Things to Do in Minnetonka

Melding a flurry of powerful forehand chops, pinpoint pivoting, and sneaky backhand lobs, tennis is second only to competitive chainsaw sculpting as America’s favorite sport at which to grunt. Sponsored by the United States Tennis Association Northern Section, the Tennis Festival of the North features three days of events that include demos, clinics, an exhibition match, and jet-engine–powered tennis-ball launchers. Tennis fans and fanatics alike will enjoy an all-inclusive pass that includes access to Friday-evening demos and drills, Saturday and Sunday clinics, and general-admission seating to Saturday's exhibition. Tennis pros and experienced instructors lead informative sessions on topics such as Boomers and Beyond, Playing Tennis After 50, and Nutrition Hints for Winning Tennis, while attendees can also browse a vendor fair and an interactive fan zone. Additionally, Olympic gold medalist Lindsay Davenport and 18-time Grand Slam singles champion Martina Navratilova will be present to talk tennis and cut up the court during an exhibition match.

The Des Moines Home & Garden Show helps homeowners revitalize their home and hearth, exposing them to new products, styles, and techniques for remodeling their homes, lawns, and neighbors' driveways. During the four-day event, hundreds of exhibitors and experts divulge their knowledge on topics ranging from landscaping to security systems, and celebrity designers such as Rachel Kate—a top finalist on HGTV's seventh season of _Design Star_—dole out sage advice on the event's stage. Guests can also peruse furniture built by local artisans or harvest inspiration in the greenery of seven featured gardens.

The eco-friendly steeds at Segway Evolve navigate sidewalks just as easily as they roll over lakeside terrain during self-guided Segway tours of the area’s lakes, trails, and nature preserve. The second-generation Segways feature LeanSteer technology, which responds to subtle shifts in balance, and include dynamic stabilization to prevent riders from tipping when they round corners or board rollercoasters. Segway Evolve outfits explorers with a helmet and suggested routes, and provides a complimentary 15-minute rider orientation. 

Since opening in 1895, the Hoigaard family and its eponymous shop has been supplying nature lovers with the equipment and apparel necessary to make a playground out of the great outdoors. Today, third- and fourth-generation Hoigaards run the shop alongside a staff of camping aficionados and skilled craftspeople. Their expertise comes in handy as they dress fellow outdoorsfolk in a selection of belts, jackets, shoes, and boots from brand-name manufacturers such as Patagonia, White Sierra, FiveFingers, and The North Face. A collection of outdoor gear––including tents, bicycles, sleeping bags, and canoes––is available for rent or purchase, and the shop's staff repairs damaged equipment in their onsite repair and service shop. They also perform tune-ups for snowboards, skis, and inline skates, and split bicycles into two separate unicycles upon request.

Inside the family-owned Jumps & Downs, youngsters aged 1–10 tumble into a capacious ball pit, 5,000 balls strong—one of the many attractions that pepper the 3,600-square-foot facility. The indoor play center’s inflatables encourage airborne activities, building kids' motor skills every time they leap in one of the bounce houses, dive down the giant plush slide, or climb up the obstacle course. Groups of kids unleash cake-fueled manias on the playscape during birthday parties that come complete with all manner of festive accoutrements, including a private room, paper goods, invitations, and a copyright lawyer to make sure no scofflaw children sing "Happy Birthday" for free.