Minneapolis, MN

Visit the Mall of America and learn why it's so much more than just a mall. With dozens of restaurants, a movie theater, and attractions like the Nickelodeon Universe theme park and Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, the mall is the perfect place to spend a day having fun with the family.

Address: 60 East Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425 - MAP
Phone: (952) 883-8800
Web: www.mallofamerica.com

Head to Lake Calhoun for some fun in the sun. Splash around in the lake with the kids, canoe together, watch the kids from a distance as you windsurf or even teach them how to ride - that's just the tip of the iceberg for family fun at the lake. If you're looking to stay dry, take a scenic walk around the lake. Whatever you do, don't forget the sunscreen!

Address: 3000 Calhoun Pkwy., Minneapolis, MN 55408 - MAP
Phone: (612) 230-6400
Web: www.minneapolisparks.org

Hang out with monkeys, flamingos, tigers, moose, and crocodiles at the Minnesota Zoo. While strolling through the exhibits, you'll see about 4,000 animals - sounds like a daunting task but you'll be having a blast and at the end of the day, you'll be wondering where the time went! There is so much to learn about the animals at the zoo, making the visit an educational and fun experience.

Address: 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley, MN 55124 - MAP
Phone: (952) 431-9200
Web: www.mnzoo.com

Get a closer look at the creatures of the ocean at the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium. While peeking in the tanks, you'll see jellyfish, clownfish, sharks, stingrays, seahorses, octopuses, sea turtles, and much more. Be sure to visit the touch tanks for a hands on experience, and walk through the ocean tunnel - it allows you to get a look at ocean life from the inside, out!

Address: Mall of America, 120 East Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425 - MAP
Phone: (952) 883-0202
Web: www.visitsealife.com

Be ready for some wet and wild fun at Valleyfair Amusement Park & Soak City. Stay dry on roller coasters like Steel Venom with face-melting speed, scream while being launched in the air by the Power Tower, or brave the tides of the wave pool at Soak City. The park has plenty of family and kiddie rides so that the whole family can have fun, from the toddlers to the thrill seekers.

Address: One Valleyfair Dr., Shakopee, MN 55379 - MAP
Phone: (952) 445-6500
Web: www.valleyfair.com

Find out why Parents Magazine voted the Minnesota Children's Museum as one of the top ten children's museums in the nation. Visit the museum and let the kids explore nature, the arts,culture, science, and more through hands-on exhibits.

Address: 10 West Seventh Street, St. Paul, MN 55102 - MAP
Phone: (651) 225-6000
Web: www.mcm.org