This conservative Jewish synagogue is based in a 75,000-sq.-ft. facility which hosts religious, holiday, and community programs, and youth and educational offerings.

Programs include Gan Shelanu, a childcare and preschool program for children ages 6 weeks to kindergarten, summer camps, and youth classes and groups.

Alef Champs - affiliated with Minneapolis Chabad Lubavitch - offers childcare and preschool instruction for kids ages six weeks to pre-K, incorporating Jewish traditions and themes with academic subjects and socialization and learning skills.

B'nai Emet Synagogue, affliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, offers early childhood and preschool education (ages 16 months and up), Sunday School classes, youth service opportunities, and summer camps, as well as family-friendly events throughout the year.

The ECC at the Sabes JCC offers a comprehensive infantcare and preschool program in a secure, welcoming environment, with instruction based on a Jewish ethics curriculum, but open to all. The program avails itself of the on-site pool, incorporating swim lessons into its preschool classes.

The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepard's non-sectarian Over Coffee series, presented from fall to spring, offers parents an enjoyable, stimulating, low-key free night out. The church brings in notable politicians, school officials, authors, and performers most Thursday evenings from 7pm to 8:15pm, to present and take questions.

Free drop-in childcare for ages one through seven is provided during the program in the well-equipped playroom upstairs. Bagels and coffee donated by Bruegger's and Caribou, are set out before the event, which is open to the public.

Services at the church are held on Sundays at 8:30am and 11am.

Sunday school at Good Shepherd starts at age two with a parent/child class. Children learn to participate in a class with music, stories, crafts and a snack while the parents form new friendships.

Children ages three through kindergarten meet with children their own age. The class starts with group music, and then children move to the classrooms for stories, crafts, and a snack. Children in grades one to six are involved in rotation model Sunday school called Shepherd's Kingdom and explore religious lessons through art, drama, video, storytelling, and games.

The St. Paul JCC offers fitness classes and gym facilities (including a pool) with programming for all ages, as well as a technology center and library, sports leagues, summer camps, school release day trips and workshops, parent/child classes, and afterschool care. The center also hosts family events and special workshops, including babysitter training, and martial arts and scuba lessons for teens.

Childcare is available most mornings for kids ages six weeks to six years (with advance reservations) while parents are on-site to work out or attend classes. ($2/hour; Call 651.255.4757 to book.)

The JCC's offerings for teens are particularly notable. The Teen Lounge (open to members in grades seven to 12) features a stereo and big-screen TV with VCR and DVD player; pool, foosball, and ping pong tables; and internet access and a DVD/CD burner. Teen-only events and programs include a support group for GLBT teens, sports and leaderships organizations, and a Performing Arts School that mounts productions throughout the year. Van service is available to transport kids to the JCC from area schools.

The JCC also offers training for the JCC Maccabi Games, a Jewish Olympics-style competition. Kids in grades eight and nine can apply to be counselors-in-training at the JCC's Camp Butwin near Lebanon Hills County Park in Eagan, an ACA-accredited facility for kindergarteners and up offering summer camps with boating, climbing, crafts, nature, and theatre components.

Teens can also earn money as Party Peppers, helping out during birthday parties for kids ages five to 10 which are offered to member children (guests need not be members) at the center on Sundays. Parties include activity leaders, a decorated party room, set-up and clean-up, and use of the pool and gym. Call 651.255.4740 for more information.

Talmud Torah of St. Paul - unaffiliated with any single Jewish movement or congregation - offers comprehensive Jewish and K-8 education, a private preschool, and afternoon and evening classes in Hebrew and Judaic studies.