Icy Winter Family Fun [+GIVEAWAY]

I have had something on my winter bucket list for years that I can finally cross off… visiting the Ice Castles as a family!

I have wanted to take our family to visit the Ice Castles for a few years now, and we finally accomplished that last weekend. It was a warm winter day for Minnesota (upper 30’s), so it was perfect to spend some time outdoors. We met up with my friend and her family and had a grand ol’ time. 

Because it was so warm out, there was quite the line waiting to get in. Luckily, tickets are bought according to time slots so that it doesn’t get too crazy crowded in the ice castles. Bean is such a patient little thing, she did so good waiting.

We learned that the blue color of the ice is all natural. Just like the ocean reflects blue, so does the ice. So cool! We were there during the day, but at night they have lights inside the ice that reflect pretty blues, purples. and greens. It would be neat to see them at night as well.

Bean thought that the castles were so cool. She had a ball crawling through all of the tunnels and into all of the little nooks. If we had been better planners, we would have brought her in snow pants and boots. They even have ice slides that the kids (and kids-at-heart) can ride!

Not only was it busy because of the nice weather, it was SO SLIPPERY. We were warned about that in their FAQ’s, but even our boots couldn’t withstand the packed down wet snow. Luckily I had a grip on Bean (this time). She did take a few tumbles when she didn’t heed my “don’t run…” warnings.

Cooper even got to have fun at the Ice Castles 😉 I’m so glad we finally went, it was breathtakingly beautiful to see. I couldn’t stop snapping photos of the gorgeous icicles (or popsicles as Bean sometimes calls them). After we were done enjoying the beauty of the ice, we made a stop at the Lion’s Tap for delicious burgers.

If you happen to be lucky enough to live next to one of the four locations (Midway, UT/Eden Prairie, MN/Lincoln, New Hampshire/Edmonton, Alberta) I am giving away 4 tickets to see these beauts in person! Prices are $12.95/Adult and $8.95/child on the weekends (3 and under are free) so if you’ve been wanting to check them out, make sure to enter the giveaway below…

Make sure you visit the Ice Castles site to read all about how they make these amazing ice sculptures!