The Red Cross is an excellent resource for health and safety classes, as well as disaster preparation, swimming lessons and lifeguard training, and, yes, even instruction in pet first aid.

Babysitter certification classes for kids for ages 11 to 15 cover leadership, safety, child care, and first aid. The classes last 6.5 hours, include a Babysitter's Handbook, and cost about $60; participants should bring a bag lunch.

The Red Cross is an excellent resource for health and safety classes, as well as disaster preparation, swimming lessons and lifeguard training, and, yes, even instruction in pet first aid.

Babysitter certification classes for kids for ages 11 to 15 cover leadership, safety, child care, and first aid. The classes last 6.5 hours, include a Babysitter's Handbook, and cost about $60; participants should bring a bag lunch.

The American Swedish Institute is housed within the historic Turnblad Mansion, a castle originally built as the home of Swan Turnblad, the newspaper publisher and self-made millionaire who founded the organization in 1929 to celebrate Swedish heritage and culture.

The museum and cultural center hosts cultural exhibits, performances, educational programming, storytimes, and special events throughout the year. Midsommar in June and Julgransplundring in January are just two of its popular holiday events for families.

Since no expense was spared in constructing the castle, the building itself is also worth a visit. Visitors will find a Kaffestuga cafe, gift shop, and bookstore on-site.

The institute offers several scholarships programs for members and their children, and also houses a library with materials on Sweden, its influence in the United States, genealogy, and immigration. Note: The library is closed to researchers temporarily, through March 1, 2008.

Classes: Saturday morning Swedish classes for ages four and up are offered for all levels, and are open to non-members. Cost: $70/session for members, $80/session for non-members.

Summer Camp: Hands-on activities exploring Swedish culture, cooking, games, and music are offered for ages six to 14.

Membership: Household memberships start at $50/year, and include free admission, guest passes, a subscription to ASI's newsletter, invitations to special events, and discounts on programming and in the gift shop.

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ARC stores are a terrific low-cost option for kids' clothes, toys, and books, as well as seasonal items such as winter gear and summer playthings. Since all profits go toward local ARC programming for people with disabilities, the benefits of buying here extend beyond just saving some dough.

The stores roll out their Halloween items in late-September; the selection of costumes and props is staggering. Themed displays throughout the year spotlight other holiday and seasonal merchandise. During end-of-season clearance sales, the already low prices are cut up to 50%, so parents can stock up for the following year on shorts, hats and mittens, and other items kids blow through quickly.

ARC can also be a good source for fabric, craft materials, furniture, and dishes and household goods, though the selection can be hit-or-miss. There's usually plenty for dress-up and imaginative play, but naturally, the condition of items varies.

Tax-deductible donations are accepted during store hours seven days a week, so clearing out outgrown toys and clothes in good condition is a snap. ARC now accepts automobiles too, regardless of condition.

ARC stores are a terrific low-cost option for kids' clothes, toys, and books, as well as seasonal items such as winter gear and summer playthings. Since all profits go toward local ARC programming for people with disabilities, the benefits of buying here extend beyond just saving some dough.

The stores roll out their Halloween items in late-September; the selection of costumes and props is staggering. Themed displays throughout the year spotlight other holiday and seasonal merchandise. During end-of-season clearance sales, the already low prices are cut up to 50%, so parents can stock up for the following year on shorts, hats and mittens, and other items kids blow through quickly.

ARC can also be a good source for fabric, craft materials, furniture, and dishes and household goods, though the selection can be hit-or-miss. There's usually plenty for dress-up and imaginative play, but naturally, the condition of items varies.

Tax-deductible donations are accepted during store hours seven days a week, so clearing out outgrown toys and clothes in good condition is a snap. ARC now accepts automobiles too, regardless of condition.

ARC stores are a terrific low-cost option for kids' clothes, toys, and books, as well as seasonal items such as winter gear and summer playthings. Since all profits go toward local ARC programming for people with disabilities, the benefits of buying here extend beyond just saving some dough.

The stores roll out their Halloween items in late-September; the selection of costumes and props is staggering. Themed displays throughout the year spotlight other holiday and seasonal merchandise. During end-of-season clearance sales, the already low prices are cut up to 50%, so parents can stock up for the following year on shorts, hats and mittens, and other items kids blow through quickly.

ARC can also be a good source for fabric, craft materials, furniture, and dishes and household goods, though the selection can be hit-or-miss. There's usually plenty for dress-up and imaginative play, but naturally, the condition of items varies.

Tax-deductible donations are accepted during store hours seven days a week, so clearing out outgrown toys and clothes in good condition is a snap. ARC now accepts automobiles too, regardless of condition.

Adults and kids - even babies! - can explore and make art in innovative programs for all levels of experience. Create with drawing and painting materials, metal, fabric, clay, and more. ArtiCulture's new site also features retail space, with a store selling art supplies and the work of local artists.

Classes: ArtiCulture offers a wide array of classes for all ages, including the unique parent/child Art Sprouts program for tots as young as 12 months, themed family workshops throughout the year, and special school release day offerings that even cover that hard-to-fill remainder of the week after the last day of school in June!

Summer Camps: Themed half-day and full-day offerings for kids ages four and up, some of which incorporate drama, movement, or foreign culture and history. Camps priced about $100/half-day; $225/full-day.
Extended-day care is available for an additional fee.

Parties: Customized offerings for birthdays, scout and youth group meetings, and other events. Call for more information.

Membership: $40/Household. Benefits include a 15% discount on class and camp fees.

Donations: As a non-profit, ArtiCulture welcomes donations of time, skills, money, and materials. Check out the wish list to see if you can help.

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.

This fabulous 68-horse carousel, built in 1914, is now housed in its own pavillion in Como Park, beside the Como Zoo, McNeely Conservatory, and the new Como Town amusement park.

The loving and exacting restoration includes 18 scenic paintings recreated by volunteers on the upper part of the carousel, and a booming 164-pipe Wurlitzer band organ. Many of the horses boast original paint, accented with gold and silver leaf, though those colorful designs shine through now only after volunteers spent countless hours removing layers of discolored varnish. The horse with the alligator along its side is particularly interesting!

Parents riding with children over age one must have their own tickets. For restrooms, head over to Como Town or the Visitor Center at Como Zoo. Be aware that the carousel only runs in temperatures from 45 to 95 degrees! Above or below that, operations are suspended.

Volunteers: Our Fair Carousel, the not-for-profit company that operates the carousel, needs volunteers to supervise rides, sell tickets and merchandise, and polish and clean the carousel. Training is provided, and the commitment can be as little as two four-hour shifts per month. Monetary contributions are appreciated too. Call 651.489.4628 for more info.

This fabulous 68-horse carousel, built in 1914, is now housed in its own pavillion in Como Park, beside the Como Zoo, McNeely Conservatory, and the new Como Town amusement park.

The loving and exacting restoration includes 18 scenic paintings recreated by volunteers on the upper part of the carousel, and a booming 164-pipe Wurlitzer band organ. Many of the horses boast original paint, accented with gold and silver leaf, though those colorful designs shine through now only after volunteers spent countless hours removing layers of discolored varnish. The horse with the alligator along its side is particularly interesting!

Parents riding with children over age one must have their own tickets. For restrooms, head over to Como Town or the Visitor Center at Como Zoo. Be aware that the carousel only runs in temperatures from 45 to 95 degrees! Above or below that, operations are suspended.

Volunteers: Our Fair Carousel, the not-for-profit company that operates the carousel, needs volunteers to supervise rides, sell tickets and merchandise, and polish and clean the carousel. Training is provided, and the commitment can be as little as two four-hour shifts per month. Monetary contributions are appreciated too. Call 651.489.4628 for more info.

Carpenter straddles the St. Croix River - with property in both Minnesota and Wisconsin - and includes over ten miles of hiking trails through tall pines, oak savanna, restored prairies, wooded ravines, and an apple orchard. There are also picnic tables and a non-swimming beach along the river - and, in season, pick-your-own organic raspberries!

An Interpretive Center offers hands-on exhibits and displays of live animals, and there's plenty of wildlife to observe on the grounds, as well as in the air, since the St. Croix River valley is a popular flyway for migrating birds.

The educational offerings include summer and school year programs for families, students, and preschoolers - all very reasonably priced. Advance registration is usually required.

Birthday parties: Two-hour parties in a private room, for ages five and up, include one hour with a naturalist for a hike, craft, and live animal presentation. Choose a seasonal theme ranging from apples to amphibians. The cost is unbeatable: $60 for up to 12 participants; $50/members.

Summer camps: A variety of affordable programs are offered for K-5 students, from single half-day sessions to weeklong full-day programs. The camp for 3rd to 5th graders even includes a camping overnight. Older kids can sign up for a two-day canoe adventure.

Membership: $50-$99/family, includes store and program discounts, and invitations to members-only events.

The Charity Guide website offers a wealth of information and ideas for families looking for ways to serve and volunteer. Visitors can pick up suggestions on how to make the most of small gestures (how to make a difference in 15 minutes, an hour, or on vacation), and how to leverage a birthday party to remind kids (and adults) that giving really is better than receiving.

Cheerful Givers provides birthday gift bags for kids ages three to 12, distributing them at shelters and food pantries. Families can hold a Birthday Bag Blitz to put together gift bags, based on recommendations provided on the website.

Formed when two century-old organizations - Children's Home Society and Family Services - merged in 2003, the non-profit CHSFS provides a multitude of valuable services for families and children in Minnesota.

Families can turn to CHSFS when they are in crisis, trying prevent crises, and for other needs. The organization offers adoption services, crisis nurseries, childcare, and a host of family support services, including financial counseling.

Not all services are offered at all locations. Check the website for specific programs.

CHSFS welcomes monetary donations and volunteers, and offers many opportunities for youth ages 16 and up to contribute on an ongoing basis or during special events.

Formed when two century-old organizations - Children's Home Society and Family Services - merged in 2003, the non-profit CHSFS provides a multitude of valuable services for families and children in Minnesota.

Families can turn to CHSFS when they are in crisis, trying prevent crises, and for other needs. The organization offers adoption services, crisis nurseries, childcare, and a host of family support services, including financial counseling.

Not all services are offered at all locations. Check the website for specific programs.

CHSFS welcomes monetary donations and volunteers, and offers many opportunities for youth ages 16 and up to contribute on an ongoing basis or during special events.

Color a Smile's mission is a simple one - generate cheer by gathering children's drawings to distribute at nursing homes, attach to Meals on Wheels deliveries, and more. The result? A perfect opportunity for kids to generate good cheer by doing what they do best - putting crayon to paper and creating. Children can send in their own original drawings, or color in one of the printable pages available on the website.

Drawings (and donations, if you're so inclined) can be sent via mail to:

Color a Smile

P O BOX 1516

Morristown NJ 07962-1516

It's thoroughly enjoyable to make a day out of a visit to Como Zoo in the summer. With the McNeely Conservatory, historic Cafesjian's Carousel, and the new Como Town seasonal amusement park located right in the same area of lovely Como Park, it's a no-brainer. But a winter visit is special too - even though many of the animals remain indoors - especially if combined with one of the zoo's many parent/child classes.

The zoo is compact, though a leisurely circuit can still take several hours. Primates, large cats, birds, and African hoofed animals can be viewed inside buildings and out - but the polar bears are away while their new environment is under construction! The new Leonard Wilkening Children's Gallery (open April 19, 2008) helps kids learn about nature and the circle of life through five stations of interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and imaginative play.

Como is more than 100 years old, founded in 1897 with just three deer in a fenced pasture! Its age shows in some of the exhibits, which harken back to the days when cement cells were the norm, but it's a mistake to dismiss Como as the poorer sister of the Minnesota Zoo (which was built after a committee deemed Como couldn't be expanded). Free admission is just one of the simple pleasures it has to offer.

Sparky the Sea Lion - or rather, her latest incarnation - has been performing in the amphitheater for 50 years now, with two shows daily (Tue-Sun) in the summer. She's still popular - be sure to nab a spot on the benches early for weekend shows! - but the zoo's Halloween ZooBoo fundraiser each October is an even bigger draw.

In winter months, the coffee, salads, and sandwiches at Zobota Cafe are the only options for on-site food. Concession stands serving popcorn, ice cream, pizza, and other treats open for the summer ... but be warned that bees seem to be some of the best customers at the main stand, especially late in the season!

Rent single or double strollers ($4/day; $6.50/day) year-round at the refurbished Visitor Center. That's also where you'll find the gift shop and restrooms; additional restrooms open at Seal Island in the summer months.

Birthday parties: Basic package includes 90 minutes in a private classroom, with 45 minutes of interactive programming tied to a chosen theme; $150/15 guests, including adults. Add pizza, drinks, and cake for $50 more. Themes include primates, cats, reptiles, and plants. Gift bags are available for $5/child. Due to safety concerns, no balloons, pinatas, or pets are allowed! For do-it-yourself parties, obtain a city rental permit (651.632.5111) for the picnic space near Seal Island.

Classes: Extensive offerings include parent/child programs for ages three to five, family classes for ages four and up, camps during school release days, and special homeschooler programming for ages five to fifteen. Classes typically feature visits from live animals and/or tours. Art and gardening classes for adults, and teacher workshops are also offered.

Summer camps: Como offers themed weeklong programs for ages four and up. Full-day and half-day options are available; before or after care offered for an additional fee.

Membership: $75/family, includes gift shop and class discounts, invitations to member-only events, reciprocity privileges at over 120 zoos nationwide, a quarterly newsletter, and four ZooBoo tickets.

Volunteering: Como offers a special summer volunteer program for teens ages 13 to 17. Beyond that, volunteers must be 16 years old, unless accompanied by an adult.

Crisis Connection is a non-profit mental health agency providing 24-hour crisis counseling over the phone. The free, confidential service is available to anyone - of any age - wanting help with family issues, depression, abuse, and other issues.

Crisis Connection is a non-profit mental health agency providing 24-hour crisis counseling over the phone. The free, confidential service is available to anyone - of any age - wanting help with family issues, depression, abuse, and other issues.

The Girl Scouts, founded in 1912, are about more than just cookies - though the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys sells nearly two million boxes a year! The organization aims to build courage, confidence, and character in young girls, as well as promote community service.

Daisy troops are for girls in kindergarten and first grade; Brownies are in grades one to three; Junior Girl Scouts are in grades three to six; and the Studio 2B program welcomes girls in grades six to 12.

Visit the website for information on local chapters and activities, and summer camp and recreational programs. Summer camps are offered at three locations in the metro area. (And if no one knocks on your door, call 800.845.0787 or visit the website's online cookie finder to find out how to purchase cookies.)

Global Citizens Network sends short-term teams of volunteers to communities in other cultures. Participants immerse themselves in the culture and daily life of the community and partners with a local grassroots group to meet local needs.

Trips last one, two, or three weeks, depending on the site, and each team is led by a trained GCN team leader. Volunteers can be ages eight and up; a parent or guardian must accompany kids under the age of 18.

When life stresses overwhelm parents, the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery is there to help prevent child abuse and neglect. The Nursery provides a safe and loving environment for kids; and dignity, overnight respite childcare, and referrals for parents at the end of their ropes. Services are provided 365 days a year for families throughout Hennepin County, in a compassionate, non-shaming atmosphere.

Free services include a 24-hour crisis hotline; crisis counseling for parents; up to 3 days of emergency residential childcare; parent education; in-home visits; and referrals.

Parent Crisis Hotline: 763.591.0100.

The organization has numerous volunteer opportunities, and welcomes donations of cash, toys, clothing, supplies.

Habitat for Humanity is a charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to building simple, low-cost homes by forming partnerships with low-income families in need of decent and affordable housing. The organization believes homeownership is a vital step to help families break the cycle of poverty and contributes to pride in families and communities.

You don't need to be an expert in construction or a committee subject area to help out. There are many tasks that require only a willingness to learn and work with others. However, kids must be 16 years or older to help on the construction sites, and there must be one adult at a work site for every two kids. Due to the wonderful popularity of Habitat for Humanity, there is generally a two- to three-month wait to volunteer on a construction site.

Hands On, formerly the Volunteer Resource Center, matches volunteers and organizations needing help. Provide name, e-mail, and address to register, then search the online volunteer database for opportunities that meet your criteria, including the ages of any children you wish to include, the times you're available, and the commitment you're willing to make.

The organization's website also features a Project Calendar listing upcoming one-time opportunities throughout the Twin Cities. Once registered with the site, volunteers can sign up for those projects online.

One-hour volunteer orientations are offered to explain more about the service and what it has to offer. Call for more information.

Hands On, formerly the Volunteer Resource Center, matches volunteers and organizations needing help. Provide name, e-mail, and address to register, then search the online volunteer database for opportunities that meet your criteria, including the ages of any children you wish to include, the times you're available, and the commitment you're willing to make.

The organization's website also features a Project Calendar listing upcoming one-time opportunities throughout the Twin Cities. Once registered with the site, volunteers can sign up for those projects online.

One-hour volunteer orientations are offered to explain more about the service and what it has to offer. Call for more information.

The not-for-profit Humane Society offers information about pet adoption and boarding, dog training classes, pet loss support groups, and help in locating lost animals.

Local branches of the Society are often educational places to visit. The cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and rodents appreciate the attention, and children - who must remain under adult supervision at all times - can show them some love. Adults can usually remove the animals from cages or pens for one-on-one interaction in visiting rooms.

Volunteer opportunities: can be found on the website, or visit or call your local chapter for information.