Many au pairs (probably most!) put on some extra weight over the winter. Americans eat more than most au pairs are used to eating, and it’s way to easy to stay inside instead of going out for exercise. Luckily, we live in the Twin Cities, where there are all kinds of awesome things to do in the winter. Here are a few ideas of indoor things to do to keep you in shape:

Roller skating at the Metrodome http://www.roller-dome.com/ $6 admission plus skate rental
Como Zoo Conservatory http://www.comozooconservatory.org/ Free and full of tropical plants so you can almost forget about the snow outside.
Mall walking at shopping malls around the area – free, and a good place to push a stroller if you’re with a little one during the day. Check with the mall you live near to find out hours. Mall of America is popular mall-walking destination: it’s roughly 1/2 mile around the mall once, so if you go around each floor twice that’s 3 miles.
Midwest Mountaineering has a ‘Bouldering Cave” in the basement that’s free, although you may want to rent climbing shoes for $3. Go to the main desk to sign the waiver and they will help you from there! www.midwestmtn.com for more information
There are several trampoline parks in the area where you and your host kids (assuming they are old enough) can jump around and burn amazing amounts of calories. minneapolis.skyzonesports.com/ for hours and cost information.
Grand Slam has laser tag. batting cages, a trampoline area, and Dance Dance Revolution. Visit www.grandslam.com for more info.

There are several places to go roller skating indoors, and also several ice arenas where you can learn to skate indoors as well.

Finally, meetup.com has ways to find people who are interested in the same things you are. It’s a great place to find a volleyball team, or a dodgeball tournament, or almost anything else, all near you.

I’ll post another list of fun things to do to stay active outdoors as well.