TAKE A PSEUDO-TRIP

India is closer than you think: And no, we're not talking about calling a software help line. Along with a grocery store such as Eden Prairie's India Spice Shop (952-942-7510) and an eatery such as Bloomington's Tandoor (952-885-9060), a Bengali sojourn could include the nation's largest Hindu temple (763-425-9449), in Maple Grove. The Twin Cities area has become cosmopolitan enough that mapping out this kind of "day trip" to explore the food and culture of Greece, or Cambodia, or any number of faraway lands, is possible; just use your imagination and the Internet.

Around-the-world cruising: From downtown Minneapolis, cross the Mississippi River on Hennepin Avenue and head north on Central Avenue. East Hennepin offers early side trips to Eastern Europe (Nye's Polonaise Room, Kramarczuk's and Baltic Imports) and southern Italy (Punch Neapolitan Pizza). A mile or so after your left turn onto Central, a cornucopia of ethnic stores, food marts and restaurants unfolds. Similar options: Nicollet Avenue S. between Franklin and W. 28th Street, aka "Eat Street," or a mini-tour of Southeast Asia along St. Paul's W. University Avenue.

A trek to Adventureland: There's never any shortage of escapist movies during the summer. Indiana Jones, Batman, Hellboy, the Incredible Hulk and the "Narnia" gang are among the larger-than-life figures coming to a multiplex near you. A deftly planned double- or triple-feature is a great way to while away the day with a (refillable) tub of the snack that defines "popcorn movies."

OFFBEAT OFFERINGS

No way? Think again: Do something counterintuitive, or even something you might ordinarily disdain. I figured county fairs were tedious until I went to Cannon Valley Days and had a blast. If you have a (healthy) trepidation of heights, consider a hot-air balloon ride. If you've always figured that fishing was boring -- heresy in these parts, but certainly understandable -- wet a line in a local lake.

Above-par Mini-sota: For decades, miniature golf was all about windmills and loop-de-loops, and art museums were all about, well, art. But two local enterprises are combining the two, with objets d'art serving as "hazards" or at least distractions: Big Stone Mini Golf in Minnetrista (952-472-9292) and Walker Art Center (612-375-7600).

Prep for visitors: Check out a tourist site that you've sorta-kinda wanted to see, but never found the time for, such as the James J. Hill House (651-297-2555), the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting (952-926-8198) or the Goldstein Museum of Design (612-624-7434). Potential bonus: discovering an interesting place to take out-of-town visitors.

FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

"You're such a dork, Dad!": A continuing interactive exhibit at the Minnesota Children's Museum (651-225-6000) called "Run! Jump! Fly!" gives kids of all ages a chance to showcase, and hone, their physical skills. "The boards and everything are adult-proof. Nothing will break," said marketing coordinator Kylee Breems. "The only thing parents have to worry about is looking silly."

Spokes-persons: Even avid bikers might not be familiar with some of the newer trails in the metro area. Grab a map at your local bike store and plot some new destinations. Pack a picnic lunch for whatever stop strikes your fancy.

Water, water everywhere: Rent a canoe and paddle around a local lake. Or check out Minnehaha Falls, following the creek all the way to the mighty Mississippi. Or watch the river flow, and grow, on a leisurely drive along the gorgeous St. Croix, from Taylors Falls to Afton -- again with a picnic lunch for that seriously scenic spot. Or explore a river town (Hudson, Wis., Stillwater) or a lake town (Excelsior, White Bear Lake).

Getting in tune: There's a free concert every night and on weekend afternoons at the Lake Harriet bandshell beginning June 1, and picnicking is encouraged; arrive early for a good spot. Throughout the Twin Towns, free family-friendly music abounds. Check the Scene section each Friday for options; also look there for free outdoor movies at sundry parks around town.

BILL WARD