In the Heart of the Beast Theatre in Minneapolis, MN 55407

For 30 years, In the Heart of the Beast Puppet & Mask Theatre (HOBT) has been using water, flour, newspaper, paint, and a hefty dollop of glorious imagination, to tell stories that explore and celebrate the human experience, and the world's cultural richness and natural wonders. The productions are a feast for the eyes, but simple - no lavish budget for materials here - and as a result, often truly heart-warming.

HOBT is best known for its annual MayDay Parade & Festival, a joyous, community-building extravaganza of art, theatre, pageantry...and really, really big puppets. HOBT's artists, and countless volunteers, spend months preparing for this eagerly-awaited spring ritual that takes place the first Sunday in May. Each year's festival centers around a different theme, building up to a somber presentation in Powderhorn Park which culminates in an uplifting affirmation of life, love, and community. It's a unique must-see experience, with plenty of opportunities for families and children to get involved before and during the event.

In addition to MayDay, HOBT hosts low-cost Saturday puppet shows from October through March in the theater lobby; produces a season of original, company-generated plays; and offers youth and adult classes in puppetry, pageantry, performing arts, and more - including workshops parents and kids can take together. Some programming takes place at Celebration Hall, HOBT's studio space on the third floor of Plaza Verde, just up the street from the theater.

Summer camps: HOBT's unique and creative themed week-long camps give kids ages five to 14 a chance to build puppets, create toy theaters, and learn skills such as taiko drumming and stilt-walking. Full-day ($245) and half-day ($140) options are offered.