You can let your wild ones run free at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Admission is free, although donations are suggested. See exhibits and attractions that house the big cats, the primates, the exotic birds, the hoofed creatures, the wild wolves and even polar bears. Head over to the Conservatory afterward to see, smell and possibly taste plants from all over the world.
Hidden in the four-acres beside the zoo, Como Town is a lesser-known attraction in Como Park but an excellent one for children between the ages 2 and 12. This amusement park offers rides such as a carousel, bumper cars, a Tilt-A-Whirl and more! In addition to the rides and Splash Zone, Como Town offers carnival games, puppet shows and other family-fun.
The kids will feel like children in a...well, a toy store when you take them to Creative Kidstuff. This unique toy store sells useful, durable and educational toys that will quickly become a child’s favorite. Browse through the selection of creative, original and non-mass market toys for the perfect gift. If you are young or young at heart, come in and play!
Visit the site of the Hopewell Native American burial grounds. Indian Mounds Park is home to the remaining 6 prehistoric mounds in the Saint Paul area, since the rest were destroyed as the town was developed. These burial mounds are protected for their historical significance, although you can picnic or play at the nearby playgrounds.
Stop by the cultural center for music, dance, theater, exhibitions and other special events. The Landmark Center is the most well known entertainment venue in Saint Paul, and has been a vital part of the city since it was built in 1902. Originally a post office and courthouse, this historic building plays a major role in the Saint Paul arts scene.
Bring the kids out to a place where they can touch, climb, splash, crawl, push, pull and press everything in sight. The Minnesota Children’s Museum offers fun-filled, hands-on exhibitions and attractions that allow children to explore and learn about the world by playing. Children can learn about the natural world, other cultures, history and art at the different galleries.
View the Minnesota Historical Society’s collection of art, archaeological artifacts, documents, books and other attractions at the Minnesota History Center. This museum and library house the largest amount of materials regarding the state’s past. Learn about the history of Minnesota, or simply stop by for one of the many performances or other special events hosted in this large facility.
Admire the masterpieces of artists from both the past and the present at the Minnesota Museum of American Art. See a collection of permanent and traveling exhibits and attractions dedicated to unleashing and revealing the creative potential of the community, featuring American art from the 19th century to the present.
Located in the Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe offers a variety of entertainment based on your favorite Nickelodeon shows and characters. Go head over heels at attractions like the Spongebob Squarepants Rock Bottom Plunge, let your rugrats race in the Raptormobiles or challenge yourself on the Flying Dutchman Ghostly Gangplank Ropes and Adventure Course, the highest Sky Trail in the world.
Whether you are looking for a wedding venue, the right spot to propose or just looking for a romantic first date, head over to Rice Park. The tranquil fountain and lovely landscaping create a peaceful, lovely mood—and is even more romantic in the evening or at night. Take a walk along the pathways or have a seat on one of the benches.
Listen to a delightful performance by the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, America’s only full-time professional chamber orchestra. One of the finest in the world, this versatile chamber orchestra presents over 130 concerts and educational events annually. You may also have a chance to catch the orchestra in other cities since the world-renown SPCO tours both nationally and internationally.
Turn on the science at the Science Museum of Minnesota, where educational and interactive exhibits and attractions teach about technology, natural history, physical science and more! Travel back in time at the Dinosaur and Fossils Gallery, see what’s really on the inside at the Human Body Gallery, play mini-golf to learn about erosion in the Big Back Yard, and much, much more.
If you love either sports or music, chances are good that the Xcel Energy Center will be hosting a performance you won’t want to miss. This multipurpose arena offers four spectator levels and can seat approximately 18,000. This popular venue is home to the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and the NLL’s Minnesota Swarm, as well as a regular host for nationally popular musical artists and other entertainment attractions.