Busy Saturday

One of our favorite free events last year in Rochester was the Transportation Fair. It always occurs on the third Saturday in May at Goose Egg Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. We will definitely be attending again this year, which happens to be tomorrow!

Tomorrow is also Friends of Oxbow Spring Funfest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy the weekend!

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Minnesota Children's Museum of Rochester

A little over a month ago the Minnesota Children's Museum of Rochester opened in the River Center Plaza (1634 N Broadway St). This last week I was able to visit with the kids for the first time and although the space is quite small, there was still a lot to do and my toddler and preschooler were completely entertained for 3 hours (they didn't want to leave for lunch/naps!). One of their most favorite things (I am not sure if this is an ongoing station or special to the day we were there) was the self face painting area. I love witnessing their creativity and they thought it was a blast to paint themselves. Go here for more information on the visiting exhibits. The museum costs $4.50 per person, under one is free. There are also membership options. Be aware that the museum is not open Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

Twilight of the Triceratops @ Quarry Hill

There is a great exhibit going on at Quarry Hill right now, Twilight of the Triceratops.

I hope I get a chance to take my kids!

Twin Cities With Kids

I try to make this blog about Rochester and the surrounding area. I am sure there are blogs and information galore that cover kid-friendly activities and places in both St. Paul and Minneapolis. However, I had to pass on this great list of things to do titled The Twin Cities: 50 Things to do with Your Kids Before They Grow Up. I definitely think one of the perks of living in Southeast Minnesota is our easy access to those two great cities with their awesome shopping, sports, recreation, food, theatre and more. Enjoy this fun list!

Read Across America

March 2 is Dr. Seuss birthday and has been turned into a national event through Read Across America. Last year a friend of mine dropped by with Cat in the Hat cupcakes for us and I loved the idea of turning this day into something special. ABC & Toy Zone (in Rochester) is celebrating with a Dr. Seuss story time on Friday at 10:30 a.m. (don't forget your camera). I plan on making my kids a Dr. Seuss inspired lunch- Green Eggs and Ham; Hop on Popcorn, and Pink Ink Yink Drink. I love reading to my children everyday and Dr. Seuss books frequently appear among our favorites. Our other all time favorite picture book authors are Don and Audrey Wood and Eric Carle. Who is your favorite children's book author?

Go here for Dr. Seuss birthday printables and activities.

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Daube's 25th Anniversary

One of our favorite local bakers, Daube's Cakes and Bakery, is celebrating their 25th Anniversary all month long. There are drawings and events going on each day, and of course free samples awaiting your arrival!

Costco

One of the best stores ever (in my humble opinion), Costco, recently announced they are building right here in Rochester and will open in fall 2012! When we found out we were moving here I was truly disappointed that there wasn't one here, and couldn't be happier about this news. Three cheers! Go here for more details.

Gingerbread House at the Kahler Hotel

This year the chefs and bakers at Kahler Grand Hotel, 20 2nd Ave SW, have constructed Minnesota's largest Gingerbread House using over 4,000 lbs of gingerbread! It is a fun seasonal addition to downtown Rochester and my kids were enthralled with it. My 3-year-old was sure he could see a witch inside (Hansel and Gretel). We had to combine this outing with a trip to Carroll's Cup in the subway of the Kahler- we love that place!

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Market Strasse

From the Downtown Rochester website:

Experience an authentic, rustic, cozy European market in the heart of Downtown Rochester! The market features unique gifts, tasty treats, hearty food and drink, children’s activities and horse-drawn carriage rides sponsored by Wells Fargo.

Throughout the month of December, there is a small outdoor European market located in downtown Rochester, called Market Strasse. When I checked it out with my kids, I mostly noticed how small it is. But the idea is charming, and there is one (warmed) building you can go inside that features a story time and craft for children. The admission is free, and it runs from 5-8 p.m. My advice would be to check it out if/when you are already downtown, but don't make a special trip out of it.

Random

-I blogged about the Mayo Employee Craft Fair last year and am looking forward to going again, I loved it! What talented people live here in Rochester. I wanted to let you all know it is this Saturday (Nov. 19) at the Mayo Civic Center from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Go here for more info.

-These fleece-lined jeans are my favorite children's item for winter, along with fleece-lined Crocs. What is your must-have item for the kids in the winter (in addition to snow gear)?

Happy Thanksgiving next week!!