By: Cristina Edelstein-Skurat
WORKS MUSEUM
Now that the winter season is upon us, families may be looking for fun activities to keep everyone occupied and happy. Luckily, there are tons of attractions in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas that kids will love. And for proof, they’ve all been tried and tested by my kids!
First off is the Works Museum in Bloomington! This museum is centered around engineering and design that has hands-on projects for kids of all ages. Vivi and her friend had a great time working with circuits and building working designs! Their Winter Camp registration is open now!
SANTA FARM
Another great destination just in time for the holidays is the Santa Farm in Princeton, MN. Kids get the opportunity to get their picture with Santa and can pick out a Christmas tree all at the same place! If you’re looking to avoid the long line at the mall this year, this a great alternative for your kids to still meet Santa and tell him what they’d like for Christmas!
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PAINTING WITH A PURPOSE
If you’re looking to stay warm and cozy inside, a great activity for you and the kids is Painting with a Purpose. This is great to help kids follow directions and showcase their art at the end. It may make a mess, but it’ll be worth it. Vivi and Lucy were excited to show their finished products!
NINJA WARRIOR GYM
Are your kids looking to get some energy out, but the weather is too bad? Look no further than the indoor play area in Maple Grove! Or for the more adventurous, the Ninja Warrior gym in Maple Grove. Check out the classes for either kids or adults, or the Ninja Kid Zone. This is truly a location for all ages and can be fun for the whole family!
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SCIENCE EXPERIMENT KIT
Or are you searching for a more low-key activity on a cold winter night? My kids and I tried a science experiment kit. It made a mess, yes, but it’s a great learning experience and can get your kids interested in science!
SIDEKICK THEATER – The Elves and the Shoemaker
If your kids are interested in the arts, like mine, a trip to the theater is a great way to spend a night out! Chago and I got to go on a field trip with his class to Sidekick Theater in Bloomington to see The Elves and the Shoemaker. As you can see, he was in awe! This can be a cool change of pace rather than going to a movie.
NERF WAR!
Another great way to get some energy out is a nerf war! A cool activity for boys or girls and is perfect for them to create grand adventures and use their imagination! Just look at the determination on Chago’s face!
MINNESOTA ZOO
A great education trip for the whole family is a trip to the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley. This lets kids see all kinds of new animals while learning fun new facts! My kids were amazed by all the cool animals and hopefully this turns into a great memory for them to look back on!