Experience the beauty of Voyageurs National Park! 

Learn about the park’s rich history, scenic waterways and wildlife through an informative video presentation from Wilderness Inquiry.

REGISTRATION

This is a free event, but registration is required and accepted until full. 

• Limited to maximum of 30 participants.
• For adults 50 years of age and above.
• Register online at Webtrac. 

For more information or questions, contact us at 952-563-4944, MN Relay 711, or parksrec@bloomingtonmn.gov. 

Photo credit: Wilderness Inquiry

Examine the historic Pond House as a history detective. 

• Where is the secret compartment?
• Why are there 31 numbers on the clock?
• Why is there a wooden egg in Mrs. Pond's sewing basket? 

Answer these and other curious questions to win a detective gadget!

Free program for all ages. No registration required. Drop in any time during the three-hour event. 

blm.mn/pondhouse

Celebrate the season with Miles Jewell as he explains the origins of Victorian Christmas and its journey to becoming uniquely American. 

Try some traditional treats and make a garland of popcorn and cranberries to string on your Christmas tree and/or to feed the hungry birds in your neighborhood! All materials provided.

Free program. No registration required. Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.

blm.mn/pondhouse

Ask about Pond House tours.

Adults 50 years of age and above are invited to join Machelle Borell from Comfort Keepers for an informative presentation on in-home care and home safety for seniors. 

She’ll cover:

• When in-home care may be needed
• How to choose the right agency
• The benefits it provides for safety, independence and peace of mind. 

Machelle will also highlight TruBlue Home Service Ally and share tips on affordable modifications to make homes safer and more accessible.

There is no cost to attend, but space is limited to a maximum of 30 participants. Registration is required. Register online at Webtrac.  

Questions? 

• Call: 952-563-4944 or MN Relay 711
• Email: parksrec@bloomingtonmn.gov. 

This event was rescheduled from October 28, 2025.

Find information on other events and activities for adults ages 50 and above at blm.mn/adultprograms. 

Immunizations available by appointment. Please call 952-563-8900 to schedule with an intake nurse. There is a $20 donation request per vaccination. However, no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

See how food was prepared in an open-hearth kitchen at the historic Pond House long before today’s ovens and microwaves. 

Compare early 19th century cookware to what you have in your own kitchen, sample a modern version of what is baking on the hearth, and take a Pond family recipe with you to try at home. 

Free program. No registration required. Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.  

blm.mn/pondhouse

Ask about Pond House tours.

Look through a stereoscope at dozens of 19th century photos to see the world in VR as the Pond family saw it. Then make your own thaumatrope to take home. 

Behold the optical illusion of superimposed images that intrigued families in the 1800s.

Free program for all ages. Materials provided. No registration required. Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.  

blm.mn/pondhouse

While you're there, ask about Pond House tours. 

Follow Bloomington Parks and Recreation on Facebook.

Learn to lucet, spool knit, and finger knit - creative ways Minnesota pioneers made square and round cords without needles. 

Make your own to take home and see examples of how to use your knitted cords! 

Free program. All materials provided. No registration required. Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.

blm.mn/pondhouse

Ask about Pond House tours.

What to Expect

Join us for this FREE, fun, and resource-filled event created especially for families with children ages 5 and under. From health services to early learning programs, the Early Childhood Expo brings trusted community partners together in one place, so caregivers can find support, ask questions, and discover tools to help their little ones thrive.

You’ll also find:

• Hands-on arts and crafts for kids
• A quiet room for little ones who need a break
• A Baby Gear Swap with treasures for children 2 and under
• Tasty snacks (while supplies last)
• Door prizes when you complete a short survey

Accessibility and Inclusion

All families are welcome here. We’re committed to creating a space where everyone feels comfortable and supported.

The first hour of the event (10–11 a.m.) will be low-noise to support children who are sensory-sensitive. We also ask guests to avoid wearing perfume or scented lotions.

Spanish and Somali interpreters will be available for families who would like language support. ADA-accessible restrooms are located on the same floor as the event.

Breakout Sessions in Council Chambers

10:30 – 11:30 am: Car Seat Safety

Not sure when to transition car seats? Wondering if yours is installed correctly? This session covers car seat basics, safe transitions, and the most common installation mistakes families make, so you can leave feeling confident your child is riding safely.

Presenter: 

Kaytlin Hanson is a Trauma Prevention Specialist at Hennepin Healthcare, Minnesota’s first Level I Trauma Center for both adults and pediatrics. She partners with schools, community organizations, and healthcare providers to deliver evidence-based injury prevention education focused on keeping families safe.

11:45 am – 12:45 pm: Vaccines: What Families Should Know

Have questions about vaccines? Want clear, up-to-date information you can trust? Join local public health and school nursing professionals for a practical conversation about how vaccines work, what’s in them, why they’re recommended, and recent updates in immunizations. There will also be time to address common questions families have.

Presenters:

Alex Najafalipour, Public Health Nurse, and Jen Schreifels, Public Health Nurse Supervisor – Disease Prevention & Control, Bloomington Public Health; and a Licensed School Nurse from Bloomington Public Schools.

List of Exhibitors

• Allina Health Clinic
• Au Pair in America
• Baby Gear Group
• Bloomington Babysitting Co-op
• Bloomington Equity, Inclusion, and Workplace Culture
• Bloomington Parks and Recreation
• Bloomington Public Health Department
• Child Care Aware of MN/Parent Aware
• Cultural Care Aupair
• Early Learning at Washburn (Bloomington Public Schools)
• Elite Gymnastics
• Family Achievement Center
• Fraser School
• Health Commons at Pond Clinic
• Hennepin County Child & Teen Checkups
• Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health
• Hexagon Wealth
• Kumon Math and Reading Center
• Martin Eyecare
• Minnesota Behavioral Specialists
• Nativity of Mary School
• New Horizon Academy
• Ramalynn Academy
• Sakan Community Resource 
• St. Luke's Preschool
• St. Michael's Preschool
• St. Stephen Preschool
• Think Small
• Tod Pod Playgroup

Exhibitor Registration Form