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0 In 2025/ Free stuff/ Parent Tip/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Minnesota

Play Like it’s 1985: Screen-Free Summer Fun

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School’s out… and the screens are calling...

Kids don’t actually need screens to have fun (shocker!). They need space to explore, create, and connect. Whether you’re looking to cut back on screen time or just add more balance to your family’s routine, here are screen-free activities that inspire joy, movement, and imagination.

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1. Have a “What’s in the Box” Challenge

George and Clark: What’s in the Box Challenge
  • Cut holes a in box
  • Choose an item to put inside
  • Allow someone to reach their hand inside the box and “guess” what it is.
  • Take turns finding items to hide, then guessing “What’s in the Box?”

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Want to read about the Egly boys “What’s in the Box” challenge that takes an unexpected turn? Get a copy of Turtle Trouble on Amazon by clicking here. This playful tale celebrates sibling teamwork, imagination, and adventure—perfect for young readers and their families to enjoy together!

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2. Build something

Home Depot

The Home Depot and Lowe’s offer free monthly workshops for kids called Kids Workshops and DIY-U Kids Workshops. These workshops are designed to teach children ages 5-12 about building, crafting, and using tools, fostering creativity and practical skills. The workshops are held on the first Saturday of each month at participating stores, with The Home Depot’s workshops generally running from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Can’t join on Saturday? Home Depot has created take home kits for kids – Go to customer service to ask for one for each of your kids. My 11 year old was able to follow the simple instructions and build a battleship on his own.

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3. Play a Game or Complete a Puzzle

The kids played lots of games
George is 12 but still likes to play
Cousins playing games

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4. Set out art supplies and CREATE!

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Set out Pencils, markers or crayons and blank paper – Set the timer for 15 minutes and encourage everyone to sit and draw. I’m amazed at some of the things they will come up with. If they don’t know what to draw, set a stuffed animal on the table or pull out a favorite book and ask their favorite page!

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5. Make playdoh

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Click here for a recipe. We like to make a batch and then I give my boys ideas things to make: a snake, a snowman, a fidget spinner!

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6. Balloon games

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Blow up balloons and work together to keep them from touching the ground. Or, use a tennis racket outside with balloons.

Here’s a link to 18 different balloon games.

Here’s a link to a balloon pack to add to your cart!

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7. Take a bike ride or go for a walk

Clark on his bike
Clar on a bike

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Get some exercise! Go for a walk, run, bike ride!

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8. Learn a Life Skill

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9. Explore and Play Outside!

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  • Create an obstacle course in your yard. Use cones, chalk, hula hoops, or whatever’s in the garage to build a backyard challenge.
  • Play Soccer, sharks and minnows, kickball, or catch
  • Climb a tree

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Click here for a post I wrote sharing three fun backyard games.

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10. Build a blanket fort

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A classic rainy-day activity—perfect for reading, snacks, and make-believe adventures.

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11. Lemonade stand

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Let kids practice math, creativity, and entrepreneurship with a lemonade stand!

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12. Turn old boxes into games

Clark created a game called “Hit It” – Targets for Nerf Guns
George creating his game called “The Ultimate Maze”

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Create a maze or arcade games out of old boxes.

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13. Build paper airplanes and test them

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See whose airplane flies the farthest or fastest. Bonus points for decorating!

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14. Exercise or have a dance party

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15. Have a picnic

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Take lunch outside for a picnic—fresh air does wonders for moods, and the best part? The crumbs stay outside!

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16. Make puppets and put on a show

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Use socks, paper bags, or spoons. Then perform for the family.

Click here to buy bags

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17. Read a book or write your own

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One of the best screen free activities for kids is, of course, reading – or writing!

Find a book you and your children can enjoy together this summer. My recommendation? The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. My kids were excited to listen to a new chapter each day. When we finished, Luke said, “Can we find another book just like that one?”

Buy blank books and allow kids to write their own stories or journal about their summer!

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18. Sidewalk Chalk Art

George’s artwork
sidewalk chalk
Clark’s artwork

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Turn your driveway into an art gallery, obstacle course, or hopscotch.

Click here to order a 64 pack of chalk!

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19. Have a spa day

Painting nails
Spa Day

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Use items you have at home whether it’s face masks, cucumber slices, or nail polish. This is perfect for a relaxing afternoon or evening around the house.

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20. Let them be bored

bored kids

Call it “NO Tech Day” and let them figure out what to do without electronics. Their creativity will spike when they are forced to figure it out on their own. Plan for unplanned time for your kids and see what they come up with.

Click here to read more about boredom and getting rid of it!

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Want more? Click here for 55 Boredom Busters!

Click here for Would you Rather!

Click here for Minute to Minute Games!

  • Affiliate links in post!
May 23, 2025 By
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0 In 2025/ Free stuff/ Minnesota/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Minnesota

14 Free and Family-Friendly Activities in the Twin Cities

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Let’s face it—life is expensive. Between groceries, gas, and that “quick” Target run that somehow cost over $100, spending money on entertainment isn’t always in the budget. But good news! The Twin Cities are packed with amazing things to do that won’t cost you a dime.

From scenic parks to quirky museums, and even places where you can pretend to be cultured for free, here’s your ultimate guide to having fun in and around Minneapolis and St. Paul!

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1. Minnehaha Falls:

Visit this beautiful urban waterfall located in Minnehaha Park. You can hike around the falls, explore trails, and have a picnic.

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2. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory:

Como Zoo and Conservatory

This free zoo and botanical garden in St. Paul is a great place to see animals, explore beautiful gardens, and enjoy family time.

Bonus Tip – There’s a fantastic park across the street. Click here for a peek into our visit.

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3. Lake Harriet Bandshell:

In the summer, enjoy free live music and movies at the Lake Harriet Bandshell in Minneapolis. The area around the lake is also great for walking, biking, and picnicking.

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4. The Chain of Lakes:

chain of lakes

Walk, bike, or paddle around Minneapolis’ Chain of Lakes, including Lake Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, and Lake of the Isles. There are beaches, playgrounds, and plenty of spots to relax.

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5. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden:

Visit this outdoor art park next to the Walker Art Center. It’s home to the famous “Spoonbridge and Cherry” sculpture and offers plenty of space to explore and enjoy.

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6. Walk along the Mississippi River:

stone arch bridge

Walk or bike along the Mississippi Riverfront in downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul. The Stone Arch Bridge, Mill Ruins Park, and the St. Anthony Falls area are particularly scenic.

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7. Go for a Hike:

boardwalk

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8. Minnesota History Center:

The history center provides free admission one afternoon each week. With interactive exhibits and engaging activities for the whole family, I HIGHLY recommend a visit.

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9. Minneapolis Institute of Art:

MIA

Explore a wide variety of art from around the world at this museum. Admission is free every day, though special exhibits may have a fee.

  • Location: 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404.
  • Phone Number: (612) 870-3000.
  • Website: new.artsmia.org

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10. Library Hop:

Explore a wide range of libraries throughout the Twin Cities. The Stillwater library is big with a large playarea and patio looking over downtown. Many libraries have free classes, tutoring and experiences for all ages!

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11. Park Hop:

Chutes ladders
Chutes and Ladders Park in Bloomington MN

Explore a wide variety of playgrounds around the Twin Cities. A few favorites:

Bonus tip: Become a Junior Naturalist (click here for info).

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12. Go for a Swim:

Explore a wide variety of public beaches around the Twin Cities.

Two options: Antlers Park in Lakeville – recently updated; and Wayzata Beach!

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13. Play Ball:

Pickleball

There are a variety of free pickleball and tennis courts, baseball fields, batting cages, soccer fields and basketball courts around the Twin Cities.

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14. Explore a Nature Center

Richardson Nature Center

Richardson Nature Center – The visitor center houses interactive exhibits, live critters, and expert naturalists. 8737 East Bush Lake Rd. Bloomington, 753-694-7676, threeriversparks.org

Woodlake Nature Center – The visitor center is full of interactive displays featuring more live creatures! Wood Lake Nature Center, 6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield Drive, 612-861-9365, richfieldmn.gov 

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What did I miss? Please leave a comment with free things to do in the Twin Cities! I’d love to know, and so would my readers.

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Click here to read 24 Kid-Friendly Places to Visit in the Twin Cities

24 free

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You may also be interested in:

21 free things to do at Mall of America other than shop

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Minnesota Bucket List

April 3, 2025 By
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0 In 2024/ Family/ Free stuff

A Parent’s Guide to ChatGPT: What it is and how to use it

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What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT, or Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer, is a conversational AI model developed by OpenAI. It is designed to understand and generate a text-based conversation. It can handle a wide range of topics and engage in discussions on various subjects, but it does not have moral judgment.

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Where does ChatGPT get its information?

ChatGPT copies and re-writes information from other places on the internet. It doesn’t tell you its sources or who created the original information. ChatGBT can make mistakes, spread misinformation, and give inaccurate answers.

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Privacy:

Parents should advise their children to avoid sharing personal information during interactions. It’s important to remind kids that they are communicating with a machine and not a trusted human.

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Critical Thinking:

Let your children know that what they learn from ChatGPT is NOT always accurate. Explain the importance of checking the credibility of a source before trusting the information. This may also be a good time to talk about plagiarism. Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s words, ideas, or work and presenting them as your own without proper acknowledgment.

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Education:

ChatGPT can be a valuable educational tool when used appropriately. Parents can explore supervised learning experiences with their children, focusing on specific topics or use ChatGPT to facilitate learning and creativity. See ideas below.

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Why are schools banning ChatGPT?

My children’s school district and many others are banning ChatGPT from school devices and campus networks because students can use it to write their papers and do their homework.

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Safety and Open Communication:

Parents need to supervise their children’s interactions with ChatGPT. Since ChatGPT can converse on any topic, there is a potential for exposure to inappropriate content, misinformation, or discussions that are not suitable for children. Parents should consider setting guidelines for usage and check in on their children’s interactions. Encourage kids to share any uncomfortable encounters.

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Summary:

While ChatGPT can offer opportunities for learning, parents should approach its use with caution and guide their children to ensure safety. Understanding ChatGPT will help foster a positive and responsible online experience for kids.

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Family-friendly ways to use ChatGBT:

  1. Learning: Encourage your children to use ChatGPT for educational purposes, such as looking up information for school projects. ChatGPT can provide quick answers to factual questions or help clarify concepts in a conversational manner.
  2. Language: If your family is learning a new language, ChatGPT can be a language practice partner. Encourage your children to engage in conversations in the target language with ChatGPT to reinforce vocabulary and grammar.
  3. Travel: Explore different cultures and places virtually by asking ChatGPT about the world. ChatGBT can be used to plan an itinerary for an in-person visit to another city or country.
  4. Brain Teasers: Engage in family-friendly trivia or riddles with ChatGPT. Challenge your kids to ask ChatGPT logic puzzles, math problems, or other questions. This can be a fun way to stimulate critical thinking.
  5. History: Make history more engaging and interactive by asking ChatGPT about famous people or events from the past.
  6. Storytime: Use ChatGPT to generate personalized bedtime stories based on your child’s interests. Encourage your kids to provide story prompts or characters, and let ChatGPT weave a unique tale.
  7. Digital Etiquette: Use interactions with ChatGPT as an opportunity to reinforce appropriate and respectful online communication.
  8. Supervised Use and Boundaries: Establish guidelines for using ChatGPT, including appropriate topics and time limits. Emphasize the importance of responsible and safe online behavior.

By integrating ChatGPT into family activities in these constructive ways, you can make the most of AI technology while ensuring that it enhances learning, creativity, and family engagement.

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Prompt Ideas for ChatGBT:

  • Plan a 3 day-itinerary for (location of choice).
  • What are family-friendly activities around (enter city of choice)?
  • What are the best rated restaurants in (city of choice)?
  • Give me 10 ways engage with my 15-year-old son
  • Tell me a story about an Eagle named Eddie, appropriate for a 6 year old.
  • What are 10 fun facts about (topic of choice)?

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What about you? How have YOU used AI or chatGPT. Let me know how you use it!

May 15, 2024 By
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0 In 2022/ Free stuff/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

A Cell Phone Contract and things to consider before (& after) giving your child a cell phone

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Handing your kids a phone of their own is a big deal. You’re handing access to nearly everything in the world – the best and the worst. A phone can be helpful in many ways, and can be harmful in many other ways.

My recommendation is to hold your children off from getting a phone of their own as LONG as possible. The older and more mature they are before getting a device, the wiser they will be with their words and actions.

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What your child posts online may be more permanent than their permanent record. What they watch online may have a permanent impact.

Parent Cue

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5 questions to discuss before giving a child a phone:

1. What you post is public, even when you may think it’s private. It can be permanent. What are some examples of this?

2. Have you seen people say something online that they would not say to someone’s face? Why do you think that happens?

3. How are in-person relationships affected by devices for good or bad?

  • Examples for good: Connecting with family or friends who are far away.
  • Examples for bad: bullying or spending too much time on your phone and less time face-to-face

4. Who do you/would you like to follow online?

5. What rules do you think we need to put in place to keep you safe and monitor your time online?

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Cell phone contract to review and sign together:

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Parents, let your kids know from the beginning that you will be checking their phone periodically. This builds some accountability and may help them ’think twice’ about what they do on their phone. My son’s received texts that I’m so glad I saw. It has led to several teachable moments.
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Also, I’d recommend your child charge their phone anywhere but their bedroom overnight. A middle school teacher told me:

If I could make a rule for all kids with phones, it would be to keep it out of their bedrooms at night. Kids are sleep-deprived because they’re on their phones past midnight on school nights and parents have no idea it’s happening,

Heidi Pitzenberg

What are your thoughts about children and cell phone use? Are there resources you use that help you navigate this new world?

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Thanks for reading and for sharing your thoughts!

November 4, 2022 By
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0 In 2022/ DIY/ Family/ Free stuff/ Games/ Memories/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Minnesota

Indoor and Outdoor Scavenger Hunt for Kids

My son Clark LOVES Scavenger hunts. But let’s be honest…who DOESN’T enjoy a fun hunt?

One year, my husband buried a treasure box in a forest, then created a treasure map for the boys to follow, find and DIG UP! (Best day ever! Best DAD ever!)

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Another year, just as George was learning to spell, he created a scavenger hunt for his brother. He left kind and encouraging words for him to find around the house. (Best brother ever!)

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For Clark’s 13th birthday, we gave him two hunts. One indoors (by himself) to find his birthday present, and one OUTSIDE with his friends. Both were a HIT so I wanted to share this idea with you!

Scavenger hunts work not only for a birthday, but also for Christmas, for a family night, or on any day you’re looking for something fun to do with your family. You could even have your kids create scavenger hunts for each other.

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Here was Clark’s INDOOR birthday hunt:

(Thank you Pinterest and Google for helping me with these riddles)

Here is our OUTDOOR Hunt:

(Feel free to copy and paste to a word document, or print this and play!)

Good for kids 12 and up. Make sure each team has a phone/camera.

Scavenger hunt    

  • Take a selfie of your entire team on the play set.
  • Take a picture of two people swinging.
  • Find the sidewalk chalk. Write an encouraging message on the sidewalk. (Ideas: You Matter. -or- You Got this!  -or-  Choose Joy) You will find the sidewalk chalk:
  • Find the secret message and write down what you see. Secret message is found:

  • Take a selfie with a dog or person out for a walk.
  • Trade a penny for something more valuable. 
  • What is the mystery word written on our neighbor’s front door?
  • Find the little library and write down the name of one book. 
  • Take a picture next to a fire hydrant.
  • Find leaves from 3 different trees and bring them back.
  • Take a picture of something red.
  • Take a photo of two of your team mates jumping in the air at the same time.
  • Take a picture of someone sitting on the park bench.
  • Take a picture of a house or mailbox with the number 2 on it.
  • Return home

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Here are some ideas from my son’s 13th birthday:

Scrambled word = teenager

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The boys loved the scavenger hunts!

What would you add or change? Leave me a comment.

Thanks for reading and please consider subscribing!

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Click here to read “How to Host an Amazing Backyard Birthday”

October 6, 2022 By
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0 In 2022/ Free stuff/ Saving money

25 of my Favorite Birthday Freebies

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Freebies bring me SO MUCH JOY!

Grocery store and Costco samples … yay!

Complimentary candy with your dinner bill … love it!

Freebie because it’s your birthday … yes please!

Here are 25 birthday freebies for you to enjoy:

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1. Ace Hardware

Subscribe to Ace Rewards to get at least $5 off your purchase on your birthday.

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2. AMC Theatres

Join AMC Stubs and get a possible free popcorn and/or drink offer on your birthday. Plus, get a $5 AMC Stubs reward to spend on concessions for every 5,000 points you spend

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3. Barnes & Noble

Join the Barnes & Noble Kids’ Club, and your child will get a free cupcake (or a treat of their choice) from the café. They will email you a coupon and you have at least a month to use it.

I’ve enjoyed taking my boys on a ‘date’ to Barnes and Nobles for their free treat, then we roam the children’s area.

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4. Caribou Coffee

Free drink during your birthday week for rewards member.

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5. Chick-fil-A

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Free food item and dessert during your birthday month if you have the app.

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6. Chipotle

Free chips and a side on your birthday.

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7. Nautical Bowls

A free, delicious, healthy superfood bowl on your Birthday!

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8. Culver’s

Get a free sundae on your birthday when you enroll in the Culver’s rewards program.

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9. Dairy Queen

BOGO Blizzard coupon for your birthday if you have the app.

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10. Dunkin’ Donuts

Free coffee on your birthday for rewards members.

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11. Ikea

$10 off any $10 purchase and free ice cream for your birthday, if you join their rewards club.

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12. Olive Garden

Free dessert on your birthday.

Does anyone remember when Olive Garden would give you an entire chocolate cake on your birthday!? Unfortunately, they aren’t doing that anymore, but you can still get a slice of cake.

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13. Once Upon a Child

Once upon a child is a kid’s resale shop. I’ve bought and sold lots of great things for my boys here. You get regular discounts when you sign up – plus $5 off a $10 purchase.

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14. Panera 

Free treat on your birthday if you are My Panera rewards member.

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15. Pizza Hut and Papa Johns

Free dessert pizza if you are part of the Rewards program for Pizza Hut and Papa Johns.

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16. Play it Again Sports

Play it again sports is a re-sale sports store. This place is great for a mom of four boys. I used my birthday discount to get new baseball pants for one of my sons.

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17. Portillo’s

Free slice of cake on your birthday if you join the birthday club. They serve the world’s BEST chocolate cake and Chicago Hot Dogs!

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18. Raising Canes Chicken

Sign up for the Craniac Club and receive free food when you sign up, and more free food on your birthday.

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19. Red Savoy

Red Savoy is a Minnesota pizza franchise. Sign up for their rewards program and get a free one-topping pizza during your birthday month!

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20. Redbox

Free movie for your birthday.

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21. Safeway/ Jewel Osco/ Albertsons

Free $10 reward on your birthday if you sign up for JUST FOR U discounts.

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22. Sprinkles Cupcakes

Oh how I wish I lived close to Sprinkles. You get a FREE CUPCAKE on your birthday. They have the world’s best cupcakes.

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23. Starbucks

Free drink on your birthday.

  • This works at MOST locations, you may want to ask first.
  • It can only be redeemed on your actual birthday – not a day before or anytime after.

I spent my birthday in Vail a couple of years ago and was excited to find a Starbucks and my free drink. I walked in and saw a LONG LINE. That’s okay, it’s my birthday, it’s worth the wait for a free drink. Fifteen minutes later, it was my turn and I ordered the fanciest drink possible because it was free. It rang up to almost $10. That’s okay, it’s my birthday! I let the cashier know I’d like to use my free birthday drink and she said, “I’m sorry, we don’t give free drinks at this location.”

I was too embarrassed to cancel my order, so I just paid for my super fancy, super expensive coffee. That’s okay, it’s my birthday.

I shared that story hoping that on YOUR birthday, you will be wiser than me and ASK if the Starbucks you’ve entered gives free drinks before you order.

Now, moving on…

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24. Target

Extra 5% discount on one entire order for those who use the circle app.

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25. Swagbucks

Have you joined Swagbucks yet? It’s a website that awards with points for using their search engine, printing coupons, taking surveys, etc. You can use your points for gifts cards to Target, Starbucks, or PayPal. You can earn 300 points just for signing up, and more free points on your birthday!

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For everyone who likes a “freebie” – it’s going to be a HAPPY birthday!!

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Want more birthday freebies? Hip3Save has a much longer list than I’ve put together – click here to read.

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Click here to read how to Embrace another Year Around the Sun

If this post about “getting” makes you wonder about “giving,” click here to read Little Ways to Make a Big Difference

Thanks for reading, please consider subscribing!

June 8, 2022 By
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0 In 2021/ Family/ Free stuff/ Games/ Memories/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

Five Free Ways to Have Fun with your Family this Fall

Most of our kids are back in school, sitting 8 hours a day, often times wearing a mask. Getting out in the backyard, enjoying fresh air and family time is perfect for fall.


The temps are more mild and kids are ready to burn some energy after a long school day. Playing together not only helps you and your children ‘de-stress,’ but also strengthens the bond with your kids!


Here are FIVE free games to play with your family! 

1. Dog tail:

  • Pull out the longest socks you own.
  • Everyone tucks one sock into the back of their shorts, like a dog tail.
  • The object is to grab everyone else’s “tail” (or sock) while keeping your own.
  • Say GO and the last one wearing a sock wins! 

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2. Mr. Fox, what time is it?

  • Select one person to be Mr. or Mrs. Fox. This person will stand with his or her back to the rest of the players. 
  • All other players line up on the other side of the yard/field. The players take turns asking Mr. Fox what time it is. (“Mr. Fox, what time is it?)
  • The fox will then respond with a time, such as 3 o’clock. The players must then take the same number of steps forward (in this case, 3 steps). These steps may be as large or small as the players wish, no matter how close they get to the fox.
  • When Mr. Fox is ready, he will respond to “What time is it?” with “LUNCHTIME!”
  • When the kids hear ‘lunchtime,’ they will run back to the starting line and try not to get “tagged” by Mr. Fox.

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3. Create an Obstacle Course

Work with your kids to design an obstacle course in the backyard and time each other to complete the course.


4. “Vote with your Feet!”

This is a take on the “Would you rather?” game, except your kids have to run to one or the other side of the yard.

If they “vote” for the first one, run to the right. If they vote for second, run to the left. 

Would you rather….

Be Superman or Batman?

Eat Pizza or Hotdogs?

Ride a roller coaster or a water slide?

Go to Target or Walmart?

Laugh or cry?

Jump high or run fast?

Have summer all year or winter all year?

Be really smart or really funny?

Drive a truck or a sports car?

Go back in time or go to the future?

Be able to fly or be invisible?

Have ONE great friend or 20 pretty good friends?

Be in the Mountains or at the Beach?

Take a ride in a speed boat or helicopter? 

Go Skydiving or Swim with Sharks?

Build a Sand Castle or Play in the Waves?

Go Skiing or Ride a bike?

Watch a Movie or Read a Book?

Go Rock climbing or Swimming?

Own a Cat or a Dog?

Write a Story or a Draw picture?

Clean the Bathroom or Vacuum the carpet?

Ice Skate or Roller Skate?

Drink Pop or Water?

Play Inside or Outside?

Take a Shower or Bath?

Take a trip to Australia or Italy?

Go Fishing or Make slime?

Play a Video game or Board game?

Have more time or more money?

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5. Be creative with sidewalk chalk:

  • Lay down and trace each other – then decorate with clothes, faces, etc.
  • Write a word of encouragement for passers-by
  • Use tape and color in the spaces like stained glass 
  • Clark’s artwork

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What game will YOU play outside this fall? Leave me comment!

Thanks for reading!

Love,
Kathryn Egly

September 20, 2021 By
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1 In 2021/ Free stuff/ Minnesota/ Things to do in Minnesota/ Traveling

Step inside a $43 million dollar Minneapolis mansion

Did you know if you have a library card, you can get access to museums, plays, and other fun things around town?

When I noticed a complimentary pass to a place on my Minnesota bucket list: A visit to the American Swedish Institute, aka – a historic mansion, I snatched up a ticket and snuck away for a couple hours.

Wow, it was spectacular! I enjoyed walking around and imagining what the owners did to earn the money to afford such luxury, and to think about how they lived, and the lavish parties they’d thrown.

I started doing some research and asking questions to find out about the history of this home – and was surprised by what I found out.

How big is this place and how much was it?

The home cost 1.5 million dollars to build in 1903, but is currently worth over $43 million.

It has 33 rooms and 75,000 sq ft!

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What did the owners do for a living?

The owner of this home was a Swedish man named Swan Turnblad and his wife, Christina. They owned and distributed a Swedish newspaper. Swan loved new technology and was one of the first owners of a “color” printer.

  • Swan Turnblad
  • Christina Turnblad, a copy of their newspaper in the lower section of this picture

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How long did it take to build this mansion?

This home took almost 5 years to build. They employed EIGHTEEN woodworkers for 3 solid years to create the beautiful beams, trim and moldings you see through the home:

The magnificent fireplace inside the entrance to the home. Anyone else have a foyer fireplace like this one?
  • A room in the basement that was originally a “billiards” room
  • Beams outside the music room
The grand staircase inside the home

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What kind of parties did they host?

Only one! A fund raiser.

They had a lavish ball room with a stage – big enough for a live band, but they never hosted one ball!

The owner’s wife was very reclusive and her closest friends were the servants. She grew up as a servant herself, so related to her staff more than the wealthy women in town.

I’d love to rent this space, invite everyone I know to dress up in their fanciest clothes, and have a big ball. This gorgeous room must be used!

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How long did the owners live in the mansion?

The owners only lived in the home for 7 years! Mrs. Turnblad never liked the home. It was way too big and pretentious for her. They left the mansion to live in an apartment above their printing press!

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What do I have in common with the original owners?

Only ONE thing (that I know of) – my favorite part of the home was also their favorite part of the home – the LIBRARY!

  • The Library of my dreams

The home was so big, that they mostly lived in the library. Ted and I could happily live in that library!

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Did anyone else live in the home?

Yes, they had one daughter, as well as two servants and their children who lived in the mansion. When the owners left, they allowed the servants and their children to occupy the home!

The children’s diaries were found and the children wrote about the fun they had playing hide and seek in this gigantic home!

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What else is special about this home?

The beautiful bathroom with the amazing sky light. This is the original tub and tile. I would love to take a bath here at night and watch the sky.

There are 11 porcelain tile Swedish “stoves” (fireplaces) in the mansion, every one of them is unique.

The ceilings are a work of art:

  • One bedroom
  • The music room
The foyer

The original kitchen:

I didn’t take a picture, but the pantry is larger than my entire kitchen.

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Who bought the mansion after the original owners moved out?

No one. There was only one owner, and they donated the mansion to the American Swedish Institute. Today it is a cultural center, museum, art center, and gathering place for anybody interested in Swedish and Nordic culture.

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What’s new now?

  1. The. basement has been updated with a beautiful children’s play room and classrooms.

2. The Solarium was updated

The solarium (sun room) became unusable. It was too hot in the summer, too cold in the winter, and the framing had been destroyed by the harsh Minnesota winters.

It cost almost as much to update this room (over a million dollars in current dollars) as the original owners paid for the entire house at the turn of the century.

  • Outside view
  • Inside view

I loved the solarium! Next time I want to bring a book to sit in here and read!

3. Nelson Cultural Center

In 2012, a 34,000 square foot addition known as the Nelson Cultural Center opened. It is a gathering place that houses the café, the art gallery, classrooms, and event spaces.

  • Currently on display: Papier
  • Costumes made from PAPER

The mansion is a landmark that has been placed on the national, state and city registers of historical places.

Do you want to visit?

Check out the smart pass website by clicking here to see if there are any complimentary passes, or visit their website to purchase a pass.

Thanks for reading!

Click here for the Top 25 things to do in Minnesota!

June 4, 2021 By
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4 In 2021/ Free stuff/ Memories/ Minnesota/ Peek into our Week/ Things to do in Minnesota

Why Como Zoo and Conservatory Should Be on Your Twin Cities Bucket List

One of my favorite places to visit in Minnesota is Como Zoo and Conservatory.

Not only is it historic and beautiful, but it’s FREE (though donations are appreciated).

The animals are nice and they are definitely what lure my children here, but my favorite part is the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.

The Conservatory was built in 1915, and is one of the few remaining original Victorian style glasshouses in North America. Inside are two acres of beautiful flowers and greenery ‘under glass.’ The display inside the conservatory changes five times a year, so you never know what beauty you’ll encounter when you visit.

Como Zoo and Conservatory
Gorgeous Foxglove

Because of Covid, they are asking everyone to book tickets online in advance (there is no charge for the tickets). This is one of the few Covid changes I like, because it means there are only a select number of tickets they give out each day, so it’s not crowded! (Click here to reserve your space.)

The animals came before the conservatory. Como Zoo started in 1897 when the city of St. Paul was gifted 3 deer and created a fenced in area to keep them.

Como was the first zoo in the world to successfully hand raise Siberian tigers.

Besides tigers and deer, there are many other animals to observe and enjoy. Luke loves the Arctic foxes and penguins, George’s favorites are the monkeys (we all like the monkeys). Paul likes the sloth and fish, I love the birds and giraffes, Clark liked the cougar and giant Polar bear.

The Como Zoo has exhibits inside and outside, so you can enjoy this place all year long.

In the summer, be sure to visit the beautiful Japanese Garden:

After your visit to the zoo, plan to visit the fun playground across the street. There are plenty of tables, perfect for a picnic.

Como Park

The state’s oldest Dairy Queen dates back to 1947 an is just a mile away. (720 Lexington Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113) This is a fun way to end a spectacular day!

como Dairy Queen

Click here for a peek into one of our visits to Como Zoo and Conservatory! What animals do you spot?

Click here to read my Minnesota Bucket list!

Click here for a peek into our visit to the amazing Mill City Museum

Click here to read ’24 Family-Friendly Places to Visit in the Twin cities’

March 23, 2021 By
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0 In 2020/ Christmas/ Free stuff/ Inspiration/ Joy

Elf on the Shelf: Kindness Edition

This year, I’m having our Elf encourage my kids to show KINDNESS. Couldn’t we all benefit from a little more Kindness?

Here are TWO WEEKS worth of ideas to use in your home.

Each of these can be written on a card beside your elf, or use a dry erase marker and leave their daily ‘kindness’ task on the mirror in the bathroom or on a window.

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Day 1: Smiling’s my Favorite. Your mission: Smile at every person you see today!

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Day 2: Make a card for your school bus driver, garbage man, or someone who serves you.

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Day 3: Hold the door for people behind you today.

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Day 4: Help your sibling do their chores today.

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Day 5: Write a note or draw a picture for your grandparents and/or for someone in a nursing home.

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Day 6: Leave a treat in the mailbox for your mail carrier.

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Day 7: Put one of your coins in the Salvation Army bucket.

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Day 8: Leave a treat or gift at your neighbors door.

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Day 9: Go through your toys and donate one to charity.

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Day 10: Write a note of thanks to your parents or teacher.

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Day 11: Make someone laugh today.

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Day 12: Do something helpful WITHOUT being asked.

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Day 13: Clean up a mess you DIDN’T make.

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Day 14: Say something kind to each of your siblings today.

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Happy Holidays! May these will bring a little more joy to your Christmas season.

Click here to read other simple Elf on the Shelf Ideas.

Do you have a kindness idea? Leave a comment!

December 1, 2020 By
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