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.

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!!

ABC & Toy Zone Saturday Crafts

Every Saturday, ABC & Toy Zone (122 17th Avenue NW) hosts a free children's craft at 11 a.m. I don't think there is a way to find the schedule online, but if you get on their email list, it will be sent to you monthly (as well as coupons for their toys!). I took my son to make a kite this last week; it was a fun activity for pre-school aged children. Here is the schedule for the remainder of April...

April 9: Frog Puppets

April 16: Spring Chicks

April 23: Make an Earth for Earth Day

April 30: April Shower Raindrops

Cutting Board

Isn't this a fun cutting board? I found it via Design Mom and it's available on Etsy.

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ARTigras This Weekend

This FREE arts and culture festival will be held this Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at Mayo Park. Events include the ARTivillage, ARTistage, and ARTikids activities.

Minnesota Prints

I am still thinking about cool graphic prints of Minnesota to frame in my home and found some fun stuff on Etsy.

print by Orignauxmoose

print by thewheatfield

I'm also loving the work of q.a.design and thinking of requesting a custom print of Minnesota...

Dale Chihuly Art

We recently walked through the Mayo Clinic's Gonda Building to see the work of Dale Chihuly, possibly the world's most renowned glass artist. I think his art is interesting and fun for kids (and adults) to experience, and I can imagine viewing his work then turning it into a little art activity at home using clay or paints or even melted crayons.

The Gonda Building is located at 200 1st St. SW. I believe there is a tour offered of the entire Mayo Campus ( highlighting the history, art, medical stories) that I would be interested to join sometime.

Poster-On-A-Stick

I love the idea of decorating my home with something that will always remind me of living in Minnesota. This series of posters by Allan Peters is playful and graphic and colorful.