Activities for Toddlers near Afton Alps, MN

Parks

• Thirty minutes from Afton Alps, in the city of Hastings, is Spring Lake Park, a scenic park overlooking the Mississippi River where your toddler can explore and play. The park has a playground and two picnic shelters where you and your little one can also enjoy a picnic. Or, you can take your toddler to Vermillion Falls Park, which is about 20 minutes form Afton Alps in downtown Hastings. At this park, there's paved walking trail, from which your toddler can view a 35-foot high waterfall. During the cold winter months, visit the nearby city of Woodbury -- just 22 minutes from Afton Alps -- where your toddler can play at the Lookout Ridge Indoor Playground. There's a play forest, tree house, cave and more -- complete with sound effects -- in this safe and stimulating environment.

Aquatic Adventures

• You toddler can have lots of fun at the Hastings Family Aquatic Center, 20 minutes from Afton Alps. There's a play structure in the zero-depth area of the facility. During the Tons of Tots Time, children under age 5 have exclusive use of the structure. You and your little one can also participate in a parent and child swim class at the YMCA in Hastings, where classes are available for kids as young as 6-months-old. During the classes, you and your toddler will learn about fundamental water safety, while you tot develops his aquatic skills. As your tot progresses, he will learn to blow bubbles, kick, paddle and float.

Library Fun

• The Pleasant Hills Library in Hastings, a 22-minute drive from Afton Alps, hosts frequent story times for little ones up to age 2 that include stories, songs, bouncing and playtime. Wescott Library in Eagan -- a half hour west of Afton Alps -- hosts story times appropriate for audiences of varying ages. Both libraries also provide free programs and events for toddlers that often include crafts, activities with stuffed animals and interactive learning programs complete with props and puppet shows.

Classes

• Just for Kix in Hastings offers a dance class called Tiny Kix for dancers, ages 3 to 5. The class focuses on large muscle movement, balance and basic dance technique. At Kargel Park in Woodbury, a 22-minute drive from Afton Alps, you and your child can participate in a Music Together class, which involves a variety of play-based musical activities, including singing, dancing and movements, fostering natural, family-style learning. Perpetual Motion Gymnastics, also in Woodbury, offers a Tiny Twister class for children ages 16 months to 3-years-old and their caregivers. The class is divided into three parts -- a warm-up, supervised free play, and group closing activity.