Storms start to move out of Minnesota, continue for western Wisconsin

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Updated June 29, 3:44 p.m. | Posted June 28, 5:25 p.m. 

Minnesotans love being outdoors, but the smoky air from Canadian wildfires can be brutal. Don’t let the unhealthy air ruin your summer spirit! 

MPR News asked its readers about their favorite indoor activities and they responded with some good ones. Don’t worry, all of these are either free or budget-friendly. 

4) Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, St. Paul 

 to find a library near you. Or you can visit your favorite 

“Take your children to the nearest public library. You may be amazed when they are told to pick out 3 books just for themself. If you don’t have a library card you can get one while you are there,” commented Judith Anderson on our 

12) Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, Mankato

Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, Mankato

13) The St. John's Pottery, Collegeville 

14) Schubert Club Music Museum, St. Paul 

Yoga can also be kid-friendly and super fun! Learn more with these 

 Are you a parent?

Raising Kids in Minnesota

Needlepoint, knitting, crocheting, you name it! Sewing can be great but if it’s done with kids, adult supervision is strongly encouraged. 

While building structures with Legos, Magna-Tiles or Lincoln Logs can be fun, watch your step! Stepping on those pieces can be really painful and we don’t want anybody to get hurt.

Here’s a fun and creative way to become a spy and go on a secret mission! Grab some paper streamers and stick them on a hallway to create your DIY laser maze. 

Kari Burgess Moore shared this idea with MPR News: “We held minute-to-win-it games during Thanksgiving one year. We moved back home to Minnesota last summer, but even with all the snow this year, we haven’t built a laser maze since moving here! (Sounds like a good idea now, though!)” 

This can be a fun way to let your imagination fly. “Trace your body on freezer paper or similar and make yourself into a superhero,” commented Cindy Alexejun on our 

You can get them shipped or very cheap at the closest Goodwill.

What did I miss? Email me your ideas for free and low-budget options to

Nicole Johnson

Author

We asked MPR News readers about their favorite indoor things to do and they responded with some great tips. Don’t worry, all of these are either free or budget-friendly. 

People twist pipe cleaners into artistic shapes

Smoky air keeping you indoors? Try these 20 fun, low-budget Minnesota ideas

Go Deeper.

Like this?