Macaroni Kid
Farmington-Lakeville-Apple Valley
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Welcome to Macaroni Kid!


The best resource in the area for family-friendly events & activites!

Proudly serving Farmington, Lakeville, Apple Valley and surrounding communities!

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What's in this week's Edition:

Articles
- Picadilly Circus is in Town!
- Visit Your Local Farmers' Markets This Summer!
- YMCA Twin Cities
- Macaroni Kid Cares: Wildlife Weekend
- Macaroni Made: Moon Dough
- Macaroni Kid Featured Summer Camps

Calendar of Events
- This Week's Calendar
- Teen Scene
- Plan Ahead

Other Articles & Directories
- Kids Eat Free Directory
- 51 Fun Things to do in the Twin Cities
- Business Directory
- Contact Me

Socialize with us too - for the latest info & interaction between publications (and great giveaways)! 

    

As you find more and more to do in our community, I hope you will help me get the word out by passing your newsletter on to friends and family and encouraging them to subscribe. 

Lastly, if you have questions, event information, advertising opportunities or product review ideas please contact me at mariannea@macaronikid.com

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Piccadilly Circus is in Town!


May 18th - 20th at the Aldrich Arena in Maplewood

The Piccadilly Circus is coming to Maplewood this weekend! From May 18th - 20th Aldrich Arena will be full of  families gearing up to see whats in store! 


The Piccadilly Circus has been entertaining familes for 25 years now so they know exactly what the crowd wants! They're ready to make your jaw drop and heart beat with excitement as you watch the variety throughout the show! Clowns, White Tiger Spectacular, Contortionists, and of course no circus would be complete without the ever so popular Elephant Extravaganza! Meet Katunga, the ...

Visit Your Local Farmers' Markets This Summer!


A Macaroni Kid Guide To Local Farmers' Markets

Most of us can't wait to shop the bounties of the season - fresh-picked, locally grown berries, tomatoes, greens, melons, herbs, flowers, meat & eggs, maple syrup, baked goods and much more!

St. Paul Farmers' Market In Apple Valley
  • Location: 7100 W. 147th Street, Apple Valley 55124
  • Runs: June 16 - October 27, 2012
  • When: Saturdays, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

St. Paul Farmers' Market In Lakeville
  • Location: Market Plaza - Holoyoke Ave. & 208th St. in Downtown Lakeville
  • Runs: Wednesdays, June 13 - October 31 & Saturdays, June 23 - October 13
  • When: Wednesdays from ...

YMCA Twin Cities


Day Camps, Overnight Camps & Teen Wilderness Camps

THE Y CAMP EXPERIENCE

At the Y, we believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Y camps share one thing: DISCOVERY. Campers have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories. And, of course, camp is fun too!

Our commitment to nurturing the potential of children and teens, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility come alive at YMCA camps. For over 125 years, our camps ...


Macaroni Kid Cares


Wildlife Weekend

Join the movement! Macaroni Kid is helping Dawn educate more than 2 million kids this spring about the issues affecting wildlife, from oil spills to backyard ecosystems. Check out the FREE, downloadable lesson plans and experiments for teachers and parents. The fun doesn't end in the classroom – you'll also find FREE "Wildlife Weekend" family activities that you can do in your own backyard.

To continue Dawn's 30+ year commitment to preserving wildlife, Dawn worked with their partners at The Marine Mammal Center and International Bird Rescue to ...

Macaroni Made


Moon Dough

I found this recipe for moon dough/cloud dough on Pinterest! It peaked my interest so we spent an afternoon playing in it.  It's really easy to make and both of my kids had a ball playing in the stuff. This could also be a great activity one day on Spring Break!

What you need:

  • 8-16 cups of flour
  • 1-2 cups of baby oil
  • plastic bin
  • toys!

 

What you do:

Dump the flour in your plastic bin. I used 16 cups for my 2 little ones and it was ...


Macaroni Kid Featured Summer Camps


Macaroni Kid Approved Camps For Kids of All Ages

If you’re like me, you are looking forward to Summer! Especially with this wonderful weather we've been having lately! Bring on the green grass and the Summer Activities! Time to start planning ahead and figuring out what your kids are going to be doing this summer!

Summer Camp season is right around the corner and Now is the time to get them registered! Camp can provide an experience to your kids that they couldn't get at home or school. It can be an amazing opportunity for them ...


This Week's Calendar:


May 19th through May 25th

Saturday, May 19 - Eagan 5K Your Way Activity Festival

Celebrate being active at this new community event featuring a do-at-your-own pace 5K (3.1 mile) that you can bike, roller blade, run or walk.  The festival atmosphere with music, healthy snacks and activities for all ages promotes active living in Eagan.  This event replaces the former Eagan Fun Run.
Where: Eagan Festival Grounds at Central Park, 1501 Central Parkway
When: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Register at the event.
Cost: $20/person or $45/family
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Saturday, May 19 - Free Family Flicks

Movie: Chicken Run - The entire family can enjoy select movies for FREE every Saturday.
Where: Theater at Mall of America
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Families
How: First-come, first-served as seating is limited to the theatre capacity.
Cost: FREE
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Saturday, May 19 - Waggin' Tales

There aren't many things that beat reading to man's best friend. Bring your kids into the library to read to certified therapy dogs. It's not only fun, but it helps develop reading skills and fluency.
Where: Dakota County Library at Apple Valley (Galaxie)
When: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Ages: 5-10
How: Just Show Up
Cost: FREE
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Saturday, May 19 - Waggin' Tales

There aren't many things that beat reading to man's best friend. Bring your kids into the library to read to certified therapy dogs. It's not only fun, but it helps develop reading skills and fluency.
Where: Dakota County Library at Farmington
When: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Ages: 5-10
How: Just Show Up
Cost: FREE
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Sunday, May 20 - Holz Farm Spring Festival

Visit Holz Farm Spring Festival for an afternoon of farm fun on Sunday, May 20 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Hay rides, pony rides, farm activities and entertainment make this an event for all ages.  Arbor Day festivities include poster winner announcement and community planting activity.
Where: Historic Holz Farm, 4665  Manor Drive.
When: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just Show Up
Cost: Free admission.  You will be able to purchase tickets at the event for kids activities and concessions.
For more info: (651) 675-5500.
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Sunday, May 20 - Ride for the Greenways 2012

Join Bike Friendly Apple Valley, Valley Bike & Ski, HaveFunBiking.com, The City of Rosemount, Dakota County and The City of Apple Valley for a Community Ride with a purpose, to promote the development of Bike Greenways and Bike friendly sustainable communities we can all enjoy and share. We will start and finish at the Minnesota Zoo Puma Picnic Area and will ride through Apple Valley and Rosemount. Helmets required for all riders. Food and drinks provided at the start, finish and at rest stops along the way. There will be a family ride of about 11 miles as well as a street ride of about 30 miles for more advanced riders. Ride with us!
Where: Minnesota Zoo, start and finish at the Puma Picnic Area
When: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: Families
Cost: Early Registration Fee $15 Individual/$25 Family
For more info: 952-953-2300
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Monday, May 21 - Parent/Tot Open Gym

Provides children ages five and under an opportunity for recreational playtime in the gymnasium. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in order to participate in this drop-in program. The Parks and Recreation Department provides balls and other fun play equipment.  Supervision of children during tot open gym is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
Where: Rosemount Community Center, 13885 South Robert Trail, Rosemount, MN  55068
When: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Ages 5 and under.
How: Just Show Up
Cost: FREE
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Monday, May 21 - Preschool Open Gym

Preschoolers can run off some energy, play with other kids, and develop motor skills & coordination.  Tumbling mats, mini basketball hoops, various sizes of balls and other fun stuff are available.  All preschoolers must be accompanied & supervised by a parent or guardian.  Kids must wear sneakers in the gym; no street shoes or bare feet.  If snacks or drinks are brought, they must be consumed in the main lobby.
Where: Apple Valley Community Center, 14603 Hayes Road, Apple Valley
When: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM (Held Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday)
Who: Ages 5 and under.
How: Just Show Up
Cost: FREE
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Monday, May 21 - Storytime for Babies

Stories, songs, bounces and playtime make this storytime perfect for children newborn to 24 months and their caregivers.
Where: Dakota County Library at Apple Valley (Galaxie)
When: 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Who: Ages: 0-2
How: Just Show Up
Cost: FREE
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Monday, May 21 - Storytime for Babies

Stories, songs, bounces and playtime make this storytime perfect for children newborn to 24 months and their caregivers.
Where: Dakota County Library at Apple Valley (Galaxie)
When: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Who: Ages: 0-2
How: Just Show Up
Cost: FREE
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Tuesday, May 22 - Preschool Playdate Tuesdays at the Science Museum

Preschool-age activities that keep little hands busy and little minds buzzing. Visit the exhibits, make your own take-home science experiment, enjoy preschool-perfect performances, demonstrations, discounts in the Explore Store and restaurants. (Additional fees apply)
Where: The Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W. Kellogg Boulevard in St. Paul
When: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Children under 5.
How: Just Show Up
Cost: No cost for children under 5, and regular admission rates for adults.
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Tuesday, May 22 - Toddler Tuesdays: Treasure Beyond Measure Pirate Show

When the greedy Capt’n Curley inherits his father’s pirate ship, he seeks to locate the world’s greatest treasure! Join this silly pirate as he recruits rookie pirates and embarks on an adventure filled with jokes, laughs and treasures! Shows at 10 and 11 a.m.
Where: Mall of America, Rotunda
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Families with toddlers
How: Just Show Up
Cost: FREE
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Tuesday, May 22 - Movies For Kids

Enjoy fun children's books in movie format.
Where: Dakota County Library at Apple Valley (Galaxie)
When: 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Who: Ages: 2-6
How: Just Show Up
Cost: FREE
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Tuesday, May 22 - Movies For Kids

Enjoy fun children's books in movie format.
Where: Dakota County Library at Apple Valley (Galaxie) 
When: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Ages: 2-6
How: Just Show Up
Cost: FREE
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Wednesday, May 23 - Parent/Tot Open Gym

An opportunity for recreational playtime with balls and other fun play equipment in the gymnasium.  Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Where: Rosemount Community Center, 13885 South Robert Trail, Rosemount
When: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Ages 5 and under.
How: Just Show Up
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Wednesday, May 23 - Preschool Open Gym

Preschoolers can run off some energy, play with other kids, and develop motor skills & coordination.  Tumbling mats, mini basketball hoops, various sizes of balls and other fun stuff are available.  All preschoolers must be accompanied & supervised by a parent or guardian.  Kids must wear sneakers in the gym; no street shoes or bare feet.  If snacks or drinks are brought, they must be consumed in the main lobby.
Where: Apple Valley Community Center, 14603 Hayes Road, Apple Valley
When: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Ages 5 and under.
How: Just Show Up
Cost: FREE
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Wednesday, May 23 - Storytime for 2s & 3s

Stories, rhymes, songs and activities selected to entertain and develop early literacy skills in toddlers.
Where: Dakota County Library at Lakeville (Heritage)
When: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Ages: 2-3
How: Just Show Up
Cost: FREE
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Wednesday, May 23 - Storytime for 4s, 5s & 6s

Books, music and movement to help build language and listening skills in preschoolers.
Where: Dakota County Library at Lakeville (Heritage)
When: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Ages: 4-6
How: Just Show Up
Cost: FREE
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Friday, May 25 - Preschool Open Gym

Preschoolers can run off some energy, play with other kids, and develop motor skills & coordination.  Tumbling mats, mini basketball hoops, various sizes of balls and other fun stuff are available.  All preschoolers must be accompanied & supervised by a parent or guardian.  Kids must wear sneakers in the gym; no street shoes or bare feet.  If snacks or drinks are brought, they must be consumed in the main lobby.
Where: Apple Valley Community Center, 14603 Hayes Road, Apple Valley, MN
When: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Ages 5 and under.
How: Just Show Up
Cost: FREE
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Friday, May 25 - IGM Gymnastics Morning Open Gym

IGM Gymnastics open gyms are fun and exciting for children of all ages. Children enjoy their free time dancing, climbing, and jumping on our Olympic-caliber Gymnova equipment. Each open gym is supervised to insure each child's safety. Parents/guardians of infants are welcome to participate.
Where: IGM Gymnastics, 14305 Southcross Dr W, Suite 120, Burnsville, MN 55306
When: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: 18 months - 6 years
How: Just Show Up
Cost: $7/child
For more info: www.igmgymnastics.com
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Friday, May 25 - Parent/Tot Open Gym

Provides children ages five and under an opportunity for recreational playtime in the gymnasium. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in order to participate in this drop-in program. The Parks and Recreation Department provides balls and other fun play equipment. Supervision of children during tot open gym is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
Where: Rosemount Community Center Gymnasium, 13885 South Robert Trail, Rosemount
When: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Ages 5 and under
How: Just Show Up
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Friday, May 25 - Movies For Kids

Enjoy fun children's books in movie format.
Where: Dakota County Library at Farmington
When: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Ages: 2-6
How: Just Show Up
Cost: FREE
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Friday, May 25 - Children's Storytime

Calling all kids! Please join us at the Apple Valley Barnes & Noble for Storytime on our stage in the Children's Department. We have fun with puppets and crafts and sometimes a character may stop by!
Where: Barnes & Noble, Fischer Marketplace, 14880 Florence Trail, Apple Valley, MN 55124
When: 11:00 AM
Who: All ages
How: Just Show Up
Cost: FREE
For more info: 952-997-8928
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Friday, May 25 - IGM Gymnastics Evening Open Gym

IGM Gymnastics open gyms are fun and exciting for children of all ages. Children enjoy their free time dancing, climbing, and jumping on our Olympic-caliber Gymnova equipment. Each open gym is supervised to insure each child's safety. Parents/guardians of infants are welcome to participate.
Where: IGM Gymnastics, 14305 Southcross Dr W, Suite 120, Burnsville, MN 55306
When: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Ages 5+
How: Just Show Up
Cost: $7/enrolled and $10/non-enrolled
For more info: www.igmgymnastics.com
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Teen Scene:


May 19th through May 24th

Saturday, May 19 - Teen Advisory Group (TAG)

Get involved. TAGs recommend books and music, help plan library programs and participate in community events and service projects.
Where: Dakota County Library at Apple Valley (Galaxie)
When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Teens
How: Just Show up
Cost: FREE
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Wednesday, May 23 - Sneaker Art with ArtStart

Bring your favorite pair of sneakers and work with an artist to transform them using paint, buttons, glue and thread. Supplies provided. Registration required. Registration opens two weeks prior to program date. A Minnesota Legacy program.
Where: Dakota County Library at Farmington
When: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Ages 12-18
Cost: Free, but registration is required.
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Thursday, May 24 - Teen Advisory Group (TAG)

Get involved. TAGs recommend books and music, help plan library programs and participate in community events and service projects.
Where: Dakota County Library at Lakeville (Heritage)
When: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Who: Teens
How: Just Show Up
Cost: FREE
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Plan Ahead:


June 3rd through June 23rd

Sunday, June 3 - Caponi Art Park Summer Concert Series

The First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band - The First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, a 45-piece concert band sponsored by the City of Edina, will perform a rousing old fashioned band concert in the park featuring songs by John Philip Sousa. The band's talented fife players and drummers will play prior to the concert at 5:45 p.m. Come early, stay late, meet the band, and bring the family.
Where: Caponi Art Park's Theater in the Woods, 1220 Diffley Road, Eagan  55123
When: 6:30 PM
Who: Families
How: Just Show Up.  Bring lawn chairs or a blanket to spread on the grassy slopes for an enjoyable evening at the Art Park.
Cost: Free, with a $5 per person suggested donation to support the program.
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Tuesday, June 5 - Caponi Art Park's Family Fun Tuesdays

Family Fun Tuesdays is a weekly summer-long children's series that provides families with opportunities to experience a variety of art forms, learn about world cultures and experience new ideas together. The series presents all forms of art from storytelling and puppetry to music and dance in the intimate atmosphere of the Sculpture Garden.
Where: Caponi Art Park Sculpture Garden, 1220 Diffley Road, Eagan, 55123
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Just Show Up
Cost: Free, with $4 per person suggested donation to support the program.
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Saturday, June 9 - Rhythm & Words Family Music and Book Festival

A free day of fun for kids age 10 and under, and their grown-ups. Attendees will discover tons of fun activities, including live music from The Okee Dokee Brothers, Laura Doherty and Clementown; appearances by authors Eric Litwin (Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes) and Stephen Shaskan (A Dog Is a Dog); a musical instrument petting zoo; presentations, performances and more. A Minnesota Legacy Program.
Where: Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville
When: 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Who: Families with kids age 10 and younger
How: Just Show Up
Cost: FREE
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Saturday, June 23 through Sunday, June 24 - Eagan Art Festival

A juried art show of 100 artists, this free art festival is one of the premier events offered south of the river!  Top notch entertainment, fun activities for kids and tasty treats!
Where: Eagan Community Center and Festival Grounds, 1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55121
When: Saturday, 9-5 and Sunday, 10-5
Who: Families
How: Just Show Up
Cost: FREE admittance
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51 Fun Things to do in the Twin Cities


Looking for something to do this weekend?  At MacKid, we want to make it easy for you; here is our list of great places to check out and family-friendly things to do in the Twin Cities.  

Visit the website links for more information. 

Have a favorite you think we should add to the list?  Let us know! 


Kids Eat FREE (or cheap)! Directory


Stretch Your Family Dollar As Far As Possible

Our very own LOCAL Kids Eat FREE (or Cheap) directory. 

 

Eating out with your entire family can certainly be pricey, but luckily, more and more restaurants are now offering Kid's Nights with reduced or free meals for the kids.

 

I will continue collecting and adding to this list of Family Friendly restaurants, but it's much easier with your help.  So please e-mail me info on any restaurants not yet listed that I can add for all to enjoy.

 

**Please call ahead to confirm that these offers are still ...


Macaroni Kid Business Directory



Suggestions, Feedback, Submit Events, etc.


We want to make sure that you've got the inside scoop here at Macaroni Kid, so please contact me if I've missed something important or if you know of an event that you'd like to see published in the newsletter.

For those of you who are new readers, I'm so glad you've found us!

I am the mother of a 6-year old and a one-year old here in the Farmington-Lakeville-Apple Valley area.  I strive to bring you the best family-friendly events happening in and around ...


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