Wow, where to begin! My little sister loved these things:

The Walker Art Museum & Sculpture Garden - they have family Saturdays the first of the month and you can run and climb on the sculptures outside

Wild Rumpus Bookstore - actually there are lots of fun kids stores in Linden Hills, but this one has live animals all over the place and a little person's door and a "cave"

Science Museum - great place for everyone, Star Wars exhibit is occurring now and there's mini-golf & more exhibits in the back. There's also a great cafe with an outdoor patio overlooking the Mississippi

Minnehaha Falls - there's a great park there, with rentals and jungle gyms, along with a cool walk down to the bottom of the falls. It's pretty dramatic after a rainfall.

And if you've never been, the Mall of America is usually a hit with kids... take light rail from downtown for an extra kick. I think my sister liked that more than the mall.

The new downtown library is supposed to be very cool and family friendly. I think they have programs on Saturdays:

http://www.mpls.lib.mn.us/central.asp

Finally, there are tons of parks & playgrounds & pools to enjoy in the area. Here are some links:

http://www.threeriversparkdistrict.org/

www.familytimesinc.com/ft_static_homepage.htm

The weather in August usually changes, so keep an eye on the forecast. Have a great trip!

Depending on when you are coming in August there is the Uptown Art Fair the first weekend in August. August 21st starts the Minnesota State Fair.

Como Zoo in St. Paul and the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley.

Valleyfair an amusement park.

Boatride on the Mississippi River or on Lake Minnetonka from Excelsior.

Children's Museum in St. Paul

Mill Museum and Stonearche Bridge

Ice cream, popcorn and a band concert following a stroll around Lake Harriet.

Minneapolis Farmer's Market on the weekends.

Just a few ideas. Check www.exploreminnesota.com for all the festivals and nature areas available.

Nothing more to mention than what has been listed. Lots of options there.

Of course if your visit falls between Aug. 21 and Sept. 1, then you have no choice but to visit the State Fair. It's a child's paradise. (And adults' too, if you like people watching, outstanding and innovative food, animals, rides, entertainment of all kinds, etc.)

The fair is in St. Paul, Minneapolis' neighbor to the east. And you can get there via public transport in a snap.

When my neices and nephews (4 - 8), we take to them to Como Zoo. It is a small zoo that you can see in an hour and it's free. There is a small amusement area next door with rides. It's in a larger park with plenty of room to run and play.

I also highly recommend the Children's museum. It is very hands-on and geared toward kids in your children's age group.

Yes - if you are here during the state fair - you must go.

If is a great time- and will give you lots of americans to laugh about - in a good way.