With the last blast of winter (I hope) melting away, around our household, our thoughts turned to spring. With spring break coming next week, we decided to get a jump on the fun. We’re officially going to “staycation” this year, and we found there’s lots to do right here at home. We’re so fortunate to have so many opportunities for families to play, learn, dine and shop just a short drive away.
The centerpiece of our family fun was a visit to Treasure Island Resort & Casino, and we hit the jackpot, maybe not literally but certainly in all that there was to do at the attraction just a few miles south of Hastings.
We loaded our gang in the SUV on Friday afternoon, timing our visit for the opening of The Lagoon. Check-in was smooth. The friendly staff pointed us in the right direction. Our room was right and comfortable with some cool views. Our toddler didn’t quite comprehend the concept of an elevator, so that made for an amusing experience. We were quickly headed for the water.
The kids – with parents in tow – spent hours in the various pools and playing with under the dump buckets and geysers. It didn’t take long for our daughter to eye the slides. So, we slid, and we slid and we slid. I’m not afraid to admit I needed a few laps in the lazy river to recover!
With spring break hitting next week, The Lagoon will be open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. from March 17-21. Those are also the regular weekend hours. Normal weekday hours are Monday-Thursday from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. Friday. A day pass to The Lagoon is the best deal around, just $14.97, and $7.49 if you’re watching the kiddos and not swimming.
After a few hours of fun, we made our way back to the room. The kids – and adults – had built up quite an appetite, and I’d been thinking about the Tradewinds Buffet since my third trip on the slides! It didn’t disappoint. The salad options were great. There was something on there for everyone. Another patron joked that he could eat the fish there all day. Maybe he did. We saw him head back four times. I couldn’t blame him!
I was there for the prime rib, and I’m glad I saved room. It was cooked and seasoned to perfection. And we did make sure to save room for dessert.
Now it was time for the real action to start. We split up. Mom and the kids took on the Cyber Quest arcade on a mission to win an armful of prizes. They succeeded. There are games for kids of all ages and lots of them. Dad went a different direction. I’ve been honing my poker skills. After an hour, I realized they need more honing. Blackjack went a little better, but I didn’t return to the room with a load of stuffed animals like the kids did.
Ever notice how kids are always hungry? Apparently, arcade games build up an appetite, so we made our way to the Xtreme Café, located in Island Extreme Bowl. We loaded up on snacks and a pizza.
It didn’t take the kids long to slumber, so dad decided to have some more fun in the casino. It was more fruitful than the first go-round! Maybe the poker skills are honed. I’ll find out on our next trip.
After a great breakfast the next morning, we decided to check out another place on our spring break at home list. We trekked through Hastings and spent time learning and exploring at the Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center on St. Croix Trail. They had their Masters of the Sky program featuring educators and birds from the World Bird Sanctuary in St. Louis. A big thanks to the Hastings Rivertown Lions Club for helping to sponsor the event. We got a close up look at a variety of raptors. With staff positioned in the front and back of the learning center, the impressive owls and falcons showed their stuff, swooping over the audience just inches over the top of our heads. Our kids’ eyes were huge, as these impressive birds of prey were paraded inches away.
The weather cooperated for us, and we were able to get in a nice hike through the beautiful property.
It was again time to relax, or at least I thought it was. After lunch at the locally famous Dugarel’s Bar & Grill (try the blackberry cheesecake burger on special this month. You’ll thank me later), it was back for a couple more hours in The Lagoon. The kids again had a blast. Dad was, I’ll admit, gassed.
After a relaxing evening, we decided to hit the trails again. This time we had to check out the bison heard at the Spring Lake Park Reserve. We hiked in to see the herd, which as of now consists of 11 animals. I’ve checked it out in previous years, and it was really cool when calves were zooming around in the paddock. With no breeding bull, there won’t be any calves this spring.
From there, we hit downtown Hastings. It’s the community’s gem. Mom and the kids had a blast at Gifts Galore, and we picked up a couple educational toys at SC Toys. We walked up the block then for a few treats at RiverCity Popcorn and Candy Company. What a cool spot! We capped off the afternoon by refueling at Froth & Cork Coffeehouse. After a couple hours exploring downtown and Levee Park, it was nice to relax in the comfortable environment.
We decided with everything this area has to offer, it’s an incredible place for a spring break staycation. Treasure Island Resort & Casino is a top-notch destination. The staff is welcoming, it’s a blast for the whole family and, best of all, it’s right here at home!
We returned home and dad decided he needs a vacation after this staycation.
