For the Kids

The Fare Walk for Food Allergy brings together thousands of people seeking a safer world for the 15 million Americans with food allergies. The walk is a family-friendly event that will raise funds for food allergy research, education, advocasy and awareness. This special day in Minneapolis will include fun activities for the entire family. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. The walk begins immediately following the walk ceremony at 10:00 a.m. Check out Foodallergywalk.org\minneapolis2014 for more information.

HERO, a new Minnetonka-based pet product company is launching a line of “HERO” products to raise awareness, money and hope for rescue dogs.  The company, which will donate a percentage of profits to rescue dog causes, is launching the brand through a crowdfunding IndieGoGo campaign that kicks off February 22 at Bubbly Paws at Excelsior and Grand.

Kids from around the west-metro area are invited to join in the fun as the annual Community Easter Egg Hunt hosted by Our Savior Lutheran Church takes place in the Excelsior Commons Park, in Excelsior, on Saturday, April 19 at 10:00 am (rain or shine).

Take the family out to the Lowry Nature Center in the Carver Park Reserve for a full afternoon of winter fun. The Polar Bear Picnic celebrates all the outdoor activities offered at the Lowry Center that make winter great, from snowshoeing and ice mini-golf to kick-sledding and building snow forts. 763.694.7650.

It’s a special night for dads and daughters: Girls ages 3–15 are invited to take their fathers or another male role model out for a night on the town including dinner, dancing and making a special Valentine craft to give to Mom later on in the month. Registration deadline is January 20; registration is required. 952.949.8441.

Getting cabin fever from avoiding cold days outdoors? Head to the Eden Prairie Outdoor Center for the regular Nature Rocks! Event, and burn off a little of that excess energy. You and the kids can take part in fun, family-friendly, nature-oriented activities such as hiking, crafts and hands-on interaction with animals. 952.949.8479.

Make kids’ dreams come true when they sit down to have a pancake breakfast with Santa Claus. In addition to chowing down on flapjacks with the guy in the red suit, families can have their pictures taken with a live reindeer. Profits from the breakfast, co-sponsored by the Chanhassen Rotary Club and the city of Chanhassen, will go to local charities, bringing true holiday spirit to the event. 612.338.4538.

Visits to the mall to see Santa during the holiday season can be overwhelming, but Santa comes to you at this Chaska Community Center event. He’ll ride in on a fire truck for photos, fun and live reindeer time. Craft stations will be available for creating fun new holiday decorations; live musical entertainment will be provided; and refreshments will be served. 952.448.5633.

The Eden Prairie Historical Society partners up with Santa Claus for this fun holiday event at the historic Cummins-Phipps-Grill House in Eden Prairie, a fully restored structure built in the 1870s. Be greeted at the door by Santa before taking part in a real old-fashioned Christmas experience in the house, including time with Santa Claus, a visit from his reindeer, face painting and more. 952.380.8884.