During the cold months in Minnesota, families can quickly get cabin fever. Here are some great places to check out, expend energy, or meet with other families. Each of these locations has been tested and approved by my family!
1. See a show As a proponent of low screen time, we prefer to go to the theater as a family. This way we are engaged with stories, culture, the arts, and favorite characters.
Children's Theater Company, Minneapolis $$$
Stages Theater, Hopkins $
Steppingstone Theater, Saint Paul $
2. Go Swimming One of our favorite ways to expend energy is to swim. Plus the pool area is always warm, which is a welcomed escape from the cold weather. Both of these pools have low depth and kid friendly equipment.
Great River Water Park, Saint Paul $
Williston Aquatics, Minnetonka $$
3. Meet some friends for a coffee and play date These coffee shops are kid friendly meaning they have toys or a space for kids to play.
The Workhorse Cafe, Saint Paul - small area with trains and horses
Local Roots, Richfield - a designated room with toys
Sovereign Grounds, Minneapolis - large play room with toys and play set
Keg & Case, Saint Paul - market-like setting with ample room to walk around. It has a carousel outside as well
4. Indoor Playgrounds In addition to swimming, we love these indoor playgrounds to expel extra energy!
Eagle's Nest, New Brighton
Lookout Ridge, Woodbury
Williston Treehouse, Minnetonka
Ridgedale Mall Play Area, Minnetonka (free) - recently renovated is massive, engaging, and perfect for kids 0-12 (pictured)
5. Other Neat Adventures Plan a day to do some of these fun activities!
Green line lightrail stops:
Dual Citizen Brewing - excellent beer, games, and toddler time
Allianz Field - support MN United and see a soccer game!
Twin Cities Reptiles (free)- a surprisingly large store with many different reptiles to look at. If you're lucky you might see a feeding!
Sota Hot & Cold - the handmade Thai rolled ice cream is absolutely delicious!
Children's Museum
Linden Hills Day, Minneapolis
Heartfelt - an adorable art store where kids can make beautiful Waldorf-style crafts (pictured)
Wild Rumpus (free) - fantastic bookstore with high quality kid's literature and animals wandering the store
Animals
Minnesota Zoo $$$
Como Zoo
Visit the Humane Society
Outdoor Adventures.
We love exploring Minnesota's natural setting through hiking, splash pads, and camping. 1. Hiking
Fairy Falls, Stillwater - beautiful .5 mile hike for more experienced family hiking. Not stroller friendly.
Hidden Falls, Saint Paul - easy 2.6 mile loop (and much shorter walk to the falls by the pavilion). Stroller friendly (pictured)
Shadow Falls, Saint Paul - short .25 mile walk to the falls deep in a forest-like setting near the Mississippi. Not stroller friendly.
Tamarack Nature Center, White Bear Lake - many trail options ranging from .12 miles to 2.5 miles. Additional amazing kid's area with cave climbing, sand areas, nature playground, and outdoor programming. Stroller friendly.
Purgatory Park, Minnetonka - easy 1.2 mile loop with a small creek (one big hill). Stroller friendly.
2. Water
Battle Creek Waterworks, Maplewood $$ - wonderful space for young kids, additional hiking, dog park, and playground
Wabun Picnic Area, Minneapolis (free) - gated, 1.5 ft deep pool area and additional large playground
Harmon Park, Saint Paul (free) - recently renovated large playground and splash pad
Central Park, Maple Grove (free) - massive and innovative playground equipment with splash pad area (pictured)
Round Lake, Eden Prairie (free) - beach access, playground, and splash pad
3. Camping
Ham Lake Campground, Ham Lake - small petting zoo, beach access, and playground
Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Lake Elmo - chlorinated swim pond, playground, hiking trails, and nature programming (great for a day trip, as well!)