Keep it Simple Stupid

You know the ole adage "Keep it simple stupid", really does well for people of all ages.
Fishing doesn't have to be rocket science. Some of the best memories I've had growing up were fishing with a cane pole for bluegills and sunfish. As we get older we may branch out and try new things or use a bit more sophisticated gear. It just doesn't have to be hi-tech to have fun and by the way, catch some decent fish.

Kids especially like to to do it the simple way. For the most part they just want action, closed faced spinning reels are OK, but it really doesn't take that much to show a youngster how to use an open face spinning reel. Throw in a few slip bobbers small jigs, small panfish leeches, garden worms, or waxies, and panfishing can be a lot of fun the ole simple way.

The other part of K.I.S.S, is you can't tackle it all at once. So many lures, techniques, places to fish. It's not that hard to narrow down your choices. There are some pretty good books that talk about the lakes and rivers close to the Twin Cities. I suggest picking out a lake close by, read what you can about what fish swim in the lake. Panfish is always a safe bet everywhere.
Simple is always a good piece of advice, especially if you really want to get a kid hooked on fishing. just my $.02