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Best Bets of the Week for Families

It's all about animals this week.

Posted Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 4:04 am CT|Updated Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 10:16 am CT

It is all about animals this week—from animal-themed movies to live encounters, let your kids take a walk on the wild side!

When/Where: Friday, March 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Park Amphitheater in Woodbury. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Why Go: Let your kids watch Dory and Nemo on the big screen plus the movie is over just in time to get the little ones home and in bed.
Geared Toward: The preschool and elementary crowd.
Price: $3 per person. (Includes unlimited popcorn and beverage)

When/Where: Saturday, March 12, from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at the Oakdale Branch Library.
Why Go: With gas prices up why drive to the zoo when the zoo can come to you? Meet a variety of animals from the Minnesota Zoo up close and personal.
Geared Toward: Children 4 and older.
Price: Free.

Plan Ahead:

Amazing Albinos

When/Where: Friday, March 18, from 9:30 – 11 a.m. at the .
Why Go: Your preschooler probably knows that polar bears are white, but what about a white squirrel? They’ll learn all about albino animals in this educational program.
Geared Toward: 3- to 6- year olds. (Children must be potty trained)
Price: $7 per participant.

When/Where: Now through Sept. 11 at the Minnesota Children’s Museum. (Museum is closed on Mondays)
Why Go: Since their introduction in the 1960s, building with LEGOs has been almost a requirement of childhood.
Geared Toward: Kids of all ages. There are LEGOs appropriate for toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children so everyone can build their own creation.
Price: $8.95 per person.

When/Where: Most Wednesday nights during the school year from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Beaver Lake Center in Maplewood.
Why Go: Break up the week by spending some quality time with your preschooler. A variety of age appropriate activities are available including a large motor room.
Geared Toward: Children birth to 5.
Price: $3 per child or $7 per family.