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.

Aish, part of HaTorah International, is a Jewish educational organization that welcomes all Jews, regardless of level of orthodoxy or observance.

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.

In addition to religious services, the landmark Basilica of St. Mary hosts workshops, concerts, art exhibits, and social events - including the popular Basilia Block Party each July.

Guided tours of the beautiful 100-year-old building are offered year-round following Sunday morning services; a self-guided tour brochure can be downloaded from the website in advance of a visit.

Bet Shalom is a Reform Jewish congregation that also provides preschool and elementary education.

Beth El is a Conservative Jewish congregation serving about 1,350 households.

The Church of the Assumption was founded in 1856 by German immigrants. The current church and school are located on the original site, but date from 1954.

The Twin Cities Friends Meeting House, affiliated with the Quakers, also hosts events for the broader community and other religious organizations.

The Lake Harriet Spiritual Community (LHSC) is an independent non-profit spiritual organization based in the distinctive domed building at the corner of 44th Street and Upton Avenue South in Linden Hills, just west of Lake Harriet.

The handicap-accessible Lake Harriet United Methodist Church offers traditional and contemporary worship services, and each spring mounts a large-scale theatrical production.

Historic Lakewood Cemetery, located beside Lake Calhoun, offers self-guided walking tours of the grounds and buildings (Mausoleum hours: Daily, 10am-4:30pm), and a free annual celebration of Memorial Day featuring a ceremony, tours, exhibits, activities, and refreshments.

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.

Maclester Plymouth United Church is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the Presbyterian Church, offers preschool instruction.

In addition to religious services, ministries, and education, this suburban Lutheran church offers arts instruction for children and on-site daycare. The site also serves as a community center, hosting and providing space for other family-friendly programming.

Daycare: The Mount Olivet Child Learning Center accepts kids ages six weeks to five years. Call 763.559.3036 or email Julie Cohrs for more information.

Classes: Mount Olivet School of Arts offers private lessons September through May in brass, woodwinds, and piano; $18/half-hour. Contact Music Director Angela House for more information. Through Top Hat Theatre, the church offers classes in singing, character development, and acting for ages four to ten; Contact Todd and Pam Russell at 763.535.1162 for more information.

New Hope Church was formerly known as Crystal Free Evangelical.

Richfield Lutheran Church offers a wide variety of youth activities, including a Drama Ministry and a Terrific Tuesday program during the summer.

St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church, near Lake Calhoun, hosts the Taste of Greece festival each September.

Temple of Aaron is a Conservative Jewish congregation.