Mary Elizabeth Grosscup Cnslng

You can let your wild ones run free at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Admission is free, although donations are suggested. See exhibits and attractions that house the big cats, the primates, the exotic birds, the hoofed creatures, the wild wolves and even polar bears. Head over to the Conservatory afterward to see, smell and possibly taste plants from all over the world.

Dine on a sophisticated burger at The Blue Door Pub as you taste some of the best brews on tap. Try some of the trademark Juicy Blucys, like the original Blucy, the Luau or the Frenchy, that have made it onto Food Network shows. Pair your dinner up with some beer or wine, and you have a wonderful end to a long day.

Bring the kids out to a place where they can touch, climb, splash, crawl, push, pull and press everything in sight. The Minnesota Children’s Museum offers fun-filled, hands-on exhibitions and attractions that allow children to explore and learn about the world by playing. Children can learn about the natural world, other cultures, history and art at the different galleries.

Explore Minnesota’s past and learn about the American experience when you witness a play by History Theatre. True to its name, the theater presents entertainment that explores the many different histories that make up Saint Paul’s diverse community. For more than 30 years, History Theatre has produced more than 100 world premieres by national playwrights such as Craig Wright, Frank McCourt, Doris Baizley and others.