Living in the Midwest with young children can be HARD when it comes to the winter months! Keeping them busy and active when going outside isn’t a frequent option can feel daunting! So….we have compiled a list of places to visit and things to do. This is a list for all moms, but we have included specific businesses and locations for our local Twin Cities, MN mamas. We hope this list helps you get through the next couple of cold months!
Indoor Play
Let them run like crazy at an indoor playground. Most are specifically designed for kids with soft-contained structures and thought-out play equipment to burn off steam and have a ball! Bringing your kids to these type of play centers can help with development of social skills, keeps them active and healthy, encourages creativity, and insures safety and security!
Twin Cities, MN Moms
Here is a list of other places to visit, although not playgrounds:
And some more ideas for places to visit with toddlers:
Museums & Theaters
Don’t underestimate the learning that can occur at places such as museums and theaters. Museums are ideal spaces for kids to learn. They allow kids to explore their interests through objects, exhibits, and activities. Theaters help kids realize that something can be entertaining and engaging without constant change of scenery. They will learn how to sit quietly, respect others, and pay attention.
Twin Cities, MN Moms
Story Time
Attending Story Time with your kids can be such a fun and bonding experience. In addition, your kids get experience in listening to another adult, including how to pay attention to someone who is not their parent or normal caregiver and how to sit quietly while they are speaking! Your kids will also get the opportunity to interact with other kids!
Twin Cities, MN Moms
Indoor Fun
And just in case you are feeling like hunkering down and staying home to completely avoid the cold, or if the travel conditions aren’t ideal, here are some fun ideas to do at home with the kids. Although I love getting out of the house, we have made some of the best memories staying home!
Build Forts
Hide & Seek
Dance Party
Arts & Crafts
Sensory Table
Indoor Picnic
Playdoh
ECFE Playdoh Recipe
Ingredients:
2 1/2 Cups Flour
3 T 1/2 TSP Vegetable Oil
1/2 Cup Salt
1 TSP Food Coloring
1 T. Cream of Tartar
2 Cups Boiling Water
Place dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix thoroughly. Boil water. Form a “well” in the center of the dry ingredients and place oil in the center. When the water begins to boil, add food coloring and stir. SLOWLY add colored water to the dry ingredients. Stir well using a large spoon. Let the dough sit for a few minutes. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for five minutes. (CAUTION: the dough may be very hot! You may want to wear rubber gloves to do this.) It may be necessary to add a little flour while kneading (add just enough so the dough doesn’t stick to the counter). Put the dough in a Ziploc bag, but wait about 30 minutes before sealing the bag to allow for additional cooling. Refrigeration will keep the dough fresh for a longer time. HAVE FUN!
Outdoor Fun
On the warmer and more bearable days, get outside and try these outdoor activities with your kids!
We hope this list helps keep you sane, and the kids busy during the winter months!
Pin This List!
Many items on this list were complied with the help of many moms, and provided to families from an ECFE program.
