In addition to offering insurance, classes, equipment, and information to its members (who are childcare providers), this resource organization offers a childcare referral service for parents in Minnesota.

Parents can nurture their babies while caring for themselves with a yoga bonding class at Blooma that lets baby in on the yoga action through loving touch, sight, and sound. Parents build trust and security - and learn ways to help babies eat and sleep better.

The classes also offer a way for new moms to connect, and are in addition to Blooma's offerings for parents-to-be, parents with crawlers, toddlers and preschoolers, children up to age eight, and families.

A free Friday drop-in playgroup for parents and kids up to age five offers an additional way to relax and connect, and occasional workshops explore issues facing parents and parents-to-be.

The annual Blue Sky Guide is an eco-friendly answer to those ubiquitous Happenings books. It comes out at the end of summer, and features hundreds of coupons and offers - good through November of the following year - for local, sustainable products and services.

Just a few of the businesses listed in the guide - making it a snap to recoup the cover price! - are the Science Museum, Pizza Luce, Whole Foods Market and local co-ops, Patina, Metro Transit, the Guthrie Theater, Minnesota Historical Society sites, the Children's Museum, and the Timberwolves.

The guide also boasts a fundraiser program for schools and groups wanting to earn some extra green with no upfront costs or minimums. Friendly, local sales support is provided. Since schools and groups can earn up to $10 back on each book sold at the $20 cover price, it's a local fundraising option that's not just healthy and green, but profitable, too!

Learn more about the guide's fundraising program on the website, where you can also find retail outlets.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers a handy Child Safety Seat Inspection Station Locator on its website, with contact information for stations throughout the state.

School psychologist, author, and mother Tina Feigal provides coaching for parents who feel a need for expert advice. Her areas of specialty include the challenging behaviors associated with ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Attachment Disorder, and autism. Consultations can also address children with no specific diagnosis whose behavior does not improve with typical parenting techniques.

Bedtimes, morning routines, time outs, sibling rivalry, overindulgence, school behavior and achievement, homework, family changes, dietary habits, and other issues can be discussed. Four coaching sessions are customary to address a particular issue, though consultations can continue after that, based on client needs.

Child Care Aware is a non-profit organization that helps parents find child care, and provides information and resources regarding what to look for to aid in the decision-making process.

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.

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.

Minnesota's ECFE program is an outstanding resource for parents of newborns to kindergarteners. Weekly classes typically begin with parent-child activities, followed by a circle time with songs and stories.

After that, parents usually head off to a separate room for coffee and discussion, while children stay behind with able childcare providers for more activities and snacktime, and in the process, build school-readiness skills.

The classes are designed to build healthy families, and offer parents a supportive, moderated forum to share experiences, tips, and concerns; a chance to connect with parents in similar circumstances, a particularly valuable benefit for families new to the area; and - nothing to sneeze at - a break from parenting, even if it's just for an hour or so.

The range of offerings is staggering: there are "non-separating" classes for newborns that cover infant massage; classes for toddlers with separation issues; and classes just for dads, teen parents, adoptive parents, and same-sex parents. Other offerings are designed for parents of children with special needs, or hospitalized children. Some classes are open to all kids under five, some serve only a narrow age range. The bottom line is that "You mean I'm not the only one?" is a common and empowering refrain in the program, which is offered throughout the state. Visit the >main directory for links to individual district programming.

Early Intervention Central Intake's "first-step" information - referrals and support - helps Minnesota parents of children from birth to age three who have concerns about their child's development and behavior.

The service helps identify children with delays or disorders pertaining to sensory, physical, mental, or emotional development - including autism, hearing impairment, and neural muscular disorders - and facilitates screenings, evaluations, and service coordination.

EPCGT is a parent group that promotes awareness and understanding of the unique needs of the gifted children, and supports educational and social opportunities to meet those needs.

The enormous Edina Community Center houses numerous community information organizations, and hosts all manner of recreational classes and programming for toddlers, seniors, and everyone in between. We dare you not to get lost the first time you wander its seemingly endless halls - might happen the second and third times, too!

Just a few of the center's offerings: reasonably-priced private and group music lessons; preschool programming, including art, science, and drama, and parent-child classes; open gym time; classes by Mad Science, Abrakadoodle, Mannerly Manners, and other organizations; and language, sports, and test preparation programs.

The Family Center offers classes for parents with elementary age kids that pick up where ECFE leaves off. SURGE, in Room 136, provides afterschool supervision for kids in grades six to nine. The Edina Resource Center provides resident and relocating parents with a wealth of information on Edina schools, childcare, youth activities, and more.

Through its website, hotline, and office, the Edina Resource Center provides parents with a wealth of information - confidentially and at no charge - on Edina school facilities and policies; childcare options; extracurricular, sports, and other youth activities; family programming; and more.

What's free in Linden Hills for kids and families? Quite a bit! One of the most kid-friendly neighborhoods in the Twin Cities can be budget-friendly, too, when you know where to go.

Lake Harriet in any season offers a wealth of free family fun. In summer, there are nightly concerts at the Bandshell, improv and theatrical performances at the Rose Garden, and two swimming beaches. In winter, there's ice skating and cross-country skiing. Add the lake's natural beauty, loads of places to picnic, two playgrounds, lovely bike and walking paths, and unique gardens, and you've got the recipe for a full day of free activities. (Spend just a few dollars and, in season, you can also indulge in a trolley ride on the restored streetcar line running to Lake Calhoun, affordably-priced concessions, or boat rentals.)

Heading west from the lake brings you to another area of concentrated family fun - the commercial node of "downtown" Linden Hills. Creative Kidstuff offers free storytimes on Thursday mornings and free craft activities many Saturdays. Across the street, the Waldorf-inspired Wonderment toy store has a small tree play area to explore. If kids work up an appetite, they can get free popcorn at Bayer's Hardware or a free bread sample at Great Harvest. Then heed the call of the wild and head to Wild Rumpus to visit with the children's bookstore's resident animals, attend free storytimes on Monday mornings, and check out author appearances throughout the year. (Wild Rumpus also buys and sell used books - another way kids can pick up some extra dough...or save some.)

The Linden Hills Library also offers free weekly storytimes, as well as programming for older kids, internet access, and books, DVDs, and CDs galore. The children's section in the restored old building is on the smaller side, but altogether cozy and welcoming.

When kids need to let off steam, the playgrounds, playing fields, and seasonal wading pools at Linden Hills Park (and nearby Pershing Park, just across the Linden Hills border in Fulton) beckon. Ice skating is available in winter and the park hosts free activities such as a Halloween party and movie nights during the year. (There are also almost-free events like the annual Cornfeed, and inexpensive classes, before and afterschool care, and other programming for kids and teens.) Lake Harriet Community School-Lower Campus provides yet another playground option.

Check our calendar to see what's coming up at these locations, and if you know of more free stuff, events, and activities for kids and families in and around Linden Hills, please add a comment below!

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.

A referral agency providing candidates for all a family's domestic needs, including nannies, babysitters, housekeepers, personal assistants, personal chefs, and more. The agency serves the entire Twin Cities metro area.

HowsMyNanny.com is a nanny-reporting service: Parents purchase a license plate for their stroller, and the public is encouraged to anonymously report good or bad nanny observations. Registered parents receive emails alerting them to reports about their particular nanny.

Kerasote's weekly Matinee Movie Magic screenings allow parents to see first-run films in a baby-friendly environment - without fear of disturbing fellow moviegoers, since they're all likely to be in the same boat for these special Tuesday matinees.

House lights are dimmed but not turned off, sound is monitored to avoid startling babies, and stroller parking is available up front, near the screen. Parents are even welcome to walk the aisles to soothe baby.

The showings are geared toward parents of children under two - since, presumably, at that age children won't take in much of the PG or R action on-screen, but preschoolers are welcome. Tickets must be purchased for children over age two; babies are admitted free.

Kerasote's weekly Matinee Movie Magic screenings allow parents to see first-run films in a baby-friendly environment - without fear of disturbing fellow moviegoers, since they're all likely to be in the same boat for these special Tuesday matinees.

House lights are dimmed but not turned off, sound is monitored to avoid startling babies, and stroller parking is available up front, near the screen. Parents are even welcome to walk the aisles to soothe baby.

The showings are geared toward parents of children under two - since, presumably, at that age children won't take in much of the PG or R action on-screen, but preschoolers are welcome. Tickets must be purchased for children over age two; babies are admitted free.

The Merriam Park branch of the Saint Paul Public Library system features a special Deaf and Hard of Hearing Collection, including materials on hearing loss and sign language, closed-captioned and ASL videos, and signed children's books.

The library hosts storytimes and other family-friendly programming throughout the year, including a special ASL storytime on the first Saturday of the month from October to May. Patrons enjoy reciprocity privileges at libraries throughout the seven-county metro area.

Parents can search the Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network's online database - after filling out a short form for free registration - by location, hours, type of care, and children's ages. Results show a provider's name and contact information, hours, rates, and information on teacher credentials and the care environment. The website also lists information regarding childcare fees, and links to resources for families seeking financial aid. Phone assistance is available in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong.

Online interactive classes through the network's Eager-to-Learn program explore developmental issues, literacy, finding childcare, and other issues of concern to parents.

MDAH, founded in 1997, provides fun, support, information, and friendship to the full spectrum of stay-at-home dads throughout the state. The group is divided into smaller cells by region.

Registration is free and open to all dads, though the majority of the 140-plus members are located in the Twin Cities at this time. Membership benefits include invitations to MDAH playgroups, field trips, and family and Dad's Night Out events; a monthly newsletter; access to a Yahoo group; and more.

The Minnesota Poison Control System provides immediate telephone assistance to parents who know or suspect their child has ingested a poisonous substance.

The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The 800 number works all over the country - so if you're going to memorize only one, make it that one! - and automatically routes calls along the nationwide network. Calls made from within Minnesota go directly to the regional call center at the Hennepin County Medical Center.

Educational materials and tips for home safety are offered on the organization's website - there's even a Kids Corner, with word games and activities. Families can also order a free Home Safety Packet which includes a safety checklist, poison helpline magnet, phone stickers, and a help guide.

When the thought of one more run through Fox in Socks is too much for parents to bear, help is just a phone call away. Kids calling Storyline get stories read to them by local celebrities. The stories follow monthly themes, and the selection changes weekly. Readings last about five to 10 minutes - or more, for kids who know where the "redial" button is! Pass the cell phone into the backseat and kids can even get a story "read to them" while you drive.

An online version of the service, Storyline Online, is also available, as is a free email newsletter outlining upcoming themes and offering reading suggestions.

Mocha Moms is a national parenting support group for African-American women who have chosen not to work full-time outside of the home.

The group is involved in community service projects and holds moms' nights out and kids' socials. Members also help new moms with cooking, housework, and/or childcare.

Mocha Moms has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show and in major magazines and newspapers, and for good reason - this is a fabulous organization.

There are two chapters in the metro area:

Twin Cities NW

Twin Cities SE

An accessory that keeps us organized? We're so there.

The ingenuis momAgenda was created by a busy mom (is there any other kind?) who was frazzled by keeping track of her own schedule, along with her four children's appointments, lessons, playdates, and parties. Her solution is a refined day planner that provides a way to track multiple schedules with week-at-a-view spreads with rows for each child and mom, monthly views, and places for notes, dinner ideas, and other necessities. The colors range from all-business chocolate and black to vibrant lime or fuschia.

Take it everywhere, or check out the kitchen folio version for "command central".

Mothers of Preschoolers is an international organization established to meet the needs of moms - urban, suburban, and rural moms, stay-at-home and working moms, teen, single, and married moms - with an emphasis on those with preschoolers.

MOPS is similar to MOMS Clubs, but with a Christian influence. Most local meetings take place in area churches. Little ones are typically welcome at local events. Find a local chapter by visiting the national website.

Amy Swenson took what she learned searching for daycare for her own children a step further, and founded MoreDaycare.com, a website with comprehensive information on local providers for all Twin Cities parents.

Mothers & More is a national non-profit organization which seeks to improve the lives of mothers through support, education, and advocacy, and by promoting the value of the work mothers do, as well as addressing their needs as individuals.

On a local level, chapter offerings can include meetings on topics of interest to mothers, bookclub discussions, Moms Night Out activities, parenting support, seasonal playground playgroups, Mom & Tot outings, and assistance from a Care Committee during times of extraordinary need.

Three chapters serve the Twin Cities: Central Minneapolis (952.926.9133; mandm_mpls@hotmail.com); Greater St. Paul (651.204.2107; jkwmessner@aol.com); and the Twin Cities East Chapter (651.204.0071; mothersandmoretce@yahoo.com), serving Woodbury, Oakdale, Stillwater, Lake Elmo, Mahtomedi, North St. Paul, Cottage Grove, and the St. Croix Valley.

Family-to-Family and Kidshops workshops are two of the many programs offered by the Minnesota chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness to provide coping strategies and support to parents and children who are dealing with a family member with a mental illness. The free workshops are held at sites throughout the metro area. Preregistration is required.

Other NAMI programs offer information, advocacy, and support for caregivers of mentally ill children. A Dakota County Parent Liaison helps organize parents in that region.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers a Child Safety Seat Inspection Station Locator on its website. Searches can be done by zip code or by state, and can be filtered to include only stations with Spanish-speaking technicians.

Certified doula Marla Lukes, along with three staffers, offers overnight in-home post-partum care for infants to help new moms get some needed sleep. Both breast-fed and bottle-fed babies can be accommodated.

Parents can set up a tentative service schedule before the baby is born. Night Owls also tries to accommodate last-minute bookings when the need arises.

Parenting Oasis, founded in 2005 by Maureen Campion, is a human service agency dedicated to strengthening, educating, and supporting Twin Cities parents, with a focus on natural family living and attachment parenting for kids from birth through the toddler years. Parenting and relationship classes and special events take place in a new kid-friendly space in South Minneapolis.