It's meant as nothing but a compliment to say that Auntie Em's is a lot like a little Wild Rumpus.

It's got the books - gobs of them - new releases, board books, young adult titles, classics. Then there are the animals, including fish, birds, and a bearded dragon. It's even got its own interesting ceiling art, with the ductwork transformed into a store-long colorful caterpillar. (Or is it a bookworm?) A selection of interesting gifts rounds out the offerings.

What this place has that its venerable counterpart doesn't is a cafe area, where coffee drinks, smoothies, bagels, and baked goods are served. Enjoy them at the picnic table in the middle of the stacks. The prices are very reasonable, so parents can cave on kids' requests without breaking the bank - or, sometimes, even a dollar bill! It's good to keep in mind when coming in for one of Auntie Em's popular free storytimes.

The large restroom at the back of the store has a changing table.

Parties: Princess, pirate, and custom-themed packages for five to 12 people (Ages four to seven; $15/person) include storytime, a craft activity, cake, and beverages. Each guest also selects a book from a pre-determined selection to take home.

Battle Creek Waterworks features a shallow water pool with interactive play equipment, a separate activity pool, a three-story slide, a sand play area, and a sun bathing area. Kids ages 10 and under must be accompanied; children under age three must wear swim diapers. No food or beverages may be brought in; concessions and vending machines are available on-site.

Parties: Packages start at $166.75; call 651.501.6342 starting in May to book.

The Bell Museum's exhibits encourage exploration, and convey the wonder and excitement of nature, science, research, and conservation. No flashy bells-and-whistles in the halls of this 130-year-old institution, just beautifully executed displays that harken back to a simpler era. With plans underway to move to a new and larger site on the Saint Paul campus of the University of Minnesota in 2009, time is running out for families to enjoy this more intimate incarnation of the museum.

Its renowned diorama halls span two floors, with all of Minnesota's habitats, animal life, and seasons represented - from the big woods to the Great Lakes to the prairies, and even a mushy carpet "bog" kids can squish across. Each scene is so detailed, there is always something new to discover, and the information provided with the displays is presented in a fun, easily-digested format. The West Gallery showcases temporary exhibits of artwork, but the dioramas themselves, painstakingly created from the 1920s to 1940s, are also works of art.

Kids gravitate to the Touch and See Room, the first of its kind in the country, to get up close and personal with the natural world by touching turtles, peeking inside animal skulls, and handling pelts and other objects.

The Bell Auditorium, the on-site cinema screening non-fiction works, sometimes runs films suitable for children, such as documentaries exploring wildlife or environmental issues.

Nature Play is the museum's series of themed family workshops, held the second Saturday of each month from 1pm-3pm for ages four and up. It's offered free with museum admission. Nature Tots, the museum's program for toddlers and preschoolers, is also free with admission, but advance registation is required. That program takes place the first Thursday of each month, from 9:30am-11am.

Family membership is $45/year and includes free admission as well as discounts on events, camps, and parties.

Parties: Starting at $125 for two hours and up to 12 guests, parties the Bell Museum include a tour and gallery games led by a knowledgeable, enthusiastic guide, usually a U of M science or education student. The museum will supply cake, treat bags and pizza for an additional charge; a fridge and freezer are available if you bring your own. The deluxe party option, available only on Sundays for $200 for up to 12 guests, includes an extra hour during which kids make nature print t-shirts. Book at least two weeks in advance.

Tours: Available for families, scouts and youth groups. Call 612.626.9660 for reservations.

Summer Camps: Check the website for a complete list of offerings.

The Blaisdell Y offers free childcare (see website for schedule), swimming lessons for kids as young as six months old, gymnasium activities including indoor sports and fitness classes for kids and adults, and youth development programs such as Summer Uproar, which provides spirited activities, growth opportunities, and field trips for kids ages 11 to 13.

Book a gym or pool party by calling membership director Matt Tompkins at 612.827.5401.

A specialty boutique offering apparel, accessories, toys, gifts, small furnishings, and other goodies for little ones. The selection leans toward higher-end brands and includes many handmade items, but less pricey clothes and trinkets are available, too. There's plenty for infants through age five, with some items available up to size 12. An interior designer can perform custom work.

Expect to find brands like Bobux, Lipstik, Hart Strings, Oink Baby, and Sweet Potatoes, as well as Little Me, Levis, Kushies, and Nike. The store hosts special family events, such as fashion shows, once a month, and baby showers by arrangement. Parents-to-be can sign up for its baby registry. Check out sale items on the website and in-store; many are discounted up to 50%.

Birthday Parties: Girly-girls can invite up to 14 friends to a birthday party at BrynnAlden during business hours. Parties include makeovers, goody bags, and mini-dance lessons. The birthday girl also gets a bracelet, purse, and group photo. Prices start at $20/guest, with a $35 save-the-date fee; craft projects are add-ons. Refreshments may be brought in. Book at least 72 hours in advance.

A specialty boutique offering apparel, accessories, toys, gifts, small furnishings, and other goodies for little ones. The selection leans toward higher-end brands and includes many handmade items, but less pricey clothes and trinkets are available, too. There's plenty for infants through age five, with some items available up to size 12. An interior designer can perform custom work.

Expect to find brands like Bobux, Lipstik, Hart Strings, Oink Baby, and Sweet Potatoes, as well as Little Me, Levis, Kushies, and Nike. The store hosts special family events, such as fashion shows, once a month, and baby showers by arrangement. Parents-to-be can sign up for its baby registry. Check out sale items on the website and in-store; many are discounted up to 50%.

Birthday Parties: Girly-girls can invite up to 14 friends to a birthday party at BrynnAlden during business hours. Parties include makeovers, goody bags, and mini-dance lessons. The birthday girl also gets a bracelet, purse, and group photo. Prices start at $20/guest, with a $35 save-the-date fee; craft projects are add-ons. Refreshments may be brought in. Book at least 72 hours in advance.

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.

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.

Choo Choo Bob's Train Store sells trains for kids of all ages, with a large selection of Thomas, Brio, and Lionel items, as well as high-end systems from Mike's Train House, Athearn, Bachmann, and others. There's also lots of railroad-themed gifts and decor items. Gift certificates are available.

Kids are welcome to play on six Thomas and Brio tables in the store, and are often mesmerized by the two large-gauge trains that run in the front window. Choo Choo Bob's also hosts special events and "field trips." Check with the store for current offerings.

Storytimes: Coveralls-clad Engineer Paul leads lively storytimes featuring songs and train-themed tales. The storytimes are usually scheduled for the first and third Wednesday and Saturday of each month, but times may vary, so it's best to call ahead to confirm. Additional times are often added to the schedule, too.

Birthday Parties: Choo Choo Bob's birthdays are a great deal for train-happy youngsters ages two to seven. For $100, celebrants get two hours in a private party room, a customized railroad-themed cake, loot bags for up to eight kids (including a craft project), tableware, and beverages. Additional guests are welcome at no charge, but extra loot bags cost $5 each. And partygoers are welcome to play in the store, too!

Ideally situated next to the Como Zoo, McNeely Conservatory, and Cafesjian's Carousel in Como Park, the seasonally-operated Como Town amusement park offers gentle thrills and free live entertainment. Five- to eight-year-olds are likely to enjoy the park most; older kids are better served at Nick Universe and Valleyfair. (Hours: Mem Day-Lab Day, Sun-Thu 10am-7:30pm; Fri-Sat 10am-8pm. Other times, weather permitting - see website.)

In 2008, Como Town introduces the Tornado, a new ride that joins Traffic Jam, the Screamin' Dragon Coaster, Pumpkin Patch, Aladdin's Magic Carpet and other attractions that induce squeals of delight. Kids can also tool around on mini-city streets in electric cars to earn a driver's license, fight fires from a kid-sized cherry picker, pedal themselves silly in skycopters, and climb on dinosaur bones in a sandy play area.

All of the attractions require tickets - except most of the shows in the theater - and a wristband (available in all-day and twilight versions) is probably the way to go for kids who'll be going on more than a few rides, since most rides requires three or four points each. Rent strollers at the Como Visitor Center.

Birthday parties: A $250 package includes invitations, cupcakes, ice cream, juice, and unlimited ride wristbands for up to 12 children. Add-on options include treat bags, pizza, face painting, and more. Call 651.487.8283 to book.

Summer opportunities: Ride operators must be over age 18, but Como Town hires kids ages 14 and up for other jobs at the park during the season.

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.

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.

Deuxmensions offers classical ballet, tap, jazz, creative movement, and modern dance classes for ages three and up during school-year and summer sessions, with performance opportunities in December (informal) and June (costumed). The Junior Dance Theatre company offers additional performance opportunities for committed students ages 12 to 18.

Attire to meet the dress code, which varies by age and class, must be purchased from the school, though used shoes may be purchased from other students, if available.

Birthday parties: Disco, anyone? Themed dance parties can be booked in the studio. Call 952.926.7542 for more information or to book.

The bees in the apiary aren't the only ones busy at Dodge Nature Center. This may well be the hardest working facility around!

There's the barn and its farm animals, including sheep, goats, cows, and a horse; the windmill, which pumps water; the maple trees, which produce sap in season; the museum, which informs, and houses a reptile/amphibian lab; raptors make the rounds to off-site programming; an amphitheater behind the main office serves as an outdoor classroom; and the schoolhouse, the only building left from the area's original farm days, provides more classrooms. Dodge has three campuses, for a total of 320 acres, and hiking trails wind through woodland, prairie, and pond. Its most unique feature, though, is sited on a portion of the main campus.

At Dodge Nature Preschool, the classroom includes 110 acres of outdoor wonders. Children interact regularly with the farm animals, and explore the trails. By bringing the outdoor world in, and taking the class out, the preschool provides a stimulating environment for learning and growth, and tremendous appreciation for the natural world. 1715 Charlton Avenue; 651.455.4555; $285-$485/month, lunch and registration additional. Preschool summer camp also offered.

Two afterschool programs serve older kids: Young Explorers, for K-1; and Junior Naturalists, for grades 5-8. Kids can sign up for school break programming too. Parent/child classes for ages three to five offer daytime fun. On weekends, the center offers family programs.

Summer camps for grades 1-8 include half-day, full day, and Friday only options; grades 6-8 can go for an overnight.

Birthday parties: Two-hour parties (the first hour with a naturalist, the second for gifts and cake) are tailored for different ages and seasons, with plenty of hands-on activities. Bring your own refreshments; $90 for up to 15 guests; $50 members.

Eastman Nature Center, part of the Three Rivers Park District and situated on the Elm Creek Park Reserve, has much to offer families year-round, inside and out.

Indoors, this 6,800-square-foot nature center features interactive exhibits and games; a glass-sided beehive; classrooms; and live turtles, snakes, frogs, toads, and salamanders. Outdoors, it offers four miles of hiking trails through forests, fields, and alongside creeks; a boardwalk across a pond; self-guided trails; an observation blind; restored prairie lands; a small amphitheater; an orienteering course; and garden beds.

Eastman's trails connect to Elm Creek's 19 miles of paved trails, and miles of cross-country and snowshoe trails.

Parties: Celebrants can rent a room at Eastman for a party, or book a two-hour naturalist-led Wild Birthday Party for ages four and up. The first hour includes a presentation and hike, the second is for treats and gift opening in a private room. Cost: $80 for up to 15 children and six adults.

Classes: Eastman offers a wide array of programming and special events for preschoolers, school-age kids, and families. Check the website for complete and current listings.

Summer Camps: Eastman's offerings are part of Three Rivers's Adventure Week day camp program for ages four to 18.

The non-profit Firefighters Hall & Museum, run by volunteers, features more than 12,000 sq. ft. of exhibits dedicated to fire education, safety, prevention, and entertainment.

Kids can climb aboard a vintage fire truck, pump water with a hand pumper from the 1860s, don firefighting gear, use a Hook & Ladder Simulator to "drive" a fire truck, visit a Hazard House that teaches children how to be safe at home, and slide down a brass firefighter's pole. April through November - weather-permitting and included in the admission fee - families can also ride through the museum's Northeast neighborhood on a real fire truck! There's a gift shop on-site.

Parties: The museum has a room available to book for kids' birthday parties. Pay regular admission for each attendee, plus the $25 room fee, and bring your own food and beverages; no sprinkles or confetti are allowed. In season and weather-permitting, parties include a ride on a fire truck.

The non-profit Firefighters Hall & Museum, run by volunteers, features more than 12,000 sq. ft. of exhibits dedicated to fire education, safety, prevention, and entertainment.

Kids can climb aboard a vintage fire truck, pump water with a hand pumper from the 1860s, don firefighting gear, use a Hook & Ladder Simulator to "drive" a fire truck, visit a Hazard House that teaches children how to be safe at home, and slide down a brass firefighter's pole. April through November - weather-permitting and included in the admission fee - families can also ride through the museum's Northeast neighborhood on a real fire truck! There's a gift shop on-site.

Parties: The museum has a room available to book for kids' birthday parties. Pay regular admission for each attendee, plus the $25 room fee, and bring your own food and beverages; no sprinkles or confetti are allowed. In season and weather-permitting, parties include a ride on a fire truck.

This restored stone fortress - an 1820s military outpost once at the edge of a small settlement, but now in the heart of the metropolitan area - brings the past to life with costumed guides, the sound of musket fire, the cannon's roar, and the fife's shrill tunes.

Sample a soldier's bread ration, swing a hammer in the blacksmith shop, or barter with the sutler - but remember, his store is the only one for miles around! The Fort's costumed guides conduct tours, demonstrate crafts, present historical skits, and practice military drills and weapons firings. Picnic and hike around the site.

Family Fun Days and special events throughout the summer offer engaging, interactive, educational fun for kids.

Birthday parties: Kids can celebrate getting older by going back in time! During a memorable hands-on Fort Snelling party, children can do as children did - chores, games, hikes, and drills. Available Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 12n-5pm. Admission, time in a private room, and activities included; $8/guest; best for ages five and up. Bring your own refreshments. Pre-register at least two weeks in advance at 612.725.2407.

Summer Camps: Full-day weeklong programs are offered during the summer for ages seven to 16. Advance registration is required; $225/week. Call 612.726.1171 for more information.

The highly-regarded Foss Swim School provides instruction for ages six months and up at several suburban locations.

Sessions usually run 10 to 14 weeks, with mini-camps (eight lessons in two weeks) offered in late spring and throughout the summer. The pools are heated to 90 degrees to keep shivers at bay. Private lessons, non-competitive swim meets, and sibling discounts are also offered. Parents are encouraged to watch their children's progress from poolside.

Parties: Packages include splashy fun, games, and races led by trained instructors and a lifeguard, time in a party room for gift-opening and treats, and all set-up and clean-up. Themed materials for invitations, decorations, thank yous, goodie bags, and cake or cupcakes are available. Parents can, but don't have to, be in the pool during the two-hour parties.

The highly-regarded Foss Swim School provides instruction for ages six months and up at several suburban locations.

Sessions usually run 10 to 14 weeks, with mini-camps (eight lessons in two weeks) offered in late spring and throughout the summer. The pools are heated to 90 degrees to keep shivers at bay. Private lessons, non-competitive swim meets, and sibling discounts are also offered. Parents are encouraged to watch their children's progress from poolside.

Parties: Packages include splashy fun, games, and races led by trained instructors and a lifeguard, time in a party room for gift-opening and treats, and all set-up and clean-up. Themed materials for invitations, decorations, thank yous, goodie bags, and cake or cupcakes are available. Parents can, but don't have to, be in the pool during the two-hour parties.

The highly-regarded Foss Swim School provides instruction for ages six months and up at several suburban locations.

Sessions usually run 10 to 14 weeks, with mini-camps (eight lessons in two weeks) offered in late spring and throughout the summer. The pools are heated to 90 degrees to keep shivers at bay. Private lessons, non-competitive swim meets, and sibling discounts are also offered. Parents are encouraged to watch their children's progress from poolside.

Parties: Packages include splashy fun, games, and races led by trained instructors and a lifeguard, time in a party room for gift-opening and treats, and all set-up and clean-up. Themed materials for invitations, decorations, thank yous, goodie bags, and cake or cupcakes are available. Parents can, but don't have to, be in the pool during the two-hour parties.

The highly-regarded Foss Swim School provides instruction for ages six months and up at several suburban locations.

Sessions usually run 10 to 14 weeks, with mini-camps (eight lessons in two weeks) offered in late spring and throughout the summer. The pools are heated to 90 degrees to keep shivers at bay. Private lessons, non-competitive swim meets, and sibling discounts are also offered. Parents are encouraged to watch their children's progress from poolside.

Parties: Packages include splashy fun, games, and races led by trained instructors and a lifeguard, time in a party room for gift-opening and treats, and all set-up and clean-up. Themed materials for invitations, decorations, thank yous, goodie bags, and cake or cupcakes are available. Parents can, but don't have to, be in the pool during the two-hour parties.

The highly-regarded Foss Swim School provides instruction for ages six months and up at several suburban locations.

Sessions usually run 10 to 14 weeks, with mini-camps (eight lessons in two weeks) offered in late spring and throughout the summer. The pools are heated to 90 degrees to keep shivers at bay. Private lessons, non-competitive swim meets, and sibling discounts are also offered. Parents are encouraged to watch their children's progress from poolside.

Parties: Packages include splashy fun, games, and races led by trained instructors and a lifeguard, time in a party room for gift-opening and treats, and all set-up and clean-up. Themed materials for invitations, decorations, thank yous, goodie bags, and cake or cupcakes are available. Parents can, but don't have to, be in the pool during the two-hour parties.

The highly-regarded Foss Swim School provides instruction for ages six months and up at several suburban locations.

Sessions usually run 10 to 14 weeks, with mini-camps (eight lessons in two weeks) offered in late spring and throughout the summer. The pools are heated to 90 degrees to keep shivers at bay. Private lessons, non-competitive swim meets, and sibling discounts are also offered. Parents are encouraged to watch their children's progress from poolside.

Parties: Packages include splashy fun, games, and races led by trained instructors and a lifeguard, time in a party room for gift-opening and treats, and all set-up and clean-up. Themed materials for invitations, decorations, thank yous, goodie bags, and cake or cupcakes are available. Parents can, but don't have to, be in the pool during the two-hour parties.

The highly-regarded Foss Swim School provides instruction for ages six months and up at several suburban locations.

Sessions usually run 10 to 14 weeks, with mini-camps (eight lessons in two weeks) offered in late spring and throughout the summer. The pools are heated to 90 degrees to keep shivers at bay. Private lessons, non-competitive swim meets, and sibling discounts are also offered. Parents are encouraged to watch their children's progress from poolside.

Parties: Packages include splashy fun, games, and races led by trained instructors and a lifeguard, time in a party room for gift-opening and treats, and all set-up and clean-up. Themed materials for invitations, decorations, thank yous, goodie bags, and cake or cupcakes are available. Parents can, but don't have to, be in the pool during the two-hour parties.

The Gibbs Museum offers visitors a low-key way to step back in time, with tours of the historic site by costumed interpreters and special events throughout the site's season.

The popular children's book, Little Bird That Was Caught, tells the story of Jane Gibbs, who grew up in Minnesota and befriended the Dakotah people. The museum is on the 160-acre site she and her husband purchased as newlyweds in 1849 - situated along the trail that the Dakotah used to travel from Lake Calhoun to the northern rice lakes. The 19th-century farmhouse in which she raised her family is open for tours, along with barns and farm animals, a one-room school house moved from a different location, a replica sod house, a Dakotah tipi, a bark lodge, and pioneer and Dakotah gardens.

Camps: One-day Summer Schoolhouse programs are offered all summer long for kids entering grades two through seven. Participants are encouraged to dress in period garb, and receive age-appropriate booklets to use for "lessons," read from McGuffey Readers, play period games at recess, visit with the farm animals, and make ice cream, candles, and corn husk dolls. Cost: $30/day; kids should bring a sack lunch.