We really needed to look for some winter smiles to knock the grey out of our heads. Winter in the tristate area can really get me down, and sometimes even my therapy light isn’t enough to help. That’s when I know I really need to get the heck out of my house.
Cabin fever is a real thing y’all! Changing up the scenery can help everyone’s mood and creativity too. Whether you are looking for outdoor fun to get some movement into your winter smiles or are looking for more indoor activities, we’ve got a list of places to check out in the tristate area that you may not have explored yet, and not just places to drop your entire paycheck! So from bougie to budget friendly and even FREE, we’ve got 6 winter play ideas below that will have you turning off the TV & grabbing your shoes for some fun!
- Wesselman Woods is one of my favorite places to stroll with the kids for a while, yes, even in the winter. If you’re looking for bigger or even less crowded trail adventures, I highly recommend the All Trails App for exploring new places. Yes, you’ll need to bundle up this winter, but totally worth it for the fresh air.
- If exploring outside sounds fun, but you also would like to have a place to dash inside if your toes are frozen, Mesker Park Zoo is open 365 days a year!
- Looking for a little quiet time or somewhere with FREE activities for the kiddos inside? Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library is the bee’s knees in every season, so definitely explore what they have to offer. Honestly, check out all the libraries near wherever you happen to live, as they have awesome FREE programs for people of all ages.
- Did you know that Evansville has an indoor public pool?? Yes, winter smiles can come from taking summer activities inside. Deaconess Aquatic Center is a great place to go play inside that will 100% insure that your toddler will take an outstanding afternoon nap!
- If chilling out while your kids play indoors somewhere that you don’t have to play is what you’re looking for, I would suggest checking out either Polka Dots Play Cafe in Haubstadt, Little Blondie’s Playplace on the west side, or The Hills indoor playscape (FREE), both of which serve coffee & other beverages to warm you up.
- Finally, depending on what you are in the mood for, if you are ready to let your kids play it out somewhere that you don’t have to clean, and you don’t mind paying for an awesome experience, Here are our favorite local spots to check out: CMOE, Deep Blue, Dig N Roll, Inflatable Fun Factory.
Even if you are expecting your first baby, save this list for future reference! Winter doesn’t have to mean hiding away. Play keeps our brains happy.
