Snow came to Minnesota last week in the shape of big, wet flakes. As it accumulated, my kids got out their sleds and snow-block makers and headed into the winter wonderland, coming in only for a cup of hot chocolate and clothes-drying session.
As much fun as simple playing in the snow can be, it’s not the only fun to be had in winter here in Minnesota. And while those who live in or travel through the upper Midwest in the winter months must always be aware of the weather and ready to change plans, winter doesn’t mean we have to stay at home for six months straight. These are some of our favorite activities to cure the winter blues.
1) Visit a waterpark:
Photo courtesy Waterpark of America
When it’s 20 below, the steamy environment of an indoor waterpark can make us forget the chill of the air outside. Waterpark of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, is billed as the nation’s largest indoor waterpark, but other waterpark hotels are scattered throughout the state. Pick a weekend to forgo the snowpants for a swimsuit and enjoy getting wet instead of frosty.
Read reviews of the Waterpark of America.
Find family friendly lodging in Bloomington, MN.
2) Attend a holiday parade or winter festival:
Photo courtesy minnemom
We like to see the annual Parade of Lights in New Ulm, Minnesota on the day after Thanksgiving. Other popular winter events are the Holidazzle Parade in Minneapolis and St. Paul’s Winter Carnival. The one I really want to see, though, is the Fish House Parade in Aitkin, Minnesota. Who says we can’t have fun in winter?
3) Go for a ride:
While the outdoor amusement parks have long been closed for the season, Nickelodeon Universe at Minnesota’s Mall of America is open year-round and the temperature is always just-right at this indoor park. From kiddie rides to roller coasters, there’s something for everyone, and you can easily squeeze in some shopping if you need a break from the fun.
Read reviews of Nickelodeon Universe and Mall of America.
4) Check out a museum:
Photo courtesy of minnemom
The Minnesota History Center’s new Chocolate exhibit is on our list of things to see this winter. My son is begging to go see the model trains at Bandana Square, and the kids never turn down a trip to a children’s museum or science museum.
Read reviews of the Minnesota History Center, Minnesota Children’s Museum, the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Twin City Model Railroad Museum.
5) Embrace the season:
Visit the Forest History Center’s lumber camp to learn what life was like in the camps during the winter. Find a sledding hill or tubing hill or ski slope for some winter exhilaration. Learn how to cross-country ski.
There’s really no need to hibernate just because it’s winter. We’re tough up here in the frozen north, and winter’s just one of the things we have to deal with. Besides, in a few months, we’ll be complaining that it’s too hot, and we’ll wish it were winter again.
Linda (minnemom) writes about family travel at Travels with Children. Her family enjoys finding fun things to do in Minnesota and beyond, any time of year. We here at Trekaroo think she’s pretty swell!
This contest is now closed. Congrats to Trekaroo member Darla Kidder, lucky number 25!
There’s just something about Legos that captures the imagination of most kids who play with them. Those simple plastic blocks may not look like much on their own but with a little bit of ingenuity and imagination, they can be take the shape of whatever your child desires. Part of what makes the LEGOLAND resort so special is that celebrates a simple toy that has been a part of countless childhoods around the globe, and it does it on a grand scale. Where else can you see a replica of New York City recreated with over 2 million legos? For over a decade, families have enjoyed more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions inside the LEGOLAND gates but now, they have something new to get excited about. This June, LEGOLAND opened the newest portion of its resort, the water park.
Recently, my family had the opportunity to visit LEGOLAND’s new water park and check out how Lego does water. We were very pleased with what we found. Just like the rest of the resort, the water park was geared towards the 2-12 year old age group. There is a large toddler water play area with shallow water to splash in, Duplo animal shaped fountains, and toddler sized slides to ride. A huge Lego castle is the centerpiece of the park, with brightly colored slides branching from it’s sides. The Build-A-Raft River winds lazily around the middle of the park, filled with Legos which kids can snap to their rafts to create their own floating masterpieces. Its a water-filled primary-colored wonderland!
Read my entire review of the LEGOLAND Water Park here.
With an amusement park, aquarium, and water park all on it’s resort grounds, LEGOLAND has turned itself into a major destination for young families. Carlsbad is a great beachfront town and there are plenty of family friendly lodging options which make it all the more enticing (including Homewood Suites Carlsbad. You can check out my review of our recent stay here). If a trip to LEGOLAND sounds like something your family will love, then pay attention because have we got a steal for you!
Are you one of the first families to visit the new Legoland Water Park? Tell us what you think by writing a review!
The Steal: Win a LEGOLAND Resort Family Four Pack of Park Hopper Tickets!
A lucky Trekaroo family will win four park hopper tickets to the LEGOLAND resort!
Number of Winners: 1 winner
Prize: Four (4) park hopper tickets which include entry to LEGOLAND, the LEGOLAND Water Park, and the SEA LIFE Aquarium
How to enter:
Leave a comment telling me what you would like to see recreated in Lego form.
For additional entries, feel free to do any or all of the following. Each one counts as an extra entry but be sure to leave a separate comment for each one.
- Write a review on Trekaroo and post a link to it in the comments (include your Trekaroo username) one entry per review
- Follow LEGOLAND on Twitter.
- Fan LEGOLAND on Facebook.
- Subscribe to the Trekaroo Blog
- Tweet a link to this Monday Mad Steal via @Trekaroo
- Post this on your Facebook Wall using the Facebook Share link above
- Fan Trekaroo on Facebook
- Follow Trekaroo on Twitter
- Post this giveaway on your blog
- Subscribe to Trekaroo in your reader
Rules and guidelines:
- 18 years of age or older
- US Residents only
Deadline to enter: Sunday, July 18, 2010 at 11:59PM PST
What is Monday Madness?
Every Monday, Trekaroo announces on our blog, either a fantastic giveaway or an incredible deal. It could be a green water bottle, a hotel stay on Maui or theme park tickets. Return every Monday to the Talking Trekaroo Blog for the details. Want a reminder? Become a Trekaroo member or follow us on facebook or twitter.
Thanks to Contest for Moms, Online Sweepstakes, CashNet Sweepstakes, and Sweepstakes Advantage.
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Disclosure: My family received a complimentary visit to LEGOLAND. I received no other compensation besides the tickets and LEGOLAND didn’t state any requirements that I express any particular point of view. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
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If you’ve ever been to San Francisco in the summer, you’ll know summer time temperatures never get very hot in the city, but drive a few minutes north, south, or east and you’ll find hot days in the 80s and the 90s. Fortunately, for families who are looking for ways to cool off this summer, there are some world class water parks within an hour driving distance and there are many places where you can cool off for free or close to free.
Here are some of the places that Trekaroo families have voted as their favorite places to cool off around the San Francisco Bay Area. So grab those swim suits and head on out.
Best Water Park - Aqua Adventure (Fremont, CA)
Photo by: Brennan Pang
Surprisingly the new Aqua Adventure Water Park wins over the popular Raging Waters Water Park in San Jose. This one year old facility that’s run by the city of Fremont isn’t the largest water park, but it’s in almost brand new condition, it’s clean, and best of all, the price is right. Resident adults pay $15.99, while non-residents pay $16.99. Under 48″ tall? You only pay $11.99. 3 and under get in for just $2. For little ones, you’ll be hearing squeals of delight for hours at the Lil’ Squirts area for wee ones who aren’t quite ready to be fully immersed in water. Bucket Bay is basically a play structure that has water spraying in every which direction that even a 6 year can be quite happy in. The big slides are fun, but nothing too over the top. Reviews of Aqua Adventure Water Park with Kids
More Water Parks in the San Francisco Bay Area
Best Theme Park with Water Play Features: California’s Great America (and Boomerang Bay Water Park)
Photo by: Flickr/bryce_edwards
California’s Great America is a great hit with Trekaroo families with an impressive 4 star rating. Families with older kids and teenagers in particular enjoy the thrilling roller coaster rides. But what’s even better is that the admission also gets you into Boomerang Bay. At Boomerang Bay, you’ll find 30 foot slides as well as rafting slides. Younger kids will drop their jaws at the not so kiddie kiddie area complete with tri-level fortress with 8 family slides connected by bridges and passageways and rope ladders. Best of all, there is water water water everywhere. Thrilling? -Yes! Cool Off? – Yes! Only draw back is that admission is pricey. So, for a summer treat, California’s Great America gets rave reviews on Trekaroo and will most definitely bring smiles to everyone’s face.
For young kids under 12, Gilroy Bonfante Gardens is a favorite theme park with a water feature too that isn’t quite as pricey, but lots of fun nonetheless.
Best Free Splash Pad Area: Mitchell Park (Palo Alto, CA)
Photo by: Brennan Pang
Mitchell Park is a small playground with a fantastic splash pad. The splash pad is attached to the playground which is small, but adequate in supplying a couple of hours of active play. The splash pad is delightful for little ones with water squirting out at unpredictable intervals catching kids by surprise. Benches around the water play area allow parents to sit and soak in the heartwarming scene of happy children. Best of all, it’s absolutely FREE! Reviews of Mitchell Park Playground
Other Splash Parks along the Peninsula and South Bay (San Francisco Bay Area)
Other Splash Parks on the Easy Bay (San Francisco Bay Area)
Best Swimming Lake – Shadow Cliffs (Pleasanton, CA)
Photo by: Flickr/fromkmr
In the 266 -acre park of Shadow Cliffs Recreation Area is no ordinary 80 acre lake. You can swim at the beach complete with a bathhouse and refreshment stand, but the big attraction is the 4 -flume Rapids Water Slide located at Shadow Cliffs. It’s privately owned and operated and open on weekends in the spring and fall, and daily during the summer. For those not interested in the water slides, you can also go boating and fishing in the lake.
Best Beach - San Gregorio State Beach
Photo by: Picassa/ Jean Tessier
San Gregorio state beach is a big favorite of families on Trekaroo with a glowing 5 star rating. This beach is unique not because of the wonderful sandy beach, but because it has two other features that are a hit with kids. Most of the year, the top end of the beach is strewn with drift wood that teases a child’s (and adult’s) imagination. You’ll see the remnants of last week’s fort that Johnny built as your child is busily adding on to a tee pee from a previous visitor. In addition, San Gregorio river pours into the ocean at San Gregorio beach. The slow flowing river is a much safer place for kids to splash around than in the ocean where the waves tend to be rather big. Bring a tube and float down a short section of the river on a hot summer day. Reviews of San Gregorio State Beach with Kids
For beaches closer to the city, you might also consider:
- Crissy Field Beach, San Francisco,CA
- Schoonmaker Beach, Sausalito, CA
- Crown Memorial State Beach, Alameda, CA
Best Place to Splash around in a River: Russian River
Photo by: Flickr/ ((brian))
To the north of San Francisco, in Sonoma County is beautiful Russian River. You can rent kayaks or just find you way down to the banks of the river and get comfortable on a sandy river bank. You can pick up a canoe at Johnson’s Beach and Resort, Burke’s Canoe Trips and Kayaks, or Soar Russian River Adventures. However, if you don’t want to hang out at Johnson’s, there are several river access points along the Russian River you can just hike down to. Some popular ones are Healdsburg Memorial beach, and Monte Rio Beach.
To the south, you might try San Lorenzo River near Henry Cowell Redwood State Park
Related:
- Keeping Kids Safe at Water Parks and Pools
- Public Pools in San Francisco
- Public Pools in the East Bay (San Francisco)
- Public Pools on the Peninsula (San Francisco)
- Water Parks in Florida
- Water Parks in Washington State
- Indoor Water Parks in Denver
- Great Places to Cool Off with Kids in Texas
- Great Places to Cool Off with Kids in the Chicago Area (Chi-town)
Do you have an outing that you would like to spotlight this week? Perhaps its a post about a vacation you just took or a day trip that you think our readers should know about. Or maybe its a post about the vacation you are currently planning and going to book through Trekaroo! Spotlight your posts here by following the instructions for Spotlight Thursdays and filling out the Mr. Linky Form below.
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LiLing Pang is a contributing author and co-founder of Trekaroo.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
Whether you are visiting Pensacola, Panama City Beach, or Destin, you will likely feel the “gift” of the Florida Panhandle heat and humidity. On even the mildest summer days, you can walk outside and feel like you just stepped into a steam room . The best way to beat the heat is to find a cool water feature. The Florida Panhandle may be synonymous with sandy white beaches, but the beaches aren’t the only way to cool off on those sweltering summer days!
Rivers and Lakes
Falling Waters State Park - Photo by: www.floridastateparks.org
Falling Waters State Park (Chipley, Florida) – Falling Waters State Park boasts Florida’s tallest waterfall…even if it is just a little trickle most of the year! Camp under the trees, walk up and down the boardwalks to view the waterfall and the sinkholes, and then go swimming in the two-acre lake.
Blackwater River State Park (Holt, Florida) – We love tubing down Blackwater River on a hot summer day. There are several companies that will rent you an inner tube and bus you up to the starting point. Hop in your tube and drag your cooler along with you. When you float by the perfect spot, beach your tube and enjoy a picnic lunch. When you are ready, float down the river to your car! If tubing isn’t for you, there are also canoes and kayaks available for rent.
Blue Springs Recreational Area (Marianna, Florida) – This recreational area has playgrounds, crystal clear springs for swimming, and for the really adventurous there is even an opportunity for cave diving!
Ponce De Leon Springs State Park (Ponce de Leon, Florida) – The springs were named after Ponce de Leon, the famous explorer looking for the fountain of youth. The springs stay a perfect 68 degrees year round and are a beautiful turquoise color.
Krul Lake Recreation Area (Munson, Florida) – Spend the day playing in this 6.5 acre manmade lake that is recharged from springs nearby. The first half mile of the Sweetwater hiking trail includes a suspension bridge over Sweetwater Creek.
Water Parks
Shipwreck Island - Photo by: www.shipwreckisland.com
Sam’s Surf City (Pensacola, Florida) – Sam’s is a small water park that everyone in the family can enjoy but I particularly love the activities available for the 3 – 7 year old crowd. There is a Junior Activity Pool with slides perfect for children that are at least five years old. We spend a lot of time at the Kiddie Pool where the toddlers can splash and slide. There are also larger water slides (you must be at least 7 years old and 42”) and a lazy river.
Big Kahuna’s (Destin, Florida) – The kids will love playing in the Fun Fountains, Pleasure Island pools, the shipwreck and Crocodile Flats. The tweens, teens and adults won’t be able to get enough of the tube slides, river runs, and speed slides. This park is located right across the street from the sparkling blue ocean so when you are finished playing take a walk on the beach and watch the sunset!
Shipwreck Island Waterpark (Destin, Florida) – If you can drag the kids away from the Ocean Motion Wave Pool, there are so many slides and pools to explore at Shipwreck. We spent most of the day at Tadpole Hole where the kids explored the submarine and chased each other around the shallow water.
Splash Pads
Destin Commons Kids Zone - Photo by: Dustin Commons
Plaza de Luna (Pensacola, Florida) – This beautiful splash pad is located right on the water. It is great for the kids to run around. There is a large grassy field to play on and when you are all tuckered out, stop by the concession stand and get an ice cream or a tasty po’ boy! On Thursday nights during the summer, hear live music and meet cool characters at Sunsets at the Plaza.
Destin Commons (Destin, Florida) – This outdoor shopping mall has enough stores to keep any shopping mom or dad happy. When you are finished with your shopping, take the kids to the large splash pad and let them run around. There is also a small playground next to the splash pad.
John Duncan Memorial Children’s Park (Navarre, Florida) – Splash in the fountains, play on the gigantic playground, say hi to the ducks or have a picnic lunch. There is so much to do at this park that you could find yourself spending the greater part of a day here.
Jennifer Close loves to explore and take new adventures with her family down the street, across the country and around the world. She writes about her adventures on her family travel blog, Two Kids and a Map, and writes about exploring Pensacola at Pensacola with Kids.
Related:
- Water Parks in Florida
- Water Parks in the San Francisco Bay Area
- Splash Parks in the San Francisco Bay Area (Peninsula)
- Splash Parks in the San Francisco Bay Area (East Bay)
- Water Parks in Washington State
- Great Places to Cool Off with kids in Texas
- Great Places to Cool Off with Kids in the Chicago Area (Chi-town)
Just yesterday, at the playground our 3 year old who normally would be clambering across the tree house playground was lethargically sitting on my lap in the shade. 
With beads of sweat trickling down his little face he sighed, “I’m roasted like a marshmallow!” One of the best things about summer is finding fun places to cool off our kids close to home or a road trip away.
Photo by: www.flickr.com/photos/23826464@N04/3479116232
Beach Bumpkins
Kids and beaches are a winning combination. Tidepooling is a fun and educational way to cool off and explore the beach.
Kid-Friendly Tidepools Along the California Coast
Trekaroo families know which beaches are best for kids. Read their reviews:
Kid-friendly Beaches in Miami & Palm Beach, Florida
Kid-friendly Beaches in Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Kid-friendly Beaches in South Carolina
Kid-friendly Beaches in Oahu, Hawaii
Photo by: Brennan Pang
Fun Escapes into Cool Museums
Not in the mood for getting wet? Escape to an air-conditioned museum instead! Get cool and develop new interests. Lydie Thomas tells us How to Make a Trip to a Museum With a Kid a Pleasant Experience.
Ready? Start exploring kid-friendly museum exhibits for summer 2009 Across the US | San Francisco Bay Area
Museum Free Days in the San Francisco Bay Area – GrandmaDot
Photo by: www.flickr.com/photos/emeryjl/1317616335
Wonderful Water Parks
River Head, NY: Splish Splash Water Park
Martap112 loves it because it has “a lot of rides to choose from”.
Denver, CO: Water World
One of the largest water parks in the nation with more for young kids than most.
Lydie Thomas reminds us to play hard, but stay safe:
Kid Safety TIps at a Water Park or Public Pool
Water Parks in Florida
Water Parks near San Francisco
Water Park in Washington
Photo by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/papalamour/206475271
Livin’ it up at a Lake
Yosemite, CA: Lake Tanaya
Escape the crowds at this lake with it’s “stunning views, large beach and shallow waters” according to TravelPangs.
Oakland, CA: Lake Temescal
A neighborhood swimming lake that’s a “great place for kids” according to mitchguez.
Jim Thorpe, PA: Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Christine O’Toole recommends it because it “offers more than a vacation’s worth of activities”.
Photo by: Brennan Pang
Splash Pads, Fountains and Pools
Chicago: Splash at Millennium Park
asmpman says, “This whole park is fabulous!”.
San Francisco Bay Area Public Pools
The City | Peninsula | East Bay
San Francisco Bay Area Splash Parks
Peninsula | East Bay
Photo by:www.flickr.com/photos/brian-m/233359192
Unexpected Places to Cool Off
Jacksonville (Florida) Zoo & Gardens:
Splash Ground is a “perfect midday break” from walking around the zoo - BarnesFam
California: Universal Studios
Yes, there’s a splash park! Gretchen “took along swimsuits and watershoes and hung out in the splash park” with her kids all summer.
More Lists for Cooling Off By Trekaroo Familes:
• Places to Cool Off in Texas by romar
• Places to Cool Off in the Chi-town Area by asmpman
• Fun Summer Activities in the Tri-State Area by michipo
(This is an excerpt from our July 2009 Trekaroo Newsletter – Don’t miss any issues: SUBSCRIBE to the Trekarooo Newsletter)
Trekaroo is a reviews website dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
