Can't Afford A Getaway? Plan A 'Tropical' Staycation Instead
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- By mid-March, most of us are sick of winter and ready for a getaway. Getting out of town can be expensive, but there are some places you can at least pretend to be in the tropics.
Float away your winter blues at Water Park of America. With six water slides, a wading pool, lazy river and hot tubs, you'll forget you're in Bloomington. Prices start at $33 an hour for an afternoon in the water.
The Kahler family wanted to shake up their spring break and escape the long, cold winter in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
"It's nice to get away and just do something different, even though it's so cold out," she said. "The boys don't care what they're doing as long as it's something fun."
If you're looking for a more exotic getaway, consider a trip to the tropics. The Amazon Trail at Como Zoo's conservatory is a balmy 77 degrees with 70-percent humidity.
Regan Peterson and her friends are on spring break from school in Wisconsin.
"It feels like you're outside somewhere warm, like Florida," she said. "It's not something we get up here a lot."
A visit to the Zoo is free, but donations of $2 or $3 is suggested. As winter fatigue kicks in, a trip to the tropics can cure any spring fever.
"At my house (in South Dakota), it's -31 degree wind-chill. So this is definitely a little warmer," Monica Chamberlain said.
Deb Peterson has been bringing her family to the conservatory each winter since they were little.
"We always do a February or spring trip to the conservatory, especially this time of year when you need to feel like you're experiencing a little bit of Spring in Minnesota. The long winter this year has made it that much more necessary to come."
If you're wanting to feel sand beneath your toes, consider a game of beach volleyball. Hidden Beach offers indoor and outdoor beach volleyball. Leagues play there six nights a week.
