Visiting St. Paul for Winter Carnival festivities? There’s plenty of additional fun to be had if you stick around for a bit. Check out these museums, theaters and other fun the city has to offer.

 

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA

It’s true — kids seem to have an abundance of energy and the Children’s Museum of Minnesota is the perfect place to burn it off. Whether it’s getting behind the wheel and pretending to drive a city bus or toddling through an area inspired by Minnesota’s four natural habitats, it’s fun watching the kiddos explore. Exhibits include “Creativity Jam” (through May 10) and “Sid the Science Kid” (Jan. 31-May 31). $9.95; 10 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-225-6000 or mcm.org.

 

PARK SQUARE THEATRE

If you’re looking for a night at the theater, Park Square Theatre is a smart bet. On its Proscenium stage is the musical “The Color Purple,” based on the popular novel by Alice Walker. Previews last through Jan. 22 ($45-$35) and the show runs through Feb. 15 ($68-$48). The theater’s Andy Boss Thrust Stage also features the romantic comedy “Trick Boxing,” with previews starting Jan. 29 ($25). It runs through Feb. 8. 20 W. Seventh Place; 651-291-7005 or parksquaretheatre.org.

 

MINNESOTA HISTORY CENTER

Immerse yourself in Minnesota history while exploring the Minnesota History Center’s current lineup of educational and fun exhibits including “Then Now Wow,” “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation,” “Open House,” “Weather Permitting” and “Grainland.” 345 Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; $11-$6 (free for children 5 and under and on Tuesdays from 5-8 p.m.); 651-259-3000 or minnesotahistorycenter.org.

 

SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA

From the Mississippi River Gallery to the Dinosaurs and Fossils Gallery, the Science Museum of Minnesota opens up new worlds for all ages to explore. The bonus is it’s Omnifest time featuring five films on the giant screen: “Hubble,” “D-Day: Normandy 1944,” “The Living Sea,” “The Greatest Places” and “Flight of the Butterflies.” 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; $20-$10; 651-221-9444 or smm.org.

 

XCEL ENERGY CENTER

It’s all about hockey sticks and lassos at the Xcel Energy Center arena during the Winter Carnival run. The 2015 North Star College Cup featuring four of Minnesota’s five Division 1 men’s hockey programs, including teams from the University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota-Duluth, Bemidji State University and Minnesota State Mankato happens Jan. 23-24 ($80 per package). Then the World’s Toughest Rodeo moves in from Jan. 30-31 ($82-$18) with champion cowboys from around the country. 199 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; xcelenergycenter.com or 651-726-8240.

 

LANDMARK CENTER

Sure you’ve probably been to the Landmark Center for an event or two over the years, but have you explored the downtown St. Paul historic building’s galleries and exhibitions? Take your time as you check out the American Association of Woodturners Gallery, the Landmark Gallery, Uncle Sam Worked Here, the Schubert Club Museum and the Ramsey County Historical Society Gallery, which features a Winter Carnival exhibit running through Feb. 2. For hours and more information go to landmarkcenter.org or call 651-292-3225.

 

MINNESOTA MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART PROJECT SPACE

You won’t regret stopping by the Minnesota Museum of American Art Project Space to see “Julie Buffalohead: Coyote Dreams” on view through Feb. 22. The St. Paul-based artist creates art with a fairytale feel and lots of cute woodland animals, but with an unexpected complexity that’ll have you discovering new details with each look. Also on view beginning Jan. 29 is “Spirit Tree, Spirit Place” featuring work by George Morrison, Hazel Belvo, Travis Novitsky and Joanne Hart. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday; 141 E. Fourth St., St. Paul; free; 651-797-2571 or mmaa.org.

 

ST. PAUL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra features a chamber music and wine event (Jan. 22; $25) and the Chamber Music Series #3: Canti drammatici (Jan. 23 and 25; $12-$5) in its Music Room at the SPCO Center. Historic Hamm Building, 408 St. Peter St., St. Paul; thespco.org or 651-291-1144.

 

ORDWAY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Known for showcasing performing arts from around the world, the Ordway is hosting the Minnesota Opera’s “The Elixir of Love,” an Italian comic opera about a socialite, country bumpkin, doctor and a “magic” potion.

Opera: Jan. 24-Feb. 1; $200-$25; tickets can be purchased online or by calling 612-333-6669.

Ordway: 345 Washington St., St. Paul; 651-224-4222 or ordway.org.

Amy Carlson Gustafson can be reached at 651-228-5561. Follow her at twitter.com/amygustafson.

Copyright 2015 Pioneer Press.