15 Fun Activities to Keep You Entertained at Home Over the Holidays

10 Things to do in MN this winter

From: https://www.exploreminnesota.com/list/things-to-do-minnesota-this-winter

Minnesota is a winter haven for outdoor activities, theater, food and drink, seasonal festivals and more. Get out and win at winter with these unique #OnlyinMN activities.

EXPLORE THE TRAILS

Whether you lace up your boots for a winter walk or prefer exploring powdery paths on snowshoes, snowmobile, fat bike or cross-country skis, you'll find plenty of room to roam on Minnesota's thousands of miles of winter trails. More than two dozen Minnesota state parks offer groomed trails for skiing.

In the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, some popular cross-country spots are Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove, Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington and Theodore Wirth Regional Park in Minneapolis, which hosts the COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup on Feb. 17-19. Snowshoe rentals are common in state and local park systems but call ahead to confirm availability before heading out.

Since nature centers are often surrounded by trails, they make a great starting point for snowshoeing, winter hiking, snowmobiling or cross-country skiing. Options include the River Bend Nature Center in Faribault (skiing and snowmobiling), Maplewood Nature Center (snowshoeing) and Hartley Nature Center in Duluth (skiing).

For the ultimate winter outing, check out a popular luminary event where trails are illuminated by cozy candlelight. These events are suitable for all ages and ability levels.

ATTEND A WINTER FESTIVAL

Minnesotans love to embrace winter weather, and nothing brings out our rosy-cheeked enthusiasm like a winter festival!

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is the oldest winter festival in the United States. Since 1886, downtown St. Paul has been transformed into a winter wonderland with ice sculptures, parades and live music in Rice Park. These days it's also an integral component of The Great Northern festival, which unites some of the Twin Cities' premier winter events under one, snowy banner from late January through early February.

Head north to International Falls for Icebox Days, where “Only the Bold Run the Cold,” during this famous border town’s Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run. The festival includes other wacky events, such as frozen turkey bowling, smoosh races, frozen golf and boot hockey. Find incredible ice castles, ice mazes, ice bars and more at these popular events or see incredible snow sculptures at the World Snow Sculpting Championship in downtown Stillwater in January 2024.

If you're in northwest Minnesota, Polar Fest in Detroit Lakes features a polar plunge, fireworks and an illuminated ice castle. Head to the frozen waters of Lake Harriet to explore the popular Art Shanty Projects where artists create temporary structures and interactive, engaging art experiences and performances for four weekends in January. Look to the skies to see kites of all shapes, sizes and color at the Kites on Ice Kite Festival on Buffalo Lake in downtown Buffalo in February.

TRY A NEW WINTER SPORT

Did you know the U.S. Men’s 2015 curling team (who won the 2015 championship) is from Duluth? Minnesota has the most curling clubs in the nation. With more than 30 clubs across the state, you are bound to find one near you.

Dubbed one of “16 Unexpected Adventures You Need to Experience” by Expedia, dogsledding is a winter must-do. Ely-area dogsled outfitters offer a wide variety of options; there are day trips and overnight trips. Best of all, no experience is required. The Boundary Waters has over a million of acres of pristine, snowy environment to explore. There are also opportunities to see or try dogsledding along the North Shore of Lake Superior in Duluth or Two Harbors, Monticello, Hastings and Lake Minnetonka.

You probably have gone sledding in Minnesota, but have you tried cosmic snow tubing? At dusk, the cosmic lights light up the night at Wild Mountain in Taylors Falls, Mount Kato in Mankato, Powder Ridge in Kimball or Buck Hill in Burnsville for a thrilling winter night.

PLAN A COZY GETAWAY

If you’re looking for a cozy lodge to curl up by a fireplace or a hip boutique hotel with

great cocktails, you’re bound to find what’s right for you this winter. Warm up in the rooftop hot tub at Hotel Crosby in Stillwater, sip handcrafted cocktails from the on-site distillery at Cantilever just outside Voyageurs National Park, or dine in an igloo at Hotel Landing in Wayzata. Get your hygge on at Elliot Park Hotel’s Scandinavian inspired rooms just minutes from the excitement at U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis.

If cozy resorts and roaring fires are more your style, stay at Timberlake Lodge in Grand Rapids, Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge in Bemidji or warm up from a day on the snow filled trails at the Lakes Inn in Pelican Rapids.

If you seek the charm of a bed and breakfast, head to Lanesboro — Minnesota’s “bed and breakfast capital” — or explore Wabasha, which has been compared to one of pop culture’s favorite small towns, Stars Hollow, thanks to picturesque properties like Turning Waters Bed and Breakfast. No matter where you stay, exploring a new destination and treating yourself to a relaxing getaway will break your cabin fever.

GO DOWNHILL SKIING OR SNOWBOARDING

Minnesota features some of the highest hills in the Midwest, and Minnesota downhill ski areas offer thrills for any level of skills. From Spirit Mountain in Duluth to Detroit Mountain Recreation Area in Detroit Lakes, there are opportunities across the state to cruise the runs. Find 18 of the most popular places to ski or snowboard in Minnesota.

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP

During the holiday season, support local makers marts, European-inspired holiday markets or find festive decorations and celebrations at Mall of America. Stroll through charming downtowns, shop Minnesota made goods or shop without your coat at one of our many indoor malls. Best of all, there is no sales tax on clothing or shoes in Minnesota so go ahead and treat yourself this season.

TRY A NEW RESTAURANT

In winter, we love to indulge with our favorite comfort food and try new and unique dishes. Discover some of the best spots to eat in Minneapolis or St. Paul.

If you’re looking to expand your culinary skills at home, try a cooking class, support local shops that specialize in international foods, oils, spices or visit these local butchers for new and fresh ingredients.

VISIT A MUSEUM OR TAKE IN A SHOW

At the Science Museum of Minnesota's vibrant, open space in downtown St. Paul, explore four floors of engaging exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to the human body, the Mississippi River, race, questionable medical devices and Legos. More of a moviegoer? Kids love the Science Museum’s 90-foot, giant dome screen Omnitheater. While you’re downtown, be sure to stop by Rice Park to see the ice sculptures and live entertainment as part of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.

Other museums worth a winter visit include the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona, the SPAM Museum in Austin and the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis.

The Twin Cities is home to dozens of local theaters that produce local or host traveling productions. See what’s playing this winter and get your tickets.

WARM UP INSIDE

Waterslides, lazy rivers, and splash pads aren’t just for the summer months. Several Minnesota water parks can be found indoors, offering a tropical escape no matter the weather.

Your favorite outdoor activities don’t need to stop with a little snow. Find rock climbing, golf, playgrounds, farmers markets and more inside at these spots.

GET OUT ON THE ICE

Lace up your skates and glide onto the Riverbend Skate Path, one of the longest ice-skating trails in the United States. It connects to Doc's Harbor Inn’s public skating rink as well as several private rinks to provide 5 miles of open skating for all to enjoy in Warroad.

You can skate North America’s largest outdoor refrigerated rink in Roseville, or head to Maple Grove to carve your way across one of the country’s only refrigerated ice skating trails. If frozen lakes are more your style, head to Edina, Buffalo, or one of three lakes in Minneapolis - Lake of the Isles, Nokomis and Powderhorn. Lace up at the Infinity Loop on Lake Minnetonka’s Wayzata Bay during the Wayzata Chilly Open in February and you can even watch a movie on a jumbo screen as you skate.

Ice fishing is an iconic Minnesota winter activity. Visit Lake of the Woods, the "Walleye Capital of the World," to experience excellent ice fishing. This fishing destination features more than 50 resorts, sleeper services and hotels. Lodging options include a cozy cabin, condo, hotel, motel or a sleeper fish house on a frozen lake.

No matter what you do this winter, get out and explore Minnesota.

A lot of people have more spare time on their hands this year than ever before, so there’s never been a better opportunity to take up new hobbies and fun activities. And yet, many of people still find themselves completely and utterly… bored. Following the hobby rush that took place earlier this year (you know, when everyone you knew was working on a puzzle?), many of us are looking for other options to stay occupied. But as 2020 comes to a close and the cold weather forces us to look for ways to stay entertained indoors in the weeks and months ahead, now’s the time to start getting creative again. Need some inspiration? We rounded up 15 of our favorite boredom busters that’ll help you (and your quaran-pals) from getting cabin fever this winter.

1 / 15

Custom Paint By Numbers Kit

ETSY

$29.99

Earlier in the year, we saw a boom in adult paint-by-number kits. This custom paint-by-number version takes the fun to a whole new level by letting you personalize it with your own photo. Simply upload your pic to personalize the canvas, and it will be shipped with the corresponding paint colors so you can create a masterpiece all your own.

2 / 15

Beginner Embroidery Kit

ETSY

$12.80

was $16.00

We compiled an entire holiday gift guide for people who love to learn, and one of the most popular presents was this embroidery kit from Etsy. There are seven adorable houseplant patterns to choose from, and each kit comes with an embroidery needle, a plastic hoop, several colors of thread, and a piece of linen fabric so you can get to the stitching as soon as it arrives.

3 / 15

Kelly Wearstler Teacher Interior Design

MASTERCLASS

$15.00

With many people staring at the same four walls day each day, it's completely normal to feel like your living space could use a facelift. Get some tips from interior design pro Kelly Wearstler in her MasterClass, where she'll teach you how to make any space feel larger and how to choose colors, materials, and textures with confidence. AT's own Senior News and Culture Editor, Nicoletta Richardson, took this course earlier this year and raved about it here.

4 / 15

300 Writing Prompts Journal

WALMART

$8.79

Those who like to write (or want to write more) will love the 300 Writing Prompts Journal from Piccadilly, which includes 300 introspective prompts to help you put your thoughts on paper.

5 / 15

Terrarium Building Kit

ETSY

$29.99

Love succulents? Why not build your own lovely little terrarium! This kit comes with two living succulents, soil, sphagnum moss, charcoal, drainage rock, ornamental rocks, instruction, and a glass container of your choice so you can craft the terrarium of your dreams.

6 / 15

Streaming Subscriptions

From "The Mandalorian" and "Hamilton" to "The Crown" and the revival of "The Animaniacs," this year has been a banner year for streaming services. So, if there are some movies or TV Shows that you've yet to cross off your watchlist, now may be the time. With a quick subscription to Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+, you'll have some of the greatest content of the year at your fingertips.

7 / 15

Beginner's Knitting Kit

ETSY

$53.30

Knitting is one of the most popular activities in recent years (as of 2016, 28.8 million Americans were knitting or crocheting), so if you're ready to give it a try, we recommend this adorable starter kit. Complete with three rolls of chunky yarn (available in 11 colors), a knitting pattern, a stitch marker, needles, and instructions, it'll teach you the basics (how to cast on/off, knit, purl, etc.) and you'll create a beautiful triangle scarf.

8 / 15

Gordon Ramsay Teaches Cooking

MASTERCLASS

$15.00

Whose cooking skills couldn't use a little sprucing up? In this MasterClass course, Gordon Ramsey takes you into his home kitchen to teach you everything from how to set up your own kitchen to how to cook some of his unforgettable go-to dishes. One writer at our sister site, The Kitchn, tried the course for herself and highly recommends it!

9 / 15

Modern Calligraphy Class

UDEMY

$13.99

was $39.99

Whether you want to add a little extra flair to your handwritten letters or just practice a new writing style, this beginner's calligraphy course is a guaranteed good time. You'll learn the basics, like proper hand posture and how to connect your letters, and by the end of it, you'll be well on your way to mastering this centuries-old art form.

10 / 15

Paint By Sticker Book

AMAZON

$8.84

was $14.95

Want to play around with art but you're not into the messiness of paint? Re-create masterpieces from masters like da Vinci, Botticelli, and Van Gogh with this sticker book instead. Featuring 12 iconic works of art, it'll bring out the artist in you—no painter's smock necessary.

11 / 15

obé Fitness Dance HIIT Classes

OBÉ FITNESS

$27.00

Who said staying fit while staying indoors isn't fun? Break up your routine by busting a move at an obé Fitness dance class. Featuring classes for all fitness levels, this site lets you pick from hundreds of classes that'll have you movin' and groovin' in no time.

12 / 15

The Crafter's Box 1-Month Subscription

THE CRAFTER'S BOX

$65.00

DIYers looking for the best subscription box to keep them busy should try The Crafter's Box. Every month you'll receive a new kit featuring all the artisan-curated materials you need to complete a craft as well as information on how to watch the corresponding workshop video. The best part? Each month, you'll end up with a handcrafted work worth displaying or gifting!

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Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster with Fender Play

AMAZON

$299.99

Now's the time to finally pick up that instrument you've always wanted to learn. This beginners kit from Fender comes with a gorgeous Affinity Stratocaster (available in 10 colors), a guitar strap, tuner, picks, and a trial to Fender Play, the guitar giant's online school. Zoom concert, anyone?

14 / 15

DIY Macrame Plant Hanger Kit

ETSY

$30.90

Looking for new ways to show off your plant babies? Create a boho holder with this DIY macrame kit. It includes all the materials you need to make a beautiful hanger, plus an easy-to-follow video tutorial and guide.

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Calm Puzzle

WALMART

$6.97

Okay, okay—hear us out. We know you may already have a lot of puzzles, but these new ones from the people behind the Calm app are seriously relaxing. Featuring landscapes designed to evoke feelings of well, calm, these puzzles also come with a free 30-day trial to the app so you can really unwind.

Sarah M. Vazquez

COMMERCE WRITER

Sarah writes about all things shopping for Apartment Therapy. Her work has appeared in Marie Claire, Good Housekeeping, Elle Decor, PureWow, and Woman’s World, among others. In her free time, you can find her strumming away at her guitar, on the perpetual hunt for the coziest duvet cover, and enjoying Sundays in the park with Marty—that's her pup.

Source: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/best-boredom-busters-36856752

10 Things to do in MN this winter

10 Things to do in MN this winter

15 Fun Activities to Keep You Entertained at Home Over the Holidays

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