Summer Fun? - Saint Paul,MN

Look into some ECFE programs in your area. They usually have programs for kids 18 mos up, although you may be required to go with her. Next summer she could go alone! My daughter went last summer when she was 3.5 to an ECFE summer program it was her first time in a school/ social setting with other kids. she loved it, I loved it and she still talks about her "old" school even though she started another preschool program this year.

There is a really cool amusment/water park in Taylor's Falls that has a great kiddie area. It's about an hour away from the cities?

There is a really nice man made beach in Maple Grove. There is also Chutes n Ladders I think its called in Bloomington? Edinburough in Edina? check out this website it lists parks and activities across the state.
http://www.threeriversparks.org/

J.,

There is a ton of free stuff to do with your kids in the Twin Cities. I just moved to Plymouth from Lauderdale (by the fair grounds) and these are some of my favorites:

Como Zoo and Park - the arboretum and gardens are great
Bandana Square Train Museum
MN Zoo
City Parks - some have wading pools which are great for that age
Art Fairs and festivals - there are a ton
Farmers Markets (St. Paul has the best!)
YMCA - if you are a member, the outdoor pools are fun
Walk along the Mississippi
The Mill City Museum and Stone Arch bridge

I could go on, but that's a pretty good list. I don't do much structured stuff with my kids (ages 5, 3, and 1), but we get out just about everyday to do something around the cities.

Have fun!
J.

Check out meetup.com. There are some great mom's groups locally that do fun outings and events.

Hi there
I am not sure how far you would be willing to go but here are some ideas for you:
City/County festivals (i.e. Lumberjack Days, etc)
Childrens' museum (free every 3rd Sunday)
Elm Creek Park (Maple Grove/Champlin area)-great playground, picnic spots, and a nice lake/beach
Strawberry picking
Apple orchards (more toward fall)
Adventure Park (Ham Lake)
Eagle's Nest (New Brighton)
Check out your local library-they have a ton of passes for fun activities
Also check out your school district's ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) catalog-they have a ton of classes/activities/outings for kids in your daughter's age range
Springbrook Nature Center (Coon Rapids)
A lot of local parks have magic shows or kiddie concerts for free-check out the city park & rec website

That's all I can think of right now, but have a great time!