There's no doubt we think cities are special. But don't just take our word for it. We hope our written adventures will inspire you to hit the road with your family and experience the wonder of our favorite twinkling skylines, including Minneapolis, Minnesota, a bustling urban setting with the best public parks.
A RECREATIONAL URBAN SCENE
In Minneapolis, it's just as easy to spend a morning skipping stones across a lovely lake as it is to visit an acclaimed science exhibit. This friendly metropolis boasts
22 lakes and 170 parks that entice families to bike, hike, walk, picnic and fish. The blend of urban pleasures and abundant recreation means your family can easily adjust the pace of your vacation during your visit.
WHY FAMILIES LOVE IT
The Grand Round, a series of more than 50 miles of paths that loop around South Minneapolis, invites families to cycle or walk along the city's chain of lakes. If it's raining, you can always head for the Lego Imagination Center and Knott's Camp Snoopy, an indoor theme park, at Mall of America. Call 952-883-8800.FRIENDLY HOTEL
The Embassy Suites Minneapolis Downtown is a sweet deal. Starting at around $139 nightly, a family of four gets a suite, breakfast, and free soft drinks and munchies. Call 800-EMBASSY.A LOCAL FAVORITE
Buca di Beppo serves up huge, family-style portions. A large plate of spaghetti for $12.95 serves three to five people. Call 612-288-0138.BEST MUSEUMS
Across the river from Minneapolis in Twin City St. Paul, kids can create their own thunderstorm at the Minnesota Children's Museum. Admission is $6.95 for kids ages two to 102 and free for kids under age one. Call 651-225-6000. You can touch a tornado at the Science Museum of Minnesota. Admission is $8.50 for adults, $6.50 for kids ages four to 12, and free for kids ages three and under. Call 651-221-9444.TOP OUTDOOR FUN
Pack a lunch and stroll through the 11-acre Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (call 612-375-7577), which has more than 40 larger-than-life lawn sculptures. Admission is free. If you happen to be visiting on the first Saturday of the month, drop in to the nearby Walker Art Center (call 612-375-7622). On this day, admission is free, and there are family crafts sessions.DON'T LEAVE TOWN WITHOUT
Seeing a show at the Children's Theater Company, the country's largest professional kids' theater. Call 612-874-0400.YOU COULD SPEND A WHOLE DAY
At the Minnesota Zoo in nearby Apple Valley. Check out more than 2,700 creatures, plus the new dolphin and shark exhibits. The cost is $11 for adults, $6 for kids ages three to 12, and free for kids ages two and under. Call 800-366-7811.FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call the Convention & Visitors Association at 888-676-MPLS, or click here.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject
to change. Updated June 2005.
Diane Bair and Pamela Wright write from their office in Newburyport, Massachusetts.
