Wondering how to keep the kids busy this winter break? Here are 10 ideas (plus discounts) for family fun in the Twin Cities!
- Discover a new indoor play place.
Pinwheel Play is a new, modern indoor play space for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers. There’s so much to do, from their playset to art room to a digital interactive playground! Save 15% on your first visit with code 1STTIME through December 31st. https://twincities.webtrisdigital.com/discount-directory/pinwheel-play/
- Become an ice princess (or prince).
Starting in late December, Ice Castles will return to Minnesota, this time in Stillwater. Walk through an ice palace illuminated with thousands of LED lights! See More
- Explore the Minnesota Children’s Museum – at the MOA.
While the Minnesota Children’s Museum in St. Paul is closed this winter during its expansion, you can still get your MCM fix at the museum’s pop-up space at the Mall of America. Plus, save $2.00 every day with your Twin Cities Kids Club membership card! See More
- Be a rock star.
Your child can be a rock star this winter break with two camps at School of Rock Eden Prairie!
The Rookies Rockers camp inspires 6-9 year olds to pursue music by channeling their inner rock stars. Beginner Guitar Camp is for ages 8 – 15. Both camps are December 27th – 29th. See More
- Explore nature and become a junior ranger.
At the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, families can enjoy various free activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Visitor centers are located in Bloomington (3185 American Blvd East) and Carver (15865 Rapids Lake Rd). Their website offers downloadable activities for kids including a junior ranger activity booklet. See More
- Go Sledding, Skiing & Snow Tubing!
For awesome hills to ski, slide down in a sled or snow tube, head to Buck Hill in Burnsville, Elm Creek Reserve in Maple Grove, Afton Alps in Afton or Trapp Farm Park in Eagan. All you need is some warm clothes and extra money for a hot chocolate or snack when you’re done! buck hill https://www.cityofeagan.com/parks/trapp-farm-park-tubing-hill Afton Alps Elm creek winter recreation area
- Enjoy a staycation at the Water Park of America.
Whether the house is full for the holidays or your family is looking for an idea for a staycation, head over to the Water Park of America! Save money with their Slumber Party Package, or save 20% on just water park passes online with promo code TCKC!
- Experience a world of colors.
At the Crayola Experience at the Mall of America, there are 25 one-of-a-kind attractions that keep families busy for hours. Save $6 per ticket with our discount online: https://twincities.webtrisdigital.com/discount-directory/water-park-of-america
- Rediscover the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
Did you know the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska is open year-round? There are snowshoe/cross-country ski trails, Thursday storytimes, and special events throughout the winter. Plus, admission is free every third Monday of the month!
- Enjoy an Indoor Treasure Hunt.
When all else fails and the weather outside is frightful, try an old-fashioned indoor treasure hunt! Here are tips from our local, play-expert friends at Tumblewalla.com:
1: Assemble aspiring pirates.
2: Prepare snacks (always an effective incentive)
3: Wrap snacks in socks (clean ones work best)
4: Conceal snack-style treasure around your house, home, room, car, tent, backyard and/or treehouse. Creativity is key.
5: Send your explorers out to sea with a map or their own intuition as a guide!
For discounts and more ideas for family fun, explore our discount directory!
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