In Minnesota, family fun outdoors means embracing all four seasons. If you are on this page because you are looking for a new Twin Cities-area park, playground or nature center to explore, hundreds of entries can be found through our Parks & Playgrounds Search feature. Or, continue searching hundreds more ideas of things to do with kids in the Twin Cities through our Family Directory, including family outings, services, classes, camps, birthday parties and more.
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Pond-Dakota Mission Park, Bloomington
Pond-Dakota Mission Park in Bloomington is built on the grounds of a former mission founded by brothers, Gideon and Samuel Pond. The historic 1856 Gideon and Agnes Pond House, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, sits in the park. Run by the Pond Dakota Heritage Society and the City of Bloomington, the park is an education site that works to preserve the rich history of and explore contrasting cultural and religious vewpoints of the early Minnesota settlers, the Christian missionaries and the Dakota people of the mid-nineteenth century.
Image used with permission courtesy of Bloomington Parks and Recreation
Self-Guided Tours of Pond-Dakota Mission Park
Sunday Open House at the Pond House
The Pond House is open on Sundays from 1:30 – 4 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $2 for adults. The weekly open houses often have special themes and are very family-friendly, which you can find on our Family Fun Calendar. The Pond Dakota Heritage Society often arranges guest speakers for these events.
Annual River Rendezvous Each September
Each fall Bloomington celebrates the Pond history with River Rendezvous, a living history event that employers over 40 costumed re-enactors to provide demonstrations and encourage hands-on participation of the visitors. Families can interactively learn about 19th century pioneer life and trades, Native American life including dance performances, frontier farming, the fur trade, wilderness skills, and fun & games. Admission to this event is $6, children under 4 are free. For more information call Bloomington Parks and Recreation at 952-563-8693.
Image courtesy of the City of Bloomington
Further Study for History-Loving Families
For families who would like to learn more about the Pond Family, you may want to start on the Pond Dakota website. The Minnesota History Center's library has boxes full of documents related to the Pond Family, and Minneapolis Central Library has a copy of the book, Two Volunteer Missionaries Among the Dakotas, Or, The Story of the Labors of Samuel W. and Gideon H. Pond in its 4th Floor special collection for use in the library only. You can also purchase the book through Amazon. The picture below is an affiliate link and Family Fun Twin Cities receives a small commission on sales through this link.
Membership to the Pond Dakota Heritage Society
Families who want to support the work of the Pond Dakota Heritage Society can join on an annual Household level for $30. More information can be found on the website.
What is the Family Fun Twin Directory?
This is the most extensive collection of companies, organizations, activities and places to find things to do with kids in the Twin Cities. Find things to do this weekend, things to do today, things to do with toddlers, things to do with teens. We have it all. Sort by indoor things to do with kids or outdoor things to do with kids. Find theater, music, water parks, aquariums, zoos, museums, seasonal fun.
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We share Family Friendly Businesses. We work hard to keep it the most current and accurate parenting resource in the Twin Cities. Not just a blog for moms, we are a informational resource for families. This parent to parent list is perfect for dads, moms and grandparents to find fun things to do with kids year round.
This directory was made for families who live in the Twin Cities metro to connect with local businesses. However, visitors to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area will find our directory useful to learn more about venues with insider tips and details. Use this directory to find the best things to do with families in Minnesota's largest metropolitan area.
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