Five Kid-Friendly Alternatives To The Super Bowl In Minnesota
Sadly, the Vikings did not make the Super Bowl this year. While many Minnesotans are enjoying the game regardless of our home team's absence, many of us would rather do something else. Instead of dragging the kids to a boring Super Bowl party or watching the game at home, make your way out for a fun activity on Super Bowl Sunday. Minnesota is filled with local festivals and fun alternatives to watching the game.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Children's Theater Company
2400 3rd Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 872-0400
www.childrenstheatre.org
Date: Feb. 2, 2014
The Children's Theater Company in Minneapolis is presenting a unique adaptation of a classic children's book by author and illustrator Eric Carle. Mr. Carle will be narrating the show himself as blacklights and puppets tell the story of his delightful characters. Other favorite stories will be presented as well, including "Little Cloud" and "The Mixed-Up Chameleon." Enjoy an afternoon of theater with your family on Super Bowl Sunday this year.
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
75 5th St.W.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 223-4700
www.winter-carnival.com
Date: Through Feb. 2, 2014
The St. Paul Winter Carnival is an annual event that will be hosting its 128th year. Celebrating the cold-weather state of Minnesota and encouraging outdoor fun, the Winter Carnival is a long-standing tradition in the Twin Cities. Carnival activities include dog sled races, ice and snow sculptures, kids' activities, parades and a frozen 5K race. Most activities are free and the carnival ends on Superbowl Sunday, so get out while the game is keeping everyone else in.
Fergus Falls Frostbite Festival
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
(218) 736-6951
www.exploreminnesota.com
Date: Jan. 31 - Feb. 2, 2014
The last day of the annual Fergus Falls Frostbite Festival falls on Super Bowl Sunday this year. Enjoy a host of winter activities outdoors with your family. Try ice skating, tubing, sledding and ice fishing this year while others are indoors eating high-fat snacks and watching football. Start with a pancake breakfast in the morning and participate in the winter carnival or the Frozen 5K. Stay for the chili cook-off to sample a local favorite and warm your tummy.
Minnesota Children's Museum
10 7th St. W.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 225-6000
www.mcm.org
The Children's Museum is always a fun venue for kids. Thankfully, it is open all day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday. While other Minnesotans are huddled around a television in their homes, your family can be taking advantage of the playful learning offered at the Children's Museum. Enjoy a special Groundhog Day event at the museum or engage in one of its fun exhibits such as "Big Healthy Fun."
City Of Lakes Loppett
1301 Theodore Wirth Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55422
(612) 604-5330
www.loppet.org
Date: Jan. 31 - Feb. 2, 2014
The City of Lakes Loppett is an annual cross country skiing festival held in uptown Minneapolis. This urban area hosts cross country ski races throughout the festival and encourages participants from all age groups. A ski carnival is held as well for spectators and families to enjoy fun and games outdoors. See snow sculptures, dogsled races, ice biking and all kinds of fun in the snow during the Loppett.
Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for eight years. She loves covering all things Minnesota and her work can be found on Examiner.com.
