Spring Break at Home
Happy Spring all! We are officially in the Spring season and even though we still have (plenty) of snow still on the ground, we know that warmer weather is on it's way! With the change to the Spring season, we have the very much needed Spring Break the next few weeks in the Twin Cities.
If you do not have the pleasure of traveling this year on Spring Break, you may be looking for some ideas to keep the kiddos entertained for a full week off.
We have a few ideas that will help your staycation feel more like a getaway.
Get Some Fresh Air
Take a Hike
Minnesota is one of the best places to live because there are so many great parks, trails, and lakes that you can visit to explore. We love going out to Afton to hike the trails, or going places like Stillwater & Taylor's Falls to take in the gorgeous views. It might be a little muddy, but the fresh air is going to feel great and make you feel alive again. If you want to stick closer to home, Cleary Lake and Murphy-Hanrehan are favorites in the Southern Suburbs. Lake Calhoun (Bde Maka Ska) area is a favorite as well, stop at a coffee shop or restaurant for a snack and drink after you walk if you go here!
Go to the Zoo
Even as adults, we still love going to the Zoo! Both the Minnesota Zoo and Como Zoo have great outdoor and indoor spaces to break up the day. The Conservatory at Como will always be one of our favorite places to go! Get the family out for a day and go see the animals as they come out of their shelters and enjoy the warming weather as well.
Go to a Twins Game
The Twins Home Opener is on Thursday, the 28th. If you can't make it to the opening game, there's two more that weekend - Saturday the 30th and Sunday, the 31st. This is one thing that definitely makes it feel like summertime. Not to mention, they have tons of covered space with snacks and beverages for you to explore if you haven't been before. Here's the rest of the season schedule.
Have a Bonfire & Cookout
If you don't want to stray too far from home, but want to get outside, break out the fire pit and cozy up around a fire with the family. You can make s'mores and start getting into the warmer weather spirit. If you don't want a bonfire, get the Grill out of storage and grill some burgers or brats. We know we miss that all winter long in our homes.
If You Want an Indoor Adventure
Check out one of the local Museums
Minnesota has a really impressive Art scene. We love taking the opportunity to go to one of the museums in town. If you aren't really one for art - the Science Museum is fun whether your a kid or an adult. They always have special exhibits, right now they are doing a film on Cuba. Otherwise we love going to check out the Minneapolis Institute of Art for a more classic experience, although right now they are having a screening on "Egypt's Sunken Cities. The American Swedish Institute, which is a converted Mansion, or Walker Art for modern art are also great. You can also visit the sculpture garden while you're at the Walker for the classic cherry in the spoon photo. Every Minnesotan has to do it at one point or another!
Go Shopping for new Summer items
We can't be the only ones that find it hard to find the time to go shopping! If you have kids, they may have grown out of their summer clothes from last year. Or maybe you just need to freshen up your wardrobe or outdoor items for your home. Take advantage of the time off to get everyone ready for the warmer weather so you're ready by the time Summer comes. We love going to visit the Twin Cities Premium Outlets in Eagan if you need new clothing, or you can always go to the Mall of America to shop and then maybe get a little amusement park fun at Nickelodeon Universe.
Take a mini Road Trip
If you can't get away for the whole week, try getting away for a weekend or a couple of days! It'll help break up the week and give you the opportunity to create some new memories in a new place. We have shared some of our favorite weekend getaways before that you can read about here.
Try a New Restaurant in Town
Sharing food with loved ones is so special. It's such a fun treat to be able to go try something new or get everyone together in a new part of town. Make Spring Break a little more exciting by trying a restaurant that's been on your list forever, but you haven't gotten to. Did you see Kelly's favorite in her Get To Know Your Realtor piece? Go check out her favorite, or you can see some other restaurants we love here. We talk about their patios, but you don't need to sit on the patio to enjoy them!
Make an at Home Spa Day
We can all use a little TLC. Make a fun afternoon or day at home with spoiling yourself and kiddos with some fun face masks, painting your nails, and taking a bubble bath. Okay, maybe this one is more for you.... especially if you made it through the whole week with the kids off of school....
Whatever you choose to do this Spring Break, we hope you have a great time! Enjoy the warmer weather and get out and enjoy something new!