A Spring Break Stay-Cation For Woodbury

Students of District 833 will be on spring break next week. Many families will take leave to warmer climates, replenish their Vitamin D and blind their southern hosts with a glare reflecting from their winter white limbs.

But some will stay put. Keep their limbs covered. And be desperate for activities to prevent their youth from a screen-induced brain drain.

Begin by viewing spring break as a real vacation even if you’re not traveling.

Think of activities you might plan for guests visiting Woodbury. Then imagine your house is a week of Woodbury timeshare and you are tourists in the Twin Cities.

Most kids enjoy the rides at Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America. But don’t overlook the Sea of Life Aquarium and Moose Mountain Adventure Golf. Do a quick internet search for coupons and discounts to save on these MOA attractions.

Washington County Libraries have events worth noting. There are therapy dog readings, toddler, preschool & family story times, book club discussions and a Hunger Games movie release party for teens!

The library also offers discount passes for visiting area museums. So if you haven’t visited the James J. Hill House, Minnesota History Center or the Mill City Museum, these are great places to spend a couple of hours of family time. Tie in lunch somewhere fun like Mickey’s Diner and don’t forget your camera! It is, after all, a vacation.

Got young people with energy to burn? Check out the inflatable jumpers at in Woodbury or , an indoor trampoline park that asks, “Why run when you can fly?”

Activity centers at our local high schools have public hours for basketball, volleyball and badminton. There’s even a family night that includes a variety of gym games fun for most any age! Maybe your young Joe Mauer wannabe would like at , conveniently scheduled during spring break week.

There’s open swim at on March 9. Not technically a spring break day. But still a day off. The kids might enjoy a few laps around the pool. Or get wet at Water Park of America. But be sure to search for deals and discounts first.

There’s bowling at Sun Ray Lanes or . Sporting events at Target Center and Xcel Energy Center. Performances at Children’s Theater Company.

Or save a few bucks and host a game or movie night at home. Make it potluck. Set a theme! Relax and have fun.

Of course spring break shouldn’t be all play and no work.

Teens can start making plans for summer jobs and younger kids can experiment with employment too. In fact our son is dreaming of a spring break dog-walking gig. I guess he feels that since he can’t go south, he might as well care for the pets of those who can. Not a bad idea.

So if you’re not traveling over spring break, spend some time planning your stay-cation. And enjoy being a tourist in your own town!