Find out more about who you are today by going back in time to learn about your ancestors. Get hands-on help, tips, and hear personal stories of discovery at the Genealogy Conference October 17, 2009, at Minnesota Discovery Center. Great for educators, too: learn new genealogy reserach techniques. It's an all-day thing that costs only $35 plus lunch. http://www.mndiscoverycenter.com/calendar/?month=october&year=2009

Octoberfest

Here's another cheap event that's fun for kids but also has an adults-only feature: Octoberfest, October 24 at Minnesota Discover Center. Barrel rides, make-and-take crafts a comedy juggler and a whole lot more for families. From 1-5, it's beer sampling. That's sampling, not chugging! Sip any of a couple dozen beer flavors for $20 (includes a commemorative tasting glass). Beer tasting is in one area of the park, the kid/family stuff in another.

Ole and Lena's Wedding

You've heard all the jokes, you even laughed at most of them. See the dinner theater event where Ole gets hitched to Lena. It's going to be fun, it's cheap ($40 for dinner and a show) and by gosh, its SOMETHING TO DO! www.mndiscoverycenter.com

Snowmobile Rock Star

When Phil Mickelson, snowmobile expert and author, was at Minnesota Discovery Center on September 24, it was kind of like having a rock star on the premises. Who would've thought working for Ski-Doo for decades would get you so many fans? What a nice guy, too. I hope Cathy Wurzer, Aaron Brown, Dawn DeWitt and Kathryn Nordstrom draw as many guests.