It's getting to be that time of year. I have a 2 year old who is going stir crazy after a couple days of rain. I don't know what will happen when it gets cold and snowy!! What/ where are some fun thing to do inside and doesn't cost too much, in the Twin cities metro area??
i agree with all the suggestions below and for sure check out www.gocitykids.com! there are lots of storytimes around. mall of america has toddler day. there's a great store called choo-choo bob's in st.paul, it's free and boys and girls LOVE it! when i got really desperate last year, i went downtown, had some food,shopped a little and let my toddler run through the skyways! he had a blast! oh...como zoo is free too!
The zoos, especially MN. Children's Museum. If you can afford a memberhsip to either place they pay for themselves within the first 2-3 visits. Edinborough indoor Park in Edina. Eden Prairie Center has a playland. Eden Prairie Community Center has a play land, too. Free under age 2, then not sure of the price. Barnes and Noble locations have story times 2x/week, sometimes provding snacks. Wild Rumpus bookstore in Mpls. Have fun!
I know what you mean, I have a 20 month old boy who has a never-ending supply of energy and we have spent practically every day outside this summer, so winter will be a huge shock for both of us.
The first poster has great ideas. The MN Zoo is not so bad...you can get an "Individual plus one" membership for $72 which is a lot at once but sooo worth it because that is for a whole year. Actually depending on when your daughter will be turning 3, it might be a good idea to just get an individual membership for $40 because as long as she is 2, she is still free.
Edinborough is great...there's also Eagle's Nest in New Brighton and I've taken my son to Adventure Park in Ham Lake which is similar...kids are $5, parents are free.
Lots of libraries have baby/toddler story times.
I hate to admit it but I've brought my son to a McDonald's playplace a couple of times because it is so convenient and so much closer to home- A cup of coffee is cheap admission!
Also Rosedale mall has a small play area by JC Penney's. My son loves the coin-operated vehicles and horse. I think a lot of malls have something. Walking around in a mall is something to do in general. I took my son to Har Mar when I picked up my contacts and we walked around and he loved it. We visited the pet store to look at the fish and the puppies, he climbed on the benches, pushed his stroller around, and just explored.
My daughter and I were at Edinborough Park in Edina last night. They have a great climbing structure called Adventure Peak and a gym that the kids can run around in and ride on little wheeled carts. She had a blast and wore off all the "stir crazies"! It costs $6 per time or you can buy a 10 visit pass for $50. Good for kids 2 on up.
Another thing we do sometimes is go to Ikea where she can play in the Smalland for free for an hour, while I "shop". Kids need to be completely potty trained for that.
The Children's Museum in St. Paul is a favorite and great for age 2 and up.
Try www.gocitykids.com for more ideas.
My boys really like the Eagles Nest in New Brighton. It's $5 per child.
I would check into your local MOMS Club--momsclub.org. Our chapter has stuff to do every day, and most of it is free or cheap. It ranges from coffee chats to museum outings, lunches, and playgroups. It's meant as much for the moms (perhaps moreso) than the kids, but the kids have made invaluable friendships through the club.
Eden Prairie is a bit far, but they have a super cool soft play area for little ones. It can get super busy though, esp. if school is out. Check your local community centers, many have open gym throughout the week, some free, some just a few bucks: Apple Valley CC on Hayes Rd is M-W-F 10:45 to 12 and free, Eagan CC is $3, and I don't know their days/ times, but it includes the Blast if she's a maze climber. Also, check out Meetup.com, there are some play groups on there as well that plan different things on a weekly basis.
