Blogmas 2022 - Post No. 4

December 4th! Blogmas Day 4. Today’s post is about Indoor Recreation Activities for the Wintertime. Something that is definitely needed on the days the temps dip below zero, especially for us, as we get antsy and bored if we have to sit at home multiple days in a row.

So if you get antsy like we do, here are a few indoor recreation ideas for those extra cold days.

Indoor Recreation Activities for the Wintertime

Indoor Rock Climbing

Today, Eric and I went indoor rock climbing at the Minneapolis Vertical Endeavors. The Minneapolis location is bouldering-only, which is usually our favorite type climbing, so it felt so good to be moving like that again!

Here are some Minnesota local rock climbing gyms for you to check out:

Vertical Endeavors (multiple locations around Minnesota + Illinois)
Minneapolis Bouldering Project in Minneapolis
Minnesota Climbing Co-Op in Minneapolis
Albert Lea Rock Gym in Albert Lea
Roca Climbing & Fitness in Rochester

Curling

Curling is another amazing workout of a recreational activity that’s done indoors. A surprising workout, this activity will warm you up as soon as you get started. And there are quite a few curling centers around Minnesota:

The best way to try curling is through a Learn to Curl class, so check your local curling center’s schedule for their open times!

Ice Skating / Ice Hockey

Anyone else who grew up in Minnesota grow up on the ice as well? Or is that just us? And we love it.

If you live anywhere that has consistently cold weather, you’ve likely walked or driven by an outdoor ice skating or hockey rink. Here in Minnesota, it seems like we have one on every corner, and that’s great! We are the State of Hockey, after all 🙂

But on the days where it’s way too cold to be skating outside, indoor ice skating and ice hockey rinks are prime. And if you live in the Midwest, there’s a good chance you have an indoor rink in your area too. Be sure to check out your local rink’s schedule for Open Skate times to be able to drop in and skate inside to stay warm when the weather outside is frightful.

And many more...

There are so many other recreational activities that take place indoors too, such as…

Bowling
Swimming
Track
Basketball
Tennis / Racquetball / Pickleball
Dance classes
Yoga

Just to name a few! Community Centers, Parks & Recreation Departments, Recreation Centers, and Fitness facilities are all great resources for indoor recreation and non-recreational activities to keep you busy throughout the winter.

Want more wintertime activities? Check out these posts:

Northeast Minneapolis is an eclectic area known for its art, restaurants, and – you guessed it – breweries! Minnesota has over 180 breweries, and 33 of them are in Minneapolis, making it a wonderful place to meet up with friends and try something new!

Join us as we take you to five of those breweries on a beautiful summer day. All within 2.9 miles of each other, this makes for the perfect walking (or biking!) tour of the city.

At-A-Glance Stats –
Fair State Brewing Cooperative to Sociable Cider Werks = 0.7 miles
Sociable Cider Werks to Indeed Brewing Company = 0.6 miles
Indeed Brewing Company to Able Seedhouse + Brewery = 0.3 miles
Able Seedhouse + Brewery to HeadFlyer Brewing = 0.9 miles

Fair State Brewing Cooperative

Our first brewery tour stop is Fair State Brewing Cooperative! With 20+ beverage options, this is a great stop to try something new! There’s something here for everyone, especially if your group likes different types of drinks.

Can’t decide which to get? Describe what flavors you like to the amazing bartender, who will perfectly match you with an awesome drink!

I can’t talk about Fair State Brewing without mentioning something that’s really special about them. The co-op was creating with collaboration and giving back in mind. How amazing is that? Here’s a blurb from their website:

“In 2016, we launched our community engagement arm, Fair State Cooperates. Each month we partner with a different nonprofit organization selected by our Member-Owners. In our partnerships, we raise funds through beer sales, awareness through social media, and involvement through volunteerism.”

Our suggestions –
The Roselle (kettle sour with hibiscus)
Big Doinks (IPA)
Fruityboom Frozen Slush (Mango Dreamsicle)
Non-alcoholic cold press

Pro Tip! Bring snacks or food and plan to sit outside in the beer garden!

Sociable Cider Werks

Ready for a cider? Stop number two brings us to Sociable Cider Werks! Here you can choose from 15+ types of beverages, including non-alcoholic options. Be sure to wander around and check out all of the fun vintage bicycles and bicycle parts. The spacious outdoor deck and patio are the perfect place to relax.

Our suggestions –
Squoze (guava)
Pinch Flat (hibiscus rose)
Training Wheels (scrumpy apple)

Pro Tip! Take a Tap Room tour on Saturdays - free if you bring a donation in the form of a canned food item!

Indeed Brewing Company

Welcome to Beerland at Indeed Brewing Company and Taproom! Feel free to wander around and take it all in. There are plenty of seating options both indoors and outdoors – shaded and sunny! Don’t forget to check out the gear shop for some great merch options too.

Our suggestions –
Strawberry Fields (sour)
Day Tripper (pale ale)
Pink Rabbit Pils (pilsner)

Pro Tip! Be hungry and ready for the best chicken you'll ever eat at the onsite food truck, Revival!

Able Seedhouse + Brewery

Note: This brewery has unfortunately now permanently closed.

Stop number four previously brought us to the beautiful Able Seedhouse + Brewery! Their values focused on the environment and the arts, and you could really see and feel that throughout this brewery.

Suggestions were –
Raspberry hibiscus wheat ale
Mosaic Ain’T So (American IPA)
Non-alcoholic Northstar Kombucha (cherry elderberry)

Pro Tip! Onside food truck Animales Barbeque Company is the perfect pairing to Able's amazing beer selection!

Headflyer Brewing

Our last stop on the Northeast Minneapolis Brewery Tour takes us to HeadFlyer Brewing. What a great atmosphere and way to end the day. Chill out on their deck or patio to chat, play a game, or reflect on all of the great places you visited today.

Suggestions –
Oh Baby Baby (kettle sour)
Hawaiian Sophie (pale ale)
Rye-U-Mah (malt forward ale)

Pro Tip! Play a game on their giant, handmade cribbage table!