Things to do with a Toddler in the Winter - 18 months

Winter Activities in Minnesota with a Toddler

Last year was the longest winter ever. And I mean ever. Can you blame me for getting nervous for the colder seasons ahead of us (it is 28 degrees out right now on October 22)? You bet I’m preparing for the cold, darker days (all 5-6 months of them) ahead, especially with a VERY active little guy (1.5 years) who LOVES being outside. And I mean LOVES. What to do?

Just hanging out in the hutch

 

We live south of the river (in Minnesota) so I am trying to stick to fun places closer to home (just in case we get nailed with a snow storm or ice or both).

I’m looking for activities Friday, Saturday and Sunday that won't break the bank. I work full-time Monday through Thursday.

 

Libraries are FREE!!! Story time on every third Thursday in Savage at 6:30 p.m.

This is what I have so far:

FREE

·         Lots of libraries – fun books, toys and space to run around. Some have story time. Or even Barnes and Noble in Burnsville. I hear there is a cool train.

·         Michael’s Craft Store – find crafts and take them home to do

·        Play areas at Burnsville and Eden Prairie Mall  - trying really hard to get past the germs (I know, I know)

·         Bundling up and sledding to a nearby park

 

·        Walking around Mall of America (will take willpower not to buy anything…)

·        Open swim at Life Time Fitness – obviously I pay for this in my membership, but in my mind it feels free

Under $10

·         IGM Gymnastics in Burnsville ($8) 

·         Eagan Community Center in Eagan ($4)

·         Good Times Park in Eagan ($8)

·         Edinborough Park in Edina ($7) 

·         Children’s museum in St. Paul – ($9.50 – doesn’t include parking if needed) 

·         Jumps and Downs in Shakopee – ($7)

·        Shakopee Community Center Playtime – ($1) Bring clean trikes, balls, riding toys and enjoy the big space from 10:00 - 11:30 on Fridays.

·    Playworks in Prior Lake – ($4.50)

·    The Works in Bloomington – ($8.00)

More than $10

·        Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley ($18 – under 2 is free) -

·        Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America in Bloomington ($18.99 – I think there are only a few rides that little people can go on) 

·        Water Park of America in Bloomington ($30+ and I think that’s per person) 

·        Underwater World at Mall of America in Bloomington ($12 for MN residents (online) – kids under 3 free)

·       AirMaxx Trampoline Park in Eden Prairie ($13) on Friday mornings

·      Safari Island Indoor Water Park in Waconia ($8 per person)

 

Weekend Getaway

·      Arrowwood Resort Center  in Alexandria ($160 a night)

What am I missing? What is a must do? A must see? Please either comment below, comment on my Facebook page or email me at christie(dot)koester(at)gmail.com.