There’s never a dull moment with Minnesota weather. This week an excessive heat warning was issued, approaching a record high of 98 degrees. And with dew points in the 70s, it felt more like 100 to 110 degrees. Temperatures should decrease in September so it won’t be so blazin’ hot, but until then, seek frigid solace with these cool activities in the Twin Cities.
Beach: In the land of 10,000 lakes, it’s not hard to find a place to dip your toes into. In the Twin Cities you will find the Chain of Lakes, which is comprised of a number of parks and walking/biking paths along a chain of connecting lakes, but you might want to skip the midday bike ride and sink into the cool depths of the waters at Lake Calhoun or Lake Harriet.
Water: If you want to completely avoid the outdoors, stick to an indoor water park. The Waterpark at The Depot is open to non-guests of the hotel. Here a giant waterslide and four pools provide cool entertainment for kids and adults. Water Park of America is home to Minnesota’s only FlowRider, a combination of surfing and snowboarding. Also enjoy the lazy river, a number of waterslides and shallow activity pools for the younger ones.
Shop: The Mall of America is the Water Park of America’s neighbor. Stop by to shop and dine. You can even ride roller coasters at the all-indoor amusement park, Nickelodeon Universe.
Left and Center Photos by Todd Buchanan; Right photo by Bruce Silcox
Ice: Ice skating might seem like a winter activity, but an ice rink is perhaps the coldest place you will find in town. The Roseville Ice Arena, just 15 minutes from Minneapolis, offers public skating nearly every day and even an indoor walking track if you prefer to be on a less slippery surface. Schwan Super Rink at the National Sports Center in Blaine is the largest ice arena in the world with eight ice rinks. There is open public skating, open hockey and senior skate. And with eight rinks, it’s likely you will be able to catch a hockey game going on.
Skyway: Usually the Downtown Minneapolis skyways are praised for protecting people from the frozen tundra in the winter, but now the skyways are protecting people from the sauna-like conditions on the streets below. With eight miles of skyways, you can get to your desired location by barely stepping outside, or you can spend your entire day indoors with access to dozens of shops, restaurants, cafes and more.
Movies: For the ultimate movie-viewing experience, watch one on an IMAX screen. You can find these larger than life screens at multiple locations around the Twin Cities, including the Great Clips IMAX at the Minnesota Zoo, the Omnitheatre at the Science Museum, AMC Rosedale 14 in Roseville, AMC Southdale 16 in Edina, and AMC Eden Prairie Mall 18.
Play: Even if it’s just a bit too hot to go to the park, your kids can stay active by playing at the Run! Jump! Fly! Adventures in Action exhibit at the Minnesota Children’s Museum. The exhibit, which allows you to snowboard, surf, pedal on the fly, cycle, dance and more, ends Sept. 8.
Eat: There’s no better treat than ice cream on a 100-degree day. And when it’s this hot, you will probably scream for it. Some favorite handmade ice cream and original flavors can be found at Sebastian Joe’s, Grand Ole Creamery, Pumphouse Creamery, and Izzy’s Ice Cream.
