Macaroni Kid
Maple Grove-Champlin-Brooklyn Park
Macaroni Kid  

We have some something Special for Mom's!


Proudly Serving Maple Grove, Champlin, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center and Osseo

Someone please make up their mind what kind of weather we are going to have? However, let me point out that Mother nature better make the right choice and stick with warm weather from here on out! I am ready for some sunshine!

 

I have so much to tell you about this week! First and foremost, Mother's Day is around the corner and we are going to CELEBRATE with some excellent giveaways! Macaroni Kid has been lucky enough to team up with some awesome local businesses to pamper mom ...


Mother's Day Giveaway - You Deserve this!


Make sure to Find us on FACEBOOK!

Being a Mom is a Full-time Job! Moms are always on the clock! We no longer get to eat a warm meal or make a "quick" run to the store! Our lives revolve around our children. I don't know about you, but even the bathroom isn't a sacred place for me! My youngest daughter  always wants to go where I go. She would rather sit on her stool in the bathroom while I take a shower than to go play with all of her toys in her room ...


LEGO® KidsFest - Coming to Minneapolis in May!


WIN Tickets from Macaroni Kid!

LEGO KidsFest is coming to the Minneapolis Convention Center May 20th - 22nd.  Kids of all ages will love this show.  175,000 square feet of LEGO family fun!

LEGO KidsFest brings all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in one activity-and entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills.  

Among the many LEGO attractions, families will find:

  • LEGO Model Gallery: 40 life-sized models made entirely from LEGO bricks
  • LEGO Master Builders: building tips, tricks and live demonstrations from the ...

Annie at the Children's Theatre - Meet Regan Duffy


WIN Tickets From Macaroni Kid

Last week I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Regan Duffy, a 4th grader at Linwood Elementary School.  Regan is performing in the cast of Annie, which is currently playing at the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis.  She plays the character Kate, an orphan.

I was curious about the try-out process, which was held at the Mall of America last October.  Regan said her Mom had heard about the try-outs through a friend and she decided she wanted to try out for a part as an ...


Fish Fair at The Anoka County Fairgrounds


Save BIG with Macaroni Deals!

Trying to plan a family outing that is both tons of fun and educational? Look no further! The annual Fish Fair is a fishing carnival for kids and families. On our Coon Rapids Macaroni Deals site you can purchase 2 tickets to the Fish Fair for only $5!  Up to a 50% savings.  No limit to how many deals you can purchase.  Buy tickets for the whole family and save BIG. 

The annual Fish Fair will be held at the Anoka County Fairgrounds on May 6th and 7th, 2011 from ...


Teacher Appreciation Day is May 4th


Show your Teacher some love with these Gift Ideas!

Teacher Appreciation Week runs from May 2nd through the 6th!Teacher Appreciation Day is on May 4th! Here is the inside scoop on unique and thoughtful ways to say thanks to your child's teacher. This is advice from a Former Teacher, with 10 years classroom experience. 

Thoughtful and Generous, a Combination that Passes the Test
Never underestimate the value of a handwritten note or simple illustration from your child.  This is true on Mother's Day, too, right?  Teachers develop bonds with their students, and handmade says heartfelt. Along ...

Festival of Nations - St. Paul RiverCentre


Macaroni Kid Has the Inside Scoop!

Pssttt....over here. Wanna see the Exploradome from the Minnesota Planetarium? When you visit the Festival of Nations, check out the cafe area for a free presentation of One People, One Sky. If you get questioned, tell them that Steve Heckler sent you. As he is the director of the Festival of Nations, you shouldn't have any problems getting in. In fact, everywhere you go inside the Festival of Nations, tell them Steve sent you. He WANTS you to see it all, experience it all, and learn it all ...


REVIEW: The Pocket Coach For Parents, Tina Feigal


WIN Your Copy from Macaroni Kid!

I hope you've enjoyed gettting to know local Parent Coach, Tina Feigal, over the last several weeks and reading her featured articles.  This week, I will be reviewing Tina's book, The Pocket Coach For Parents.  You will have a chance to enter to WIN a copy of the book for yourself at the end of this article!

For me personally, parenting books are something that I always have good intentions on, until reality sets in.  If I had the time, I'd read as many parenting books as ...


This Week's Picks:


April 30th through May 1st

Saturday, April 30 - Elm Creek Elementary Book Fair

Come and support Elm Creek Elementary at their Book Fair
Where: Barnes and Noble 8040 Wedgewood Lane, Maple Grove
When: 9:00 AM
Who: All Ages
How: Just show up
Cost: Free to Attend May purchase books
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Saturday, April 30 - Multiple Connections Spring Sale

Find all your kids needs Here! You will find Gently Used Kids clothes for all sizes and all seasons! Furniture, Kids Equipment, Strollers, Cribs, Toys Books, Car and Booster Seats, Videos and so much more! Over 75 sellers! Children are not allowed due to safety reasons. Cash and checks only. No credit cards accepted 
Where: Maple Grove Junior High - Main Gymnasium  7000 Hemlock Lane North
When: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Who: Adults Only Please
How: Just show up!
Cost: Admission is $1
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Saturday, April 30 - Free Family Flicks @ Mall of America

The entire family can enjoy select movies for FREE every Saturday. First-come, first-served as seating is limited to theater capacity. This week: Open Season
Where: Theatre at Mall of America  
When: 10:00 AM
Who: All Ages
How: Just show up. It is first come - first served
Cost: Free
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Sunday, May 1 - Creative Kidstuff Baby Shower

Calling all mommies-to-be. You are invited to our baby shower. There will be delicious food, mini-classes on relevant baby topics, a personal shopping discount and experience, prize drawings and, of course, a fantastic swag bag just for new moms.
Where: Creative Kidstuff - Maple Grove 11647 Fountains Drive
When: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Mommies to be
How: Registration is required either stop into store or call 763-424-2576
Cost: Free
For more info: The event is free to attend but registration is required! Pregnant mommies may bring a guest, but only the mothers-to-be will receive swag bags filled with baby must-haves. Registration is limited to 50 moms and their guest per store (30 in Wayzata). To register, call or stop in the store.
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Sunday, May 1 - "Kung Fu Panda" PO Meet & Greet

 Kung FuHave your picture taken with PO from “Kung Fu Panda”!  PO will be appearing on the hour at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm on Sunday May 1.  Kung Fu Panda 2 in 3D opens in Theatres May 26. Visit the official website:  http://kungfupanda.com/?gclid=CPvhsJPIwqcCFce7Kgodsn8MCw
Where: Sears Court at Mall of America®
When: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free
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Sunday, May 1 - Mommy, Tea and Me- A Royal Tea Party

The Maple Grove Ambassadors and Maple Grove Parks and Recreation will host the 10th annual Mommy, Tea and Me- A Royal Tea Party event Sunday, May 1, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. 
Where: Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road.
When: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Who:  Mommy and Daughters
How: For more information call 494-6500.
Cost: $10 per Person
For more info:  For more information call 494-6500.
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This Week's Calendar:


April 20th through May 4th

Wednesday, April 20 through Wednesday, April 27 - Preschool Storytime - Brooklyn Park

Help your preschooler get ready to read. Enjoy stories together and build language skills. 
Where: Brooklyn Park Library
When: 10:15 AM
Who: For children ages 4 to 6.
How: or call 612.543.6225.
Cost: Free
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Wednesday, April 20 through Wednesday, April 27 - Family Storytime- Brooklyn Park

Share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement with your children. 
Where: Brookyn Park Library
When: 11:15 AM
Who: Ages 2 and up
How: or call 612.543.6225.
Cost: Free
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Monday, April 25 through Monday, May 23 - Baby Storytime - Brooklyn Park

Delight and stimulate your baby's senses with books and music. Build brain power.   
Where: Brookyn Park Library
When: 10:30 AM
Who: Children Birth to 24 months
How: or call 612.543.6225.
Cost: Free
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Thursday, April 28 - Storytime - Creative Kidstuff

Join us each Thursday at 10am as we read from favorite preschool books
Where: Creative KidStuff - Maple Grove 11647 Fountains Drive
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Preschoolers
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
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Friday, April 29 - Storytime @ Barnes and Noble

Poetry -- Meter, rhyme and prose, to make sure in young minds poetry grows.
Where: Maple Grove Barnes and Noble 8040 Wedgewood Lane, Maple Grove
When: 10:00 AM
Who: All Ages
How: Just Show up!
Cost: Free
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Saturday, April 30 through Sunday, December 4 - Lego Castle Adventure

Minnesota Children's Museum opens up Lego Castle Adventure! Become a master Castle builder using Lego Bricks! So much to do -including Dressing up and jousting. 
Where: Minnesota Children's Museum 
When: 9:00 AM
Who: All Ages 
How: Just show up
Cost: $8.95 per person
For more info: Hours Tues - Thurs 9am - 4pm Fri. & Sat. 9am - 8pm Sun. 9am - 5pm
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Saturday, April 30 - The Knack Mother's Day Event Make-It Take-It

With purchase of T-shirt or apron. Make this Mother's Day unique. Decorate a fun and creative T-shirt or apron for mom. While supplies last.
Where: All Michael Locations
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Ages 3 and Up
How: Just show up
Cost: Cost of Apron or T-shirt
For more info: More information Here
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Saturday, April 30 - Baby Storytime

Delight and stimulate your baby's senses with books and music. Build brain power. 
Where: Champlin Library
When: 10:30 AM
Who: For children from birth to 24 months.
How: Register online or call 952.847.5350
Cost: Free
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Sunday, May 1 - Craft Time

Free Craft and card class! Bring your creativity and be ready for some fun!
Where: Champlin Library
When: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Who: Ages 5 - 12
How: Please register by April 23rd to winniethepoodle@hotmail.com
Cost: FREE
For more info: Kids must be accompanied by an adult
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Tuesday, May 3 - Fairy Tales Storytime

You'll recognize these familiar tales: Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, Rapunzel, Cinderella and Rumpelstiltskin. Join us for fairy tales from around the world.
Where: Barnes & Noble - Maple Grove 8840 Wedgewood Lane
When: 10:00 AM
Who: All Ages
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
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Tuesday, May 3 - Preschool Storytime Maple Grove

Help your preschooler get ready to read. Enjoy stories together and build language skills. 
Where: Maple Grove Library
When: 10:30 AM
Who: For children ages 4 to 6.
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
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Tuesday, May 3 through Tuesday, May 10 - Toddler Storytime - Brooklyn Park Library

Interact with your toddler to nurture a love of books. Learn letters, sounds, and new words. Be active with music and movement
Where: Brooklyn Park Library
When: 10:30 AM
Who: Ages 2 - 3
How: or call 612.543.6225.
Cost: Free
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Tuesday, May 3 through Tuesday, July 12 - Preschool Storytime

Help your preschooler get ready to read. Enjoy stories together and build language skills. Storytime is every Tuesday from March to May
Where: Maple Grove Library
When: 10:30 AM
Who: Ages 4 to 6
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
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Tuesday, May 3 - Storytime at Pottery Barn Kids

Enjoy Storytime every Tuesday! Receive an Official Book Club Passport when you attend your first Storytime. You will receive a special gift after attending your 5th Story time!
Where: Pottery Barn Kids - Maple Grove 12161 Elm Creek Blvd
When: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: All Ages
How: Just Show up
Cost: Free
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Tuesday, May 3 through Thursday, May 5 - Kits & Cubs: White Winter Animals

Drop off your kids to discover the world of camouflage animals. Soar like a snowy owl, wiggle like a weasel, and hop like a hare. Compare the different animals? abilities to hide in the snow. Play Hide 'N Seek, make white snow art, and taste a treat.
Where: Eastman Nature Center
When: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Who: Kids ages 4 and 5
How: Reservations required phone only; call 763.559.6700.
Cost: $7 per person
For more info: Other Times available: Wed. 2/23 - 10am - 12pm Wed 2/23 - 1pm - 3pm Thurs 2/24 - 1pm - 3pm
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Wednesday, May 4 - Baby Storytime

Delight and stimulate your baby's senses with books and music. Build brain power. 
Where: Champlin Library
When: 9:30 AM ()
Who: For children from birth to 24 months
How: Register online  or call 952.847.5350
Cost: Free
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Teen Scene:


April 28th through April 30th

Thursday, April 28 - Teen Manga Book Club

Can't get enough anime? Join up to watch and review brand-new anime episodes, share artwork and hang out with other anime fans.
Where: Champlin Library
When: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Who: Grade 6 and up
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
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Saturday, April 30 - Teen Anime Club Maple Grove

Can't get enough anime? Join up to watch and review brand-new anime episodes, share artwork and hang out with other anime fans. 
Where: Maple Grove Library
When: 3:00 PM
Who: Grade 7 and up
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
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Plan Ahead:


May 6th through May 10th

Friday, May 6 through Saturday, May 7 - Fishing for Life - Youth Fishing Expo

Fish Fair is a Fun Family Event with Something for Everyone! Not only with kids learn about the basics of fishing, but there will be Pony Rides, A bounce House, Face Painting, Super Heroes to take pictures with. Magic Shows, Story times, Kiddie Parade! There is even a Trout Pond for you to try to catch a fish in! There will be a fish fry each night and carnival food all day long!
Where: Anoka County Fair Grounds
When: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Who: All Ages
How: Purchase Tickets online at www.fishfair.eventbrite.com  or purchase at Door
Cost: Daily Admission is $5 for Ages 13 and up $3 for Ages 3 - 12 and Age 3 and under is FREE
For more info: Online Ticket Buyers receive an extra entry to win an IPAD Visit www.fishfair.eventbrite.com  for updates or tickets!
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Saturday, May 7 - Free Family Flicks @ Mall of America

The entire family can enjoy select movies for FREE every Saturday. First-come, first-served as seating is limited to theater capacity. This week: Open Season 2
Where: Theatre at Mall of America  
When: 10:00 AM
Who: All Ages
How: Just show up. It is first come - first served
Cost: Free
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Saturday, May 7 - Spring Fling Craft Show This weekend!

Spring Fling at The Fountains at Arbor Lakes. Petting Zoo for kids, Visit with Hello Kitty, Face Painting, Get a Crazy Hair Do, meet community helpers, try orienteering and more! Please bring a non-perishable item for C.R.O.S.S 
Where: The Fountains at Arbor Lakes - Maple Grove
When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just Show up!
Cost: Free
For more info: More Information at Arborlakes.net
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Tuesday, May 10 - Adult/Child: Spring Flowers

Go on a search for the flowers of spring! Discover what flowers are blooming in the park, who visits them, and why plants make flowers. Plant a seed to take home and watch it grow into a flower.
Where: Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
When: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Restricted to participants age 3 to 5.
How: Reservations required, by phone only; call 763.559.6700.
Cost: $5
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Tuesday, May 10 - Preschool Storytime Maple Grove

Help your preschooler get ready to read. Enjoy stories together and build language skills. 
Where: Maple Grove Library
When: 10:30 AM
Who: For children ages 4 to 6.
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
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Website Picks of the Week


MacKid Gets Fit

It's the time of year when my head just starts spinning. School's rapidly winding down, summer vacations need to be planned, spring cleaning just led to a hundred more projects...I actually made a list of things to look up on the internet. (!) That's kind of sad, really - or maybe it's genius, I don't know, but I thought I would share with you some random sites that made it to my bookmark list this past week, for one reason or another.

********************

What Should I Read ...


May Day Basket Craft


Surprise your Neighbor or loved one!

My wonderful Mother in-law recently gave me a great suggestion to share with you all. She suggested we bring back the May Day basket Tradition! As soon as she mentioned that, I remembered when I received my first and only MayDay basket from one of our newer neighbors. I remember as I walked to my door I notice a basket full of goodies on my front steps. To be honest, at first I was wondering what the heck it was for. Then I read the little note inside saying " Happy ...


Macaroni Kid's Summer Camp Guide


Find the Perfect Summer Camp for your Child

If you’re like me, you are looking forward to Summer!  Bring on the green grass, warm weather 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 to learn about themselves, teamwork, build their self ...


Contact Me!


Suggestions, Comments, Submit an event, Advertising

Feel free to Contact me at anytime! This is your local connection to family and kid events in and around Maple Grove and Champlin! If you have an event coming up, let me know about it so I can get it on our calendar!

Suggestions, Comments, news whatever it may be - share it with me! 

Also if you are a business owner big or small, and would like Macaroni Kid to help drive traffic to your store or website - Contact me for more information! We can Help you out! 

Macaroni ...


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