Family-Friendly Spring Break in Inver Grove Heights

Sea Life Aquarium at Mall of America®
By Stacy Brooks

Time to spring break in Inver Grove Heights! With budget-friendly accommodations, kid-friendly restaurants, and activities the whole family will enjoy, here’s your guide to fun spring break getaway.

DAY 1

The Grove Waterpark- Spring Break in Inver Grove Heights
Photo Credit: Inver Grove Heights Park & Recreation

Start off your spring break by splashing around at the VMCC Aquatic Center.  The indoor water park has two large water slides, splash features, a dumping bucket, and a floating log crossing.  There’s also a pool available for recreational swimming and a dive pool with regular and high dive boards.   Day passes are available for open swimming.   Check out the open swim schedule here.

Next, zoom across the ice at the VMCC Ice Arena.  Day passes are available for ice skating, and skate rentals are offered for a small fee.  Find the open skate schedule here.

Iwa Sushi in Inver Grove Heights
Photo Credit: Visit IGH

Wrap up the day with dinner at a local restaurant that has something tasty for the entire family.  Los Portales Mexican Restaurant serves up traditional Mexican favorites including street tacos, tortas, enchiladas, and fajitas.  At Iwa Sushi, enjoy sushi and hibachi meals, with kid-sized junior hibachi meals available for kids under 10.  Inver Grove Brewing has a family-friendly taproom with high chairs and carrier holders, kids’ games, and a kids’ menu with pizza, chicken tenders, burgers, and pasta.  Adults can enjoy locally-brewed craft beer and a menu of elevated pub fare.

DAY 2

Strawberry Pancakes at Cahill Diner
Photo Credit: Cahill Diner

Fuel up for another day of fun with breakfast at Cahill Diner, which has retro 1950s-inspired decor and serves breakfast all day.  Specialties include the apple fritter French toast, Cajun omelet, and Tex Mex hash browns.

AMC Movie Theater in Inver Grove Heights
Photo Credit: AMC Movie Theaters

Catch a movie at AMC Inver Grove 16 and enjoy recliner seating, a full food and beverage menu, and special discounts on Tuesdays and matinee screenings.  

Hometown Sweets, Inver Grove Heights
Photo credit: Visit IGH

Swing by Hometown Sweets for ice cream, flavored popcorn, and bulk candy.  Can’t decide which of the 16 flavors of ice cream to order?  Get the ice cream flight and try six!

Drkulas's 32 Bowl
Photo Credit: Drkulas’s 32 Bowl

Try a new spin on bowling at Drkula’s 32 Bowl, which has a state-of-the-art Hyperbowling system that adds a video game-style element to the classic game.  There are also automatic bumpers and ramps to make bowling accessible to bowlers of all ages and abilities.

Carbones Pizza Inver Grove Heights

Go out for a crowd-pleasing dinner at a local pizza spot.  Dominick’s Pizza serves both the classics and creative pies like a gyro pizza, plus homemade chocolate chip cookies baked fresh daily.  Serving up family recipes that date back over 50 years, Carbone’s Pizzeria menu is full of family favorites for everyone to enjoy, including pizza, hot hoagies, wings, soup and salads.  Turitto’s Pizza & Subs has a menu with tasty thin crust pizzas, submarine sandwiches, and pasta.

DAY 3 & BEYOND

Sea Life Aquarium at Mall of America®
Photo Credit: Sea Life Aquarium

Inver Grove Heights is a convenient base for exploring the Twin Cities’ top family attractions.  Animal lovers will enjoy the Minnesota Zoo, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory (which offers free admission), and the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium at the Mall of America.  

Dinosaurs at the Science Museum of Minnesota
Photo Credit: Science Museum of Minnesota

Want to visit a museum?  Check out the Science Museum of Minnesota, Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing, Twin City Model Railroad Museum, Minnesota Children’s Museum, and Minnesota History Center for family-friendly educational experiences.

With over a dozen interactive attractions, 500 stores, and  50 restaurants, it’s easy to spend a day (or more!) at the Mall of America.

This winter, book a stay in Inver Grove Heights!  Inver Grove Heights hotels offer excellent value and are conveniently located to downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.  Warm up with amenities including complimentary breakfast, free parking, indoor pools, and more.  Book your stay at these Inver Grove Heights hotels today!

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in Inver Grove Heights

Saint Patrick's Day Parade
By Stacy Brooks

Whether you’re looking for tasty eats and drinks or cultural activities, here are the best St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in Inver Grove Heights and the Twin Cities.  

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in Inver Grove Heights

Celts Pub

Toast St. Patrick’s Day with a pint at Celts Pub, an Irish-inspired neighborhood bar.  There’s a full food menu with Irish pub specialties including bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and fish and chips.

St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in Inver Grove Heights
Photo Credit: Inver Grove Brewing

Inver Grove Brewing

Celebrate with locally-brewed craft beer at Inver Grove Brewing, where the lineup includes over a dozen beers brewed on-site, plus hard seltzer, cider, and guest taps from other local breweries.  Pair your beer with a house-made brick oven pizza, sandwich, burger, or a round of appetizers from the full food menu, and check the Taproom’s Facebook Page for St. Patrick’s Day specials.

Jersey Juicy at Jersey's Bar & Grill
Photo Credit: Jersey’s Bar & Grill

Jersey’s Bar & Grill

Locals love Jersey’s Bar & Grill for the fun atmosphere, drink specials, and award-winning burgers.  Try a cheese-stuffed Jersey Juicy, or visit Jersey’s Facebook page for St. Patrick’s Day specials.

Burger Flight and B52 Burgers + Brew
Photo Credit: B52 Burgers + Brew

B-52 Burgers and Brew

If your ideal St. Patrick’s Day includes a great selection of beer and gourmet burgers, stop by B-52 Burgers and Brew.  It’s also a great spot to watch the game, and in addition to burgers the menu includes appetizers, salads, tacos, and sandwiches.

Twin Cities St. Patrick’s Day Events

Corda Mor Irish Dancers- St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in Inver Grove Heights
Photo Credit: Corda Mor Irish Dance

Corda Mor Irish Dancers at the Mall of America

Saturday, March 11 and Sunday, March 12, 2023
Get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with traditional Irish dance.  Local studio Corda Mor Irish Dance will be providing free performances in the Mall of America’s Huntington Bank Rotunda at noon, 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.  After enjoying the performance, check out the mall’s dozens of attractions, 500 stores, and 50 dining options.

Saint Patrick's Day Parade
Photo Credit: Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Friday, March 17, 2023
A tradition since 1967, St. Paul’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade will start at noon on Friday, March 17.  The parade follows the original route through downtown St. Paul, beginning at Rice Park and ending at Mears Park.  

Ballpark Hooley

Friday, March 17, 2023, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
After the St. Patrick’s Day parade in St. Paul, head to CHS Field for a celebration featuring live music by The Serfs and Northerly Gales, Irish dancers, and food and beer specials.  Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the door, with free admission for children under 5.  All proceeds benefit the parade and local charities.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration 

Friday, March 17, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Held at St. Paul’s Landmark Center, this St. Patrick’s Day celebration focuses on Irish culture, with Irish dance, Celtic vendors, authentic cuisine, pipe bands, and children’s crafts and entertainment.  Admission is $9 for adults and $7 for children.

Irish Dancing Landmark Center
Photo Credit: Landmark Center

Irish Day of Dance 

Sunday, March 19, 2023, 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Keep the St. Patrick’s Day spirit going with a day of Irish dance performances at St. Paul’s Landmark Center.  Admission is $9 for adults and $7 for children.

This winter, book a stay in Inver Grove Heights!  Inver Grove Heights hotels offer excellent value and are conveniently located to downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.  Warm up with amenities including complimentary breakfast, free parking, indoor pools, and more.  Book your stay at these Inver Grove Heights hotels today!

Holiday Eats & Treats in Inver Grove Heights

Inver Grove Brewing Breakfast with Santa
By Stacy Brooks

Festive breakfast fare, holiday beverages, and edible gifts—this holiday season, enjoy delicious eats in Inver Grove Heights and find tasty treats for everyone on your gift list.

Holiday Eats & Drinks

Meet Santa for brunch at Inver Grove Brewing Co!  On Sunday, December 18, 2022, visit the taproom from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for sweet and savory brunch specialities (including a kid’s menu), crafts, and time with Santa.  Seating will be on a first come, first served basis.

Inver Grove Brewing Breakfast with Santa- Holiday Eats & Treats in Inver Grove Heights
Photo Credit: Inver Grove Brewing

Make holiday breakfast a snap with takeout from Cahill Diner.  The “Breakfast with Santa” special is available through Christmas, including from 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on December 24 and 25.  The breakfast bundle feeds up to four people and includes hash browns, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and pancakes for $45.

Cahill Diner, Inver Grove Heights
Photo credit: Visit IGH

Cozy up with a warm beverage at Oyevida Lifestyle Cafe.  Located inside Oyespa Lifestyle Salon & Spa, the cafe serves festive beverages including premium hot cocoa and turmeric spice chai.  There’s also a full food menu, with comforting, nourishing eats including breakfast all day, pasta and rice bowls, and sandwiches.

Oyevida Cafe
Photo credit: Visit IGH

Delicious Holiday Gifts

Find an edible gift for everyone on your list at Hometown Sweets.  The shop stocks locally made confections from Abdallah Candies and Knoke’s Chocolates & Nuts, including boxes of assorted chocolates, turtles, toffee, truffles, and more.  There’s also a wide range of nostalgic and bulk candies, perfect for stuffing stockings or making your own gift basket.  In addition, Hometown Sweets produces gourmet popcorn in sweet and savory flavors, ranging from classics like cheese or caramel and creative options like jalapeno cheddar or Oreo.  Don’t forget to treat yourself to a scoop of ice cream, with holiday flavors like peppermint stick and cinnamon.

Hometown Sweets, Inver Grove Heights
Photo credit: Visit IGH

Another way to give the gift of food is with a gift card to a local restaurant.  Many businesses are offering bonuses throughout the holiday season, so that you can treat your loved ones and yourself, too.  Seafood and Southern cuisine spot Mallards is giving away a $25 bonus card for every $100 in gift cards you purchase in store.  For craft beer fans, Inver Grove Brewing is offering a free pint card for every $25 in gift cards purchased.  Enjoy gourmet burgers with B-52 Burgers & Brew’s $25 gift card bonus for every $100 in gift cards purchased, and retro-inspired Cahill Diner will give you a $5 gift card for every $25 purchased.  Everyone loves pizza, and you can make gift giving easy with Turitto’s Pizza & Subs, which is offering a $15 gift card for every $100 in gift cards purchased.

This holiday season, book a stay in Inver Grove Heights!  Inver Grove Heights hotels offer excellent value and are conveniently located to downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.  Amenities include complimentary breakfast, free parking, and more.  Book your stay at these Inver Grove Heights hotels today!

Holiday Family Activities

By Stacy Brooks

Colorful lights displays, visits with Santa, and sledding down a snow-covered hill: enjoy family fun in Inver Grove Heights this holiday season with these local events and activities.  Inver Grove Heights is also a convenient, budget-friendly place to stay if you want to check out family-friendly holiday family activities around the Twin Cities.

Holiday Family Activities experience twin cities

Photo Credit: Experience the Twin Cities

Holiday Family Activities In Inver Grove Heights

All Is Bright Holiday Lights Tour

December 1-23, 2022

Embrace the season with a private tour of the most festive lights in Inver Grove Heights.  An open-air fun bus takes you on a 30-minute tour of brightly decorated residential streets, with tours beginning and ending at Drkula’s 32 Bowl.  Tours cost $175 for the entire bus (which can accommodate up to 13 guests) and include a holiday playlist and driver dressed as Santa.  Dress warmly and bring your own hot cocoa to sip along the way.

Photo Credit: Inver Grove Heights Parks and Recreation

Holidays in the Heights

December 2-10, 2022

Kick off the holidays with Inver Grove Heights’ annual Holidays in the Heights celebration.  A tree lighting ceremony open to all will be held on Friday, December 2, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the VMCC. Afterwards, skate with Santa and enjoy a hot beverage and snack (pre-registration required).  Other activities include several Holiday Cookies & Canvas painting classes on Saturday, December 3; a holiday-themed open swim on Friday, December 9 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 10 from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Photo Credit: Visit IGH

Light Up The Heights Holiday Lights Contest

Mid-December 2022

Inver Grove Heights residents are known for their impressive holiday lights displays, and you can tour all of the entries in the annual Light Up The Heights holiday lights contest.  Maps will be available by mid-December to plan your route.

Outdoor activities

Photo Credit: IGH Parks and Recreation

Weather dependent

Inver Grove Heights offers outdoor skating rinks at Skyview, Oakwood, Groveland, South Valley, and Southern Lakes Park, some of which have warming houses.  Check online or call 651-450-2595 for rink updates.  In addition, South Valley Park has a large sledding hill that’s a perfect activity for snowy days.

Holiday Family Activities Around the Twin Cities 

Photo Credit: Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum

Night Trains at Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum

November 5, 2022-February 25, 2023

The lights are turned down and the festive spirit is turned up at St. Paul’s Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum’s special night trains exhibit.  The model trains are illuminated, the tiny town of Matlin is buried in a blizzard, and layouts throughout the museum are decorated with miniature Christmas lights and decorations.  

Photo Credit: GLOW Holiday Festival

GLOW Holiday Festival 

November 23, 2022-January 1, 2023

St. Paul’s CHS Field will be decorated with over a million lights and a 60-foot tree for the GLOW Holiday Festival.  Visitors can also watch lights displays synchronized to music, visit Santa, take a tube ride down a 150-foot slide, and make s’mores.

Photo Credit: Holidazzle

Holidazzle 

November 25-December 18, 2022

Held in Minneapolis’ Loring Park, Holidazzle features family entertainment, visits with Santa, holiday lights, a giant Yeti, and tasty food and drinks from local vendors.

This holiday season, book a stay in Inver Grove Heights!  Inver Grove Heights hotels offer excellent value and are conveniently located to downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.  Amenities include complimentary breakfast, free parking, and more.

Book your stay at these Inver Grove Heights hotels today!

Budget-friendly Itineraries in Inver Grove Heights

Hotels Near St. Paul, MN

With budget-friendly attractions, restaurants, and accommodations, Inver Grove Heights is a great destination for a cost-effective getaway.  Whether you’re planning a family vacation, couples weekend, outdoor adventure, or foodie experience, check out these itineraries for free and low-cost fun.

For families…

Photo Credit: Inver Grove Heights Parks and Recreation

The indoor water park at Veterans Memorial Community Center provides thrills for a small price—daily passes are only $6 for kids and $9 for adults.  Smaller children can check out the waterpark’s play area and dumping bucket, and older kids can zoom down the waterslides.

 

Photo Credit: Visit IGH

Drkula’s 32 Bowl is a budget-friendly indoor activity, with all-you-can-bowl 1.5 and 2 hour blocks that include shoe rental.  The new Hyperbowling system adds a fun video game element the whole family will enjoy.

park- Budget-friendly Itineraries in Inver Grove Heights

Photo Credit: Dakota County Parks

Take the kids to an Inver Grove Heights park for a no-cost way to spend the afternoon.  Family-friendly amenities include playgrounds, a sledding hill, and outdoor skating rinks.

Eat at restaurants with kids menus to save money when dining out—check out this list of diverse local options that will satisfy the pickiest eater.

For couples…

Inver Grove Heights’ most iconic attraction is completely free of charge—the Rock Island Swing Bridge is a historic swing bridge that has been converted into a walking pier jutting over the Mississippi River.  It offers a unique panoramic view of the river and is the perfect backdrop for a romantic photo.

Enjoy an easy-on-wallet date night at Iwa Sushi, which offers sushi specials for two that include two bowls of miso soup, two house salads, two sushi rolls, and a chef-selected assortment of sushi.

Photo Credit: Mallards

Brunch is typically a more budget-friendly meal than dinner, and Mallards serves a delicious Sunday brunch, with specials like brandy French toast, chicken and biscuits, and lobster quiche.  

For outdoors lovers…

Disc golf enthusiasts rejoice—the 18-hole disc golf course at North Valley Park is completely free October through April (during the rest of year, a daily pass is only $5).  The course has four different layouts based on varying skill levels, making it fun for both experts and novices.

Photo Credit: Samantha Dettinger 

Spend the day cycling, hiking, or running on one of Inver Grove Heights trails for a cost-free way to explore the community and get some exercise.  The paved Mississippi River Greenway stretches 26 miles along the river, with scenic overlooks and connections to other local trails.  Check out the free bike repair station at the Swing Bridge Trailhead if you have any issues.

Hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, and more: local nature areas are a free way to appreciate all of Minnesota’s seasons.  Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area is one of the largest undisturbed natural areas in the Twin Cities metro and has great views of the Mississippi River.

For foodies…

Photo Credit: Taqueria El Girasol

Find bold flavors on a budget with lunch at iPho2, a Vietnamese restaurant that serves banh mi, pho, vermicelli salads, and rice platters with your choice of meat, seafood, or tofu.  Other Inver Grove Heights lunch options that are delicious and light on the wallet include Taqueria El Girasol, which serves Mexican fare, and Oyevida Lifestyle Cafe, where the menu features wholesome bowls and sandwiches with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Photo Credit: B-52 Burgers & Brew

Jersey’s Bar & Grill is a local favorite for its lineup of award-winning burgers, sandwiches, and dinner entrees, and they offer nightly food specials—check the website for details.   Another beloved spot for local eats is B-52 Burgers and Brew, which specializes in gourmet burgers and also offers nightly specials like Wednesday wing night and a Friday fish fry.

Treat yourself to dessert at Hometown Sweets, which has an impressive array of bulk and nostalgic candies—purchase as much or as little as you want.

For everyone…

Inver Grove Heights hotels have some of the most affordable rates in the Twin Cities metro and also offer complimentary breakfast and free parking.  When you stay in Inver Grove Heights, you’ll enjoy easy highway access, and you’re within ten miles of downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.  

Book your stay at these Inver Grove Heights hotels today!

12 Things to Do in Inver Grove Heights During MEA Weekend

Wondering how to keep your kids occupied over MEA break?  Inver Grove Heights offers plenty of outdoor activities and indoor attractions for a fun and memorable long weekend. If you’re extending your stay, Inver Grove Heights hotels offer excellent value and are conveniently located to downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.  Amenities include complimentary breakfast, free parking, and more! Now, onto the list! Below are 12 Things to Do in Inver Grove Heights During MEA Weekend. 

Outdoor activities

Photo Credit: IGH Parks and Recreation

  1. Enjoy crisp fall weather at a local park.

With over two dozen parks, Inver Grove Heights offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.  Amenities include playgrounds, trails, and basketball, volleyball, tennis, and pickleball courts.

Photo Credit: Visit IGH

  1. Spot wildlife and fall foliage.

Look for native wildlife and colorful fall leaves at local nature preserves.  The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge features 45 miles of trails, a nature play area, and the prairie, forest, and wetland habitats are home to bald eagles, river otters, and white-tailed deer.  Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area has awe-inspiring views of the Mississippi River from bluffs overlooking the river valley and is a great spot for bird watching.

Photo Credit: Visit IGH

  1. Play a game of disc golf at North Valley Park.

Enjoy the outdoors with a friendly game of disc golf at North Valley Park.  The 18-hole course features scenic views and is free of charge October through April.

Photo Credit: Samantha Dettinger (@travellingwiththebrunette) 

  1. Take a bike ride along the Mississippi River Greenway.

The Mississippi River Greenway is paved and relatively flat, ideal for a leisurely ride.  Stop at the Swing Bridge trailhead to stand over the Mississippi River on a 680-foot walking pier that juts out over the river.

Photo Credit: Visit IGH

  1. Go mountain biking.

Inver Grove Heights has mountain biking opportunities for all ages and abilities.  Start with the mountain bike skills course at Vista Pines Park, and then try the adjacent mountain bike trails.  Harmon Park Reserve also offers over four miles of mountain bike trails.

Indoor activities

Photo Credit: Visit IGH

  1. Learn about history at the Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing.

The Commemorative Air Force Museum is a unique collection of combat military aircraft preserved in flying condition, military motor vehicles, and museum displays with WWII artifacts.  Located in a hangar at an operating airport, the museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  Admission free of charge, and donations are appreciated.

  1. Take the Kid Friendly Lights-on Tour at Nowhere Haunted House.

Celebrate Halloween a little early with a kid-friendly, lights-on tour at Nowhere Haunted House.  Held on Sundays from noon to 4:00 p.m., the kid-friendly tours do not include actors and are designed to be less scary and more informative.

  1. Splash around at the VMCC Aquatic Center.

The VMCC Aquatic Center has open swim hours scheduled Friday, October 21 through Sunday, October 23, 2022.  The indoor water park offers interactive water features, a dumping bucket, and slides, as well as a pool with space reserved for recreational swimming.

Photo Credit: Nerdin’Out

  1. Go shopping at NerdinOut.

Action figures, comics, collectibles, board games, video games—nerds of all ages will appreciate the new and nostalgic selection at NerdinOut.  The locally-owned store is open daily.

Photo Credit: Visit IGH

  1. Take the family bowling at Drkula’s 32 Bowl.

Drkula’s 32 Bowl makes bowling accessible to even the youngest bowlers with automatic bumpers and bowling ramps available by request.  Open bowling is available daily, and you can call ahead for a lane reservation.

  1. Catch a movie at the AMC Inver Grove 16.

Watch the latest releases in style with comfortable recliner seats, reserved seating, and elevated food options like flatbread pizzas.  Matinee tickets (a 30% discount from the evening price) are available every day for showtimes before 4:00 p.m.

  1. Savor a meal at a local restaurant.

Pizza, chicken tenders, gyros, hibachi meals, and more—many of Inver Grove Heights’ local restaurants are great places to eat with kids, offering kid’s menus and tasty options that will satisfy picky eaters.

Spend MEA weekend in Inver Grove Heights!  Inver Grove Heights hotels offer excellent value and are conveniently located to downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.  Amenities include complimentary breakfast, free parking, and more.

Book your stay at these Inver Grove Heights hotels today!