Insider Guide: Ashley Duffalo

Ashley knows what makes kids tick. For play that fosters creativity and cultural understanding, think outside the box and imagine the fun you'll have at her top picks.

Great Arts Programs for Families

Walker Art Center

Not only is gallery admission free on the first Saturday of the month, but there's also a bevy of interesting artistic activities for families including performances, art-making workshops, story times, and films. Free First Saturday was voted Best Museum Kids' Day in 2005 by Mpls.St.Paul magazine. Additionally, the Walker offers programming for toddlers and their caregivers, called Arty Pants, and a broad range of studio classes.

Children's Theatre Company

CTC has grown to become the leading professional theater company for young people in North America, and among the three largest in the world. They offer great programming for preschoolers through teens, and you can catch world premieres, international productions, and classics come to life.

Childish Films at the Minneapolis Central Library

Childish Films is a program of classic, independent and new world cinema (for ages 3 and up) held once a month at the Minneapolis Central Library. Each screening features a pre-show activity, tasty treats and really superb films that you wouldn't normally see at the megaplex. Plus it's all free!

Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Ten Sundays a year, the museum is a powerhouse of family fun! Enjoy nationally renowned Family Days, featuring music and dance performances, artist demonstrations, gallery activities and hands-on art activities.

Highpoint Center for Printmaking

Dedicated to advancing the art of printmaking, Highpoint offers a wide-range of educational opportunities for all ages. Kids and families will appreciate hands-on studio workshops as well as their ever-popular Free Ink Days where kids can take home 2 or 3 of their own prints, and all materials and instruction are free. This is a unique opportunity to work with local artists and see a printing press in action.

A Few More of Ashley's Favorites

Favorite lake or park

Lake of the Isles because its inlets and curves give it a sense of wonder and surprise. Plus, I always like to peek at the dog park. Discover more about Minneapolis lakes

Favorite annual event

Art Shanty Projects on Medicine Lake. This event has a great community feel to it...artists get to work with other artists to build eclectic shacks on the ice. The public really comes out to support the artists and enjoy their designs, take in views of the lake and find a collective warmth in the cold of a Minnesota winter.

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