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.

Annette Fragale - aka Airplane Annie - trained at Stevie Ray's Comedy Gallery, Clown University, and Ringling Bros. Audiences for her combination of magic, humor, and fun include people of all ages.

She is available to appear at birthday parties, corporate events, and other celebrations. Call for more information or to book.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What's an Izzy? It's a little scoop - the cherry on top, if you will - served on top of Izzy's ice cream. Under it and in it, you'll find homemade artisan ice cream of the highest quality, available in dozens of tempting flavors.

Izzy's can also bring the goods to you, with its party catering, and flavors can be found at select area restaurants and grocery stores. Birthday cakes are made to order and start at $17 - but expect a $1.25 surcharge to add a message!

JW Tumbles children's gym franchises operate in about ten states around the country, with one location in the metro area. The programming is designed to build large muscle skills and confidence in a non-competitive environment, with parent/child classes for babies starting at four months old, and tumbling and other classes for ages three to nine. Kids can join sessions at any time on a pro-rated basis, and the gym's liberal make-up policy allows for rescheduling missed classes.

Parents can make a reservation for Friday evening's Kids Night Out, which provides pizza, movies, and games for kids ages three to nine - and up to 3 1/2 hours of babysitting for parents; $20-$25, with discounts for siblings.

Birthday parties: JW Tumbles provides gym and party space, balloons, two party leaders, tableware, games, music, and set-up and clean-up for up to 19 kids. Parents provide cake, drinks, and party favors. Parties are available Fridays through Sundays. Off-site and themed parties are also available.

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.

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.

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.

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 minimum of eight guests. General photography services during the party also available, at $35/half hour.

Artist and entertainer Barbara Alldaffer, an award-winning face painter, offers party entertainment (as herself or in costume) including balloon sculpting and games, puppet shows, dress up and craft activities, caricatures, hair and nail design, henna art, and more. Activities are customized according to customer preferences and the ages of the guests.

Her website galleries feature pictures of her gorgeous face painting work, which is suitable not only birthday parties, but Halloween, school, and costume parties, too.

RAD Zoo offers a variety of wildlife education programs for birthday parties, libraries, schools, scouting groups, and others. Melissa and Jamie Pastika have been offering these programs since 2005, after years of being professional animal keepers at Walt Disney's Animal Kingdom, where they specialized in wildlife education.

A typical interactive presentation includes 10-15 reptiles and amphibians, and concludes with an opportunity to touch some of the animals; hand sanitizer is provided.

Shoestring Puppet Theatre presents whimsical low-budget puppet shows that engage the audience as participants, not just observers. Shows, which run 25 to 45 minutes, are available for birthday parties, and sometimes performed at local theatres. Shoestring also sells hand-made hand puppets - a great goody at parties - for $10 each, and can customize shows to meet specific needs.

Shoestring's best-known show is The Adventures of Can-Man, a hit at the 2005 Minnesota Fringe Festival, featuring four performers, and puppets made almost exclusively from discarded materials.

Sneaky offers magic shows, face painting, balloon sculpting, and other entertainment for children's birthday parties and special events, with most routines geared toward ages three to seven.

She is also available for lectures, magic and clowning classes, and other events. Call to discuss details and special needs.

Sunlight Parties offers themed children's fantasy parties in your home or the location of your choice. Themes include princess, diva, spa, superheroes, spy, sports, pirates, trucks, Hannah Montana, and more.

Birthday kids can choose between candy-making and cupcake-decorating for a party where kids make their own treats to take home - they'll even decorate a box to carry them in! Sweet Wishes brings the needed supplies to the location of your choice - all parents provide is a refrigerator, microwave, room for the guests, and the birthday cake. Fees run $12-$15/child, based on an eight-child minimum. There are several themes and projects to choose from; visit the website, or call, for more information.

Classes: Sweet Wishes also offers candy-making classes for preschools, daycare settings, and youth groups. Classes run about 45 minutes, and all supplies are provided; minimum charge $100.

The award-winning Teddy Bear Band inspires movement, imagination, and fun in children (and their favorite stuffed buddies), with interactive, upbeat musical performances for families featuring imaginary rides, engaging musical games, and fitness-minded Bear-Robics.

For parties and events where entertainment for both adults and chidren is sought, the Teddy Bear Band offers package deals for performances that also include their grown-up performing alter-egos, Rich & the Resistors. Visit www.musicandgoodtimes.com for more information on those offerings.

The Textile Center - a national center for the promotion of fiber art - comprises a gallery, store, library, and educational programming (including mobile youth programs).

The Joan Mondale Gallery hosts special exhibits and events, and works are also displayed in other areas of the building. The store sells a juried selection of fiber wo