Malibu Barbie Cafe
Barbie and the gang are more popular than ever, so it's fitting that she will have a pop-up restaurant at the Mall of America this fall. The 90-minute experience takes guests back in time to 1970s Malibu, Calif., ornate with retro décor. The immersive experience is filled with selfie displays, including the iconic Barbie box. "MasterChef" finalist Becky Brown created the menu, with classic entrees that have a Barbie-inspired twist. ($17-$44, reservations required, 60 E. Broadway, Bloomington, bucketlisters.com)
Dutton Days
A weekend of Western entertainment that offers up the "Yellowstone" fantasy. Channel your inner cowboy for wood-fire cooking and roping and line dancing demonstrations. The two days of activities include pony rides, roping show, live music, food trucks, a cowboy church service and more. Camping and glamping options are offered for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the experience. (11 a.m. Sept. 30, 9:30 a.m. Oct. 1, $10-$15, camping packages $149 and up, 1674 Hwy. 87, St. Croix Falls, Wis., bigrockcreekwi.com)
Ball-o-rama
The popular exhibit returns to the Minnesota Children's Museum. Don't just have a ball, play with them in a variety of sizes through a series of experiments. Hands-on activities teach about the laws of gravity, acceleration and velocity. Send balls careening down ramps to find out how physics comes into play. (Museum hours through Jan. 21, 10 W. 7th St., St. Paul, mcm.org)
Applewood Orchard
Fall means apple-picking season, with farms bursting with the sweet and tart fruit. Family-owned Applewood Orchard has pumpkins for picking and a homey store that has the tempting smell of apple cider mini-doughnuts and sales of local jams, maple syrup and honey. There are wagon rides through the orchard and Little Farmville, where kids can maneuver pedal tractors. (9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through Oct. 31, no admission fee, apples charged per pound, 22702 Hamburg Av., Lakeville, applewoodorchard.net)
