I’m very excited to share this guest post by Ann, a rookie mom, who started the blog Busy Little Baby when her son was 6 months old and she was looking for an easier way to find things to do with her baby.
When I discovered her blog from my late night tweet-surfing, I felt like I had discovered a kindred spirit. If you are currently living with a baby in the Minneapolis St. Paul area, you will be happy to find her too. She shares her top picks for a fun week in the Twin Cities no matter the weather:
Monday
[Summer] Como Zoo is a Minnesota must for you and baby in the summer time. Donations accepted for admission, it’s the perfect smaller size zoo for your little one. Bring a picnic lunch and wander the outside gardens and conservatory afterwards for some great photo-ops!
[Winter] Visit the independently owned bookshop Wild Rumpus in Linden Hills [Minneapolis]. New mamas, I would avoid the crowded story time at 10:30 and go a little later to cozy up in this enchanting store with your little one- just watch out for the live chickens running around! Afterwards, feel free to do a little window-shopping for baby at cute stores like Creative Kids Stuff or Oscar & Belle.
Tuesday
[Summer] Minnehaha Falls is a perfect spot in the city to go for a daytime hike with your baby. A beautiful area with various walking paths and ample parking close to the park [in case baby is fussy and you need to make a quick emergency exit.] Don’t forget to swing by the Sea Salt Eatery before you leave & order a cone of Minneapolis’s award winning Sebastian Joe’s ice cream.
[Winter] Baby story time [10:30 ”“ 11:00] at Red Balloon Bookshop on Grand Ave. is a “can’t miss” event for you and baby. Sara Waters [Sara’s Stories] reads stories, sings silly songs and even plays the violin to keep these babies entranced. Afterwards meet up with some mommy-friends at Café Latte for a delicious lunch! The friendly staff is more than willing to lend a hand when yours are full with baby.
Wednesday
[Summer] Cool off at the Splash Pad at Wabun Park in Minneapolis [near Minnehaha Falls]. While you might not be ready to take your baby to the big pool, this splash pad & wadding pool is the perfect way to get your feet wet and let your baby enjoy splashing around.
[Winter] Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis hosts “Wee Wednesdays” every week [10:30AM] which includes anything from live animals from the zoo, to cooking for your baby and even story times and sing-a-longs. After enjoying this free event, make sure to stop by Salty Tart to satisfy your sweet tooth with a “melt-in-your-mouth” cupcake or cookie.
Thursday
[Summer] Take a day trip to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska. Meet up with a girlfriend and bring the stroller for a nice long walk to enjoy the beautiful flowers and landscapes. Don’t forget the camera, another great place for some memorable pictures!
[Winter] Need to get some exercise but not ready to leave your baby? Hit up Stroller Strides [9:15AM] at the Mall of America. This mommy boot camp is free your first time with additional classes being as low as $2.75 with certain membership packages.
Friday
[Summer] Take advantage of those small babies that will sleep anywhere and head to the Vali-Hi Drive-In. No need to even take your snoozing baby out of their car seat and you’ve got instant date-night up front!
[Winter] Every Friday from 11:00-12:00 Amma Parenting Center in Edina has drop-in baby playtime. Bring yourself and your baby and Amma will provide a nursing friendly environment with music, toys, blankets and babies! A great place for new mom’s to venture out of the house for the first time and make new mommy friends!
Saturday
[Winter] Check out the Habitot room at the MN Children’s Museum that is especially designed for little ones on the move. This is another hot spot for meeting new mommy friends while your baby is exploring the soft and sensory little world built just for them! [Bonus: children under 1 are FREE and there is also a nursing room.]
[Summer] Hit up the shops of Woodbury Lakes with your little one. This outdoor mall has the right balance of boutiques and national retailers for baby AND mama!
Sunday
[Summer] Head to the St. Paul or Minneapolis Farmers Market. Strap your baby to your chest and enrich their sensory experiences with the bright colors and smells of the fresh produce. Let older babies help pick out fruits and vegetables to encourage healthy eating.
[Winter] BYOB [bring your own BABY that is] mommy & me yoga at Blooma. A great way for new mama’s to get some exercise while stimulating baby at the same time. Running late? Fussy baby? Need to nurse in the middle of class? NO problem! Even major blowouts mid class are understood here.
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Huge thanks to Ann for going all over-achiever and sharing fun for all seasons. If you’re in the Twin Cities, be sure to check out her beautiful blog for more inspiration and current events, busy little baby.
