Community Corner
Patch Picks: Staying Home? Staycation!
It's spring break week in Inver Grove Heights and if you are looking for some great "staycation" (buzzword for at-home vacation) options, check out these ideas.
This is "fun central" in Inver Grove Heights, so if the kids have energy to burn, pack the swimsuits and head over to The Grove. Enjoy water slides, splash challenges, lily-pad crossings or even just a few laps in the pool. Combine gym and swim time and you'll have even more fun. Twilight fees for $4 per person are available after 5:30pm on Mon-Fri. For information, call the pool info line at 651-450-2480. 8055 Barbara Avenue.
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This is a perfect staycation option and the chance to feel like a tourist in your own hometown. The State Capitol offers free tours as well as a self-guided scavenger hunt on Saturdays and Sundays for all ages — pick up a $2 booklet at the information desk and find 12 unique decorations in the State Capitol building while you're exploring this Minnesota landmark. For information about hours and tours, call 651-296-2881. 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, St. Paul.
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These sweet little farm animals are definitely fan favorites and they will be on display at the Wells Fargo Family Farm at the Minnesota Zoo beginning on April 1. Chicks, piglets, lambs and more will be looking for visitors daily from 9am to 4pm throughout April. While you're at the zoo, check in on the only creatures who are sorry to see winter go — the bears at Russia's Grizzly Coast. Call the 24-hour oo info line at 952-431-9500 for more information. 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley.
Bring your senses back to life at this annual rite of spring on the 8th floor of the downtown Minneapolis Macy's store. From now through April 10, revel in gardens filled with hyacinth, azaleas and tulips, courtesy of Bachman's. The exhibit is free. Make a day of it and enjoy lunch — with lots of kid-friendly options — in Macy's Sky Room restaurant. 700 On the Mall, Minneapolis.
If you want to see several gardens slowly springing to life, this staycation option is well worth the drive to Chaska. Walk the many trails, watch for the first hopeful blooms of spring and enjoy time outdoors without your snow boots. Every weekend throughout the month of April, drop-in activities for families will be offered at the Learning Center, free with admission to the Arboretum. The theme is "Squish of Spring" where kids can make mudpies with spring soil, watch worms compost trash and more. For details and directions, call 952-443-1400. 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska.