Ideas to Beat the Heat?

Nearly all of the malls in the cities have indoor play areas (Maplewood has a really nice one). There's also an indoor playground at Northdale Recreation Center (1414 Albans St, St. Paul) that's toddler appropriate. There's also Edinborough in Edina, Adventure Park in Ham Lake, and indoor play areas at most of the community centers throughout the cities. Some of the community centers have indoor pool areas, but I'm not sure I'd want to try that with three small children. The malls and Northdale are probably your cheapest options as they're all free. The others are usually about $5 per child.

I don't know how far away it is for you, but the Rosedale Mall has a little indoor play area just outside of JCPenny's on the lower level.

I took my son (11 months) there the other day to get out of the house and stay out of the heat and he had a blast - mostly because their were several other "big" kids between the ages of 1 and 4 for him to admire and chase after. It is fairly small, and contains one slide thing, a few tunnels and plenty to climb on, but it is free and all of the kids really seemed to enjoy themselves.

Check out your local library. Especially the bigger branch libraries. They have age appropriate activities all the time. They're not just for books anymore! ;)

You could try the giggle factory in Hudson, WI. I'm in St. Paul and we made the trip a few times this past winter with my almost 2-year old. It is an indoor park--tons of fun. They also have a toddler area for your younger one and a coffee shop/deli for you! It's a great place to play!

http://www.thegigglefactorykids.com/

The library story hour. Most of the malls have children play areas that are free.

The Children's Museum in downtown St. Paul. If they like playing with wooden toy trains try Choo Choo Bob's in St. Paul (a store, but with a play area set up) or the Jackson St. Roundhouse. The Jackson St. Roundhouse may only be open on weekends. Some community centers have indoor playground/play areas.

C.,

The Como Zoo is also fun in the summer, even if you just stay inside the buildings. The green houses are nice, I love the Japanese Garden (which is outside but super shady and really pretty). My kids love to look at the gold fish in the green houses and also at the Japanese Garden.

There is an indoor gym at the Dale Street Rec center. I'm not sure of their summer hours, but you could contact them or check the website.

Wading pools are also fun for that age. There is one in Roseville (north of Rosedale at Rosebrook park), I'm sure there are some in St. Paul too.

Also, think of what you do inside during the winter (puzzles, games, crafts). They work just as well in the summer too! Try a theme day of zoo animals, or something summery.

Good luck!
J.