites. Preschoolers will love Dinomania, Wizard’s Lab is for ’tweens, and those fussy preteens will get a charge out of the Storm Chaser theme. $215 for nonmembers/$175 for members; covers ten kids and four adults. 651-221-4571 [top]

Book Store
Find everything for the young reader at Grand Avenue’s friendly favorite, Red Balloon Bookshop, from a great array of the best children’s books and music to author appearances and special events. 891 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-224-8320 [top]

Good Deal
Launched by Macy’s in September, the Museum Adventure Pass gets metro public library cardholders into seventeen Twin Cities museums for free. And the pass is good for adults as well as kids. Available at public libraries and bookmobiles. [top]

Resort
Yes, at Ludlow’s there are paddleboats, kayaks, sailboats, fishing boats, grills, dishwashers, tennis and racquetball courts, nature trails, fishing guides, and massage therapists—even rides in an amphibious car and a seaplane. But what really makes this three-generation, family-operated Lake Vermilion landmark special is that kids can roam free and safely on the small island—in, arguably, Minnesota’s most beautiful lake. Opens again in May. 877-583-5697 [top]

Toy Store
A good old-fashioned toy store, Creative Kidstuff is not too big, not too small, and it keeps up with what’s fresh, innovative, educational, and fun. Plus, for shoppers on the go, CK’s signature gift-wrapping never gets old. Five metro locations, including the original site in Linden Hills, 4313 Upton Ave. S., Mpls., 612-927-0653 [top]

Water Park
Not content to be home to America’s largest mall, Bloomington has erected Water Park of America, which boasts 75,000 square feet, a resort hotel, and the “world’s tallest indoor water slide” that’s ten stories high and elevator-accessible. 1700 American Blvd. E., Bloomington, 952-854-8900 [top]