Cabin Fever? 10 Twin Cities Winter Activities {for little ones}

Wait a second – school is canceled?

Again?!?!

The latest school closings, super frigid temperatures, and the feeling of wanting to curl up in a ball with the warmest blanket for the rest of winter have given Minnesotans some major cabin fever.

I think just about every family in the Twin Cities has a bit of it his time of year:

Better than staying home for the next three months, irritable and listless, listening to the latest Frozen medley by Pentatonix (oh wait, that’s just me?), I have put together a list of some of our favorite winter outings in the Twin Cities. Hopefully this will give you some inspiration to put on your boots and bundle up the kids for a day outside of the house.

1. Gleason’s Preschool Open Gym

This is number one on my list because it is my 3-and-5-year-old girls’ favorite place in the winter! Gleason’s Gymnasium (Eagan and Maple Grove locations) puts on a weekly open gym for preschoolers on Wednesdays and Fridays, for infants to preschoolers ($8 per child or $10 per family). Trampolines, rings, swings, and foam pits – we get our gymnastics on. My girls and I have a weekly Mommy Fun Day (check out our hashtag #mommyfunday on instagram) where we try a new fun place together once a week – Gleason’s is always their first choice!

2. Good Times  Park

A fabulously huge indoor playground in Eagan, this place is great for all ages. Lots of room for kids to burn some major energy. One child is $8/visit, or buy a monthly pass. A great place for birthday parties, too!

3. Toddler Tuesday at the Mall of America

In case you are needing an “excuse” to hit the mall and do a little shopping (wink wink), Toddler Tuesday offers special entertainment and discounts just for toddlers. Restaurants like Chipotle and even Crave offer free kids’ meals with the purchase of an adult entree. There’s also a wristband special for rides – $11.95 for 5 hours. Don’t forget about the free-play Lego area at Legoland, the woman’s lounge, aka nursing room, at Nordstroms, or the underground aquarium Underwater Adventures.  And make sure to grab some Pinkberry at Macy’s for dessert!

4. Global Midtown Market Wee Wednesdays

If Tuesdays don’t work for you, try Wee Wednesdays at the Global Midtown Market for ages 5 and under. Show your children the world with special kid programmings, fun crafts, and great meal deals each Wednesday from 10:30am-1pm. Tamales and tabouli, give your children a taste of the world the need for a passport. Then grab some groceries and the indoor Farmer’s Market before you go home!

5. The Zoo

The Minnesota Zoo is such a treasure of our state. Whether you kids love the bird show or brown bears, the zoo is a fabulous place to burn a few hours with the kids.  Pack a lunch and the stroller, and make a day of it!

6.  The Blast and Edinborough Park 

If you’ve had too much fast food and want to kid-friendly indoor play place minus the chicken nuggets, The Blast at the Eagan Community Center hit the spot. Kids are only $3, $7 at Edinborough. Don’t forget your socks!

7. Indoor Swimming

Select Life Time Fitness complexes offer family swimming at their pools. If you have a gym membership, swimming is free. Also the Shoreview Community Center has an indoor watermark.

8. The Children’s Museum

The Chidlren’s Museum in St. Paul is like an oversized Preschool classroom. Educational displays and hands-on projects, the kids won’t want to leave. Children are $9.50 and under 1 is free. Also, 3rd Target Sundays are free!

9. The Red Balloon

The Red Balloon is a quaint bookstore on Grave Avenue that offers weekly free story time on Tuesday, Wedneseday, and Thursdays at 10:30am. Take the kids, buy a book, the get lunch at Punch Pizza down the street.

10. Ikea

This massive modern Swedish store is more than a place to buy bookshelves. Take the kids for breakfast (free coffee before 10am), then let them run around the giant showroom. If they are potty trained, drop the kids off at the supervised play area. Kids under 12 eat free on Tuesdays!

How about you – what are your favorite family-friendly winter activities? I would love to hear from you!