Fun, FREE Twin Cities' Activity

 Sorry folks, I know I haven't posted much lately!  I've been quite distracted, but for a good reason...after a year of H-E-double-hockey-sticks, we have SOLD our house!  Next week we'll close on the one we're already living in and then we'll be back to being homeowners again and can get on with life as we like it!  Yeah!!  Hopefully you'll see more of me here soon.

For now, I thought I'd share this fun family outing we went on a couple weekends ago here in Minneapolis.  We had a blast and it was all FREE!

First we ventured to a warehouse in Northeast Minneapolis (Suite 177 at 1620 Central Avenue NE) to see this incredibly huge Lego train layout.  Local Lego enthusiasts put together 750,000 Lego bricks to create this totally original display (no kits allowed!), and one Saturday a month they open it up for public viewing from 11 am until 4 pm.  We saw it on our local news station, and in hindsight, probably shouldn't have come for the first one after the news story.  It was PACKED.  More people than they have ever had.

 My hubby had to wait out in the hallway with Toby in the stroller while I noodled my way through the crowd with Sammy on my shoulders.  He doesn't look too thrilled in this picture, but he had fun, and was pretty excited to see all of the Thomas engines, and even a Harold the Helicopter with his blades spinning!

It was very cool though, and I'd highly recommend it....I'd just suggest waiting a few more months until the news story crowds die down so you can really get down on the train tracks' level and enjoy it!

Since we were already downtown and had more time before lunch, my hubby had a great idea to head over to Mill Ruins Park.  We put Toby in the backpack and all went for a walk across the bridge over the Mississippi river. 

The park and the trails are full of amazing views and it was very cool to see the river raging with all of the recent snow melt. OH, okay, I lied...it wasn't totally free...it was like a dollar to park at the park.  Although, you may be able to find some free street parking on the weekends.  I figure when I dig a little change out of the center console in the car, it doesn't really count as an expense.  ;-)

So there's an idea for the next time you're looking for a fun, free family activity in our lovely Twin Cities!