Hermantown Family Fun Resource Guide Winter 2010

Following are recommendations by parents of Hermantown infants, toddlers, and preschoolers for the best picks for family friendly businesses, events, and activities in the area. I tried to ensure accuracy, but information can change. Please call ahead.

If there are any changes or additions you would like to add please email Olivia at [email protected] or call 5nine1-zero2two1.

Section 1: Family Friendly Local Businesses

Best Family Restaurants for Dining In

Applebees: 1600 Miller Trunk Hwy, Duluth. 723-1253 Blackwoods Grill & Bar: 195 Hwy 2, Proctor. 628-0628 Black Bear Casino Buffet: Corner of I-35 and Hwy 210, Carlton, MN 878-BEAR Bridgeman’s: 2202 Mountain Shadow Dr, Duluth. 727-0196 Buffalo House: 2590 Guss Rd, Duluth. 624-9901 Buffalo Wild Wings: 1307 Miller Trunk Hwy, Duluth. 722-5100 Bulldog Pizza: 101 Mount Royal Shopping Circle, Duluth. 728-3663 Burrito Union: 1332 E 4th St, Duluth. 728-4414 Clyde Iron Works: 2920 W Michigan St, Duluth. 727-1150 Culvers: 1301 Mall Dr, Duluth. 464-4353 Duluth Grill: 118 S 27th Ave W, Duluth. 726-1150 Famous Daves: 355 Lake Ave S, Duluth. 740-3180 Gordy’s Hi Hat: Only open late spring - early fall. 415 Sunnyside Dr, Cloquet. 879-6125 Grandma’s Saloon & Grill: 2202 Maple Grove Rd, Duluth. 722-9313 Grandma’s Sports Garden: 425 S Lake Ave, Duluth. 722-4724 Games to play. Green Mill: 340 S Lake Ave # 1, Duluth. 727-7000 Grizzlys: 1722 Miller Trunk Hwy, Duluth. 722-9231 Larry’s Coney’s and Café: 4899 Miller Trunk Hwy # 100, Hermantown. 740-1010 Maya Family Mexican Restaurant: 1725 Maple Grove Rd, Duluth. 722-0360 McDonald’s: Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown (by Menards). Many other stores available. Play lands available in Central Entrance (Duluth Heights) and Central Ave (West Duluth) locations. McKenzies: 5094 Miller Trunk Hwy Suite 700, Hermantown. 729-1900 Mexico Lindo: 600 E Superior St, Duluth. 727-1978 Old Chicago: 327 Industrial Building(Canal Park), Duluth. 720-2966 Old Country Buffet: 1600 Miller Trunk Hwy, Duluth. 722-4546 Olive Garden: 901 Mall Dr, Duluth. 727-2623 Perkins: 1302 Miller Trunk, Duluth. 727-4188 Quiznos: 2702 W Michigan St, Duluth. 740-7782 or 502 E 4th St, Duluth. 722-9111 Subway: 5601 Miller Trunk Hwy (in SA) Duluth, 729-0199. Many others in Duluth. Sunset: 4483 Martin Rd, Duluth. 723-7855 Texas Roadhouse: 902 Mall Dr (across from Home Depot), Duluth. 624-7427

1 Best Kids Eat Free Deals

Bridgeman’s Tuesday Famous Daves Wednesday Green Mill Tuesday 4-7pm Grizzlys Sunday kids eat for 1.49 Maya Family Mexican Restaurant Sunday McKenzies Sunday Mexico Lindo Sunday kids eat for 1.99 Perkins after 4pm on Tuesday and Saturday Texas Roadhouse last Monday of the month, one child under 12 free per adult purchase.

Best Delivery

Dave’s Pizza: 4890 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown. 727-5298 Domino’s: 5704 Miller Trunk Hwy, Duluth. 729-7979 Lee’s Pizza: 2033 W Superior St, Duluth. 722-0643 Pizza Hut: 15 W Central Entrance, Duluth. 722-8426 Sammy’s Pizza: Hermantown Spur, 5106 Miller Trunk Hwy. 729-7227 Do North Pizza: 5094 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown. 729-1800

Best Takeout

Applebees: Miller Hill Mall, Duluth. 723-1253. Just pull into the designated parking spots. China Star: 4227 Haines Rd, Hermantown. 740-2750 Olive Garden: 901 Mall Drive S, Duluth. (By Home Depot) 727-2623. They have a few parking spots for takeout. Papa Murphy’s Take and Bake Pizza: 4602 Grand Ave, Duluth. 624-5000 or Kenwood Mall 728-8021 Pizza Luce: 11 E Superior St # 100, Duluth. 727-7400 Railway Pizzeria/Deli: 318 3rd Ave, Proctor. 624-2199 Shamrock Pizza: 5825 Tower Ave, Superior, WI. (715) 394-9321

Church

Anchor Point Community Church: 5202 Colorado St. Duluth. 625-6200. Sunday Service 9 and 10:45 am. http://www.anchorpointchurch.org/ Faith Baptist: 5693 Maple Grove Rd, 729-9470. Sun School 9 am, Sun Worship 10 am, Sun Evening 6 pm, Wed Prayer & Praise 6:30 pm http://fbchermantown.org/default.aspx First Lutheran: 1100 E Superior St, Duluth. 728-3668. Sun worship 8:30 and 11 am. Mops, Promise preschool, and many other programs. http://www.flcduluth.org/ Grace Lutheran: 5454 Miller Trunk Hwy, 729-9054. Wed at 6:30 pm (Cont) and Sun at 8:30(Trad) and 10:45 am(Cont). Sun 9:40 Ed hour. http://www.gracehermantown.org/ Glen Avon Presbyterian: 2105 Woodland Ave, Duluth. 724-1604. Great young family groups. Sun 8:45 am Christian Growth for All Ages, 10 am Worship Service, 11 am Fellowship. http://www.glenavonchurch.org/

2 Hermantown Community Church: 4880 Maple Grove Rd, 729-8797. Service at 8:30 and 11 am, Sunday School at 10:05 am. Awana: Wed night program for kids. Mops group. http://www.hermantownchurch.com/ Lakeview Covenant Church: 1001 Jean Duluth Rd, Duluth, 525-6625. They have a Mops group, Awana: a Wed night kids program, computer check in for kids, and many bible studies. Services are Sun 9 and 10:30 am. http://lakeviewcovenant.org/ Peace in Christ Lutheran Church: 5007 Maple Grove Rd, Hermantown. 729-9473. Sat. 6 pm, Sun 8 am, and 10:45 am. http://pichrist.org/ Peace Church: 1111 N 11th Ave E, Duluth. 724-3637. Sun 8:30 (Cont) and 10:30 am (Trad) Service. Education 9:30. Many classes on Wed. http://www.peaceucc.org/ St Paul’s Episcopal Church: 1731 Greysolon Rd, Duluth. 724-3535. Sun 8 am –Rite I, Sun 10 am - Rite II, Sun 9:45 am Children Sunday School, and Wed 5:30 pm (Cont) http://www.stpaulsduluth.org/ St Lawrence Catholic Church: 2410 Morris Thomas Rd, Duluth. 722-6965. Mass Schedule: Sat 5 pm, Sunday 8 & 11 am. http://www.dioceseduluth.org/ Unitarian Universalists: 835 W College St. Duluth, 724-0308. 9:15am Worship and Religious Education for children, 10:15am Social Hour, 11:15am Worship (Children over 5 years old remain with parents), and 11:15am Youth Group. http://www.uuduluth.org/ Vineyard: 1533 Arrowhead Rd, Duluth. 525-3462. Services Sat 6 pm, Sun 9 am, and Sun 11 am. Great age appropriate programs. http://duluthvineyard.org/

Grocery Store

Cub Foods: 615 W Central Entrance, Duluth. 727-0272. They have many different carts for kids. You get a free apple and/or cookie per visit for kids. Super One Miller Hill Mall: 5401 Burning Tree Rd, Duluth. 722-6019. Car and 2 kid carts. One person said kids get a free cookie, but when I called they said no. I would ask. Super One Kenwood: 1316 W. Arrowhead Rd, Duluth. 724-8885. Free drop off center for kids. They said open until 6pm but might want to call ahead. Not sure of ages. Walmart Supercenter: 3705 Tower Ave, Superior. OR 1308 Highway 33 S, Cloquet. Whole Foods Co-op: 610 E 4th St Duluth, 728-0884. They have little carts.

Toy Store

Child Style: (Used) 1423 Belknap St. Superior, WI. 392-2440 Explorations: 201 West Superior St, Duluth. 722-1651. Fleet Farm: Twin Cities, etc. Great Christmas Toys. http://www.fleetfarm.com/ J Sylark: 394 S Lake Ave # 201, Duluth. 722-3794 Lots for Tots: (Used) 4921 Matterhorn Dr, Duluth. 722-2028 Savers: (Used) 1740 Mall Dr, Duluth. 722-1894 Target: 1902 Miller Trunk Hwy, Duluth. 727-8851 Toys for Keeps: 335 Canal Park Drive, Duluth. 720-3568 Walmart: 4740 Mall Dr, Hermantown. 727-1310

Movie Theater

Duluth 10: 300 Harbor Dr, Duluth. 729-0335. Lakes 10: 4351 Stebner Rd, Hermantown. 729-0335 Premier Theater: 904 Hwy 33 S, Cloquet. 879-7985 3 Coffee Shops

Amazing Grace: Dewitt Seitz in Canal Park, Duluth. Great food too! Has toys and fish tank. Check the entertainment schedule before going sometimes great or sometimes to much for kids. http://amazinggraceduluth.com/ Barnes and Noble: Miller Hill Mall, Duluth. Thomas the Tank Engine table for kids. Beaner’s Central: 324 N Central Ave, Duluth. Food menu. Check Entertainment before going. Can be great or too much for kids. http://www.beanerscentral.com/ Bixby’s: 1608 Woodland Ave, Duluth. Great bagels too. There are some good seats for kids. Caribou Coffee: Miller Hill Mall, next to Cub Foods, Canal Park, and Mount Royal Fine Foods Casa Latte: 5493 Miller Trunk Hwy across from Hwy 194. Drive thru. www.casalatte.com Dunn Brothers: 2401 London Rd, Duluth. Great atmosphere, some kid toys. Great Harvest Bread Company: 3 S 13th Ave E, Duluth. Plaza Shopping Center. More of a bread/sweet shop but places to relax and kids to play. New London Road Café: 4721 E Superior St, Duluth. Table service, betty pies served there. Red Mug: 916 Hammond Ave # 2, Superior. Right on the other side of the Blatnik Bridge. Great place. Lower area you can sit with kids. Starbucks: 1405 Miller Trunk Hwy, Duluth. By Walgreens, across from the mall. Also 331 W Superior St. Downtown Duluth.

Photo Studio

JCPenney: Miller Hill Mall, Duluth. 723-0058 Lynnette’s Portrait Design: http://www.lynnettesportraitdesign.com/ Roe Photography: http://roesphotography.biz. She does a great job! Sears: Miller Hill Mall, Duluth. 725-0200. Suzanne Jean Photography: Twin Cities, but she will travel and come to your location. Great prices, and you get a CD of the pictures. http://suzannejeanphotography.com/ Wonderlily Photography: Melanie Gunderson, 218-341-9252. www.wonderlilyphotography.com Bookstore

Barnes and Noble: Miller Hill Mall, Duluth. 786-0710 Bookstore at Fitgers: 600 E Superior St, Duluth. 727-9077 Library in Duluth: 3 locations, http://www.duluth.lib.mn.us/

Best Video Rental

Blockbuster: 244 E Central Entrance, Duluth. 726-1430 Netflix: Mail or stream Redbox: Many locations locally, http://www.redbox.com/

4 SECTION 2: AREA ATTRACTIONS

Best Sledding Hill

Deerfield Town Homes: Lots of hills, corner of Maple Grove and Stebner Rd. Holy Rosary School: 2802 E 4th St, Duluth. LaVaque & Pioneer: Corner in Fredenberg Township and/or Pioneer Rd Sliding Hill, not sure if they are not one in the same. Mont du Lac tubing: $12 weekdays, $15 weekends. Same hours as the ski hill. Munger Town Hall: Not sure location? Northland Country Club: 3901 E Superior St, Duluth. 10th hole right off the parking lot. Pinehurst Park: Hwy 33, Cloquet. Pine Valley Tubing Hill: Hwy 33, Cloquet by lumber jack mall. Weekends, $5. http://www.cloquet.k12.mn.us/communityed.cfm?subpage=565125 Proctor Golf Course: 25 Al Shoberg Dr, just off Highway 2, Proctor. Can have some ice. Ridgeview Country Club: 700 W. Redwing St, Duluth.

Best Skiing

Bagley Nature Trail: UMD, cross country. http://www.d.umn.edu/recreation/%28RSOP%20Web%29/Facilities/bagley/bagley.html Chester Bowl: Seasonal rates and ski equipment program. Plus a ski jump. 1801 E Skyline, Duluth. http://www.chesterbowl.org/ Duluth City Ski Trails: Great map and info here http://duluthxc.com/ Giants Ridge: Downhill, etc. Biwabik, MN. http://www.giantsridge.com/ Jay Cooke: Also other state parks for cc. www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/index.html Keene Creek: Cross country. Okerstrom Rd, Hermantown. Lutsen: Downhill, Up the North Shore off Highway 61. 218-663-7281. www.lutsen.com Mont Du Lac: Downhill, daily and seasonal rates, classes. 3125 S Mont Du Lac Rd Superior, WI. 626-3797. Past Fond u lac in the very far west of Duluth. http://www.skimontdulac.com/ Pine Valley Nordic Ski Area: Cloquet. Lighted cc trails, ski jump. http://www.ci.cloquet.mn.us/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={E45AA0E8-EEC5-4D99- 93BE-A1B5D1C49FFE} Snowflake Nordic Ski Center: Cross country rentals, lessons, and trails. 4348 Rice Lake Rd, Duluth. 726-1550. http://www.skiduluth.com/ Spirit Mountain: Downhill, cross country, rentals, and lessons. Duluth. 628-2891 http://www.spiritmt.com/

Best Skating

Bay Front Park: Downtown Duluth, outdoor. Community Clubs: Many outdoor rinks through out Duluth and other cities. Examples in Duluth: Congdon, Duluth Heights, Memorial Park, Merritt, and Piedmont. Most in Duluth do not always have a warming house because of budget cuts. You can find Duluth park addresses here: http://www.duluthmn.gov/parks/index.cfm Then look under park facilities for a list. Fredenberg Community Center: Warming house. 5104 Fish Lake Rd, Duluth. Decc/Amsoil Arena: Free skating 2010-2011 dates: Nov 28th, Dec 26th, Jan 23rd, Feb 6th 3-5 pm. http://www.decc.org/facilities/ice-rental.html

5 Heritage Center: Various open skates. It is free, indoors, and some skates are available. 464- 1711 120 S 30th Ave W http://duluthheritage.com/ Hermantown Arena: Outdoor rinks are not too busy. Corner of Ugstad and Arrowhead. Mars Lakeview Arena: Public skating for fee, 1201 Rice Lake Rd Duluth. 722-4455 http://www.marslakeview.com/ Pike Lake Twig: Outdoor rink off Highway 53 in Twig. Wessman Arena: Superior, indoors. The have public skating on some days. http://www.uwsuper.edu/recreation/schedules/wessman-arena.cfm

Best Playground

Chester Bowl: 1800 E Skyline Parkway, Duluth. Congdon Elementary School: 3116 E Superior St, Duluth. Grant: Enclosed playground and grass field. 901 E 11th St, Duluth. Esko School: 2 E Highway 61. Hermantown Elementary School: 5365 W Arrowhead Rd. Homecroft Elementary School: 4784 Howard Gnesen Rd, Duluth. Lester River Park: 61st Ave E & Superior St, Duluth. Memorial Park: Corner of Grand and Central Ave, Duluth. Menards: Has an indoor playground. Hermantown and West Duluth Locations. Piedmont Community Club: Near intersection of Piedmont and Morris Thomas. Pike Lake Elementary: 5682 Martin Rd. Play Front: Bayfront in Downtown Duluth. Solway Township Town Hall: 4029 Munger Shaw Rd in Cloquet on Hwy 2. Twig: Off Hwy 53 in Twig. Website of all Duluth parks and/or playgrounds: Then look under park facilities for a list. http://www.duluthmn.gov/parks/index.cfm

Best Beach

Brighton/Kitchi Gammi Beach: Good for throwing rocks and some swimming but has a rocky bottom and large rocks. Very fun to stop on your way up the North Shore. 63rd Ave E and Congdon Blvd, Duluth. Caribou Lake: Public boat access has a swimming area. Community Club on Park Point: 3026 Minnesota Ave, Duluth. Island Lake: 7100 Rice Lake Rd, Duluth. Meyer Beach: Outside Bayfield, WI near Cornucopia. Great place to launch kayaks for caves. Park Point Beach House: Has lifeguards and showers. The park at the end of Park Point. Pattison Park: Beach, trails, and a 165 feet high waterfall. 6294 S State Road 35 Superior, WI. http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/specific/pattison/ Pike Lake AAA club: Need to be a AAA member or $2/person. One person said after 5pm no one is there. The Beach: Pinehurst Park, off Hwy 33, Cloquet. Sand bottom pool. Check prices and hours here when it opens in the summer: http://home.mchsi.com/~pinehurst-swimpond/index.html Tot lot on Park Point: 12th St and MN Ave for the parking lot, Duluth. Wisconsin Point: Wisconsin Point Rd Superior, WI. Just outside Superior off Hwy 2 right before the start of the expressway. Turn onto Mocassin

6 Hiking with Strollers

Gitchi Gami State Trail: Paved from Two Harbors to Grand Marais. Only portions are opened, still in the building process. Check website for what is open. http://www.ggta.org/ Gooseberry: (some trails) 3206 Minnesota 61, Two Harbors, MN. Great visitor center, waterfalls, trails, http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/gooseberry_falls/index.html Grassy Point: Wood boardwalk and floating dock. End of Leisure St, off S. Central Ave. Hawk’s Ridge: Some trails or road in late fall-spring. E Skyline & 52nd Ave E, Duluth. Indoor: Great for the winter. Skywalk Downtown Duluth, walk to the DECC; Miller Hill Mall, watch the fountains, not too busy in the mornings; or UMD, especially up to the dorms where noise doesn’t matter. Lake Walk: Bayfront – 60th Ave E, Duluth. Lake Supeior Zoo: 72nd Ave W & Grand Ave, Duluth. All trails paved on the zoo grounds. Miller Hill Mall: Great for the winter to walk inside. Duluth Munger State Trail: West Duluth-Hinckley, MN. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/willard_munger/index.html Split Rock: Has some paved, non paved, and long stairs. Info below in Hiking w/out strollers.

Hiking without Strollers

Amnicon Falls: County Hwy U, .3 mile N of U.S. Hwy 2, Superior, WI. Falls, trails, and views of the rapids. http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/specific/amnicon/ Bagley Nature Trail: UMD, hilly but beautiful. http://www.d.umn.edu/recreation/%28RSOP%20Web%29/Facilities/bagley/bagley.html Chester Creek: 1800 E Skyline Parkway, Duluth. Congdon: Corner Congdon Park Dr & Superior St, Duluth. Enger Tower/Park: 16th Ave W & Skyline Parkway, Duluth. 80 foot tower, gardens, trails, beautiful views, and the peace bell. Gooseberry Falls: 3206 Minnesota 61, Two Harbors, MN. Great visitor center, waterfalls, trails and views. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/gooseberry_falls/index.html Hartley Nature Center: Woodland Ave & Hartley Rd, Duluth. Fun visitor center and rentals of snowshoes and ski’s. http://www.hartleynature.org/ Hawk’s Ridge: E Skyline & 52nd Ave E, Duluth. Great raptor bird watching in the fall. Keene’s Creek: Okerstrom Rd, Hermantown. Jay Cooke State Park: 780 Highway 210, Carlton. Fun swinging bridge, overlooks, and trails. Need state park pass for parking. Lake Superior Hiking Trail: Jay Cooke through Duluth, then up to Canada along the North Shore. http://www.shta.org/ Lake Superior Zoo/Ely’s Peak: Behind the zoo, 63rd St and Greene St to Beck’s Road. It has a big old train tunnel under Ely’s Peak toward the Becks road section by Gary New Duluth. Lester Park: Corner of 61st Ave E & Superior St, Duluth. Pattison Park: Beach, trails, and waterfalls. 6294 S State Road 35 Superior, WI. Need Wi state parking pass. http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/specific/pattison/ Skyline Parkway: East or West Duluth. Snowflake: 4348 Rice Lake Rd, Duluth. Spirit Mountain: Find trails off W Skyline on the top or Grand Ave near the parking lot. Split Rock: Has some paved and non paved trails plus long stairs. Tour lighthouse, visitor center, and historic lighthouse keeper home. 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd Two Harbors, MN http://www.mnhs.org/places/sites/srl/index.htm 7 Tettegouche State Park: Falls, amazing overlooks (shovel point), trails, and camping. Need state park pass. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/tettegouche/index.html http://www.duluthmn.gov/parks/trail_listing.cfm website w/ Duluth trails. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/index.html http://www.superiortrails.com/ website w/ trails around Lake Superior. Great info. www.geocaching.com Described in free places. Have found some of the best trails doing this.

Best Picnic Area

Bay Front: Downtown Duluth. Beach Brighton/ Kitchi Gammi Beach: 63rd Ave E and Congdon Blvd, Duluth. Canal Park: Downtown Duluth. Chester Bowl: 1800 E Skyline Parkway, Duluth. Enger Tower: 16th Ave W & Skyline Parkway, Duluth. Hermantown Elementary or Middle School playground: 5365 W Arrowhead Rd. Homecroft Elementary School: 4784 Howard Gnesen Rd, Duluth. Lake Superior Zoo: Has great places for picnics. 72nd Ave W & Grand Ave, Duluth. Lester Park: Corner of 61st Ave E & Superior St, Duluth. Northshore: Along Congdon Blvd or North Shore Scenic Dr. in Duluth. Park Point: Duluth. Pike Lake: School or Beach. Playground Rose Garden/Leif Erikson Park: 11th Ave E & London Rd, Duluth. Your own background

Best Bike Riding

Gitchi-Gami State Trail: Will be 86 mile trail between Two Harbors to Grand Marias. Right now only sections are opened. Check here: http://www.ggta.org/ Itasca State Park: 36750 Main Park Dr, Park Rapids. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/itasca/index.html Lakewalk: Bayfront to 60th Ave E, Duluth. Munger Trail: West Duluth to Hinkley. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/willard_munger/index.html Power lines: By Exhibition Dr and Haines Rd, snowmobile trails by Piedmont ski trail, Duluth. Sunrise Cemetery: Great roads w/ little traffic but some hills. Arrowhead & Hwy 53. http://mntrails.com/

Miniature Golf

Adventure Zone: Canal Park, Duluth. Indoor. http://www.adventurezoneduluth.com/ Kendahl Miniature: 812 Sunnyside Dr, Cloquet 879-3314. Summer only. Two blocks away is Gordy’s Hi-Hat, spot on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. http://www.gordys-hihat.com/ Captain J's Miniture: 333 Marina Drive, (Barker’s Island) Superior, WI. 394-4450. Summer only. www.captainjsminigolf.com

8 Horseback Rides, Hay Rides, Dog Sled

A1 Ranch: Superior, WI. Trail Rides and some events. http://www.wehavehorses.com/ Countryside Rides: Hay, sleigh, or carriage rides. Has a decorated room/small garage to rent for small parties. Kathy Grubb 218-340-4418 or 218-721-3414. Positive Energy Outdoors: Great family fun! Dog sledding, camps, climbing, wagon and sleigh rides, and kayaking lessons. Off Rice Lake Rd before Island Lake on a private lake. 391- 0147 or 428-5990. http://www.outdooredventures.org/ River Ranch Arena: Esko, MN. Horseback riding lessons. Ages 6+. http://www.riverrancharena.com/

Sporting Events

Hermantown High School Athletics Duluth Huskies Baseball: http://www.duluthhuskies2.com/ St. Scholastica Athletics: http://www.csssaints.com/ UMD Athletics: http://www.umdbulldogs.com/tickets.php UWS Athletics: http://www.uwsuper.edu/athletics/tickets/index.cfm

Free/Cheap Places to go with Kids

Art Institute Family Days: Lincoln Park, Duluth. Free day offered a few times a year. They also offer classes. http://www.duluthartinstitute.org/ Barnes & Nobel Bookstore: Miller Hill Mall. Thomas train table and story time Tue 11am, almost every week. http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/2098 Beach: Information provided above at best beach. Bus or Trolley Ride: Bus anytime, trolley during the summer in Downtown/Canal Park area. http://www.duluthtransit.com/ Canal Park: Duluth. During summer there are fountains, local shops, and people watching, etc. Children’s Museum/Depot: Downtown Duluth. 1st Friday of the month 6:30-8 is free and open to the public. http://www.duluthchildrensmuseum.org/ Duluth Public Library: Downtown, West Duluth, Mount Royal. Play areas. Downtown, story times on Wed. 10:15-Baby and Toddlers, 11:15-Preschoolers http://www.duluth.lib.mn.us/ Ice Formation/Fountain: Across the street from 308 W. Orange St, by Central Entrance, Duluth. A fountain shooting from a pipe along the road. It can get cool ice formations in the winter, 2 stories high. One said the water was ran rather then insulate the water line. Geocaching: Need a GPS or iphone, kids love finding treasure. http://www.geocaching.com/ Hiking: info above for indoor or outdoor, and w/ or w/out a stroller. Home Depot Kids Workshops: 1st Sat of the month 9-12, go early they can run out of supplies sometimes. Ages 3-12. Kite Flying Lakewalk: Even in the winter watch waves, view ice formations. Maritime Museum: Canal Park, Duluth. Free museum. http://www.lsmma.com/ McDonalds Play Land: Only do dessert. Central Entrance and West Duluth(Grand Ave). Movies in the Park: Leif Erikson Park, Duluth. Summer. Weekly on Friday. Free. http://www.twinportsoutdoormovies.com/mitp.htm Music in the Park: Chester Bowl and Superior. Summer. Duluth Tue, Superior Wed. http://www.chesterbowl.org/ http://www.ci.superior.wi.us/index.aspx?NID=215 Petco: 903 W Central Entrance, Duluth. Look at the animals. 9 Planetarium: UMD offers free shows, Wed and Fri 7-8pm. http://www.d.umn.edu/planet/ Sailboat Races: Wednesday night during the summer on the lake or the harbor. Skate: Free at the DECC and Heritage Center. Info above. Tot-time: Woodland Community Center. 3211 Allendale Ave, Duluth. No fee, open to the whole community. Sponsored by the YMCA. M & Th 9-11am. Tweed Museum: UMD. Family weekends, usually once a month on Fri and Sat. They stopped storytime because of parking issues. www.d.umn.edu/tma/ 218 726-8527. Volunteer: 1.)Donate food, can be one thing at the grocery store. Your child puts it in the bin before you leave or bring a bag from home. 2.)Damiano center, can pick up donations from stores and bring to the center, soup kitchen, and kid activities www.damianocenter.org/volunteer. 3.)Call a nursing home or treatment center for disabled adults to set up a monthly/weekly stop. 4.)Pick out school supplies for other kids or go through their clothes or toys to give to others. Drop it off together. Bethany crisis center in Morgan park needs clothes womens, kids or baby stuff 626-2726, Salvation army for misc, toys or Damiano center for all clothes. 5.)Write letters and/or pictures for military serving or twice a year help w/ boxes, http://www.opgratitude.com/howtohelp.php?page=individual 6)Clean up as you walk around the neighborhood or park. 7.) Do a walk for a specific cause or call many other great organizations. Place to start to look for ideas: www.unitedwayduluth.org/ourwork_handson.htm

Expensive but Worth It (Local)

Adventure Zone: Canal Park, Duluth. http://www.adventurezoneduluth.com/ Alpine Coaster: at Spirit Mountain, Duluth. Runs year round. http://www.spiritmt.com/alpine- coaster/index.html Aquarium: Downtown Duluth, Preschool classes. http://www.glaquarium.org/ Ballet: and/or Nutcracker. Duluth. http://www.minnesotaballet.org/performances/ Bowling: at Skyline (Hermantown), Country Lanes (Miller Hill Mall area), Stadium (West Duluth), and/or Incline(Downtown Duluth). Country Lanes offers a free bowling program in the summer. Sign up here: www.kidsbowlfree.com Children’s Museum/Depot: Downtown Duluth. Offers great programs almost daily, see the trains, and use Thomas tables w/ admission. Children 3-13: $6 Adults: $12. Closed Mon in the winter. http://www.duluthchildrensmuseum.org/ Gymnastics: open gym, info under gymnastics provided below. Hartley Nature Center: Woodland Ave & Hartley Rd, Duluth. Nature Nook Mon/Tue 10- 11:30am $3 members/$6 non. Some Saturday programs too. They have rentals for snowshoe and skis. Also many camps. http://www.hartleynature.org/ Hotel w/ waterslides or pool: Country Inn Suites (Hermantown) or Edge Water park, stay the night or tot time M-F 8 a.m. – noon. $12/$15 with lunch which includes chicken strips, pizza, or cheeseburger - restrictions may apply, so be sure to call ahead. www.duluthwaterpark.com Michaels Crafts: Duluth, by Cub Foods. Disorganized but fun, ~once a month. http://www.michaels.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Michaels-Site/default/StoreEvent- Show?store=6819 Movies: Lakes 10 (Hermantown) or Duluth 10 (Downtown). Movie hotline for both 729-0335. Offers discounted days during the winter on certain Saturdays and summer. Check the website. http://www.marcustheatres.com/ Music Classes: info under music. Play/Theater: Local high schools or Duluth Playhouse has children plays. http://www.duluthplayhouse.org/

10 Pottery Burn: 5094 Miller Trunk Hwy # 300 Hermantown. 729-0400. Night specials, great gift ideas from kids, and fun. http://www.thepotteryburn.com/ Symphony: Downtown Duluth. Lollipop or pops concert. http://www.dsso.com/ Train Rides: Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad, West Duluth. Summer, Weekends, Cheaper then Depot, goes along St Louis Bay. Beautiful. http://www.lsmrr.org/ OR North Shore Scenic Railroad, Downtown Duluth (Depot). Offers pizza, site seeing, pumpkin patch, and polar express rides. http://www.northshorescenicrailroad.org/ YMCA: Downtown Duluth or Superior, separate memberships are not interchangeable. Duluth Y: there is a kids club for free while you exercise, swim and gymnastic classes. Plus different events. Also have day and week camps during the summer. http://www.duluthymca.org/ Vista Fleet: Downtown Duluth. Sightseeing cruises, some themed. http://vistafleet.com/ Zoo: 72nd Ave W & Grand Ave, Duluth. $4 ages 3-12, $9 ages 13 and up. Look for the schedule of animal enrichments when you get there. Some classes and camps. http://www.lszoo.org/ ***Aquarium, Childrens Museum, Hartley, and Zoo memberships work great as gift ideas.

Day Trips

Bayfield, WI: Wonderful family fun, Madeline Island, apostle islands, cute town, apple fest, and great farms and orchards for pick your own. http://bayfield.org/ http://www.madelineisland.com/ http://www.nps.gov/apis/index.htm http://www.bayfieldcounty.org/tourism-splash.asp Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center: Great place to stop on the way to Bayfield or Ashland, WI. Corner Hwy G and Hwy 2. http://www.northerngreatlakescenter.org/ Brule, WI: Great to canoe or kayak down the river. Rental and transportation available. http://www.brulerivercanoerental.com/ Children’s Museum: St. Paul. It has lots of hands on exhibits and 3 stories of fun. Recommend going during the week if you can. http://mcm.org/ Como Zoo/Town: St Paul. Free zoo, conservatory, fair in the summer, and many things to see and do. http://www.comozooconservatory.org/ http://www.comotown.com/ Ely/BWCAW, MN: Tourist town on the edge of the boundary waters. Google for info on boundary waters. http://www.ely.org/ http://elyminnesota.com/ Grand Marias, MN: Fun tourist town to visit, many outdoor activities. http://grandmarais.com/ http://www.gunflint-trail.com/ Grand Rapids, MN: Children discovery museum, Judy Garland museum, and many outdoor adventures. http://www.grandmn.com/ Hayward, WI: Many sporting recreation activities, camping, wilderness walk, go carts, fun touristy town, lumber jack world championship, Birkebeiner ski race, and many other festivals and fun. http://www.haywardlakes.com/ Hiking/Nature: Amincon Falls, Gooseberry Falls, Jay Cooke, Pattison Park, Tettegouche all described under Hiking w/out strollers above. Lutsen, MN: Summer: Alpine slide, mountain tram, and trails. Winter: Skiing and all things snow. www.lutsen.com Mall of America: Bloomington, MN. Nickelodeon Universe, indoor fair w/rides; Underwater Adventures Aquarium; and lots of shopping! http://www.mallofamerica.com/home/ http://www.nickelodeonuniverse.com/ http://www.underwaterworld.com/ Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN: Walker art and sculptor museum, Children’s theater, Bell Museum of Natural History, The Works: science and technology museum, Fort Snelling, and many more. http://www.minneapolis.org/ http://www.visitsaintpaul.com/ http://www.tckidsdirectory.com/ http://minneapolis.about.com/od/familieschildren/tp/freekidsactivities.htm 11 Minnesota Zoo: Apple Valley, MN. Indoor and outdoor exhibits. http://www.mnzoo.org/ North Shore Scenic Drive: Hwy 61 is listed on many most beautiful byways in the US. Many places to stop some listed above and others found here: http://www.northshorevisitor.com/ St. Louis Park Rec Center: Pool area-great summer spot. http://www.stlouispark.org/rec- center.html Science Museum: St. Paul, MN. http://www.smm.org/ Soudan Mine: MN. Tour the mine 27 levels down and physics lab. Closed in the winter. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/soudan_underground_mine/index.html Split Rock: Has some paved and non paved trails plus long stairs. Tour lighthouse, visitor center, and historic lighthouse keeper home. 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd Two Harbors, MN http://www.mnhs.org/places/sites/srl/index.htm Two Harbors, MN: Great place to stop for lunch or rest during a drive up the north shore. If you drive off 61 to the down town area there is a train, tugboat, and walkout pier area. http://www.twoharborschamber.com/ Travel: Go somewhere warm. Visiting relatives/friends saves money and is great for the kids. Valleyfair: Shakopee, MN. Largest amusement park in MN. http://www.valleyfair.com/ Wisconsin Dells: Great family get away town! Many water parks (indoor and outdoor), huge amount of family orientated activities, and stuff for parents too. http://wisdells.com/ http://www.dells.com/

SECTION 3: SEASONAL ACTIVITIES

Fall Activities

Bayfield Apple Fest: WI (Oct) http://bayfield.org/festivals_events_apple_festival.php Engwall’s Corn Maze: Hermantown. 2010 was their first year. It says they are planning for 2011. http://www.engwalls.com/cornmaze.html Fall Fest: (Sept) Chester Bowl, Duluth. http://www.chesterbowl.org/ Harvest Fest: (Oct) Fitgers, Duluth. http://www.fitgers.com/events/ Harvest Festival and Energy Fair/ Kiwanis Kite Fly: (Sept) Bayfront, Duluth. Free kites provided, farm market, many kids’ activities, workshops and exhibitors. 2010: $4 adults, under 18 free. http://lssfa.org/HarvestFestivalEnergyfair.html Harvest Party at Vineyard Church: Free every year, open to the public. http://duluthvineyard.org/ Hayrides: Organize one through different farms in the area. Lakewalk Festival: (Sept) Greater downtown council held it at Fitgers. Goggle in fall. Nordic Ridge Corn Maze: Grand Rapids, MN. http://www.nordicridge.com/ Oulu Corn Maze: Oulu, WI. Goggle it and it comes up on the city page during the fall. Pinehaven Farms: Pumpkin patch, farm, cut your own tree. 28186 Kettle River Boulevard Wyoming, MN. http://www.pinehavenfarm.com/ Silver Brooks Corn Maze: Wrenshall, MN. http://silverbrookcornmaze.com/ Snowflake Fall Fest: 2010 was the 1st year, not sure if it is an annual event. They had hay bale maze, hay ride, corn sandbox, pumpkin patch, and crafts. http://www.skiduluth.com/ United Way Chili Cook off: (Sept) DECC in Duluth. http://www.unitedwayduluth.org/events_chili.htm

12 Trick or Treating

Boo at the Zoo: 2 different Saturdays, earlier in Oct. Fun but crowded, has helped w/ 2 dates. http://www.lszoo.org/ Dorms: UMD, 726-8000 or UWS, 715-394-8101. Can call the school in the fall. Glen Avon Presbyterian “Trunk or Treat”: A few churches have this type of event. Haunted House: On Oak Ridge Dr. Hermantown Carnival: At the middle school, usually find info on the school website. Hermantown House Developments: Houses are closer together. Howl-o-ween: Hartley Park, Duluth. http://www.hartleynature.org/ Malloween: Miller Hill Mall, Duluth. 733-9101. Neighborhoods Papa Murphy’s: Free small pizza on Halloween. Address in takeout area above. Scarium at the Aquarium: Sunday before Halloween. http://www.glaquarium.org/ Whole Foods Co-op: Does a carnival. http://www.wholefoods.coop/ Zenith Terrace: All the mobile homes are close together. Proctor, off Boundary Ave.

Christmas/Holiday Activities

Advent Calendar: Count down the days to Christmas. It can be store bought or hand made. There can be candy for each day, a Christmas theme activity, small present, scavenger hunt, or just an activity to spend a little time each day w/ your kids during the busy time of the year. Goggle for great ideas. Bentleyville Lights: Bay Front, Duluth. You can ride a bus or train to there for added fun. http://www.bentleyvilleusa.org/ Berlin's Birthday Bash: Zoo, Duluth. Also photos with Santa. http://www.lszoo.org/ Boulder Lake Christmas Tree Cut: One day event. www.boulderlake.org/INDEX.HTML City of the North Parade: (Nov) http://christmascityparade.com/ Lights Through out the City: Exhibition Dr, 3739 Lake Ave S, or just drive around. Menards: Hermantown or West Duluth. Tree area is fun to go through. Polar Express: Expensive for what you get, dress in layers, bring a camera and can be fun. http://www.northshorescenicrailroad.org/Home/exspecial.asp Santa at the Mall: Miller Hill Mall, Duluth. First time he arrives each year they do a breakfast at Old Country Buffet. Santa and Reindeer: Fitgers, Duluth. During weekends, you can take your own photos, free photos for military families, photo proceeds go to charity and live Reindeer are outside in the courtyard. Also the day after Thanksgiving Santa usually arrives by sleigh. www.fitgers.com/ Traditions: Family time, cookies, trim the tree, watch a classic holiday show, or start a new one. Volunteer: Salvation army bell ringers, they have indoor sites, if you do it as a family one can take any child that is crabby for a walk, and people love to give to cute kids; have your child pick out a toy for other children for toy express or any of the places to give toys; or Caroling with a church or friends, call a nursing home or assisted living home. http://www.usc.salvationarmy.org/duluth

New Years Eve

Games: At home Party: With or w/out kids

13 Winter/Spring Activities

Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon: (Jan) Cutest puppy contest at Fitgers, Sat before the start. It is fun to watch the start of the race. Dress warm no inside areas, well not sure about the new location on Jean Duluth Rd. http://www.beargrease.com/ Empty Bowl: (April) Fundraiser for the local food bank. You get a hand made bowl to keep w/ soup, bread, and beverage. http://www.northernlakesfoodbank.org/news- events/index.php?id=Events Family Fun Fest: (Feb) DECC, Duluth. Carnival rides, exhibits, and vendors. http://www.lundeenproductions.com/funfest/index.htm Father/Daughter Dance: Feb, ticket sales in Dec. They sell out quickly! http://www.fatherdaughterballduluth.org/?110030 Hockey High School State Tournament: (Mar) St Paul, MN. www.mshsl.org/ Lions Pancake Day: (~1st Th, May) DECC, Duluth. Huge event. Fundraiser for the Lions that do a lot of great community work! Google when closer or check facebook. Volunteer Fair: (April) Sponsored by the United Way. Learn about different org to give money/time. Also first time each year the yellow book “Go Guide to Summer Opportunities for Youth” is available. This has all the camp/activities for kids in this area. Great resource! http://www.unitedwayduluth.org/ Winterfest: (Jan-Feb) Warmer by the lake, Beargrease, Chester bowl sliding party, medallion hunt, and many other events during the two weeks. www.tpwinterfest.com/

Easter Activities

Church Service or Play Decorating Eggs EGG-stravaganza: Lake Superior Zoo. http://www.lszoo.org/

Summer Activities

Air Shows: Duluth: every other summer 2012, http://www.duluthairshow.com/ Osh Kosh, WI: Airventure (July) http://www.airventure.org/ Art Fair: (June) Park Point, Duluth. http://www.parkpointartfair.org/ “Art in Me”: (Aug) Chester Bowl, Duluth. All aspects of the arts. www.anchorpointchurch.org Camps: Many to choose from. Get the United Way “Go Guide”, has all the camps and things to do in the summer. Comes out after their volunteer fair in April. www.unitedwayduluth.org/ County Fairs: Head of the Lakes, Superior (mid July) http://www.holfair.com, South St Louis (mid July) http://www.proctorduluthfair.com, Barnum (Aug) http://www.carltoncountyfair.com/ Dragon Boat Festival: (Aug) Superior. Fun to watch and activities. http://www.lakesuperiordragons.com/ Grandma’s Marathon: (June) Duluth. Great to volunteer, spectator event or many fun family events to run or enjoy. http://grandmasmarathon.com/site/ Grill Wars: (June) Fitgers, Duluth. Sponsored by KQDS. http://www.fitgers.com/events/ Hartley Nature Center: Camps, summer or winter, sometimes chaotic. http://www.hartleynature.org/ Hermantown Public Safety Expo: (Aug) Over 40 agencies, many demonstrations/training. Great event for kids! But check the demonstration schedule, some can scare young kids. Google closer to the event for info.

14 Hermantown Summerfest: (July) Many great fun activities over 3 days for the family! http://www.hermantownsummerfest.com/id4.htm Hoghead Festival & Parade: (3rd week Aug.) Proctor, MN. Google closer to the event. July 4th: Bayfront, Duluth. Celebration, music, carnival, and fireworks OR Superior Parade http://visitduluth.com/events/fourthfest.php OR http://www.superior4thofjuly.org/ Kaleidoscope: (July) Downtown Duluth Library. Entertainment for 4 Tuesdays in a row, ex juggler, magician, etc. www.duluth.lib.mn.us/Programs/Kaleidoscope.html Kayak Festival: (Aug) Two Harbors, MN. Many activities for kids and adults. Fun to try the kayaks for a fee. http://kayakfestival.upnorthmn.net/ Library Book Sale: (June, 2011) http://www.duluth.lib.mn.us/programs/BookSale.html Memorial Day Parade: West Duluth, Watch Duluth News Tribune for details. Spirit Valley Days/Parade: (Aug) http://www.westduluthmn.com/svd.html State Fair: (late Aug) St. Paul, MN. http://www.mnstatefair.org/ Wednesday Night at the Races: (July/Aug) The Best! It is well organized. Each child gets a ribbon. 6 weeks in the summer. Picnic at the last one. http://www.grandmasmarathon.com/races/races_for_kids.php?page=wnatr YMCA Camp Kitchigami: Day camps. http://www.duluthymca.org/camping YMCA Camp Miller: Family camp or kid camps in Sturgeon Lake, MN.

Pick Your Own Places

Bayfield, WI: Apples, berries etc. http://bayfield.org/orchards_and_berry_farms_overview.php CSA: join one. You get great veggies all summer long, see a farm, and maybe some animals. Fink’s Farm: Carlton. Strawberries. http://www.finkesberryfarm.com/ Pine Knob Tree Farm: Corner of Okerstrom and Anderson Rd. There is a sign. Word of mouth farm that has been around for years. They have a little warming house, you pick the tree and they cut/carry it for you. http://www.localharvest.org/ Great to find pick your own, csa, and farmers markets. http://www.pickyourown.org/

SECTION 4: TIPS AND TRICKS THAT WORK FOR PARENTS

Finding a Babysitter

Church ECFE, other moms or sometimes some of the staff Daycare provider Friends, word of mouth Grandparents/Family “Kid Swap” w/ friends Mom helper, have a 10-12 yr old help for a year or so. Then when older they can baby-sit. Neighbors Saint Scholastica has a babysitter list. UMD: you put an ad in their want ads, get good results.

15 On the Phone

Blow bubbles in the tub/bathroom Coloring Craft basket: puffy stickers, glitter glue, colored paper, gems, pom poms, scissors etc. Feeding the dog Find the ? Or I-spy Let them play outside, play room, or down in the basement (rec room). Lunch/Snack time Movie/TV Painting or coloring in the high chair Play dough Play music Puzzles Special basket of toys that are only used for special times Talk on their phone or whoever you are talking too. Toys Video game/Computer Trying New Food

Arrange it like a race track Bribing Can pick their own/select amount Cook or make it themselves Cut into fun shapes or dye it Dips, condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, western, ranch), yogurt, etc Don’t mix foods together, ex casserole Eating it and embellishing how good it tastes Hide it in other food Keep trying over and over Make them fun to eat, ex. smiley face out of peas and carrots Offer to eat it for them Put sprinkles on it Read Green Eggs and Ham and relate that to trying new foods Rename the food, ex broccoli is dinosaur trees Tell your child their favorite character eats it and loves it Treat after supper Turn it into a game

Indoor Winter/Rainy Day Fun

Arts and Crafts: binoculars (toilet paper or paper towel tube), scarves in a baby wipe container, golf tees in Styrofoam, bowl w/ rubber bands around it to make a guitar, cottage cheese container w/ hole in it and big pom poms or metal juice tops to take out, or roll of duct tape (make roads, letters, wallets). Water bottles w/ beads, feathers, sand, rice (w/ buttons or etc in there to identify), or ½ water ½ oil with food coloring, or tornado connector (Explorations toy store). You can seal the bottles w/ super glue or duct tape. Bake cut out shape cookies. Then decorate. Baking w/ measuring and mixing 16 Bring icicles/snow indoors to play in a big bowl or bath tub Camping out in the living room w/ tents etc. Dancing/singing/musical instruments Indoor picnics Games; board, wii, computer, ping pong, and bring in outdoor games to the basement. Go someplace: one of the businesses listed above, just a drive, family, or friends. Knee hockey Make forts w/ blankets, pillows, cushions, or appliance boxes. Painting on big paper, rocks, using sponges, stamps, or fingers. Pajama and movie day Play out in the rain or snow Play dates Playdoh Puzzles Role playing: house, school, doctor, etc.

Outdoor Winter Fun

Building snowman Cat and mouse tag Cross Country Skiing at Boulder Lake, Hartley, etc, sometimes use bribery/candy to make it. Pull behind a 4-wheeler/snowmobile on a trailer/sled. Shoveling Skating Skiing lessons at Chester Park Sledding Sleigh rides Snow angels Snow ball fights Snowmobiling Snowshoeing, can be rented from Hartley or sporting good shops Spray snow w/ food coloring Tubing at Spirit Mountain, Mont du lac.

SECTION 5: WEBSITES

Kid Games http://www.coolmath-games.com/ http://disney.go.com/games/#/games/ http://www.lego.com/ http://www.nickjr.com/ http://pbskids.org/ http://www.pollypocket.com/ http://www.starfall.com/

Idea/Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

17 http://familyfun.go.com/

Outdoor Activities or Events for this Area http://www.hermantown.k12.mn.us/Spotlight700.asp (Community Ed Newsletter) http://www.hermantownmn.com http://www.twinportstoddler.com/events.htm http://www.visitduluth.com/events/ http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/calendar/ http://www.perfectduluthday.com/ http://www.fitcityduluth.com/ http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/tag/group/Blogs/tag/Take%20the%20Kids/ http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/index.html great place for state park info. http://www.exploreminnesota.com/festivals-and-events Search for any festivals in your area. Facebook: Proctor Hermantown Community Education

Bargain/Money Saving http://www.amazon.com/ http://www.6pm.com/ (footwear) http://www.coupons.com www.familyboundmom.com http://groups.freecycle.org/DuluthMNFreecycle/description http://www.freeflys.com/ http://freebies4mom.com/ http://duluth.craigslist.org/

SECTION 6: KIDS SPORTS/ACTIVITIES

Climbing

Climbing might be for the upper end of preschool but great activity to get kids involved in. Challenge Course: Superior, UWS, outdoors, high ropes course. Really fun place mainly for older kids but they do start at age 5. Need group of 10 but really worth it. http://www.uwsuper.edu/recreation/challengecourse/index.cfm UMD: Has 2 different walls areas. Many new features on the north shore wall. Hours, etc: http://www.d.umn.edu/recreation/%28RSOP%20Web%29/Climbing/climbing_walls_f09.html UWS: Indoors, rentals for groups and open schedule. Hours: http://www.uwsuper.edu/recreation/climbingwall/index.cfm Vertical Endeavors: Canal park at Adventure Zone. Great beginning wall for kids. http://www.verticalendeavors.com/duluth/index.html

18

Gymnastics

Gymnastics Academy: 4710 W Arrowhead Rd, Hermantown. 722-4404. Open gym TH 9:30 $6/child. http://www.thegymnasticsacademymn.com/ Twin Ports Gymnastics: 3000 Hill Ave, Superior. 395-6119. Open gym T 10:30 & Sat 11am $3/child. http://www.twinportsgymnastics.org/ YMCA: At Woodland Community Club 3211 Allendale Ave, Duluth, not at the main Y. http://www.duluthymca.org/youth-family/gymnastics

Karate

Duluth Judo: Downtown. Ages 6-12. Sunday 6-7:30. http://www.duluthjudo.com/ Progressive Martial Arts: 4176 Thunderchief Lane, Hermantown. 727-5527. Ages 4+ http://www.pmaduluth.com/ Music

Kindermusik: UMD. http://www.kindermusik.com/defaultb.aspx Mothersong, Family Song Group: Wed, 10:30-11:30. Copper Top Church: 230 E Skyline Parkway, Duluth. Drop in $5 for adults, kids free www.womencirclingwomen.com/mothersong Musicality: 317 W Superior St, Duluth, MN. 491-7036. Music store w/ classes. Schmitt: Miller Hill Mall, Duluth. 727-8341. Music store w/ classes. Spotlight/Community Ed: for Hermantown/Proctor or Duluth. UMD: Music department.

Swimming

Americinn: Hwy 2/Boundary Ave, Proctor. Cards for 15 visits, multiple people can use one card $42.95. M-Th 7am-5pm, not good on holiday or school breaks. Call First. Community Ed/Spotlight: http://www.hermantown.k12.mn.us/Spotlight700.asp Edge Waterpark: Best Western London Rd, Duluth. Has tot time on M-F 8am -12pm. $12 for one child w/ a free adult. $15 for an extra adult. Econo Lodge: Corner of Hwy 53 & Haines Rd. $3. Offered 7days a week, 11am-8pm. Proctor Pool: Schedule usually in the Community Ed/Spotlight. UMD: Teachers are great. Pool tends to be cool. http://www.d.umn.edu/recreation/%28RSOP%20Web%29/Aquatics/index.html YMCA: Duluth. http://www.duluthymca.org/ or Superior http://www.superiorymca.org/

Other

4-H: Starts during kindergarten, South St. Louis County. http://www.extension.umn.edu/county/template/index.aspx?pID=0&countyID=74 Baseball: May-July season, signup March, ages 4+. http://www.hermantownbaseball.org/ Community Education: Hermantown/Proctor: many different classes offered. http://www.hermantown.k12.mn.us/Spotlight700.asp Duluth: www.duluthcommunityed.org Cub Scouts: Starts after kindergarten. http://www.vac-bsa.org/ Dance: Just for Kix or many other studios. http://www.justforkix.com/danceclasses/hermantown_mn

19 Drama: Summer Theater w/ Mrs. Bray (kindergarten teacher) or Duluth Playhouse. Foreign Language: Community Ed in Hermantown/Proctor and Duluth Girl Scouts: Hermantown. Debbie Gagner 729-9055 Hockey: http://hermantownhockey.pucksystems.com/ Imagination Library: Kids under 5 get a free book each month. To sign up: http://www.unitedwayduluth.org/impacting_imaginationlibrary.htm Soccer: Aug/Sept season, signup in April, ages 4+ http://www.hermantownsoccer.com/ Tennis: Arrowhead Tennis & Fitness, 2 week summer camp is good. Classes for ages 4+, http://www.arrowheadtennisandfitness.com/ Yoga: Yoga North, kids classes etc. www.yoganorthduluth.com Youth Organizations: in Hermantown. http://www.hermantownmn.com/community/organizations.html

Outlets for Moms:

Book Clubs: Barnes and Noble, public library, or start one w/ friends. Mops Groups: 4 local groups in the area. http://www.mops.org/ Rummage Sale: Best one, mothers of multiples. Twin Ports Meetup Group: Have a message board for support, do a couple playdates and moms nights out, $9 a year used for web hosting. http://www.meetup.com/twin-ports-moms/

Baby Information for Moms:

Birth and Baby Fair: Run twice a year. ~Oct and Mar. 35+ vendors for pregnancy and babies, panel discussions, stories etc. http://www.birthandbabyfairduluth.com/ La Leche League: Help/support for breastfeeding moms. Meetings: 3rd Wed of the month 10 am, 1st Tue 6 pm, and a new playgroup last Mon of the month at 10am. Need advice local leaders hotline number 218-499-9504. http://www.lllusa.org/web/DuluthMN.html Northland Birth Network: Once a month parent topic night for birth and baby topics. Usually 1st Th of the month. Great place to find doulas. http://www.northlandbirthnetwork.org/ Prenatal Yoga: One hr discussion group and one hour of yoga each week. Beginners welcomed and very supportive. http://www.womencirclingwomen.com/pre-natal_yoga

20