Apple Valley Weekend With Kids

The area of Apple Valley, Eagan and Burnsville, just south of St. Paul has plenty of family friendly fun. The Minnesota Zoo is Apple Valley's most popular attraction. Eagan is dotted with wonderful parks and Burnsville is a wonderful shopping area with lots of selection- and not as crowded as the Mall of America is nearby Bloomington.

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Residence Inn by Marriott Minneapolis Saint Paul Air...
The separate bedrooms, included hot breakfast and affordable rates make the Residence Inn in Eagan a perfect family option. With shuttle service to the nearby Mall of America, passes to the YMCA if you want to exercise and the feel of a townhouse, these hotel rooms give you plenty of room to spread out and be comfortable.
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Minnesota Zoo
A full day's adventure! A zoo and aquarium, you can circumvent the globe with only your feet (and the monorail for $4). From the exotic Binturong to the common cow to the adorable sea otter, viewing spaces are plentiful. To save money pack a picnic and eat at a lakeside area just outside the park gates. Strollers can be rented for ... More >
A full day's adventure! A zoo and aquarium, you can circumvent the globe with only your feet (and the monorail for $4). From the exotic Binturong to the common cow to the adorable sea otter, viewing spaces are plentiful. To save money pack a picnic and eat at a lakeside area just outside the park gates. Strollers can be rented for tired little feet. And if they happen to get tired of looking at animals there is a wonderful playground.
If you can't get to a Minnesota Wild hockey game, you can get your gear here at the Minnesota Wild Hockey Lodge.
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Burnsville Center
All the stores you want, none of the crazy tourist crowds of the "other" mall. You'll get your shopping fix at Burnsville Center. If you can't get to a Minnesota Wild hockey game, you can get your gear here at the Minnesota Wild Hockey Lodge. You'll also find a play area on the lower lever near JC Penney- great for when the weather ... More >
All the stores you want, none of the crazy tourist crowds of the "other" mall. You'll get your shopping fix at Burnsville Center. If you can't get to a Minnesota Wild hockey game, you can get your gear here at the Minnesota Wild Hockey Lodge. You'll also find a play area on the lower lever near JC Penney- great for when the weather is bad and the kids need to run off some energy!
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Eagan Community Center & The Blast
For kids ages 18 months to 15 years, The Blast is a spaceship themed area with tunnels, bridges, slides, pods and much more to keep the kids entertained for hours! Sometimes the gym next door may be open for room to really run. Don't forget socks!
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Byerly's
The Eagan Byerly's on Promenade Place (near many restaurants) is where we stock our refrigerator for a weekend stay. Besides delicious bakery items, almost endless cheese options, a full liquor store and grocery, the deli is one of the best I have ever eaten at. Displays of entrees, salads and soups are perfect to take on a picnic or back to your hotel fr an affordable meal.
Besides delicious bakery items, almost endless cheese options, a full liquor store and grocery, the deli is one of the best I have ever eaten at.
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Chianti Grill
Date night central. Not your typical Italian restaurant, the atmosphere invites ou to savor your wine and enjoy your meal. For more family focused dining go for the Sunday brunch filled with pastries, an omelet station, pasta bar and gorgeous desserts. More
Date night central. Not your typical Italian restaurant, the atmosphere invites ou to savor your wine and enjoy your meal. For more family focused dining go for the Sunday brunch filled with pastries, an omelet station, pasta bar and gorgeous desserts.
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About the Author

Jody L Halsted
Jody L Halsted
Jody Halsted has been blogging since 2004, when she became a stay at home mom to her eldest daughter. As frequent travelers, Jody and her husband heard "You can't travel after you have a baby." When internet searches for family traveling turned up results for Walt Disney World and similar vacation spots, Jody began sharing her family travel how-to's in her first travel blog, Have Kid Will Travel. In 2010 Jody launched FamilyRambling®, a website designed to inspire family travel, provide tips to make it easier and share first hand trip reports. New for 2011 Jody is sharing her love of family travel in Ireland by launching Ireland With Kids, a website designed to promote family travel in the Emerald Isle. Jody also writes for various online and print publications. Jody is active in social media, sharing her knowledge via Facebook and Twitter as well as bringing together social media experts for her own I_Blog Conference. To follow Jody's travels be sure to visit the Family Rambling Facebook page (facebook.com/familyrambling). For more about Jody visit JodyHalsted.com.
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