When the weather turns cold, look to indoor, local tourist attractions for fun places to go with your kids.

This could be a fun-packed winter for your family, and not just because of the skiing, snowboarding, sledding and ice skating. There are some fun places to go with your kids that bring you in out of the cold.

Your local area may have more to offer than you realize. Plan some weekend fun for your children this winter. If you were a tourist in your area, what would you do? Contact your local tourism board, convention and visitors’ bureau, or chamber of commerce and find out what your local area has to offer. There may be some hidden treasures right around the corner.

Tours

Some of the places you go everyday hold some fascination when you go behind the scenes. Many grocery stores and fast food restaurants offer tours and demonstrations.

Call your local McDonald’s and find out if they give tours and if you can make a reservation. If the store or restaurant only does group tours, ask if you and your children can hook onto a scout troop, classroom or other group tour. Many organized groups have fewer than the maximum number for a tour and you may be able to join the tour with a group.

Factory Tours

There are factories all over that give tours to the public, many of them free. What is manufactured in your region? Children are fascinated by how things are made. And even the most mundane product can be interesting when it’s rolling down a conveyor belt in huge quantities. Call your local factories and manufacturing plants and find out if there are any factory tours open to the public.

Theme Restaurants

They can be pricey, but some theme restaurants are more than just a meal. Places like Medieval Times – found in New Jersey, Toronto, Maryland, Illinois, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas and California – are like mini-vacations, with an entire evening of fun. Medieval Times offers a somewhat authentic medieval meal (the kids will love the “no silverware” rule) and a jousting match, as well as lots of entertainment in the lobby before and after the dinner.

Rainforest Café restaurants – located in Maine, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, Tennessee, Florida, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Kansas, Texas, Arizona, Washington, California and Nevada – are especially fun for little ones. They’ll want to hang around long after their meal to see the animated jungle animals, waterfall and aquariums.

Planet Hollywood restaurants are virtually throughout the world and can be a fun place to see movie set pieces, props and memorabilia.

Museums

Museums have become more educational, more hands-on, more visitor friendly and an ideal place to take kids. Even the most prestigious, stuffiest museums have decided that families are their greatest friend, and have adapted their displays and demonstrations for all ages.

Check your local tourism board or convention and visitors bureau for museums in your area. Call ahead to find out how kid-friendly the museum is, whether strollers are allowed, and the cost for your family.

Local History

You may be surprised at what historical events happened in your area. Almost every town has something it’s known for, whether it’s a Civil War battle site, a key part of the Underground Railroad, the home of a president, or the birthplace of an inventor.

Find your local historical society and get a brochure of places to visit and upcoming events.

Planetariums

Planetariums are sprinkled throughout North America. Some prominent planetariums are located in Phoenix, Orlando, Grand Rapids, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Houston, Philadelphia and Concord, New Hampshire. Most planetariums have kids’ programs, events and shows geared toward the younger set.

Colleges and Universities

What’s at your nearest college campus? Even a small community college may have events, speakers, displays and demonstrations that may interest your children.