A Lollipop Experience provides live entertainment for all ages for parties and other group events at the metro area location of your choice. Customers can choose from more than 35 performers, from magicians, musicians, and face painters, to balloon artists, clowns, caricaturists, and craft leaders.

A Party Crasher for Kids offers visits from a variety of interactive characters for birthday parties and other children's events. Princesses, superheroes, and clowns are popular choices for kids. Some characters sing songs, tell stories, play games, do face painting, or make balloon animals. Plush-costumed characters representing cartoons and PBS kid's programming are also available.

A Touch of Magic provides kids' comedy, balloon sculptures, face painting, and other entertainment for birthdays, company picnics, block parties, and more.

Each engaging, educational Abrakadoodle art workshop, camp, or party highlights a different artist - from Old Masters to Pop icons - and introduces children to different materials and art-making techniques.

Lessons never repeat, and each child leaves each one with a new piece of framed art. Classes are held at locations throughout the metro area, and for different age groups. Get contact information for your closest franchisee from the corporate website.

Birthday parties: Abrakadoodle books parties at its Maple Grove studio and kiddywampus in Edina, for children ages three through 12...and can also bring the party to the site of your choice. Select an art activity; materials and a teacher are provided. Face painting and party favors are available for an additional fee.

Summer camps: Full-day and half-day art camps are offered throughout the metro area for ages three through 12, in partnership with Crayola. Children are grouped by age and introduced to a wide variety of materials and techniques, including digital photography, mosaics, collage, and paint.

Each engaging, educational Abrakadoodle art workshop, camp, or party highlights a different artist - from Old Masters to Pop icons - and introduces children to different materials and art-making techniques.

Lessons never repeat, and each child leaves each one with a new piece of framed art. Classes are held at locations throughout the metro area, and for different age groups. Get contact information for your closest franchisee from the corporate website.

Birthday parties: Abrakadoodle books parties at its Maple Grove studio and kiddywampus in Edina, for children ages three through 12...and can also bring the party to the site of your choice. Select an art activity; materials and a teacher are provided. Face painting and party favors are available for an additional fee.

Summer camps: Full-day and half-day art camps are offered throughout the metro area for ages three through 12, in partnership with Crayola. Children are grouped by age and introduced to a wide variety of materials and techniques, including digital photography, mosaics, collage, and paint.

Each engaging, educational Abrakadoodle art workshop, camp, or party highlights a different artist - from Old Masters to Pop icons - and introduces children to different materials and art-making techniques.

Lessons never repeat, and each child leaves each one with a new piece of framed art. Classes are held at locations throughout the metro area, and for different age groups. Get contact information for your closest franchisee from the corporate website.

Birthday parties: Abrakadoodle books parties at its Maple Grove studio and kiddywampus in Edina, for children ages three through 12...and can also bring the party to the site of your choice. Select an art activity; materials and a teacher are provided. Face painting and party favors are available for an additional fee.

Summer camps: Full-day and half-day art camps are offered throughout the metro area for ages three through 12, in partnership with Crayola. Children are grouped by age and introduced to a wide variety of materials and techniques, including digital photography, mosaics, collage, and paint.

Children's librarian and mom Sara Waters' Babytime Fun classes for babies up to age two and their parents encourage early literacy skills and interaction. Sara - who often hosts storytimes at St. Paul's Red Balloon Bookshop - is also an accomplished violinist and uses music, as well as books, rhymes, puppets, and songs in her programs. Both free and fee storytimes take place throughout the metro; check the website for current offerings.

Sara can also bring her Booktime Parties to your metro area location to provide educational entertainment for children ages one to eight.

Ben & Jerry's scoop shops use the freshest ingredients in their delicious ice cream, frozen yogurt, smoothies, and sorbet. Silly flavor names like Chunky Monkey and Apple-y Ever After make them as much fun to ask for as they are to eat! Cakes can be made to order, or chosen from the store's freezer case. For parties with a minimum of 50 guests, Ben & Jerry's can bring the store to you, serving cones, sundaes, Peace Pops, and more, at the location of your choice.

PartnerShops are one way Ben & Jerry's tries to make the world a better place "one scoop at a time." Proceeds from this Stadium Village location benefit Metro Community Investment, a coalition of four community agencies that help low-income residents on the road to financial stability and self-sufficiency. MCI also runs the store, providing training and employment for Twin Cities youth from low-income families. Partnershops are held to the same standard as other franchises, so the products are the same high quality. But knowing a purchase here directly benefits needy members of the local community is like getting an extra cherry on top.

Cindy's Creative Celebrations - family-owned and operated - provides face painting, balloon-twisting with magic, airbrushed temporary tattoos, hair art, clowning, themed party packages, and other entertainment for birthdays, holidays, bar and bat mitzvahs, and more.

Body art offerings appeal to both younger and older kids, and Cindy's award-winning artists do paintings that range from elegantly simple to extraordinarily elaborate.

Artists are available for hire by the hour, with options offered for themed parties that can include treat bags, crafts, and activities.

Color Me Mine - an internationally franchised chain of glaze-it-yourself studios - provides all the materials needed to paint and decorate ceramic gifts and housewares.

Color Me Mine charges a materials-usage fee for the day, in addition to the cost of the pieces selected for painting. The quantity and variety of materials it provides are impressive, including dozens of lead-free and food-safe underglazes and special effects paints, such as glitter glaze, and speckled and puffy paints. There are hundreds of bisque pieces to choose from, and timid painters can transfer a computerized design onto a piece for guidance. Stamps, sponges, technique charts, and an experienced staff help, too.

Customers are welcome to drop in anytime during store hours, though reservations are suggested for groups of five or more. Ceramic pieces are usually available for pick-up within 10 days.

Classes: Themed one-day family and kids workshops are offered throughout the year, many focusing on seasonal projects. Advance registration is required. Check the website for current offerings.

Parties: Best suited for ages five and up, with several options available. On-site parties typically include a staff host, time in a special party room, a decorated chair for the birthday child to use, invitations, a keepsake plate all the guests can sign, one piece per guest from a selection of items to decorate, and decorating supplies. Parents can bring cake and treats, or have Color Me Mine provide them for an additional fee. Teens and adults can also just rent the party room ($20/hour) and pay a per painter fee for studio time and ceramic pieces. Painting parties-to-go are available, too.

Crafty Planet, located in artsy Northeast, stocks yarns, notions, patterns . . . and some of the coolest fabrics around, with retro, campy, and modern sensibilities all well-represented. There's also a fine selection of handmade gift items - think jewelry, scarves, purses, and the like. On-site sewing machines can be rented by the hour.

Classes: Choose from the schedule or design your own - a good option for homeschoolers and youth groups. Custom classes run about $20/person for two or three hours if they're in the store, $25/person if Crafty Planet comes to you.

Parties: Can be in-store or at the location of your choice, with craft activities tailored to most ages.

Crime Scene Camps offers crime scene investigation programming and classes for homeschool groups, birthday parties, and - through libraries and parks - the general public.

During the programs, kids work with real CSI equipment and get hands-on experience dealing with the scientific and collection issues involved in investigating a crime scene.

Crime Scene Camps comes to the metro area location of your choice. Call to discuss specific needs.

Cup of Joy, offers themed birthday parties (starting at $150), etiquette classes for boys and girls, tea tastings, and special events. Owner Cammy Skalla brings the party to you for most events; call for location details for scheduled classes.

Dreamland Arts, a welcoming performing arts studio, offers classes, workshops, and performances in theater, music, puppetry, dance, and more. Its intimate 40-seat theater often hosts family-oriented performances.

Parties: Families can schedule a private performance of one of Dreamland's kid-friendly shows in the theater - a portion of the show can even be customized for the birthday child! However, no outside food or beverages are allowed, and no place or time is provided for gift opening and running around - that needs to take place elsewhere.

Ensemble Music offers music education classes for children and their caregivers at various locations around the Twin Cities, including Music Together offerings Suzuki method piano lessons, and summer camps.

Classes are offered for infants, mixed ages, and kindergarteners; for Suzuki lessons, students can begin at age three.

Parties: Families can book customized parties at Ensemble's south Minneapolis studio that include a 45-minute class, party favors, time for cake and presents, and clean up. Expect to pay about $160. Ensemble teachers can also host parties on-location in private homes.

Ensemble Music offers music education classes for children and their caregivers at various locations around the Twin Cities, including Music Together offerings Suzuki method piano lessons, and summer camps.

Classes are offered for infants, mixed ages, and kindergarteners; for Suzuki lessons, students can begin at age three.

Parties: Families can book customized parties at Ensemble's south Minneapolis studio that include a 45-minute class, party favors, time for cake and presents, and clean up. Expect to pay about $160. Ensemble teachers can also host parties on-location in private homes.

Ensemble Music offers music education classes for children and their caregivers at various locations around the Twin Cities, including Music Together offerings Suzuki method piano lessons, and summer camps.

Classes are offered for infants, mixed ages, and kindergarteners; for Suzuki lessons, students can begin at age three.

Parties: Families can book customized parties at Ensemble's south Minneapolis studio that include a 45-minute class, party favors, time for cake and presents, and clean up. Expect to pay about $160. Ensemble teachers can also host parties on-location in private homes.

Ensemble Music offers music education classes for children and their caregivers at various locations around the Twin Cities, including Music Together offerings Suzuki method piano lessons, and summer camps.

Classes are offered for infants, mixed ages, and kindergarteners; for Suzuki lessons, students can begin at age three.

Parties: Families can book customized parties at Ensemble's south Minneapolis studio that include a 45-minute class, party favors, time for cake and presents, and clean up. Expect to pay about $160. Ensemble teachers can also host parties on-location in private homes.

Ensemble Music offers music education classes for children and their caregivers at various locations around the Twin Cities, including Music Together offerings Suzuki method piano lessons, and summer camps.

Classes are offered for infants, mixed ages, and kindergarteners; for Suzuki lessons, students can begin at age three.

Parties: Families can book customized parties at Ensemble's south Minneapolis studio that include a 45-minute class, party favors, time for cake and presents, and clean up. Expect to pay about $160. Ensemble teachers can also host parties on-location in private homes.

Fun Jumps Entertainment, Inc. provides products for special events, including a large selection of moonwalks and other inflatables (starting at $99), rock walls, obstacle courses, slides, dunk tanks, carnival games, miniature golf, concession stands, and more. The company is insured and delivers locally. Visit the website for a complete list of products.

Funcharacters has been serving the Twin Cities since 1980, providing costumed characters, face painters, balloon artists, magicians, games, and other entertainment for parties and events.

With more than 20 years of children's party experience, Half Pint Parties offers affordable themed party entertainment, with "character" choices including a classic magician, pirate captain, prince, santa, superheroes, and more.

Half Pint parties - held at the metro area location of your choice (or beyond, with a nominal travel fee) - typically include a magic show,juggling, balloon animals, face painting, and a souvenir photo and gift bag for the birthday child, but offerings can be customized. Additional performers are available for larger events. Performances are geared toward ages three to 10.

KidzArt, a drawing-based art education program, uses a simple drawing method to help students produce original works of art and enhance creative self-expression in weekly classes and summer camps. Programming is offered at sites in Wayzata, Plymouth, and Maple Grove. Classes serve preschoolers, kids, teens, and adults; summer camps are for ages six to 12.

Parties: Best for ages four to 13, 75-90 minute KidzArt parties are offered in your home or at sites in Maple Grove. Kids can complete a drawing project, decorate piggy banks, or make marbelized books. Cost: $150-$200 for up to 10 children; $10 each additional child.

Mad Science brings high-energy science fun to your door, with interactive birthday party entertainment and youth group presentations adapted for various ages and themes. A mileage surcharge applies for presentations more than 15 miles from Mad Science's Saint Paul laboratory.

MagicBounce Party Rentals delivers a large variety of moonwalks, bounce houses, inflatables, obstacle courses, water slides, and concessions, and more for birthday parties, festivals, carnivals, fundraisers, and other events in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The availability of the insured equipment can be checked online, and customers can order online or by phone.

Magikal Faces provides entertainment for theme parties, including appearances by costumed characters, storytelling, party games, and balloon art. Face-painting is done with safe, high-quality Snazaroo paints.

Princess, fairy, jungle, monster, clown, pop-star, and several other themes are available. Cost includes travel and supplies; party favors, decorations, and light catering are available for an additional fee. Call to discuss individual needs and for details on special offers.

MerlaJean draws on her dozen years of elementary and special education teaching experience to present original puppet shows in a variety of styles for parties and schools. Performances can be holiday themed, or include any of 90 short stories she has written to showcase her shadow, doll, and swallow puppets.

The Lynx, Minnesota's WNBA team, plays its home games at the Target Center. Prowl is the team mascot.

A variety of ticket discounts, contests, and family-friendly promotions - many offered in partnership with local restaurants, hotels, and other businesses - are available through its website.

Also see the website for a complete player roster, stats, game and player appearance schedules, fan and cheer team info, merchandise, and more. Single-game tickets, and a variety of seasonal packages are offered through the Target Center box office and Ticketmaster. All kids ages two and up must have a ticket to attend a game.

Camps: The Lynx offers summer camps in partnership with the Timberwolves.

Birthday parties: The Prowl Birthday Pack, available on select dates June through August for $125, includes eight $18 game tickets, a jersey for the birthday child, posters for the group, an autograph and photo op, and the birthday child's name on the scoreboard. Call 612.673.DUNK, ext. 3, to schedule.

Based in St. Paul, the Thunder men's pro soccer team plays most home games at James Griffin Stadium, also known as "The Jimmy." The recently-acquired women's team, the Minnesota Lightning plays most home games at Elizabeth Lyle robbie Stadium on the U of M/St. Paul campus. The teams also sometimes play at the National Sports Center in Blaine.

The team mascot is Thor, who, along with Thunder players, is available year-round to appear at off-site birthday parties and other events ($100/appearance; one-hour maximum).

Thunder season ticket prices start at $75 for adults ($50 for youth) for a seven-ticket half-season package; and $145 for adults ($96 for youth) for a 15-ticket full-season package. Discounts, special invitations, and other perks are included. Single tickets cost $12-$22 for adults and $8 for youth. Kids ages three and under attend free.

Lightning season ticket prices start at $27 for adults ($21 for youth) for a four-ticket half-season package; and $45 for adults ($35 for youth) for a seven-ticket full-season package. Discounts, special invitations, and other perks are included. Single tickets cost $8 for adults and $6 for youth. Kids ages three and under attend free.

Birthday parties: Pre-game packages cost $160, and include general admission for up to ten kids and two adults, a t-shirt, birthday cake, and soda. Thor and the birthday child's favorite Thunder player appear to sign autographs. Call 651.917.3543 or email kory@mnthunder.com to book.

Summer Camps: Programming includes half-day, full-day, and residential camps for beginnners and experienced competitors ages five and up, including all-girls and invitation-only offerings. The camps take place at sites throughout the metro; the schedule has complete details. Each camper receives a ticket to a special Thunder game in late-August, to celebrate Camp Reunion Night, and a "camp kit" including a soccer ball, training shirts, shorts, socks, and a backpack. Half-day programs start as low as $130.

Volunteer: Fans ages 16 and up can volunteer on game days, helping out with set-ups, ticketing, promotions, parking, ushering, and hospitality. Volunteers receive $10/game and a Thunder staff shirt. Call 651.917.2828 or email trina@mnthunder.com for more information.

The Timberwolves, Minnesota's NBA team, plays its home games at the Target Center.

A variety of ticket discounts, contests, and family-friendly promotions - many offered in partnership with local restaurants, hotels, and other businesses - are available through its website.

Also see the website for a complete player roster, stats, schedule, merchandise, info on the "dance team," and more.

Classes & Camps: The Wolves' Junior Wolves program promotes basketball for youth through skills clinics, summer camps, and other programming. Contact Matt Bare (612.673.8441; jrwolves@timberwolves.com) for more information.

Birthday parties: Birthday packages on game days include visits with Crunch in his "den." Prices start at $135 and do not include tickets. Call 612.673.8341 to schedule.

Teens in grade six and up can hang out, work on homework, and meet new people after school and on Saturdays at the Oasis Teen Center, run by the Eagan Parks and Recreation Department. Play pool, air hockey, darts, and video games. A photo ID is required for entry.

The center's hours are affected by holidays and special events, so call ahead to confirm, or to get more info on Club Oasis and Bring the Noise events. Attendance at special events requires a photo ID and small cover charge.

Parties: Saturday and Sunday parties for all ages can be booked to include two hours in the Teen Center ($120 for up to 10 guests), or an hour in the center with another hour in the gym ($150 for up to 10 guests). Parties also include a decorated cake with ice cream, pop, tableware, and balloons; outside food cannot be brought in. Each additional guest costs $12-$15, and a party host can be hired for $50/hour. A host is required for use of any video game systems.

Once Upon a Star offers themed entertainment for birthday parties, special events, childcare centers, and community centers throughout the metro area.

Themes include rock star, glamour, spa, popular characters, and more.

Peek a Boo Studio specializes in fun, non-traditional portrait photography for newborns, pregnancies, weddings, graduations, and children of all ages.

Party entertainment: Themed photo session at your location includes a group photo, plus two shots of each guest individually. Two props are provided to get kids vogueing. Themes include divas, princesses, pirates, and bikers; $15/child, for a min