So I just realized last week that winter is coming. I know, I know, I live in Minnesota and it should have been a no-brainer that the cold creeps in every October and stays till April (writing this is making me wonder again why I continue to live here). My sixteen-month old son was so much younger last winter that staying indoors didn't seem so bad, but I'm wondering how to cope with an active toddler for the months when the park, sandbox and walks are a lot more out of the question.
I will take him outdoors to play in the snow when it comes, but am mostly looking for ideas that involve indoor play areas. Less expensive options would be greatly appreciated too.
Thanks for the suggestions. We are already signed up for a winter ECFE class. I will certainly consider malls and some of the suburban indoor play areas, though I find it strange there are no indoor play areas in St. Paul? I will get outside with him when I can too. I actually think having a child has really made me realize I don't want to spend the rest of my life in MN. My husband and I share a car (more for environmental reasons than economic) and on the days when my son and I were car less last winter I walked or took public transportation - I found the cold got a little too brutal for me and a baby to stand at a bus stop for even five minutes @ least a few weeks of the winter.
Give me sand, sun and safe sidewalks to walk on year round!
Thanks again.
Ridgedale Mall (in Minnetonka) and Eden Prairie Center both have indoor play areas. The MN Zoo is also great in the winter -- there's the outdoor trails, but there's enough to do indoors as well to keep little ones busy.
For indoor climbing parks we love... Edinborough in Edina, The Blast in Eagan, and Lookout Ridge (best for the little ones in my opinion) in Woodbury. These are all great because they only charge admission for the kids (parents/caregivers are free). There was a big conversation about Little Kids Big City in Woodbury at our ECFE class this morning. Its a little more expensive but also very cool! I will be checking back to see if there are any new suggestions as I am always looking too.
Not sure what area you are in, but we take the kids to the mall - during the day the crowd is usually thin enough (until the holidays) that they can run a little bit. and some have play areas that they can play in - We go to the Maplewood mall, the play area is right by the food court and the kids love it. I also joined ECFE - they can waive the fee - we go in the evening and my son loves it! Check your local community ed catalog - they usually have activities in there that can get you out of the house!
Edinborough Park! If you're not an Edina resident, buy the punch card to save money.
Edinborough Park was a sanity saver when my kids were younger.
Find ways that YOU can be happy outdoors, and bundle him up and out you go (at least a little while, when you can). The Minnesota kids I know love being outdoors and they don't care how cold it is. I think it's great that they have this attitude. Also there's Edinborough Park in Edina (the whole park is indoors). You can go to a mall early when it's not crowded and let him run. And have some physically active (large-movement) toys in your house too. Even a balloon batted back and forth with you can be good for a change once in a while--you can whack it hard but it won't break anything.
Any mall where you can just get there and walk. Northtown mall has a nice play area on the end with LA Fitness. There's a place in New Brighton community center called Eagles Nest (not to be confused with the bar in Crystal with same name) that has ball pits, climbing area, etc. It has a toddler area - and is a great place to connect with other moms. Do some nature trails as long as the weather is good - the Hennepin county parks are great. Some have indoor nature centers too - I'm thinking of the Coon Rapids dam area on both the BP and the CR side, as well as Elm Creek Park. Join an ECFE class - they have wonderful little classrooms and you learn some fun, cheap ideas of activities. Mall of America - just walk or stop at lego land (duplos for the little ones). Try your local city for preschooler type classes or mommy n me classes. There's a place in Champlin called "The Little Gym" - not sure what age their activities start at. In a couple of years look into getting your son on ice skates and skating lessons.
