These winter activities are sure to help your family embrace the frost!
Snowshoeing is a great activity for the whole family.
While the cold sticks around, there’s still plenty of fun to have in the great outdoors. The good news is you won’t have to go far to explore a Minnesota winter, just don’t forget your wool socks. The following winter activities may help you find a reason to embrace the frost.
centennial Lakes park
After celebrating its 27th annual Winter Ice Festival in January, Edina favorite Centennial Lakes Park is still a winter "hot spot." Families can warm up in the warming house with treats after an afternoon of skating on the groomed lake. “We see people coming back year after year because of the uniqueness of the rink, and being on the lake really appeals to people,” says park manager Tom Shirley. The park is keeping their fingers crossed for
a long skating season. “We’re hoping for more of a traditional Minnesota winter this year.” edinamn.gov; Admission is free and skate rentals are $6; Mid-December until the weather allows; Monday-Friday 4–9:30 p.m. Saturdays 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Sundays noon–
9:30 p.m. 952.833.958
Centennial Lakes Park
After celebrating its 27th annual Winter Ice Festival in January, Edina favorite Centennial Lakes Park is still a winter "hot spot." Families can warm up in the warming house with treats after an afternoon of skating on the groomed lake. “We see people coming back year after year because of the uniqueness of the rink, and being on the lake really appeals to people,” says park manager Tom Shirley. The park is keeping their fingers crossed for a long skating season. “We’re hoping for more of a traditional Minnesota winter this year.” edinamn.gov
- Admission is free and skate rentals are $6
- Mid-December until the weather allows
- Monday-Friday 4–9:30 p.m. Saturdays 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Sundays noon–9:30 p.m.
Silverwood Park
Located about 25 minutes north of Edina is Silverwood Park, home to weekly sunset yoga overlooking the lake. For those looking to stay active and avoid the cold, this weekly yoga group meets in the great hall of Silverwood’s visitor center from 7–8:15 on Tuesdays. Ages 14 and up can sign up or drop-in for the long-running class taught by instructor Laura Craig. “At Silverwood we have a special focus on arts and environment,” says program coordinator Alyssa Baguss. The visitor hall, open until 5 during the winter, opens for yoga on Tuesday nights, but stop by on a day off and enjoy the hall’s art gallery and coffee shop. When the ice is cold, walk a groomed trail across the lake. For those looking to explore their creative side, Silverwood offers a variety of art-focused classes. One of those classes is Art When the Moon Is Full: Winter Moon Wonderland, an experience focusing on observing the full moon that includes a hike, a frosted glass art project and roasted marshmallows over the fire. Out of the Three Rivers Parks locations, Silverwood is unique in its central location to many Twin Cities suburbs, making it a popular spot in winter as well as summer.
- Sunset Yoga: Tuesdays 7–8:15 p.m.; $12, mats provided, Ages 14+, children 14 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult
- Winter Moon Wonderland: Thursday February 1, 7–8:30 p.m.; $6; Ages 6+, Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult
Cross-Country Skiing
Not only is cross-country skiing a cardio workout, it’s a great way to explore the rolling snow-covered hills of suburban Minnesota. For those intimidated by downhill skiing, cross-country is a sport easy to pick up and take at your own pace. While classes and group outings are already underway, rental equipment is available for the 70 miles of groomed trails maintained by Three Rivers Park District.
- Annual pass for all parks: $75; All ages
Richardson Nature Center
Snowshoeing is perfect for families looking to get active while taking in the winter wonderland. Other events can be found on Three Rivers Parks’ website, but those looking to take in a snowy night can attend Candlelit Trails. Participants of all ages can snowshoe or hike on the candlelit trail before partaking in hot beverages around a campfire. Participants may bring s’mores ingredients for an after-hike treat.
- Tuesday, February 6; 6:30–8 p.m.; Richardson Nature Center; All ages, children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult
