Things to do in the Rain in Minneapolis: For Kids

It's definitely raining today. What are you going to do with your children? Here's some ideas for Minneapolis, St. Paul in the rain.

The Midtown Global Market It's always fun to bring your little one here, with all the interesting stores and restaurants, and the market's play area. Starting this Wednesday, the Midtown Global Market is holding a toddler morning from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. with entertainment, crafts and activities, and a free child's meal with purchase of an adult meal at participating restaurants.

Toy stores Local toy shops often welcome children with events and in-store activities, in the hope that the kids will refuse to leave without some new plaything.

Eco-friendly Minneapolis toy store the Green Goober has a free "milk and cookie" morning every Wednesday at 10.30 a.m. Kids can play, parents can chat, and the store hopes will buy some of their ethically-produced toys and gifts. The Green Goober is right next door to Liberty Frozen Custard if you'd like some more calories.

Every day of the week, Choo Choo Bob's train store in St. Paul has six train tables and gladly welcomes anyone who wants to play with them. Two caveats: I've seen the most awesome tantrums when parents try to remove their children, and second, it's almost next to Izzy's Ice Cream. More calories.

Museums The Minnesota Children's Museum is a classic rainy day destination. Admission is pricey at $8 per human over 1, but a membership is excellent value. $80 gets you whole family in for a year and if you are in or close to St. Paul, you'll certainly get your money's worth several times over every time it rains or snows.

The Bell Museum of Natural History is another favorite for little children. The touch-and-feel room can keep most little ones entertained for hours, providing mom or dad are not scared of spiders, snakes, and the other creepy crawlies that live there too. Hit the library first and pick up a Museum Adventure Pass for two free admissions to the Bell Museum.

From science to art - the Minneapolis Institute of Arts is always free, has a small playroom, and bags of space to run around in, even if your little one is still a little too small to truly appreciate the art.

Recreation Centers Most recreation centers, or rec center districts, in Minneapolis and St. Paul and the Twin Cities have a morning for toddlers and preschoolers to run around and play in their gym. Slides, trikes, balls, playhouse and other toys are set out, and it's free. Contact your local rec center for the hours of their program, some of which require pre-registration.

Caffeine Toddlers always have a lot of fun at the rec center, but rec centers all tend to prohibit food and drink in their gyms. Coffee shops with playrooms alleviate the problem but have the downside that all the toys have been played with with muffin-smeared fingers. Hey, they say germs are good for you.  Sovereign Grounds in Minneapolis, and Java Train in St. Paul, are two favorites with local parents.

_{Bear at the Bell Museum. Photo Clara James}