Our best ideas for family fun during the long holiday break

With the bigger family holidays behind us, the holiday school break is still in full swing, extending to at least Jan. 4 for most kids. But what are some activities that kids and parents alike will enjoy? Read on, fun seekers.

What: The Loppet Foundation opens its snow tubing hill behind the Trailhead.

Why it’s special: Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy sliding down the snow-packed hill at Wirth, and all you need to bring is yourself and enthusiasm to partake in hours of fun. The tubes are provided by the foundation (no snowboards, skis, sleds, toboggans or other tubes are allowed), and required tow-rope or hike-up hill passes will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the Trailhead.

How: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.-Sun.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon-Wed.; noon–4 p.m. Thu. Ends Jan. 4. $10-$17. 1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy., Mpls.; loppet.org; 612-604-5330.

What: Meanwhile, there is an actual ski hill in St. Paul’s Como Park. Even people who know about Como’s zoo, conservatory, golf course, amusement park and swimming pool may not be aware of the park’s best-kept secret: the four-tow-rope bunny hill known as Mount Como.

Why it’s special: With $15 lift tickets and $15 rentals, it’s the metro area’s most accessible, affordable entré to downhill skiing or snowboarding. Sure, it has just a handful of runs, but when you’re learning (or if you’re rusty) that’s enough. For hot rods, there’s even a small terrain park. Pro tip: Bring a sled to haul your tired skier, as it’s a long trek between the hill and the chalet/parking lot.

How: Mount Como hosts open skiing from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 27-Jan. 4, with free ski clinics on Dec. 31. 1431 N. Lexington Pkwy., St. Paul, 651-488-9673 or skimtcomo.com.

Why she’s special: Snooki is known as a “Jersey girl tempered by Southern charm” after many years spent at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in North Carolina. “Snooki is a big personality, our no. 1 ‘adopted’ turtle and a bit of a diva,” said Kathy Zagzebski, executive director of the Beasley Center. “She’s been known to splash visitors on purpose, especially if a camera is pointed her way.” Snooki cannot return to the ocean because of a spinal injury that left her mostly buoyant and unable to deep-dive.

How: Visit Snooki at the Minnesota Zoo’s 250,000-gallon Atlantic Reef exhibit home, which is 50 times bigger than her previous home and shared by much other marine life. Open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $19.95-$25.95, free for members and kids 2 and younger. 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley, 952-431-9200 or mnzoo.org.

What: The miserable Grinch with his heart three sizes too small gets to grow into a full, warm creature through the innocent light of sweet Cindy-Lou Who in this playful Dr. Seuss classic.

Why it’s special: It’s pitched at youngsters and stars youngsters who make a crotchety old cynic into something like a newborn with hope again. Plus, it has fun performances from the likes of Reed Sigmund, who, as the Grinch, plays catch and bounds through the audience opposite Chloe Sorensen as Cindy-Lou. The show even works in a 6-7 joke.

How: 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Dec. 27, 2 & 5 p.m. Dec. 28, 2 & 5 p.m. Dec. 30 and Dec. 31, 2 & 7 p.m. Jan. 2, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Jan. 3-4. Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Av. S., Mpls. $35-$114. 612-874-0400 or childrenstheatre.org.

Why it’s special: The American Swedish Institute’s Turnblad Mansion is already a magical castle with old European charm. With “Tomte Tales,” the castle transforms into a winter wonderland with an exploration of the Nordic folk creatures. A special “Babies at the Castle” exhibit tour designed for babes 18 months and younger on Dec. 27 is sold out but waitlisted.

How: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue-Wed. and Fri.-Sun.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thu. Ends Jan. 25; closed Jan. 1 and Mondays. Admission: $20 adults, $12 ages 6-18, free for 5 and younger. 2600 Park Av. S., Mpls.; asimn.org.

What: Explore the museum with playful, self-guided, age-specific scavenger hunts for kids ranging from pre-K to middle school.

Why it’s special: Museums can feel inaccessible and boring to kids, but these friendly guides offer them a sense of adventure, freedom and focus. Kids can find specific representations in the art, ranging from a gentle animal or a hiding place for preschoolers to artworks that express concepts like peace, courage and more for grades six-plus. Kids can take breaks and draw or write down ideas. Plus there’s no need to rush through.

How: Grab a free scavenger hunt sheet at the front desk or download it via new.artsmia.org/programs/activities-for-self-guided-groups/scavenger-hunts. It’s all free, too. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue., Wed., Fri.-Sun. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thu. 2400 3rd Av. S., Mpls.

Why it’s special: Eight years since it famously didn’t win the best picture Oscar (it was announced but rescinded because “Moonlight” was the actual winner), this is a rare chance to catch this ode to Hollywood on a big screen, in the Twin Cities’ glammest movie palace, the Heights Theater.

How: Tickets are $15 in person, $15.75 online. You might want to go with the latter option, since this one’s likely to sell out. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29, 3951 Central Av. NE., Columbia Heights, heightstheater.com.

What: “Zootopia 2,″ sequel to the $1 billion-grossing animated smash about a rabbit police officer and fox con artist who become reluctant partners in crime-solving.

Why it’s special: The voice actors, mostly selected to appeal to parents, are the allure of both “Zooptopia” movies. Play “name that voice” when you hear Idris Elba, Ke Huy Quan, Jason Bateman, Shakira and CM Punk.

How: Easy. It’s at pretty much every multiplex. Check for weeknight and matinee deals.

Why it’s special: At equipped theaters, SpongeBob’s prominent nose will pop out at you in 3D.

How: It’s only in theaters now, but you can catch up on other “SpongeBob” content (and, eventually, “Search for SquarePants”) on Paramount Plus.