Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Minneapolis, MN

Thanks to a number of bugs caught at daycare, the perfect timing of her ear tubes, and speech development, one of M's first words was fish.  You see, they have fish at her doctor's office.  It goes well with her overall love of the water.  However, if you don't want to have to do a doctor visit to see your fish, here are a few places you can go instead.

The Minnesota Zoo - There are two major fish areas at the zoo.  The first is the Tropics Trail.  There is a large wonderful coral reef.  The coral may not be real, but it definitely looks like it is.  There are anemones, clown fish (Nemo) and even some sharks.  For a real treat, go during the dive show when there is a keeper in the water answering questions from kids.   The other area to see fish is in Discovery Bay.   There are dolphins, a massive shark tank, a tide pool exhibit (where you can touch some things) and the favorite around these parts, the tank where you can pet the sharks.  No, you are reading that right.  You can pet sharks.  (though they do move fast, so it isn't exactly easy)  In a recent email I got from the zoo (sign up on their site) they mentioned that due to social change in their group, there is no dolphin show right now.  However, that will likely change, so keep checking their site.

Underwater World at the Mall of America -  If you ever wanted to feel like you were part of the exhibit, this is the place to go.  The tube that you walk through puts you right in the middle of the action.  There are sharks, stingrays, loggerhead turtles (including one named Amelia!) and and even local fish on display.  (pretty sure the local ones are never in season though)  Prices are a little high, but watch for the regular coupons that can be found at local stores and in local coupon books (there are some on their website right now)  For those with younger kids, up to 3 is free, which makes up for the nearly 19 dollar adult admission. 

Not where you want to go, but if you are ever there, in addition to our local doctor's offices all having fish, so does Children's Hospital.  Searching them out may make a frightening visit less scary.