Live Butterfly House: Take flight to the Science Museum of Minnesota for a visit with some of nature's most colorful creatures. See dozens of butterflies species in a live habitat. The Omnitheater film "Flight of the Butterflies" complements the exhibit. The film follows the insects as they make one of the longest and most perilous migrations on earth. Another new exhibit this fall is the "Design Zone," opening Oct. 15. Guests can see what it takes to create a video game or line up rhythms like a famous DJ. Solve real-world challenges by analyzing patterns and variables.

Opens Oct. 3 at Science Museum of Minnesota • $10-$13 • 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul • www.smm.org

"Healthyville": Maintaining a healthy mind and body doesn't have to be boring. The Minnesota Children's Museum will make staying fit fun with more than 50 hands-on activities in six attractions, opening Sept. 20. Children are encouraged to make smart choices through computer games and other activities. In addition, "Adventures With Clifford the Big Red Dog" opens Oct. 4. Climb aboard a ferry to Birdwell Island and meet the 9-foot high Clifford, who has a tail to slide down. Pint-size guests can work together to fill Clifford's dog bowl and gain self-confidence on stage with the big red dog and pals.

$9.95 • 10 W. 7th St., St. Paul • www.mcm.org

Canstruction: This international nonprofit has come with an innovative way to combat hunger. Using canned food donations, architects compete to create jaw-dropping structures. Not only is it entertaining for families, but this event has collected more than 21 million pounds of food since 1992. Onlookers are encouraged to bring cans for donation to Second Harvest Heartland.

Sept. 27-30 • Mall of America Rotunda • www.canstruction.org

Aamodt's Apple Farm Fall Festival: The falling leaves aren't the only thing crunching at this farm. Pick yourself a basket of fresh and crisp apples to make a pie or muffin. Ride around the orchard on a hay wagon and walk through the winding hay-bale maze.

Weekends 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • 6428 Manning Av., Stillwater • www.aamodtsapplefarm.com

"Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival": Move to the beat with Mickey Mouse and his band of friends, including Donald Duck, Goofy and Minnie. Jam to the hits from "Aladdin," "The Little Mermaid" and "Toy Story." Get transported to a new world of hip-hop beats, acrobatics and magical transformations as characters tell their stories to the beat.

1 & 4 p.m. Oct. 12 • Target Center, 600 1st Av. N., Mpls. • 1-888-929-7849

Dreadwood Haunted Forest: An eerily tempting attraction for families with brave teens. No treats or hayrides to hide behind as visitors stroll through the isolated dirt path. Who knows what goes bump in the darkness where the only way out is through a ghoulish trail? If your group makes it through — and in one piece — a bonfire and snacks await.

7:30-10:30 p.m. weekends Oct. 3-25 • $12 • 835 County Rd. E., Hudson, Wis. • www.dreadwoodhaunt.com