Ask An Expert: Spring Break Staycation Activities For Kids In Minnesota
"There's nothing to do." That phrase should trigger a quest to get outside your four walls and take a spring break that your kids will remember. Before you go, check out these great economical ideas from Judith Ramsey. Discover even more spring break ideas in an earlier article, "Best Spring Break Activities For Kids In Minnesota."
Judith Ramsey
www.minnesota-visitor.com
Judith Ramsey lives and breathes Minnesota outdoor air. Whether by tent, camper or recreational vehicle, she has stayed in every nook and cranny of this great state with her husband, her children and now with her grandchildren. Judith shows her love for the state as owner of the Visit Minnesota website, where she captures all the positive features of our great environment with pleasing pictures and alluring accounts. Judith recently published a book that is as beautiful as it is complete in "Minnesota State Parks: From Afton to Zippel Bay."
Tip One: Visit A Minnesota State Park
"There is at least one state park within easy driving distance from any place in Minnesota. Twenty-five dollars will buy you a pass to all 67 for a full year. Choose the state park closest to you then decide if you will make it a day trip or a camping expedition. Most state parks in Minnesota have an onsite naturalist, outdoor play equipment that can be used for free and amazing opportunities to explore nature."
Tip Two: Take The Kids Fishing
"We're famous for our 10,000 lakes. Fishing is a top recreational choice for many residents and visitors. You can easily find a spot to cast a line from shore on most lakes, rent a boat to get out on the water or hire a fishing guide on one of the big lakes. Consider a stay at one of Minnesota's legendary vacation resorts. A boat, bait, fishing tackle and, sometimes, a guide are part of the package."
Tip Three: Explore The North Shore Of Lake Superior
"Book a stay in a hotel in Duluth, then a day trip along famous Highway 61. You can travel all the way to the Canadian border in one day if you choose. Don't miss the easy hike to Pigeon Falls at Grand Portage State Park. If you have several days to explore, spend some time in other state parks along the shore; sit on the beach and hunt for agates; explore the shops in Two Harbors and Grand Marais."
Tip Four: Discover The National Eagle Center
"The Mississippi River near Wabasha is home to the largest concentration of bald eagles anywhere in the lower 48 states. Up to 40 eagle pairs nest in the area. The National Eagle Center has a well-informed staff, educational displays, eagle spotting scopes and four resident eagles that cannot be released back into the wild because of injury."
Tip Five: Go Underground In Forestville Mystery Cave State Park
"Explore Minnesota's longest cave that features 13 miles of passages and stunning limestone formations. Join a living history tour in the nearby historic village of Forestville where one of the buildings is the General Store featuring shelves still stocked with merchandise from the date it closed in 1910."
Related: Ask A Parent: Travel Game Ideas For Kids.
Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
