Iowa winters can be long and cold. I realized this especially after becoming a mother two years ago. In pre-motherhood times I would read a book, walk around the mall or just turn on the tv. Now that my two-ear-old sidekick is with me, I have had to come up with new ideas to make cold days go by and here are our top 5 things to do when the temperatures sink below freezing!
Nature Trail Hike
When the temps are not quite bone-chilling, I like to wrap up my daughter in her snow clothes and put her in our hiking carrier for a mile and a half long hike on the Amana Nature trail. There are three different lengths on this trail, and I have found that the blue 1.6 mile loop is just about perfect with a toddler on the back. In the winter the snow-covered timber is especially scenic, and we enjoy listening to the sounds of nature or looking for trolls in the woods.
Iowa Children’s Museum
A warmer alternative to the outdoors with much room for your kiddo to run around and burn off energy is the Iowa Children’s Museum located inside the Coral Ridge Mall. You will find things to do for kids of all ages. A great area for the smaller kids is upstairs, where the littles can play farm or pretend in a small kitchen. This area has a gate, so the kids are contained in the area and won’t easily slip away.
Toddler coffee date
Train ‘em young. Since I am raising my little bestie, I like to take her on toddler coffee dates. Sidekick Coffee& Books in Iowa City is a super fun and cozy hangout, where you can enjoy amazing coffee, food and pick up a couple new books! Definitely give this place a try if you haven’t. Great for dates with other moms as well!
North Liberty community center indoor play area
The North Liberty Community Center offers a plethora of activities for families, so definitely check their calendar, but for non-scheduled entertainment, they have a great little indoor play area right next to the main entrance. Here toddlers can play while the adults get to sit off on the side and watch.
Pillow fort and book reading
If you don’t feel like leaving the house on a snow day, how about a good old fashioned pillow fort? It’s fun to roll around in and cuddle up with a flashlight and some books as the wind howls outside! Sip on a babyccino and some cookies and it’s the coziest spot in the house!
What are your favorite snow day activities?
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