The College of St. Catherine offers high school girls (currently enrolled in 9th-11th grade) the chance to explore business and technology career skills while "building" an online shopping mall during St. Kate's Business & Technology Careers Camp, a week-long residential summer camp. College professors and students provide instruction and mentoring, and scheduled activities give kids a taste of campus life. Financial aid is available.

The campus also hosts performances and events open to the public throughout the year.

Concordia University, one of 10 liberal arts universities operated by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, boasts several performance spaces and sports arenas, including the Buetow Music Center, the Gangelhoff Center Arena, and the theatre and studios in the EM Pearson Building.

Hand In Hand Child Care Center, a laboratory school providing Christ-centered care for children ages six weeks to kindergarten, is located on the first floor of the Wollaeger Hall dorm. Weekly rates range from $175 to $265. Call 651.641.8491 or email spiess@csp.edu for more information.

The school makes dorm rooms available for rent over the summer, providing low-cost hostel-style accommodations for travelers.

The Minneapolis College of Art & Design - a fully-accredited college offering bachelor's and master's degree programs - hosts morning and afternoon summer programming for kids ages five and up.

Two-week Summer Expressions Sessions (SES) for teens provide an introduction to life at an art school, with a chance to live on campus, "choose a major," and earn college credits. One-week SES Express programs explore various art disciplines and count toward one college credit.

Programs start at about $75 for three-day morning camps for the youngest students, with prices climbing to about $550 for the SES Express program. Generally, given the quality of the instruction and facilities, the prices are reasonable.

The college also hosts performances, exhibits, open houses, and other events throughout the year that might be of interest to families.

Minneapolis Community & Technical College is located at the edge of downtown, just west of Loring Park.

The campus of Normandale Community College features several performing arts venues, a fine arts gallery, and a lovely two-acre Japanese Garden. The garden is open all year and admission is free, but children under age 12 must be accompanied.

The music department presents concerts and recitals, and the Department of Theatre mounts four major productions each year at the campus's 243-seat Fine Arts Theatre. (Box office: 952.487.7462.)

Northwestern Health Sciences University (formerly Northwestern College of Chiropractic) aims to advance and promote natural approaches to health through education, research, clinical services, and community involvement. To that end, the school hosts several family-friendly celebratory events throughout the year, including a kids carnival and a large egg hunt.