Pick your adventure
It's all about the apples at Aamodt's, whether they be radiant red, bright green or just a touch of blush. Families who want to munch on the crispy fruit or turn it into a baked dessert can pick their own on this apple farm. An added bonus are the attractions ranging from the John Deere Tractor Trike Farm to mingling with goats, and wagon rides. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, Aamodt's Apple Farm, 6428 Manning Av., Stillwater. aamodtsapplefarm.com.)
'Tinkertoy' fun
There's no limit to what the imagination can do with this new building exhibit at the Minnesota Children's Museum. "Tinkertoy: Build Your Imagination" merges open-ended and inventive play with the timeless construction set. A creative play area with a collection of Tinkertoy pieces seeks to inspire children to explore the topics of renewable energy and clean water technology. Guests can even create their own inventions. (Opens Sept. 23. $12.95. 10 W. 7th St., St. Paul. mcm.org.)
A-maze-ment
Skol! Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze tackles football this year with a Vikings-themed maze. Would-be adventurers can weave through the twists and turns of the labyrinth to find their way out. Kids can also swim in a corn pit, take a hayride or listen to music. Attractions for an added fee include a gunnysack slide, pony rides and a climbing wall. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends Sept. 23-Oct. 29. $10-$12. 8001 109th Av. N., Brooklyn Park. twincitiesmaze.com.)
Starry Night
The festival of lights, or Diwali, is one of the biggest Hindu celebrations. The Hindu Temple of Minnesota will celebrate at the Minneapolis Convention Center with a bazaar and cultural program. Guests can try Indian foods and enjoy entertainment. (2-9:30 p.m. Oct. 7. 1301 2nd Av. S., Mpls. hindumandirmn.org.)
Pumpkin Nights
It takes more than 1,000 hours and 3,000 pumpkins to create this magical wonderland. Themed trails are decorated with all shapes of gourds to illuminate the night. Start a scavenger hunt at the main gate. (6:30-10:30 p.m. Sun.-Thu.; 6:30-midnight Fri.-Sat. Oct. 13-29. $16-$20. State Fairgrounds, Falcon Heights. pumpkinnights.com.)
Apfelfest
German culture is highlighted along with the history of Minnesota apfels (German for apples). Visit with costumed frontier characters and learn about their farmstead and village. Immerse yourself in 1800s river valley life with trolley rides and other activities. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 14; noon-5 p.m. Oct. 15 $5-$8. The Landing, Shakopee. threeriversparks.org.)
Boo-ology
Tricks and treats of the non-scary kind unfold at the Science Museum of Minnesota. See what creepy things happen during science experiments. Get in touch with your inner mad scientist with activities and events. (Noon- 4 p.m. Oct. 28. $12.95-$18.95; kids under 12 in costume get free admission. 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. smm.org.)
Icy experience
Cirque du Soleil is expanding its acrobatic empire. "Crystal" explores the artistic attributes of ice, telling the tale of a young woman who challenges reality to reach a world of possibility. Performers will push the boundaries as they glide across the ice with acrobatic twists. (7:30 p.m. Nov. 9; 3:30 & 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10-11; 1 & 5 p.m. Nov. 12. $26.50-$165. Target Center, 600 1st Av. N., Mpls. axs.com.)
'Peppa Pig'
The popular children's show takes the stage as costumed characters and life-size puppets bring it to life. Join Peppa, Mummy and Daddy Pig and George for a singing and dancing adventure. (2 p.m. Nov. 12. $32.50-$47.50. Northrop, 84 SE. Church St., Mpls. northrop.umn.edu.)
'PJ Masks'
The heroic Disney Jr. characters challenge their audience to be brave. Witness as Catboy, Owlette and Gekko gallantly save the day from nefarious villains. The show includes new songs and heroic deeds to inspire all. (6:30 p.m. Nov 17. $43.50-$103. State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. ticketmaster.com.)
MELISSA WALKER
