We asked readers of our weekly e-newsletter, Minnesota Parent This Week, to share their own hidden Twin Cities gems.
Elm Creek Park in Maple Grove: great swimming and playground, wonderful park/grilling area.
— Jeremy Hawley, Milaca
The Mall of America’s Sea Life season pass is so worth it. It costs the same as going one time! The secret is going during the week after school. If you go on Wednesdays the Rainforest Cafe has free dinner for kids after 5 p.m. Then we go to the Dollar Tree store right above Underwater World, where everything really is $1 and I am not broke in the process.
— Nora Wilmot, Minneapolis
The Merriam Park library’s playroom.
— Virginie Sanchez, Minneapolis
My family’s favorite hidden Twin Cities gem is the balance log at the Dodge Nature Center in West St. Paul. It’s a long log, with one end placed between a tree shaped like a Y and the other end on the floor. We hug in the middle of the log and then turn upside down and hang down like a koala. The fun part is trying to hang on as long as we can until we fall flat on our backs or on our feet.
— Khandy Vongxay, West St. Paul
My husband and son love riding their bikes to Midwest Mountaineering and climbing on the bouldering walls. It’s great exercise, time together, and it’s free!
— Stacy Miller, Minneapolis
Butter Bakery Café. Great breakfast at reasonable prices and a $5 kids menu!
— Angela Bortel, Minneapolis
We enjoy hiking the river bottoms near the Old Cedar Bridge. We sure hope this historic bridge can one day be repaired, reopened and maintained for families to enjoy access to the river trails for exploring, running, biking, and bird watching.
— Anita Hoaglund, Bloomington
Chatterbox or Italian Pie Shoppe to play board games and eat pizza!
— Telesha Klee, Minneapolis
The kids and I love Pioneer Park in Stillwater. It has awesome play structures for all skill levels and plenty of shade. It also overlooks the St. Croix River and the lift bridge, so it is a scenic spot for pictures and picnics.
— Tanya Gerald, Stillwater
The Minneapolis Heritage Trail, including St. Anthony falls and biking around Nicollet Island. It is old and new together and St. Anthony Falls in the springtime is amazing!
— Wini Froelich, Brooklyn Park
Geocaching virtually anywhere. The nature centers in the Maplewood/Oakdale area also offer great programs for all kids and the entire family.
— Sharon Mott, Maplewood
Midtown Global Market: great for kids and adults and frequently has live music that the kids can dance to while the parents eat and talk!
— Grant Spickelmier, Richfield
Gale Woods Farm: awesome programs and an amazingly beautiful setting.
— Ann McNeil, Minnetonka
