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May 18, 2013
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In This Edition

What you will find in Today's Macaroni Kid

Proudly serving the communities of Coon Rapids, Blaine, Andover, Mounds View, Fridley, Spring Lake Park, New Brighton, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, Lexington and Centerville. 

**Click here to view our complete newsletter!!**

Are you following us on facebook?  Latest updates, contest reminders and facebook only contests are posted on our facebook site, so make sure to "like" us today!   Like us here!

Remember to visit national.macaronikid.com and choose the drop down list to see which other MN communities have a Mac Kid for you.  There are many Macaroni Kid communities across the metro!   And across the Nation!  Don't forget to tell your family and friends about Macaroni Kid, we count on our loyal subscribers to help us spread the Macaroni Love!  If you're going on a vacation, check out a Mac Kid in that area to find great things to do with the kids while there!

Also don't forget to check the calendar tab at the top of our page for a monthly view of all events and activities.   Also, make sure to use that "My Macaroni" feature to print a great list of just the events that you will be attending for the week!  Makes a great list to print out and put on the fridge.

Do you know of an upcoming event that you'd like us to add?  Submit an event HERE!    


2013 Macaroni Kid Family Choice Awards

Give a little love to your favorite local businesses

We have extended the VOTING phase of the Family Choice Awards - you have until May 26th at 11:59 pm to cast your vote!

Thank you all for your nominations! The winner of our $50 Taget Gift Card was Stacey K!  Thank you all for your nominations!  




Who do parents turn to when they want to find the best places to go or the best doctor or the best story times? Other parents! We want YOU to nominate the businesses that your kids and family love in the Coon Rapids ...

Macaroni Kid Mom's Night Out THANK YOU

THANK YOU to our Readers and Sponsors!

We want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone that joined us at Mom's Night Out 2013!  We had SO much fun! 

We also reallly want to thank our sponsors!  Without them, events like this wouldn't be possible.  Please show them some Macaroni Love and visit their sites, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, and tell them THANKS for supporting our local families through Macaroni Kid!

Platinum Sponsors:

Wine & Canvas - I know for a fact that EVERYONE enjoyed painting on canvas at the event.  How ...

The Tenors - WIN Tickets

Coming to Minneapolis June 14th

The Tenors, the internationally acclaimed, multi-platinum recording artists, will play Hennepin Theatre Trust’s State Theatre at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2013.

Formerly known as The Canadian Tenors, they include Clifton Murray, Victor Micallef, Remigio Pereira and Fraser Walters. They will be touring in support of their second studio album, “Lead With Your Heart,” (Verve) released in January 2013 and which debuted at #1 on Amazon.com. Their PBS special of the same name will also air locally on Twin Cities Public Television in June.

Since releasing ...

Tamarack Nature Center

Nature summer camp fun!

A fun and nature-filled summer for your kids!

Canoeing, theatre, pop can fishing, insect hunting, campfire races… sound like fun? These are just a handful of the activities lined up for this year’s Summer Day Camp Adventures at Tamarack Nature Center.

During camps with names like Kitchen Chemistry, Creepy Crawly Camp, Marsh Madness and Prehistoric Play, Tamarack Nature Center’s team of naturalists use hikes, games, songs, stories and a variety of nature-themed activities to create memorable and educational camp weeks.


Tamarack Nature Center, part of Bald Eagle – Otter ...

Macaroni Kid Featured Summer Camps

Macaroni Kid Approved Camps for Kids of All Ages

If you’re like me, you are looking forward to Summer! Especially with this wonderful weather we've been having lately! Bring on the green grass and the Summer Activities! Time to start planning ahead and figuring out what your kids are going to be doing this summer!

Summer Camp season is right around the corner and Now is the time to get them registered! Camp can provide an experience to your kids that they couldn't get at home or school. It can be an amazing opportunity for them ...


This Week's Calendar:

May 18th through May 25th

Saturday, May 18 through Sunday, May 19 - MN Youth Outdoor Expo

This family event is designed for families, kids & teens to get outside and meet over 60 outdoor organizations, experts and educators. Each exhibit has an activity, hands on learning opportunities: Canoeing & Kayaking, Archery, Fishing, Nature Walks, ATV Rider Safety, Geocaching, Clays Shooting, Dog Agility, Animals to pets, Climbing, Golfing, Basketball, Paintball and more. Daily demonstrations and educational seminars. The expo is laid out over 65 acres of beautiful wooded trails and is a complete outdoor event. The walk through the expo itself is a great outdoor experience.
Where: Wild Wings of Oneka - 9491 152nd St. N, Hugo
When: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: Kids get in free (15 & under), $5.00 for adults, Parking is free and most activities are Free!
For more info: Click HERE
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Saturday, May 18 - Family Flick

Star Wars: Kung Fu Panda 2 **Sensory-friendly starts Sept. 24th - sensory-friendly films offer families struggling with autism an opportunity to enjoy a family outing in a safe and accepting environment. Simple adjustments like turning the sound down, leaving the lights up and offering additional staff within the theater to help with concessions, make a film screening sensory-friendly, and welcoming to families who struggle with autism. Audience members are welcome to dance, sing, and walk around without judgment or scrutiny.  
Where: Mall of America Theater
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Show up early!  First come, first serve!
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, May 18 - Animal Feeding

All exhibit animals are fed live prey weekly. Naturalist will be on hand to answer questions about the predator-prey relationships and the feeding process.
Where: Springbrook Nature Center - 100 85th Ave, Fridley
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE
For more info: Springbrook Nature Center
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, May 18 - Cloth Diaper 101

Learn how easy cloth diapering can be.  During this workshop you will learn about the different types of cloth diapers available, the difference between the fabrics, and how to use the different types.
Where: All Things Diapers - 12064 Central Ave, Blaine
When: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Who: Parents intersted in cloth diapering
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, May 18 - Baby Wearing Basics

Do slings, structured carriers, wraps, soft carriers all confuse you? At this class youy will learn what the differences are and how to use the different types of baby carriers.
Where: All Things Diapers - 12064 Central Ave, Blaine
When: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Who: Parents with babies.
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, May 18 through Saturday, May 25 - Como Zoo Story Time

Our stories feature plants and animals, and occasionally involve costumed characters.
Where: Como Zoo Visitor Center - 1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul
When: 1:30 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: Zoo admission is Free! A voluntary donation of $3 for an adult and $2 for a child to help us care for the plants and animals is appreciated. You are always welcome whether or not you choose to make a donation.
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Sunday, May 19 - Target Free Sunday at The Minnesota Children's Museum

Thanks to the generosity of Target Corporation, visitors can roam the Museum free of charge, every third Sunday of each month, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Due to the number of visitors on Target Free 3rd Sundays, we suggest leaving strollers at home or in the car. Thank you.
Where: Children's Museum, 10 West Seventh Street, St. Paul
When: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: http://www.mcm.org
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Sunday, May 19 - Paint Ceramics to Raise Funds for American Cancer Society

Pick n Paint Ceramics is joining with Bark For Life of the Anoka Area & Relay For Life of the Anoka Area to raise funds for cancer research. Paint your own pottery this afternoon, have a blast while painting and contribute to a cause at the same time. No added fees; just the cost of the bisque. 20% of proceeds go toward funding research!
Where: Anoka Fiber Works/Creative Souls Classroom - 4153 Coon Rapids Blvd, Coon Rapids
When: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up! If you would like a private table, reserve at http://picknpaintonthego.weebly.com/register-for-classesevents.html
Cost: Varies; just the cost of the bisque.
For more info: Email mobilepottery@gmail.com
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Monday, May 20 through Tuesday, May 21 - Tot Time Open Gym

Both parents and kids will meet new friends and get to socialize and play in a non-structured, super-fun environment.
Where: Andover YMCA Community Center Field House (Gymnasium)
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Infant - Kindergarten
How: Enter using the West entrance to the YMCA and check in at the information desk.  No pre-registration required
Cost: Children $2 - Adults FREE Save by purcashing a punch card - 16 admissions for $25! **Children YMCA members FREE
For more info: Tot Time Open Gym
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Monday, May 20 - New Parent Connection

Bring your baby and join other new parents, and a parent educator, for support and discussion. Topics include sleep, feeding, brain development and infant activities.
Where: Unity Hospital - 550 Osborne Road, Fridley - Lower Level Auditorium
When: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Who: Parents and their infants ages birth to 6 months.
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
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Tuesday, May 21 - Toddler Tuesdays: Wonder Pets! Circus Party

Off to the circus we go! Watch the Wonder Pets’ “Join the Circus” special, play a game in our ‘circus tent’ parachute and meet Linny, Ming-Ming and Tuck from 10 – 10:30 and 11 – 11:30 a.m.
*If necessary, the meet & greet line will close prior to 11:30 a.m. in order to accommodate those already standing in line.
Where: Mall of America - Rotunda
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Families with toddlers
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
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Tuesday, May 21 - Playful Poliwogs

It's time to come out and explore what fun nature has in store.  This program is a hands-on, fast paced, creative weekly class. Splish Splash
Where: Springbrook Nature Center - 100 85th Ave NW, Fridley
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Program is designed for children 2-5 years and their adult companions
How: Just show up
Cost: $3.00 per child, 2 & older
For more info: CLICK HERE
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Wednesday, May 22 through Thursday, May 16 - Tot Time Group Fitness

Tot Time Group Fitness will introduce the importance of exercise to young children.  This fitness class will be taught by a certified YMCA instructor and will include 30 minutes of exercise and movement through music with the remaining time being used playing an organized sport or game.
Where: Andover YMCA Community Center Field House (Gymnasium)
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: All ages are welcomed.  Target ages: 3-6
How: Caregivers must be present and participate in all activities with their children.  No pre-registration required.
Cost: Children $2 - Adults FREE Save by purcashing a punch card - 16 admissions for $25! **Children YMCA members FREE  
For more info: Tot Time Group Fitness
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Thursday, May 23 - Sing, Play, Learn with MacPhail

Join MacPhail Center for Music's early childhood music specialists as they explore the magic of music and play. Through hands-on musical play activities families will experience music's impact on learning and reading readiness. 
Where: North Central Library - 17565 Central Ave NE, Ham Lake
When: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Who: Suitable for children birth to age 5.
How: Register online using link below or call the library at 763-576-5972. Space is limited.
Cost: FREE
For more info: Register online here
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Thursday, May 23 - New Parent Connection

Bring your baby and join other new parents, and a parent educator, for support and discussion. Topics include sleep, feeding, brain development and infant activities.
Where: Mercy Hospital - 4050 Coon Rapids, Blvd. Coon Rapids - Lower Level, Auditorium
When: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Who: Parents and their infants ages birth to 6 months.
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: Call 763-506-6178
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Friday, May 24 - Family Night at Midtown Global Market

Family Fridays feature music and free family-friendly activities for all ages every week. Bring your kids and experience the market as a family.
Where: Midtown Global Market - 920 East Lake Street, Minneapolis
When: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: midtownglobalmarket.org
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Friday, May 24 - Movie in the Park

Wreck-It Ralph - Activities begin at 6:00pm, movie begins at dusk
Where: Sand Creek Park - Softball Field 2 - 1008 Northdale Blvd NW, Coon Rapids
When: 6:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up!
Cost: Movie is FREE - Activities and concessions availale for a nominal fee.
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, May 25 - Animal Feeding

All exhibit animals are fed live prey weekly. Naturalist will be on hand to answer questions about the predator-prey relationships and the feeding process.
Where: Springbrook Nature Center - 100 85th Ave, Fridley
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE
For more info: Springbrook Nature Center
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, May 25 - Family Flick

E.T. **Sensory-friendly films offer families struggling with autism an opportunity to enjoy a family outing in a safe and accepting environment. Simple adjustments like turning the sound down, leaving the lights up and offering additional staff within the theater to help with concessions, make a film screening sensory-friendly, and welcoming to families who struggle with autism. Audience members are welcome to dance, sing, and walk around without judgment or scrutiny.
Where: Mall of America Theater
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Just show up - first come, first serve!
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, May 25 - Twins Youth Baseball Clinic

Twins Youth Clinics teach the game's fundamentals and provide participants with positive messages about staying in school and away from drugs and alcohol. Twins staff is comprised of former players, coaches, scouts and/or instructors.
Where: Blaine Baseball Complex Field 5 - 1200 Paul Parkway NE, Blaine (In case of rain the clinic will be held at the National Sports Center Sports Hall)
When: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: Ages 6-9 from 1-2:30pm; Ages 10-16 from 2:30-4pm
How: No registration is required, just bring your glove.
Cost: FREE
For more info: Call the Park and Recreation hotline at 763-717-2709 for weather updates.
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Teen Scene:

Monday, May 20 through Friday, May 17 - Teen After School

Weekdays - teens can shoot hoops, work on skill development and, if room available, ½ court games acceptable.
Where: Andover Community Center
When: 2:50 PM - 4:50 PM
Who: local High School Students 2:50 – 3:50 pm and local Middle School Students 3:50 – 4:50 pm
How: Please bring school I.D.  Not available days district #11 students not in session.
Cost: FREE
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Plan Ahead:

Saturday, June 1 - Home Depot Kid's Workshops

Build a lawn mower pencil holder.
Where: All Home Depot Locations
When: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Kids 5-12 years old
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE
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Part-time Princess by Deborah Underwood

May Book Club Title

Part-time Princess by Deborah Underwood is not your typical fairy tale. When a normal little girl dreams one night that she is a princess, she wakes up to realize her royal adventures aren't just a dream after all. She's not just a princess who wears pretty gowns and goes to balls though, she fearlessly stands up to dragons and tames trolls. 

Part-time Princess is a perfect balance between all things princess and a fearless girl who stands up for herself. This princess loves glamour, but she is also ...

National Kids to Parks Day

May 18, 2013

Get outside and play! Visit www.kidstoparks.org and join families across the country that will participate inNational Kids to Parks Day on Saturday, May 18, 2013. For the third consecutive year, the National Park Trust and organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Children & Nature Network, the NFL Players Association, America's State Parks, the National Wildlife Federation, and the U.S. Department of the Interior are coming together to celebrate the great outdoors and support the First Lady's Let's Move Outside! initiative.

"We want ...

Gel Boards

Macaroni Made

I saw this awesome idea on Pinterest and it inspired me to try my own take on it! My kids love it and it was so easy and fun to make! 

Supplies:  
Hair gel (cheap stuff from the a dollar store)
Glitter
Duct tape
Cardboard
Clear plastic bag


Step 1: Measure approximately 5-6 ounces of hair gel and mix in as much glitter as you want!


Step 2: Pour mixture into a clear food storage bag and get as much air out as possible and seal bag.

Step 3: Measure ...

Basil Shrimp Pasta

Macaroni Menu

Serves 6   Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
8 oz box of your favorite pasta… I used thin spaghetti. Angel hair would be great too!
1-1/2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
3 teaspoons olive oil
1-1/2 lb fresh medium shrimp, peeled, dev-eined and tails removed
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon of Kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons chopped basil
 
1. Cook pasta as directed ...

50 (or so) Things to do in the Twin Cities

Find Fun All Around Town!

Looking for something to do this weekend?  At MacKid, we want to make it easy for you; here is our list of great places to check out and family-friendly things to do in the Twin Cities.  

Visit the website links for more information. 

Have a favorite you think we should add to the list?  Let us know! 

  • The Minnesota Children's Museum, website
  • Science Museum of Minnesota, website
  • Minnesota History Center, website
  • Mill City Museum, website
  • Bakken Museum, website
  • The Works, website
  • Twin City Railroad Museum, website
  • Historic Fort Snelling ...

Contact me!

Suggestions, Feedback, Submit Events, etc.

I am working hard to make sure that I keep up to date on the latest events in our community.  Please contact me if I've missed something important or if you know of an event that you'd like to see published in the newsletter.  

Also, please contact me with any thoughts or comments about my newsletter.  I would really love any feedback that you have!!  Business owners are free to contact me about advertising also.  

Do you know of an upcoming event that you'd like us to ...


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