Here in Minnesota, the cold and snow don’t get us down. We know winter is time for some of the most unique and fun experiences! Here are 10 winter things that every Twin Cities kid should do, making for a perfect winter bucket list.
Visit a Frozen Waterfall
Minnehaha Falls is a classic Twin Cities destination for all seasons. In the winter, these falls typically freeze into glorious natural ice sculptures–ones you have to see to believe! But don’t stop there–after seeing the natural wonders of Minnehaha Falls, check out these other waterfalls in the Twin Cities area. All are approximately an hour’s drive or less from the Twin Cities.
Sledding & Tubing
Bundling up and flying down a snowy hill is an absolute must for a Minnesota winter. Whether you’re looking for a quick outing to a neighborhood sledding hill or an adventure to a tubing hill, options abound!
Tubing
Elm Creek Winter Recreation Area | Maple Grove
Thomas Wirth Park Winter Recreation Area | Golden Valley
Green Acres Tubing | Lake Elmo
Trapp Farm Park Tubing Hill | Eagan
Badlands Snow Park | Hudson, WI
Wild Mountain | Taylor’s Falls
Guide to Twin Cities Area Sledding Hills
See the Ice Castles
Ice Castles is an award-winning frozen attraction, and one you and your kids will need to see to believe! The experience is built using hundreds of thousands of icicles hand-placed by professional ice artists. The castles include breathtaking LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, fountains and much more. This surreal frozen world is one kids dream of!
Cheer at a Hockey Game
Living in the State of Hockey means there are endless opportunities to catch a hockey game. With levels from Mini-Mites to Pros and everything in between, indoor and outdoor games and tournaments, there is hockey happening near you! Here is just a smattering of options:
University of Minnesota Gophers (NCAA)
Minnesota Blue Ox | Minnesota Moose | Minnesota Mullets | Minnesota Squatch (USPHL Junior A)
PLUS: Cheer on your local high school, city club teams, or support your friends and neighbors on their teams. Cheering fans help make the experience great for players of all ages!
Go Ice Skating
After watching a hockey game, put on some skates and try it for yourself! Most communities have free outdoor rinks open all winter (weather permitting), which is perfect for a spontaneous trip to the rink. Bundle the kiddos in snow pants for extra padding as falls are part of the process. While many rinks are bring-your-own equipment, there are several around the metro area that offer rentals as well. Check out these great rinks as a starting point!
St. Paul Winter Carnival
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is an annual festival that has earned the title of the “Coolest Celebration on Earth™” and it lives up to its name each year. Started in 1886, it is the oldest winter festival in the United States! With activities, ice sculptures, parades, performances, vendors, and more, this FREE event is worth the trip and will be a memorable experience for kids of all ages.
Try Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a unique, easy-to-learn way to explore parks and trails even in the snowiest weather. A fun experience for kids of all ages, snowshoeing trails are open across the metro area and beyond. Many nature centers and local Park & Rec facilities offer rentals, and some offer guided tours as well. See nature in a whole new way, in all its winter glory! Here are some great places for beginners:
Theodore Wirth Park & Hiawatha Golf Course | Minneapolis
Bunker Hills Regional Park | Coon Rapids
Lake Minnewashta Regional Park | Excelsior
Springbrook Nature Center | Fridley
Tamarack Nature Center | White Bear Township
MN State Parks offering rentals
Lake Harriet Kite Festival
The Lake Harriet Kite Festival is a must-visit event that combines stunning, high-flying kites, creative energy, and a festive community vibe with the beautiful and iconic Lake Harriet bandshell as a backdrop. Held annually on the ice-covered Lake Harriet, this event promises a day of colorful kites, outdoor adventures, and even a little bit of art.
Embrace Adventure with a Candlelight Hike
With our short days and long winter nights, going on a candlelight or nighttime hike doesn’t mean being up past bedtime! Candlelight hikes are a magical outdoor experience, offered all over the state at Minnesota State Parks and are free (with park pass). Additionally, many local park systems and nature centers offer candlelight and luminary hikes and walks. Check out our Guide to Candlelight Walks & Hikes for more.
Experience the City of Lakes Loppet Festival
This epic two day festival is centered around cross-country skiing, but is so much more! In addition to the many cross-country skiing races, you’ll see skijoring (sled dogs pulling skiers), fat tire biking, snowshoeing, Kubb tournament, and the famous and picturesque Luminary Loppet. This celebration of winter activity in Minneapolis is a wintertime must-see!
