Let's Go Do Fun Stuff

Join us for a fun and inspiring conversation with Twin Cities author and illustrator Cori Doerrfeld. We'll dive into her artistic journey, explore her inspirations, and get a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process. Plus, we'll chat about her latest book, "Nellie's Big Splash.” Guest: Cori Doerrfeld, author and illustrator Book: "Nellie's Big Splash"Some of th...

In this episode, we’re joined by the hilarious and oh-so-relatable Lauren Midwest —aka Lauren Trefethren —all the way from Fargo, ND! If you’re not already following her on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, you’re missing out on some of the most spot-on (and laugh-out-loud funny) takes on Midwest life. Whether you grew up in a small town or just want a humorous crash course in Midwest culture, Lauren...

Kevin Michael Wesson, the talented puppeteer behind 'Leonardo in A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster,' joins the Let’s Go Do Fun Stuff Show! He shares all about this fun and engaging production, playing at Children’s Theatre Company through March 9 on the Cargill Stage. The show is a delightful 45-minute experience, perfect for kids ages 3 and up (yes, even adults will love it!). Tun...

Jeremiah Gamble is one half of the creative genius behind Bucket Brigade Theater (the other half is his wife Vanessa Gamble).  On January 31, 2025, ‘Til Death –their long running Valentine’s Day show–opens at Art House North.  In their 13th year of this show, hilarity ensues.   Learn more about Bucket Brigade, ‘Til Death , and Minnesota favorites from this Minnesota native. Bucket Brigade Theater...

An interview with Matt Eicheldinger!  What a great way to start the new year.  We talk a lot about what he’s got cookin’ and what he loves about the Twin Cities. (Some of these links are affiliate links.  Learn more about it here .) Links to what we discussed.  The Day Nora Ate the Sun https://bookshop.org/a/4766/9781524888718 Sticky Notes https://bookshop.org/a/4766/9781524894351 Matt Sprouts and...

Local Author Shannon Gibney was introduced to me through another local author Kao Kalia Yang. We met at May Day Cafe in South Minneapolis, very very close to Powderhorn Park. Thank you so much, Shannon for chatting with me. Thank you for sharing your work and heart. Thank you for being a part of our community. Links (some links are affiliate): Shannon Gibney: https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/bo...

St. Croix Falls–right across the river from Taylors Falls–is a gem of a small town within driving distance from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Twin Cities.  In this episode of Let’s Go Do Fun Stuff, Gianna sits down with Kirk Anderson, the current mayor of St. Croix Falls to discuss what this bustling little town has to offer for family fun, outdoor activities, and town festivals..  Kirk and Gianna have...

In 2005, Bob Medcraft–a TV and video producer by trade–decided to try his hand at retail toy sales.  He  loved model trains and had been  known for years by his friends’ kids as Choo Choo Bob.  So it just made sense to put it all together and create a tailor-made space for kids and adults alike to enjoy trains together. Hours: Mondays and Fridays 10 am-1 pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am-5 pmAlso o...

Minneapolis–and Children’s Theatre in particular– is  excited to host the world premiere of the international show Moya by Zip Zap Circus of Cape Town South Africa..  For 7 weeks, Children’s Theatre UnitedHealth Group Stage will be transformed into the streets of Cape Town–but circus-style.  I was invited to sit down with Brent van Rensburg who is co-founder with his wife and the COO of Zip Zap Ci...

Curious about Valleyfair? We love partnering with Valleyfair for amazing family fun! Summer Hours for Valleyfair Park: 10 am-9 pm Sunday-Thursday 10 am-10 pm Friday-Saturday SoakCity: 11 am- 7 pm Sunday-Thursday 11 am- 8 pm Friday-Saturday Children's Theatre Co: https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/whats-playing-at-childrens-theatre-in-minneapolis/ Mall of America: https://www.familyfuntwinciti...

Grandpa Joe's is a new candy shop in town. Check it out.

So much to learn from local author Kao Kalia Yang

It's not Children's Book Week Yet, but all this month we have been and will continue to be getting ready for this Week of Fun! When I first met Megan Maynor, she was just about to release Ella & Penguin Stick Together. These two sweet little characters were based on some of Megan’s friends who lived in picture books while she was growing up including George and Martha and Frog and Toad...

Abby Cooper writes some of my favorite middle grade books. Of the four she has written, my favorite is Bubbles, and I’m currently reading True Colors. Seriously, I really appreciate these books–you will learn why in the interview. I also really appreciate Abby who I got to sit down with at Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe in Hopkins for a truly delicious conversation. Abby has a very bubbly personality, but d...

Farm Babies:: https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/find-minnesota-farm-babies/ As soon as I can smell the wet earth and the sun is still shining at 6pm, I’m ready for a spring farm fix. The FFTC Team’s city kids love the opportunity to visit farms not much further than their urban backyards. They’re excited to meet the fuzzy new arrivals up close — baby lambs, curious chicks, piglets, baby goats an...

I don’t know if it’s because we both have funny last names or because I appreciate a good story, but when I learned that Matt Eicheldinger live in Minnesota, I literally shouted OUT LOUD, “I KNEW IT!” If you don’t know who Matt Eicheldinger is, he is a middle school teacher who just launched his first middle grade novel called Matt Sprouts and the Curse of the Ten Broken Toes. Omri and I enjoyed g...

We are going to take a tour of one of the most fun locations in UPtown. ON Lyndale Ave adjacent to Bob’s Java Hut, you will find the most energizing STEAM-concepts studio in the Twin Cities: Snapology. Omri used to play at Snapology when he was little so it was fun for him to chat with owner Aaron Hagebak about the business and for Aaron and I to talk business a little bit as we have grown up toge...

Today we are back with Children’s Theatre Company and its very own Autumn Ness. Autumn is a member of the CTC Acting Company. She has played some of my favorite characters on CTC’s stage. And she has also played many that have broken my heart. It goes without saying, but I’m gonna say it anyway, she is extremely talented. Autumn SHINES in her work with the youngest audience members, and her show B...

Before Family Fun Twin Cities was even a figment of our imagination, I stumbled upon Kiddywampus and wanted to tell everyone about it. And now almost 11 years of FFTC and 17 years of Kiddywampus, we are still each other's biggest fans. Omri and I met with Amy Saldahna-- the owner and energy behind Kiddywampus--and with Haley Tallman the Hopkins Store Manager and energy behind and in front of A...

The Name Jar at Theatre MU If there is one thing I know, it’s this: the theatre scene in the Twin Cities is out of this world. And not only the grown-up theatre scene but also the kids’ theatre scene. Today we are introducing you to Theatre Mu. Theatre Mu’s vision is to celebrate and empower asian americans through theater. They produce shows for kids and adults. My friend Elouise (aka Miss E) and...

Episode 2.7 Alice in Wonderland Children’s Theatre Company is please to welcome the Queen to its stage for the first time in over a decade.  The Queen of Hearts, that is.  And Omri and I had the privilege of meeting China A. Brickey to discuss her role as the Queen of Hearts in Children’s Theatre Company’s production of Alice in Wonderland.  Family Fun Twin Cities loves to bring you the best famil...

In downtown St. Paul, there is a small and yet extremely robust museum hidden within the historic Landmark Center.  The museum is the Schubert Museum of Music, though if you have heard of it, you probably know it as the Schubert Club.  But no longer!  We got a tour of the museum with Kate Cooper who is the museum and education director.  This is part 2 of a 2 part series.  Make sure you subscribe...

In downtown St. Paul, there is a small and yet extremely robust museum hidden within the historic Landmark Center. The museum is the Schubert Museum of Music, though if you have heard of it, you probably know it as the Schubert Club. But no longer! We got a tour of the museum with Kate Cooper who is the museum and education director. This is part 1 of a 2 part series. Make sure you subscribe and f...

What is Hawai’i like?  What is its history and its geographical significance?  What kind of fruit grows in that very temperate climate? Reiko Ho joins us again to teach us all about Hawai’i and the cultures that made it what it is today. For YouTube:  Family Fun Twin CIties loves to bring you the best family fun ideas from around the metro.  And we do it in a variety of ways.  The website is the m...

Show Notes Episode 2.3 The Carp Who Would Not Quit We got to have a chat with Reiko Ho at the Children’s Theatre Co in regards to her show ‘The Carp Who Would Not Quit and Other Animal Stories.’  She is a lovely woman who loves to create shows for the youngest members of our families.  And we learned all about the show as well as what they think of Minnesota. Family Fun Twin Cities provides a Week...