Fun Activities for the Whole Family to Enjoy in the Twin Cities and Rochester

Are you looking for new ways to keep your kids entertained without ending up bored yourself? The Twin Cities are full of kid-friendly activities that the whole family can enjoy. Some of them even manage to sneak in a little education! Here are some of our favorite venues for family fun.

Minnesota Children's Museum
10 W. Seventh Street
St. Paul

Your kids will be having so much fun that they won't even realize they're getting an education. The Museum's philosophy is that early learning sets the stage for a lifetime love of learning. Permanent exhibits use games and other interactive activities to educate kids about their local community and the world around them. Don't miss the Rooftop ArtPark, where kids can express and develop their creative nature. The Museum opens at 9 a.m. seven days a week.

The Raptor Center
1920 Fitch Avenue
St. Paul

Residents of the Center are not quite Jurassic Park-level, but both you and your kids will be in awe of the falcons, hawks and owls who live here. The Center is run by the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, and each year they nurse more than 700 sick and injured raptors back to health. Tours run every 30 minutes except for Mondays and during spring and fall they offer programs for pre-schoolers.

Vertical Endeavors
2540 Nicollet Avenue S.
Minneapolis

Weather is too nasty to play outdoors? No problem! The whole family will have fun building their skills at this indoor rock-climbing facility. The Minneapolis location is one of the largest climbing venues in the country, with approximately 28,000 square feet of climbing surfaces. Individual and family lessons are available along with clinics focusing on specific aspects of the sport. If you really get the climbing bug, sign up for one of the outdoor climbing days.

Children's Theatre Company
2400 - 3rd Avenue S.
Minneapolis

Your kids will enjoy unique exposure to the performing arts at this facility dedicated to "theatre experiences that educate, challenge and inspire young people." The calendar includes stagings of such popular stories as "The Wizard of Oz," "Akeelah and the Bee" and "Diary of a Wimpy Kid." If you have a budding Meryl Streep or Tom Hanks in your family, the Company offers classes and camps.

Mayo Field
403 E. Center Street
Rochester

Mayo Field in downtown Rochester is home to the Honkers, a college-level team in the Northwoods League, and the Royals, an amateur Class-B team in the Southern Minny League. At the Honkers' games, kids can get their picture taken with their mascot, Slider, and the whole family will enjoy promotions like Super Hero Night and Fireworks Extravaganza.

Do you have any family-favorite activities to add to the list? Share them with us in the comments!