8 FAMILY FRIENDLY WINTER ACTIVITIES AROUND MINNEAPOLIS

IT’S TIME TO ENJOY WINTER IN MINNESOTA! TAKE A LOOK AT SOME GREAT ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO AROUND THE TWIN CITIES THIS DECEMBER.

1. Experience the Holidazzle
   What used to be a parade has now turned into an entire village! Visit Loring Park from Thursdays thru Sundays, November 24-December 23 to meet Santa, shop local vendors, go ice skating, watch outdoor movies or experience fireworks. FREE to get in and to skate, certain activities cost money.
2. Check out an indoor playground
   There are several great indoor playgrounds around the cities- Family Fun Twin Cities has a pretty comprehensive list ! One of our favorites is Inneractive, an indoor playground in Minnetonka started by a local Golden Valley Mom. Another new one on the scene is the three story indoor playground at Brookview in Golden Valley. Time to burn off some energy!
3. Visit a Museum
   Depending on the age and interests of your child, there is bound to be a museum that fits their passion. While the Science Museum and the newly renovated Children’s Museum are always great staples for a fun learning experience, another museum that is sure to become a family favorite is the Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum. This museum has a special holiday event called Night Trains that sounds enchanting. According to their website, “The lights are turned down and the buildings and street lights glow warmly, setting the scene for specially lighted models of vintage passenger trains. The make believe town of Matlin is buried in a blizzard, and throughout the Museum the layouts are adorned with miniature Christmas lights and decorations” (Saturday Nights, $15 admission fee, discounts for groups of 3 or more, Children 4 and under FREE)
4. Make a Coffee Date
   With a few great kid-friendly coffee shops around, you are sure to enjoy getting your caffeine fix while your little ones get to play. Two of our favorites are Sovereign Grounds in South Minneapolis, and The Wishing Tree Play Cafe in White Bear Lake. Trust us, it is worth the drive! Pro Tip: Remember to bring socks with “sticky” bottoms for play time so you don’t have to buy at the cafe.
5. Go back in time
   By visiting the Alexander Ramsey House during their Victorian Christmas holidays- “Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of a Victorian Christmas in 1875. During this guided tour, guests can taste homemade cookies fresh from the wood-burning stove, listen to popular holiday music of the era played on the family’s 1875 Steinway grand piano, and view original family ornaments and Christmas gifts.” (Weekends through December, $12 for adults, $8 children 5-17, FREE for children under 5. Buy tickets in advance)You can also check out the Oliver Kelley Farm, a homestead from the 1860’s with lots of kid friendly activities and nature trails for walking.
6. Attend a play
   There is something about attending a play- sitting in a comfy seat as the lights go down and the curtains are pulled back, the excitement before a new show begins. Experience that excitement with your child by attending a showing of the Beauty and the Beast Jr. at Stages Theatre in Hopkins or How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Children’s Theatre in South Minneapolis.
7. Give Back
   Whether it is donating food or clothing to a family in need, or donating your time to an organization that needs volunteers, it is never too early to start exposing your child to giving back to their community. For the older children, volunteering at an organization like Feed My Starving Children is a great way for them to participate and understand what their time means for others. For younger children, being able to sort, pack and deliver their gently used clothing or diapers to a drop off site will empower them as well!
8. Have a Pajama Day
   Last, but not least, enjoy a day curled up on the couch with good books or a new movie. Keep your pajamas on, warm up the hot chocolate, pop the popcorn and get in some cuddles!