Plan Ahead: Winter Break Happenings

Winter break can pose a challenge for some parents.  If you work, you need to either take the time off or find something for your kids to do.  Even if you have the time off, you may be hearing way too much "I'm Bored!" coming from your kiddos.  We're here to help!  Check out some fun things for your family to do during winter break or send the kids off and take a break for yourself!

Winter Adventure Camp
Carver County Parks
December 27-30
9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily
Boys & Girls grades 4-6
Cost:  $100

Learn and develope your outdoor skills indoors and out!  Activities include:

• Cross Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Geocaching
• Archery
• Winter Hikes
• Birding
• And much more!

Given the nature of this camp, participants will need appropriate outdoor clothing for programs which will be taking place outdoors for extended periods of time.  Space is limited to 20 students, so sign up fast!  To register visit the city of Chanhassen’s website http://www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us/ or they can call the Chanhassen Rec Center 952-227-1122.


Fee includes activities, materials and snacks. Lunch is not provided.
 
Way-Cool Cooking School, Inc.
16544 W. 78th Street
Eden Prairie, MN 55346
(Highway 5 and Eden Prairie Road near Kowalski’s)
December 27-29
Cost:  $55/class

Way-Cool Cooking School is a seriously fun Cooking School specializing in custom events and entertainment for all ages. The Way-Cool Cooking School believes cooking as a family is important, and want to get families excited about spending time together in the kitchen. They have created a space that is friendly and inviting to both children and adults with locations in Eden Prairie and Woodbury.

The Way-Cool Cooking School in Eden Prairie is offering four different classes for kids ages 7-15. $55 gets your child a morning or afternoon with an experienced chef (and some quiet time for you), and skills that they can put to good use at home!


Winter Wonderland – December 27, 9:00am to 12:00pm
Create a wonderland of goodies. Kids will have a Way-Cool time making: Snowman cupcakes, Snowflake cookies, Holiday Yule Log cake, and Homemade Hot Cocoa.

Cooking Skills Challenge – December 28 1:00 to 4:00pm
Students will plan delicious dishes created to their own tastes while sharpening cooking skills and mastering fundamentals. Chef instructors will take them through essentials such as knife use and kitchen safety, following recipes, measuring, mixing, and monitoring time and temperatures. Parents are welcome to join at the end of the day as the winner is chosen!

Baking and Pastry Extravaganza – December 29, 9:00am to 12:00pm
Kids will enjoy a fun-filled day of baking with a chef instructor to walk them through the fundamentals of baking. They will create Chocolate Pâté à Choux, Vanilla Pastry Cream, and Glazed and Flaky Mini-Scones.

Appetizers from around the World – December 29, 1:00 to 4:00pm
Just in time for New Year’s parties, learn to make fun and fantastic appetizers from Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

Register for classes online or call (952) 949-6799. Classes are also offered in their Woodbury location. Find out more by visiting Way-Cool Cooking School’s website at waycoolcookingschool.com. And since they are “way-cool” of course you can find them on Facebook.


Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Hwy 5 & Hwy 41
Chanhassen
December 30 & 31
Cost:  Free

Arboretum Outdoors with Hoigaard's
Dec. 30, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Oswald Visitor Center. Try snowshoes and Nordic walking, with equipment compliments of Hoigaard's. Free lessons!
Ar-brrr-etum
Saturday, Dec. 31. Free admission for skiers and snowshoers all day.

The Arboretum has more than 10 miles of cross-country ski trails and 3-plus miles of snowshoe trails. Snowshow rentals are available at the Visitor Center Information desk.