Kelly

We'll be attending the UW vs UM football game Thanksgiving weekend with our two sons. Would love some advice on special activities they might enjoy in the downtown area. We're probably going to avoid the MOA since it is the busiest shopping time of the year.

Also, it is our 9 yr old's birthday on Saturday...any fun restaurants appropriate for that age, but still good food?

Thanks in advance.

anne

The Hollidazzle parade on the Nicollet Mall is great fun for all. It can be seen nearly every evening from now through Christmas. Marshall Fields has a huge holiday display on the 8th floor. It's an annual event in or family. There is a skating rink in the redone train station, with a water park nearby. These are in Minneapolis. St. Paul has great museums for children: History Museum, Science Museum, and the Children's Museum. Have fun!

Asr

Spend a day at the Mall of America. It is really something to see and Camp Snoopy in the center has many rides (a flume/log water ride, a sort-of lame rollercoaster, etc). It's just the idea that you are in a mall riding these rides!! There are also several restaurants that would work for a special occasion.

Due North

The Pizza Hut on University Ave. has good food and would be a good place for kids. Take exit 18 off of I-35.

Sher

Kelly,
I live in a suburb of Minneapolis and think you should definitely plan on going to Camp Snoopy at the MOA, to celebrate your son's birthday. It is a great indoor park with even a water flume and a roller coaster ride!There are kid places to eat in the park or even Twin Cities Grill in the mall would be kid appropriate. The Holidazzel Parade downtown is a must see, too!! And the Children's museum or the Children's theatre are great places.
Remember to bring warm clothes because we're into the 30's & 40's now.
Hope this helps...S.

Annie

I think I'd avoid the MOA. Even great kids can get whiny while waiting in loooooong lines. The suggestions for Holidazzle and the museums are good ones. Restaurants near downtown good for kids? Hmmm, Old Chicago has good pizzas and lots of different beers for the grownups. Sidneys on Hennepin (just outside of 'downtown') is great for good adult food and kids' menu. Chevy's Fresh Mex is newish to downtown and fun for families. If they're adventurous, Chez Bananas is a caribbean bar/restaurant joint that's not aimed at families, but has a fun, colorful, lively atmosphere and yummy, spicy food.I think any of these would be find for a family as long as you go early in the evening. Later most will be more 'bar' than 'restaurant'.

Loring Park is nice for a quiet walk--stop into the Dunn Brothers coffeeshop for coffee for the grown ups and cocoa for the kids.

Cali

I wouldn't miss MAO - your kids will enjoy it and I think you might too. It isn't that busy that they have to wait that long - we were just there and my family enjoyed it lots.

loangalsal

I think Annie's restaurant suggestions are the best. MOA is not my favorite (just a mall, only bigger), but Camp Snoopy is fun. My advice: find out what time Camp Snoopy opens, get there right away, and leave early before it is busy. Don't eat at MOA, most restaurants are not all that great, Twin City Grill is about the only exception in my opinion. Holidazzle parade would be an excellent choice if you are dressed warmly. Children's museum and science museum were also good suggestions. We love to go to Bryant Lake Bowl in south Minneapolis for bowling and some of the best food around at reasonable prices, unusual menu. Enjoy!

Kelly

Thanks to EVERYONE! Wow, I wasn't expecting such a great response. We're not sure about MOA...it was in the original plan, but the birthday boy lost the privelege for breaking some rules, and we hate to go back once we dole out a punishment (but I'm a softy sometimes!)

Two more questions. What's a good website for Minneapolis area info? Anyone ever heard of a new restaurant called The Newsroom?

Thanks again.

Annie

For websites, I'd check Citypages.com. Their Annual Manual and Best Of and restaurant/movie/theater listings have most of the local stuff you'd be looking for. Also try the startribune.com Freetime section.
I just saw the Newsroom on Nicollet last week. New to me. The restaurant looked upscale, but it looked like it had an inexpensive takeout/deli counter called Typo. I'm curious if anyone else has been there yet. . . .

Jenna

The only website for MN that I can think of that might help you is
www.mallofamerica.com

You might be able to get info on Camp Snoopy there (if you end up going) or their hours.

For the birthday boy's day have you checked to see what entertainment is playing at the Target Center and other venues? You might just find something he would like to see.

Have fun, it's a great city!

Jenna

Kelly

Just wanted to thank everyone again for the great advice. We had a wonderful time in the Twin Cities, even though it was brief and our beloved Badgers LOST against the Gophers!

The Hyatt was in a great spot right on Nicollet Mall, and we got a really good deal. Shopping was amazing, and those walkways really come in handy in bad weather. My son's birthday dinner was at Buca di Peppa (sp.), and couldn't have been more perfect for kids. They made it very special. Sunday was spent at the Science Museum of Minnesota. We've been to several science museums across the country, and this one is right near the top of our favorites... very interactive for the kids, but still lots of interesting stuff for parents.

Thanks again. My kids are already asking when we can go back!