My kids and I are big fans of the Children’s Museum, the Works Museum, and other areas that let kids stretch their imaginations and expand their critical thinking skills through hands-on play. But the unfortunate thing about most of those great attractions in the Twin Cities is that they take so long to get to!
For us, the library in Brooklyn Park is like an oasis in the desert. It’s located fewer than 20 miles from STMA, so if you jump on highway 610, you can get there in about 20–25 minutes. It’s a perfect place to visit all year round, but especially in the winter or on those rainy days when you just need a colorful place to play.
The play area is set up in the center of the library, with the shelves of books and the computer area surrounding it. Unlike some libraries where I feel like I have to keep shushing my kids every time they make a sound, here the kids’ play area was more or less the star attraction, and no one seemed to mind all the running, giggling preschoolers.
There are about a dozen different hands-on activities for kids to engage in, from magnetic shape tiles to an interactive microscope and a giant play house. Most of the activities give kids experience with STEM concepts, while others encourage exploration in reading and pretend play.
My daughter kept running from station to station trying out everything, while my son fixated on the giant wall-sized Lite-Brite (pictured above). We could’ve played here for hours, especially if we came in time for the library’s story time as well.
Have you been here? Tell us about it in the comments.
My recommended age range for the play area is 1 to 8.
Visit the library website (link) for location and hours.
Don’t forget to pin this post!
Ahhhhh, springtime! Spring is hands-down my favorite time of the year. Maybe it’s because winter in Minnesota is just so long, but everything about the coming of spring excites me!
And for our family, a sure sign of spring is when the Little Library boxes begin to appear around town.
The goal of the Little Free Libraries is to inspire a love of reading and build community through the free exchange of books. It’s very simple… take a book, leave a book! Or, borrow a book for awhile, and bring it back when you’re done.
Many of the boxes in our area were put in by the STMA Rotary and STMA School District, but a few were put up by individuals, Girl Scout troops, and even neighborhoods.
You’ll find lots to enjoy inside these literary treasure chests, including books for kids of all ages.
Here’s a list of some of the little library locations around town. (Click a location to view map)
- Highwoods Park (St. Michael)
- Gutzwiller Park (St. Michael)
- Walnut Park (St. Michael)
- 57th Street, across from the Albertville Fire Department
- Large Ave NE, by Travel Leaders (Albertville)
- Laketowne Drive neighborhood (Albertville)
- Berningwood neighborhood (St. Michael)
- 13655 50th St NE, near Big Woods (St. Michael)
- Quale Ave NE (St. Michael)
Which Little Free Library location do you love to visit? Share your favorite in the comments below.
This summer, STMA Community Ed is hosting Preschool Getaway for the little ones ages 3 through 5.
If you have kids who are going into preschool or kindergarten in the fall, this is a great opportunity for them to have fun and keep their minds engaged during the summer, while also helping them learn the routines and expectations for school.
There are sessions offered in June and July, each one with a morning or afternoon option, and the cost for each session is $125. Check out the flyer below for more info, and then register online at stma.ce.eleyo.com.
Do you ever have one of those days where you just NEED your kids to occupy themselves for a half hour during the day while you drink your coffee and catch up on some e-mails? Or one of those evenings where you want to let Dad put the kids to bed while you escape to enjoy a glass of wine and a book by the fireplace? What if I told you that you could find BOTH of these at the same place?!
Dunn Brothers Coffee in St. Michael is quickly becoming my favorite place in the area to grab a treat, especially on an evening out with a friend or even by myself. (Helloooo, “me” time!) In addition to a full menu of coffees, teas, smoothies, and specialty drinks, Dunn has a bar area serving a variety of craft beers and wine. If food is what you’re looking for, you’ll find breakfast items, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and pizzas.
BUT… I also mentioned keeping the kids busy during the day, didn’t I? Check this out…
See that? That’s a kid-sized table, and a shelf stocked with a variety of toys, games, coloring books, and more to keep kids occupied while you take a few minutes to yourself.
A few more “perks” (pun totally intended) of this Dunn Bros location:
- Plenty of cozy seating throughout, including several tables on the patio
- Reservable meeting room that’ll seat eight people comfortably
- Drive-thru for when you’re in a hurry and/or don’t want to unload the kids
Dunn Brothers is open until 9 p.m. every day except Sunday. Make sure to also check out the rewards app and the happy hour specials on both drinks and small plates!
Use this link to sign up for the rewards program, and you’ll get $2 free to use
on your next purchase! https://www.thelevelup.com/c/EM-AV3JNCP561
(Full disclosure: I’ll also receive $2. Thanks!)
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Website: st-michael.dunnbrothers.com | Facebook: facebook.com/dunnbrotherscoffeestmichael
The summer 2017 community education brochure is finally out, and there are so many fun activities going on in the St. Michael–Albertville area this summer.
Check out the brochure (linked below) for info on sports, swim lessons, creative classes, preschool activities, and more.
