You know you’re having a tough time with potty training when an emergency trip to Chicago starts to seem like a good idea. That was the case for Julie Bixby, a Dellwood mother of two. Desperate to get her 3 1/2-year-old daughter, Isabella, potty trained, Bixby became intrigued when she read about a woman in the Windy City who guaranteed rapid results. “I was at my wit’s end,” said Bixby, who had been trying with her husband, Jon, to potty train their daughter for well over a year. “Isabella was going to be starting preschool in the fall, and we’d had 10,000 accidents since starting potty train ..read more

Wild Kratts® is Minnesota Children’s Museum’s newest exhibit! If you’ve got a young child, then you likely already know that Minnesota Children’s Museum is amazing. Who doesn’t love a giant spiral slide, a room full of ping pong ball launchers, a post office with working conveyor belts… the list goes on and on. And if your kid loves animals, then Minnesota Children’s Museum is definitely THE PLACE to check out this spring. With two new animal-focused experiences, there’s something new to explore for kids and families of all ages. Wild Kratts®: Creature Power!® Get ready for an extraordinary ad ..read more

There are many reasons to choose a fun Iowa family vacation destination for spring break this year. From scenic outdoor spaces to affordable things to do and places to stay, Iowa is a fantastic option for a lowkey (but super fun!) spring break with kids. Head to Cedar Rapids or Des Moines for a balance of indoor museums and outdoor fun. Alternatively, Pella is one of the best cities in the United States with a European feel. Here, you can munch on Dutch treats and learn about Dutch heritage in Iowa. Or, maybe you’re hoping to have a splashing good time at a hotel with a waterpark? No matter wh ..read more

Missouri is a hidden gem when it comes to spring break with kids. While you may not be able to relax on a sandy beach, plenty of fun experiences and mild temperatures can still be found. The average temperature in Missouri in March and April is in the 50s (Fahrenheit). This means families can joyfully spend their spring break exploring a wide variety of kid-friendly activities, from hikes and zoos to museums across the state. ​​If you’re ready to embark on some of the best Missouri vacations for families, consider Kansas City, which boasts dynamite barbeque, world-class museums, and a gro ..read more

If you want to have fun in the snow or take a spring break road trip in the Midwest, why not plan a trip to one of these kid-friendly weekend getaways in Michigan? Spring is a fantastic time to visit Michigan with kids! From the start of waterfall season to maple syrup festivals across the state and fewer crowds than peak summer travel, there is much to love about Michigan family vacations in the spring. For an epic outdoor adventure focused on finding the area’s best waterfalls, consider Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Meanwhile, Ann Arbor offers a lovely city escape for families w ..read more

Known as “the urban hometown,” Richfield, Minnesota, is a cozy, family-friendly suburb just south of Minneapolis. Tucked between Hwy 62 to the north and Hwy 494 to the south, Richfield is easy for families to find for a fun day out with kids. While its location puts it in the heart of the Twin Cities, Richfield has maintained a friendly, small-town vibe. The city boasts some of the best green spaces and restaurants in the metro area. If you’re planning a family outing or a local staycation, use this guide to the best things to do in Richfield with kids to help you decide where to go. Writ ..read more

Known as “the urban hometown,” Richfield, Minnesota, is a cozy, family-friendly suburb just south of Minneapolis. Tucked between Hwy 62 to the north and Hwy 494 to the south, Richfield is easy for families to find for a fun day out with kids. While its location puts it in the heart of the Twin Cities, Richfield has maintained a friendly, small-town vibe. The city boasts some of the best green spaces and restaurants in the metro area. If you’re planning a family outing or a local staycation, use this guide to the best things to do in Richfield with kids to help you decide where to go. Writ ..read more

Stop researching now. In our humbled opinion, we have found the perfect Minnesota mitten!  Chopper Mill Mitten Review— When Chopper Mill offered to send us a pair of their mittens this winter in exchange for our honest review, we quickly said yes. Our family loves the challenge of #1000HoursOutside and winter hiking is our jam.  So we understand the Norwegian proverb: ‘There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!’  Not only are Chopper Mill mittens made to withstand harsh Minnesota winters, they are also beautifully designed in neutral colors.  They are windproof &a ..read more

How do you teach a child to be compassionate in a world of walls, bullying and blame? You live as an example, surround yourself with kind people and talk to your kid about feelings. Another way to weave kindness into everyday life is with books — fun stories with interesting characters, cute animals and relatable kids facing common struggles. These books offer all of the above!   The Rabbit Listened Minneapolis author Cori Doerrfeld’s beautiful story — about how to react when someone’s going through a difficult time — might be our favorite release of the year. Taylor has lost something de ..read more

Families looking for affordable spring break destinations near Minnesota will love these spring break ideas in Wisconsin with kids! Whether your family loves meandering museums, embarking on epic outdoor adventures, or a mix of both, the fun Wisconsin family vacations on this list are perfect for spring break. For a quiet retreat fueled by nature, consider Door County. Meanwhile, Milwaukee offers an urban escape filled with thrilling attractions and interactive museums. Late March and early April offer a mix of winter and spring elements, making it a transitional period in ..read more